Sermons on Difficult Passages:

A Sparrow Sings At Starbucks

Contributed by Scott Carmer on Oct 25, 2006

No matter how difficult circumstances become, we know that the God who keeps tracks of each and every sparrow will never forget us.

A Sparrow Sings at Starbucks” Matthew 10:26-31, Psalm 104:1-9 October 22, 2006 I have told you before that Toni and I have fallen in love with Aruba. Aruba sits about 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela and is 19 miles long and only six miles across at it widest point. The western shore has ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:26-31

Denomination: Methodist

Arrested

Contributed by Norman Lawrence on Jul 4, 2007

Message looking at the dramatic experience and calling of Paul on the road to Damascus. Indicates hope for people who may have had a difficult past.

"ARRESTED" In England there’s a paper factory that makes the finest stationery that’s made. One day a man touring the factory asked what it was made from. He was shown a huge pile of old rags. The rag content is what determined the quality of the paper. The man wouldn’t believe it. In 6 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 22:1-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How To Handle An Adversary Series

Contributed by Alan Tison on May 21, 2007

Dealing with our enemies can be difficult, yet David gives us practical steps on how to handle an enemy in his relationship with Saul

INTRODUCTION, Quite possibly one of the most difficult statements Jesus ever made is found in Matthew 5, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [Matt 5:44] That statement is found in the Sermon on the Mount. The verse right before it says you have heard it said, “Love your ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Deny Ourselves? Take Up The Cross? Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Sep 27, 2011

This message is the sixth in a series that deals with some of the difficult sayings of Jesus. This message examines the meaning of denying yourself and taking up your cross.

Sacrifice is a word that has the ability to send shivers down the spines of the majority of us. Of course Christians have reconciled themselves to the idea that this is a part of following Jesus. I would venture to say that our understanding of the concept of sacrifice is much different than ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Great Opportunity Lurks When The Stones Are Flying

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Nov 20, 2014

Can we see a difference in dedication and commitment? What will we do when we face difficult situations? The rocks are flying? Duck?

THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY TO BE A REAL TEST OF RELIGION IS WHEN THE STONES ARE FLYING STAND STILL. HOW CAN I STAND STILL... By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I. THE CHICKEN AND THE PIG WERE TRYING TO DECIDE WHAT TO HAVE FOR BREAKFAST... THE CHICKEN SAID I VOTE FOR BACON AND ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Trouble Comes Along Series

Contributed by David Lodwig on Sep 23, 2015

Gideon serves as a voice for people living in conflict with God. Verse 13 is a perfect example of a human mindset when life gets difficult.

Break the Cycle: Trouble Comes Along Text: Judges 3:7-11 Big Idea: As we repeat the cycles of our lives, they are often defined by the trouble that we encounter. Trouble is unavoidable, and it is related directly to our tendency to wander away from God. INTRO • Have you ever found yourself ...read more

Scripture: Judges 3:7-11

Denomination: Baptist

Why Did Jesus Cry

Contributed by Progress Tshuma on May 4, 2017

A lot of people find it difficult to trust or believe in God. A lot of people doubt God and that makes God unhappy over our lives

WHY DID JESUS CRY JOHN 11 vs.35 & Luke 19 vs. 41 ? One of the themes running through the entire Gospel of Luke is the compassion Jesus Christ had for people (all kinds of people). Jews, Greek, Gentiles, ...read more

Scripture: John 11:35

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Shady Character Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jan 10, 2013

In our desert journey we need shade from time to time. The Broom Tree is an interesting symbol for the shade of God in the difficult journey.

1. Making the most of a difficult situation Maxwell tells a story that illustrates the importance of a positive attitude. A newly married woman insisted on going to the California desert so she could be near her military husband. The only place the couple could find to live was a rundown shack near ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 21:15-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Funeral For Stillbirth

Contributed by Perry Greene on Dec 26, 2013

I have had to do some difficult funeral sermons, but the death of a stillborn was new to me. Here is an outline that may be of help to you.

1. We assemble today to comfort the stillbirth of this baby boy. 2. We know that there is pain, anxiety, grief and loss within this group. 3. Please know that the folks who have gathered with you are here to comfort and encourage you in this difficult time. I. `Today There are Many Unanswered ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Faithful Defense | Our Obligation To Christ And The Gospel Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Mar 24, 2019

God wants us to be faithful to him in words and actions, even in difficult situations. So, what does it take to persevere in the way of Jesus?

Of Christians put to death for their faith in the second century, perhaps no account is as striking as the story of Polycarp. Polycarp (A.D. 70-155) is bishop of Smyrna and a godly man who knows the apostle John personally. When urged by the Roman proconsul to renounce Christ, Polycarp responds ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

Denomination: Other

Simple - Pt. 2 - Study Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Jan 17, 2019

Jesus confronted the complex. His message was and is simple. Let’s get back to the basics He taught us! Why make it difficult?

Study I. Introduction Some things are complex and complicated. Politics. The sport called Cricket. Defining the word “the”. The human brain. Cats. However, faith was never supposed to be complex or confusing. Man has this propensity to make things harder than they should be. When Jesus arrives on ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47, 2 Timothy 2:15

Denomination: Pentecostal

Simple - Pt. 4 - Worship Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Jan 17, 2019

Jesus confronted the complex. His message was and is simple. Let’s get back to the basics He taught us! Why make it difficult?

Worship I. Introduction Some things are complex and complicated. People's choice in music (Bob Dylan). The cloud (all this stuff up there somewhere and somehow we can access at will). Commitment to soap operas and reality shows. Oklahoma weather. However, faith was never supposed to be ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Pentecostal

Joseph Times Two Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 11, 2017

Both Josephs trusted God in difficult situations. Both Josephs were pillars who protected others because they took the Lord seriously.

Note: This is a revision (with some reworking) of a December 2010 sermon, also posted on Sermon Central, entitled, "Joseph and Joseph." Joseph Times Two (Matthew 1:18-25) 1. We often assume things that are not true. Joke. “Thanks for the electric guitar you gave me for Christmas," little Chris ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God's Election Advice - Part 1

Contributed by Larry Turner on Oct 8, 2016

With this nation facing it's most difficult election choices in history its time to seek God's word for his advice on what to do.

President Ronald Reagan one time told the story of when he was a teenager, he needed a new pair of boots made. In those days, you couldn’t just go to a shoe store, you went to the shoemaker shop. The cobbler asked the young man- “Do you want blunt end toes or pointed end toes?” ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Denomination: Foursquare

Even If

Contributed by Bright Adeyeye on Nov 20, 2019

Sometimes when circumstances are difficult, it can be tough to keep the faith. But God desires that we trust in Him—even if our prayers are not answered.

EVEN IF "16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:16-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational