Sermons on Difficult Passages:

Maturity Levels Series

Contributed by Tim White on Mar 22, 2012

There are four maturity levels in the Christian life. John explores each level, the strengths and weaknesses of each in this delightful passage.

Levels of Maturity 1 John 2:12-14 Ill. The work of Japanese painter Hokusai spanned many years before his death in 1849 at age 89. But toward the end of his life, the artist dismissed as nothing all the work he had done before age 50. It was only after he reached 70 that he felt he was turning out ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

Court In Session Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on May 9, 2016

Our passage presents another analysis of Jerusalem and Judah, and gives us more insight into the political and social condition.

Isaiah 3:8-15 Court in Session 9/3/00e D. Marion Clark Introduction We are in the midst of a gloomy section of judgments and analyses of Jerusalem’s and Judah’s condition that began with 2:6 and will run through 4:1. Really, from the beginning Isaiah’s message has been one of ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 3:8-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

You Are God's Holy Temple Series

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Aug 2, 2017

In this passage Paul wants to share that in Jesus the Messiah we can experience ONENESS , PEACE and BE THE LIVING TEMPLE OF GOD.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22 Theme: You are God's Holy Temple! In this passage Paul wants to share that in Christ we can experience ONENESS , PEACE and BE THE TEMPLE OF GOD. INTRO: Grace and peace from God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! This morning as I look around it is easy to ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Nazarene

Parable Of The Lost Sheep Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 31, 2017

Here in this short passage there is the gracious plan of Christ concerning mankind; for the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

-AD 29- Capernaum Lesson: PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP Scripture: Matthew 18:11-14 I believe that if you were to ask Jesus to give one reason for why He came to earth, He would wrap it all up with this one statement: 11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. This testimony by ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:11-14

Denomination: Baptist

Leading Like Paul Led Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 25, 2016

In this sermon, we look at two passages that describe Paul's leadership, and then we glean leadership principles from them.

Introduction: A. The story is told of a tribe of Native Americans who came to their Chief one autumn and asked him if the winter was going to be cold or not. 1. Not really knowing for sure how cold the winter would be, the chief replied that the winter was going to be cold and that the members of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:13-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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 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

"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

The Importance Of Believing

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 24, 2020

This passage is a summary of the forty days from Easter to Ascension (Acts 1:3), and beyond that to the application of the Great Commission.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BELIEVING. Mark 16:9-20. We start with a resounding statement of fact: “Jesus was risen early on the first day of the week” (Mark 16:9a)! This fact is attested in the other Gospels, and throughout the New Testament, and is the whole basis and explanation of the existence of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:9-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

What Is A Rational Sinner? Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 13, 2022

This passage of Scripture discusses God’s anger at sin. Mankind's fall is imagined as a descending movement.

This passage of Scripture discusses God’s anger at sin. It depicts why God legitimately censures humankind and some of what he has done with regards to it. Mankind's fall is imagined as a descending movement. It begins with dismissing God as the creator, declining to see the significant ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:18-32

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

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

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

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