Sermons on Difficult Passages:

God's Plan For A Healthy Church

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Sep 2, 2004

This is a passage that is going to help us all to understand why our involvement in a local church is so important to our spiritual life.

God has designed His church to function like a loving family that you can invite people into. Church is 1. not a place to make rules and demands on people 2. a place to nurture growth. 3. a place for shepherds, not generals 4. a place that exists for the purpose of helping people grow and mature ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Thankful For Heaven

Contributed by Charles Wall, Jr. on Feb 15, 2005

This has been the most difficult year of my of life with Elizabeth’s going to be with the Lord. Therefore on this Thanksgiving, what am I thankful for?

This is the Sunday before Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Sunday and it is customary that the pastor bring a message on Thanksgiving, on giving thanks. So as I considered what the Lord would have me share with you today, I began to ask myself the question: what am I thankful for? Obviously ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-3

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

When Desperate Men Discover Divine Provision Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 17, 2025

This powerful passage teaches us that God often uses the least likely people and unexpected situations to fulfil His purpose and bring breakthrough.

WHEN DESPERATE MEN DISCOVER DIVINE PROVISION By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Kings 7:3-11 Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 1:27; Psalm 34:8-10; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 55:8-9; Luke 15:17-20 INTRODUCTION: Samaria was under siege, and famine had ravaged the land so severely that people resorted to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 7:3-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Boy Meets Girl: The S-Word

Contributed by John Bishop on Mar 25, 2009

Pastor John Bishop deals head-on with one of the most difficult issues for Christian men and women in love-relationships to deal with--the issue of submission.

Today we’re in a series, and this is going to be hard. This is going to be one of those talks; this is going to be one of those things that agitate you before it makes you comfortable; it’s going to be one of those talks that’s going to irritate you before you get it. We’re going to look at the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Everyone Has An Opinion About Jesus Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 22, 2020

This passage gives us the (questionable) opinions of three groups about Jesus. How did Jesus stay focused amid disparate viewpoints?

DISINFORMATION, AGENDAS, FEARS, AND UNCERTAINTY: Everyone has an opinion about Jesus, but most of them are wrong. - John 7:1-14. - We live in a time when people often talk as though all opinions are equally valid. You have your opinion and I have mine and we can both be right. (This is often ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Would I Lie To You? (Abraham On Honesty And Lying)

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 3, 2006

This passage uses Abraham’s deception as a chance to look at why we fudge the truth so often and what the consequences of our lies are.

- Lies are a common part of our everyday lives. In fact, some of us believe that we can’t function in society without telling our share of “little white lies.” - Abraham here demonstrates aptly for us both the reasons we lie and the consequences of our untruths. WHY WE LIE: 1. We get stuck in ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 20:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Redeemed From The Curse Of The Law

Contributed by Curtis Kittrell on Jun 24, 2003

This passage of Scripture brings together the spiritual principles involved in our salvation from sin-Christ, by being made a curse for us, has redeemed us from the curse of the law. This passage also sets forth our spiritual and moral state before we wer

REDEEMED FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW SCRIPTURE: Galatians 3:13, 14 INTRODUCTION This passage of Scripture brings together the spiritual principles involved in our salvation from sin-Christ, by being made a curse for us, has redeemed us from the curse of the law. This passage also sets forth our ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:13-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Growth In Faith

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Apr 17, 2012

This passage follows our last study when we looked at the purpose of Lazarus’ death. Tonight’s passage is a dynamic conversation between Jesus and Martha. What happened caused an increase in Martha’s faith. Anyone with a seeking heart that studies this

Tonight we look at John 11 verses 17-27. This passage follows our last study when we looked at the purpose of Lazarus’ death. Tonight’s passage is a dynamic conversation between Jesus and Martha. What happened caused an increase in Martha’s faith. Anyone with a seeking heart ...read more

Scripture: John 11:17-27

Denomination: Baptist

Why Is There So Little Fear Of God’s Judgment Today? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 6, 2024

This passage gives us an example of people not ready for God's impending judgment. Why today are so many equally unready?

NOT CONCERNED: Why is there so little fear of God’s judgment today? - Ezekiel 21:7. - It’s without question that today there is little fear of God’s judgment. There’s little belief in Final Judgment but only a vague hope of a heavenly reunion. The idea that we are somehow accountable for the sin ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 21:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Throne Of God Series

Contributed by Eddie Snipes on Oct 18, 2000

This message takes a look at the two throne scenes before God. One for the righteous and the other for the unbeliever. These passages are rich with symbolism and truth.

The Throne of God There are two major events surrounding the throne of God in the book of Revelations. Revelation 4 describes the throne of hope and chapter 20 describes the throne of judgement. I want to use this study to examine these two images of God’s throne. Lets begin by looking at ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 4:1-5, Revelation 20:11-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Forbidden Chapter Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 2, 2024

Jews don't read Isaiah 53 in the Synagogue anymore. Why not? Is it because of what they don't understand in that chapter, or because of what they do?

Many people refer to Isaiah 53 as being the “forbidden chapter” of the Bible! For centuries, Jewish synagogues would include this chapter in their yearly readings. But not anymore. Today when Jewish people read Isaiah 52 in the Synagogue, they stop before they get to end of the chapter (at verse ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Does It Mean To Be A Christian? Part 1 Series

Contributed by Moy Hernandez on Oct 27, 2009

The Greek word used in all three of these passages of scripture is Christianos just like the Spanish word and it literally means a follower of Christ.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN? Part 1 - 2/22/09 Acts 11:26, 1 Peter 4:16 INTRODUCTION Definition: They are those who belong to Jesus Christ. Other designations in scripture are believers, disciples and the children of God. Originally used as a nick name for those who were followers of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:26

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Antidote To The ‘kindly Grandfather’ God Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 16, 2024

This passage is a stark contrast to the "kindly grandfather" image of God that many had. What are the specific ways that shows up here?

JUDGMENT-FREE ZONE: Many people like to think of God as a kindly grandfather. - Ezekiel 5:1. - There is a popular conception of God as a kindly (and slightly senile) grandfather in the sky. He’s not going to rebuke you for anything you’re doing. He’s going to ask if everyone had a good time. And ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 5:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Convinced And Convicted In Worship Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 25, 2012

Learning to live with one another in harmony while distinguishing between what is detrimental and what is neutral is one of the most difficult aspects of Christian life.

“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

A Child Is Born Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Oct 29, 2022

Isaiah tells us of the greatness of this child, with the best that can be done given the restraint of human understanding. This passage is the theme for Handel’s Messiah.

My friend wrote about the birth of Jesus and put it in a way to look like a birth announcement for Jesus. It was designed to look like it was clipped from a newspaper. Birth Announcement The Nazareth Daily News in the year 1 A.D. Joseph and Mary from Nazareth are pleased to announce the birth ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

Denomination: Baptist