Sermons on Difficult Passages:

The Powers That Be

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Sep 5, 2012

What is the Christian’s relationship to government, and why does God make a big deal out of their authority in this passage?

The Powers that Be Romans 13:1-7 http://www.gbcdecatur.org/sermons/120905pm.mp3 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html In chapter 13, we look at our relationship with government and all ordained authority over us. ’the powers that be’ in v. 1 is a direct reference to all authority God has allowed ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Operation Motivation Series

Contributed by Donald Mcculley on Mar 20, 2019

In this passage Paul emphasizes what should motivate us. We should have right motives for the right message.

OPERATION MOTIVATION II CORINTHIANS 5:9-21 INTRODUCTION: What motivates you to service? In this passage Paul emphasizes what should motivate us. We should have right motives for the right message. I. The Fear of the Lord (v.9-13) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The fear ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:9-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Manner In Which We Are To Pray

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Apr 4, 2022

Many times we will select a small passage of scripture from the Bible for our devotional reading each day.

However, just picking a verse or two can be very dangerous. That is, we may not receive all the blessings from the scripture we may select. We must read more to discover the context of the passage. For example, one passage that is often taken out of context is what is commonly called the Lord’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

"Peter, Feed My Sheep” (8 Of 21)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 11, 2022

In this passage, we again see Peter obeying the Lord's command: "Feed my sheep”.

There are some things about food that we do not understand: • How you can eat a one pound box of chocolate candy and gain five pounds? • WHY is it that when we sit down to eat a big meal, we call it a "square meal" when it makes us round? Talking about food though, I heard they have ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8

Denomination: Baptist

Hope Of Israel Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Sep 9, 2022

This passage has an explicit understanding of the salvation of Israel and the Gentiles. It reveals another important message that is the Call and Gifts are irrevocable.

Romans 11:25-36 Hope of Israel This passage has an explicit understanding of the salvation of Israel and the Gentiles. It reveals another important message that is the Call and Gifts are irrevocable. Therefore, all have to glorify the triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Romans ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:25-36

Denomination: Methodist

Love That Is Always Hopeful Series

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Oct 28, 2023

Learn how love and hope are the foundation of our family, based on 1 Corinthians 13 and other biblical passages.

Love That Is Always Hopeful 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Introduction: Today, we are going to talk about love. Not just any kind of love, but the love that is always hopeful. The love that is described in 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, the famous chapter on love that is often read at weddings and other ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Romans 15:13, Psalm 33:18-22, Lamentations 3:21-22, Hebrews 10:23-25, Ephesians 2:4-5, Romans 8:24-25, Hebrews 11:1, 1 John 3:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Hard Sayings: How To Accept Them

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 21, 2024

The problem with “nice” religion is that it isn’t religion at all, and today’s three Scriptural passages are proof of that reality.

Nineteenth Sunday in Course 2024 Hard Sayings There’s a very popular opinion about religion, and I think you may be already aware of it. Folks often think that religion ought to be “nice.” In other words, religion should make you feel good about yourself, first, and then, if possible, about other ...read more

Scripture: John 6:60-69, Ephesians 5:21-32, Psalm 34:2-3, Psalm 34:16-21, Joshua 24:1-2, Joshua 24:15-18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Purity Principles Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on May 27, 2024

Based on several passages from Proverbs - Challenges hearers to immerse themselves in the wisdom of Proverbs to live a life of purity.

“PURITY PRINCIPLES” Prov. 2:16-19; 5; 6:20-7:27 FBCF – 5/26/24 Jon Daniels INTRO – The Bible: - Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 2:16-19, Proverbs 5:5, Proverbs 7:6-21, Proverbs 5:15-20, Proverbs 4:23-27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Teachers, Reachers, Preachers And Bleachers

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Aug 21, 2023

Although we will consider the individual spiritual gifts, I want us to examine a couple of other elements of these passages.

PURPOSE- Answering God’s call Key verses: Ephesians 4:11-13 11: And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists and some pastors and teachers. 12: for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13: till we all come to the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Romans 12:4-8

Visionary View: Refreshment In The Valley Of Weeping (Psalm 84) Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 13, 2023

Psalm 84 is a beautiful passage that speaks of the longing for God's presence and the joy of dwelling in His house.

Visionary View: Refreshment in The Valley of Weeping Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, may God's grace and peace be upon you as we gather today to explore the profound wisdom and inspiration found in Psalm 84. Let us open our hearts to the Word of God and His message for our lives. Opening ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 84:5, Psalm 84:6, Psalm 84:10, Psalm 84:11, Psalm 84:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Building A Lasting Legacy Of Faith Joshua 22:24 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 23, 2024

Joshua 22:24 is a passage that challenges us to think about the legacy of our faith and our commitment to God.

Building a Lasting Legacy of Faith Joshua 22:24 Introduction: Today, we are exploring Joshua 22:24, a passage that challenges us to think about the legacy of our faith and our commitment to God. As we dive into this scripture, we will uncover lessons about maintaining our faith, ensuring it is ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 22:24, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Ephesians 4:3, Psalm 78:4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Collusion Or Collision?

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Oct 5, 2025

This passage captures both the passive danger of collusion and the active confrontation of collision. It’s a spiritual call to arms.

Collusion or Collision? October 5, 2025, Morning Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: This passage captures both the passive danger of collusion and the active confrontation of collision. It’s a spiritual call to arms. Focus Passage: Ephesians 6:10–13 ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-13, Joshua 24:15

Denomination: Baptist

Rejoice Always! PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 1, 2023

This sermon explores the joy, jubilation, and divine light available to us in Jesus Christ, as illuminated in various Scripture passages.

Welcome, beloved family of faith. It is indeed a privilege and a joy to gather in the house of the Lord, united in our pursuit to know Him better and to make Him known. Our hearts are brimming with anticipation as we prepare to delve into the richness of God's word today. Let's take a moment to ...read more

Scripture: John 1:6-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-11

Topics: Light, Jesus

Belief That Is Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Nov 25, 2008

How can these things be? That was the question Nicodemus asked Jesus in our passage today. Do you ever find yourself asking that question?

A few weeks ago, when we looked at 2:23-25, I titled the sermon, “Belief That Isn’t.” This morning, I’m using the title, “Belief That Is.” Before John introduced us to the person of Nicodemus in chapter 3, he took just a few verses to describe the vast majority of people who were around Jesus at ...read more

Scripture: John 3:9-15

Denomination: Baptist

A House Divided?

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Jun 2, 2021

A look at the challenges that Jesus lays down in this passage, and how it speaks to us here and now, and how we need to stay strong and united for the road ahead

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. At the end of a busy day, after we have had tea, and Mikki has gone to bed, I will often crash on the sofa and watch a film, but more often than not it has to be a film that grabs me straight away otherwise I can get bored if it takes too long ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-35

Denomination: Anglican