Sermons on Difficult Passages:

Only One Came Back Series

Contributed by Ricky Tuttle Thd on Feb 1, 2023

As we look at this passage today we will see a prayer that was answered and then see the one who was truly grateful.

“Only One Came Back” Luke 17:11-19 The Prayer Of Ten As we look at this passage today we will see a prayer that was answered and then see the one who was truly grateful. Luke 17:11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. There is no ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Baptist

What Now?

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Nov 15, 2023

Did you read something new? Familiar passage with new eyes? I hope you did?

On the Sunday following Resurrection Sunday, I expressed my concern of how we’ve had this climactic week, then we go back to “business as usual”. I didn’t realize until this week, that we see this very thing in Acts. Our key passage today will be in Acts 2:1-4, but I want us to begin in Acts ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-4

Stewardship Of Talents: Investing In The Kingdom

Contributed by Ronald Moore on Nov 19, 2023

A passage that challenges us to reflect deeply on the stewardship of the talents entrusted to us by our gracious and generous God.

Grace, mercy, and peace be with you, my beloved in Christ. Today, our hearts are invited to dwell upon a parable found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 14 to 30. It is a passage that challenges us to reflect deeply on the stewardship of the talents entrusted to us by our gracious and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Anglican

"the Power Of The Holy Spirit: From Genesis To Pentecost"

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Jun 6, 2025

As we meditate on this passage, we will uncover the deep biblical roots that connect Pentecost with the foundational truths in Genesis.

Introduction My beloved in Christ, today we gather to reflect on one of the most profound moments in biblical history—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost recorded in Acts 2:1-21. This event is not only a pivotal point in the New Testament but also the fulfillment of God's eternal ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Methodist

Five Fundamentals Of Jesus’ Relationship With Israel Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 16, 2025

This passage closes out this section and gives us five insights into Jesus' troubled relationship with Israel.

- This passage provides a nice coda to the section that we have been working through. When taken as a whole, I think these few verses recenter us to the heart of who Jesus was and what He was doing. In particular, this passage highlights Jesus’ relationship with Israel. Of course, that is a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

Denomination: Baptist

"What's The Buzz? Tell Me Whats A Happening"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Jun 10, 2010

In the Scripture passage for this sermon Jesus was explaining the strange and mysterious way in which the Kingdom of God was arriving in people’s hearts.

Luke 8:1-15 “What’s the Buzz? Tell Me Whats a Happening” We live in dark times, and yet You and I have something which the darkness cannot overcome. At the same time, we are surrounded by flesh and blood persons just like ourselves who are mourning, who feel they are losing ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:1-15

Denomination: United Methodist

What To Do When Painted Into A Corner

Contributed by John Gullick on Oct 1, 2004

A sermon that uses the situation where Moses is between the Egyptian army and the red sea to extract biblical principles for us who find ourselves in difficult situations.

Painted into a corner. Many of you will be familiar with the cartoon picture of a person who paints the floor of a room and paints himself into a corner where there is no window or door. So the painter is surrounded by wet paint on all sides and no exit on the others. A modern saying that fits ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:5-29

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Sexual Purity Series

Contributed by Don Jaques on Feb 11, 2004

God’s plan for our lives commands sexual relations be enjoyed in the context of marriage only. This plan is for our best. This plan is difficult, but possible.

Clarity or Confusion? 3. Sexual Purity Feb. 8, 2004 Don Jaques MAIN IDEA: God’s plan for our lives commands sexual relations be enjoyed in the context of marriage only. This plan is for our best. This plan is difficult, but possible. Intro: Contrast the rules of Roy Rogers’ riders rules with ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, Matthew 5:27-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Four Things That Get In The Way Of The Church Being A Family Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 26, 2015

The passage commands us to treat our church family like family. What are some of the things that get in the way of us doing that well?

WHY TREAT EACH OTHER LIKE FAMILY? We are God’s eternal family. - 1 Timothy 5:1-2. - Because we are family! - Why is this so needed today? a. The prevalence of loneliness in our society. b. The joy of being “where everybody knows your name.” c. How hard life is and how much ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

The Life Of A Disciple Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Jun 25, 2002

As Jesus challenges Peter and the rest of the twelve here in this passage, He unfolds the principles of being a disciple - a real follower of His.

A Study of the Book of Luke Sermon # 23 “The Life of a Disciple” Luke 9:1-6,10, 18-20, 23-26, 57-62 This morning I want to look Luke chapter nine in the light of what it reveals to us about what it takes to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:1-62

Denomination: Baptist

Reading The Bible Series

Contributed by Jake Kircher on Mar 5, 2008

Sometimes reading the Bible can be difficult. Why should we even read it? If if we convince ourselves to open it, where do we start.

***Open the time with all the lights out and the room completely dark. Begin to lightly toss stones up front so that the thud can be heard by the group*** The first five books of the Old Testament are called the Torah which is what the Jews look to as their Bible. The Hebrew word torah meant ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Rebuke To Forgiveness-Only Salvation

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 30, 2025

This is a challenging passage. Surely Paul doesn't mean that we have to actually live like that?! What it all points us to is a false gospel that is too often preached today - "forgiveness-only" belief. What does this passage tell us about what real salvation looks like?

A COMMON BELIEF TODAY: I am “saved” and unchanged. - Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 13:6-9; John 15:8. - This passage makes us uncomfortable. It sounds harsh and unrealistic. We will delve into how we are to understand it as we move forward. - A good place to start is a major reason why ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

When God Gives Up On Human Sinfulness Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Mar 7, 2024

Three times in this passage it is stated that God gave up evil humanity to its own devices. A serious warning to our generation.

1:24 “Therefore God also gave them up …” Therefore. The wrath is coming. We deserve the wrath that is coming. Why? Well, men knew the truth of God and suppressed it. They could see His attributes, but they ignored Him. They did not glorify Him. They were not thankful to Him. They thought they ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:24-28

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Walking With The Good Shepherd Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Nov 22, 2006

Psalm 23 is one of the best known passages in the scripture. We can find hope and comfort by knowing that the Good Shepherd walks with us.

Walking With The Good Shepherd For centuries the Twenty-third Psalm has been one of the most treasured passages in all the Bible. It has become so familiar that people of many religions recognize these words. The words are comforting and are often read at times such as this. Who does not know ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6, Psalm 23:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Where Do You Swim? Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Sep 16, 2019

This passage in James encourages us away from negative words and towards positive speech which is obviously the fresh water.

MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK SERIES WHERE DO YOU SWIM? JAMES 3:1-12 #JAMESatCCC INTRODUCTION You know, I really hate preaching on things that I need sermons on. It makes me feel more like a hypocrite than I already feel most of the time. As Christians, we have a high bar set by Jesus Christ as the ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ