Sermons on Difficult Passages:

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 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

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

God's Critic (Job 40)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 4, 2026

Are we tempted to be God's critic?

Have we learned to trust God’s decisions throughout history, or are we critics, evaluating God by worldly standards? Let’s look at Job 40. As we try to understand some of the more difficult passages in the Bible, are we too quick to become God’s critic? Then the Lord said to Job, “Do you still ...read more

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

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

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

What Are You Doing Here Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Dec 13, 2014

One of the most difficult things to do is answer God's Questions - Just ask Elijah! Yet, in this powerful question we are brought to the reality of our life!

What Are You Doing Here? 1 Kings 19:9-13 • Questions. Important Questions. Life-Changing questions. In our first message of this series, we heard Elijah ask, “How long will you limp between two opinions?” To confront this question is to recall that ‘no one can serve two ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

What Standard? Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on May 13, 2020

Holiness is often misunderstood. It has been abused to try to enforce rules. So, what is Holiness? Is it possible? Why is it so difficult? Why does it seem to be such a mess?

Pt. 1 - What Standard? I. Introduction You can just say the name of the city and most people instantly, without any additional information, recognize what you are talking about. Canton, OH, Springfield, MA, Cooperstown, NY. Hall of Fame for football, basketball and baseball. These special places ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 11:44

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

Renunciation By An Apostle Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 18, 2020

Reading this passage brings to mind four words which may reveal the objective of the Apostle: SELF-DENIAL—ZEAL—MINISTER—EVIL

January 27, 2013 Commentary on First Corinthians By: Tom Lowe Lesson 7.5: Renunciation By an Apostle Scripture: 1 Corinthians ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

Denomination: Baptist

You Rich People Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Oct 23, 2019

In the passage we will read, addressed to “you rich people,” James frames wealth in its proper place in our Christian life.

MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK SERIES "You Rich People" JAMES 5:1-8 #JAMESatCCC INTRODUCTION…elitedaily.com/life/make-rich-other-money/991468 I was doing some reading and came across an interesting article about wealth and feeling rich. The author’s name is Paul Hudson. I couldn’t nail ...read more

Scripture: James 5:1-8, Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Lamentations 3:21-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Nothing Back There

Contributed by Victoria Oladipupo on Oct 24, 2005

This sermon is to encourage those going through difficult time at this moment and thinking of doing what they used to do, you cann’t just go back.

NOTHING BACK THERE OCT: 23RD 2005 SCR READNG: HEB 10: 38 - 39 [38] Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. [39] But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. As I continue to grow ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:38-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Stephen: A Heart Of Commitment"

Contributed by David Henderson on Nov 24, 2013

It is always right to do the right thing, even if it is difficult. Jesus never said the Christian life would be easy. Remember, the symbol of the Christian life is a cross.

HEARTBEATS “Stephen: A heart of Commitment” Acts 6:8-15 and 8:54-60 One of the things that are clear as you look at the gospels is that popularity can be costly. Most of us if we would admit it, certainly desire to have it. But we sometimes don’t realize what it can cost us. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus: Savior Of Choice

Contributed by Oris Hubbard on Jan 17, 2001

Message preached on Sunday before national election, but good for anytime of year. Skeleton outline with supporting Scripture passages.

Introduction: This week and for the last couple of months, we have heard probably more that we wish to hear about the candidates for public office. We have heard names like Bush, Gore, Buchanan, Nader, Vinroot, Easley, McNairy, Jones, and many others. What about Jesus? Would you vote for Him to ...read more

Scripture: John 1:26-27

Denomination: Pentecostal