Sermons on Difficult Passages:

"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

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

The Seed, The Soil, And The Sower

Contributed by Daryl Bahn on Jul 13, 2002

How sweet it is when God blesses us with the benefits of reading, hearing, and learning His Word!

Introduction: This week is the first week that there are people selling sweet corn and candy corn at the intersection! I personally enjoy the opportunity to taste these delicious “first-fruits.” It also can be a reminder of how God is working our lives through His Word. How sweet it is when God ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:10-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Labor Day - Why Work?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Sep 5, 2015

As we look at these two passages of Scripture this morning, I think we are going to discover three important facts about the work that we do.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK I think Labor Day is a kind of strange holiday. And it's difficult for a preacher to know what to preach on Labor Day Sunday. It's not one of the major holidays. Relatives don't come. There is no turkey to eat or presents to ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:28, Colossians 3:23-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Prays For Himself

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Mar 28, 2012

This passage begins the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. Jesus’ time had come. His death on the cross was quickly upon Him. So we will see that in the passage that Jesus asked for only two things. He asked that He may glorify the Father in what was about

Tonight’s passage begins the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. Jesus’ time had come. His death on the cross was quickly upon Him. So we will see that in our passage this evening Jesus asked for only two things. 1. He asked that He may glorify the Father in what was about to ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Importance Of Just A Few Years Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Mar 5, 2001

We must keep hoping in God’s help for us in the face of difficult odds, just as Moses’ mother did in her day.

Series: Building My Family Title: The Importance of Just a Few Years 5 And the daughter of Pharoah came... and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. 6 ….She had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children. 7 Then said his sister to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Threading Camels Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Mar 12, 2003

The call to follow Jesus takes priority over every other obligation in life, and when we have a lot, it is difficult to respond to that call.

I was raised by a single mom from the time I was three years old until I was about nine years old. Back then we lived in a small trailer in Los Angeles. My mom was on welfare. I remember at one time having a teenage runaway living with us, and he would baby-sit me at night while my mom worked. We ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Live Through A Crisis

Contributed by David Dewitt on Feb 23, 2005

During one of the most difficult times in the life of David gives us an excellent model for how we can live through a crisis

How to Live through a Crisis 2 Samuel 15:13-37 January 30, 2005 Morning Service Introduction Horatio G. Spafford, a successful Chicago lawyer, lost most of his wealth in the financial crisis of 1873. He sent his wife and four daughters on a trip to France, but on their way, their ship was struck ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:13-37

Denomination: Church Of God

Putting On Christ

Contributed by Dennis Casanova on Mar 15, 2004

It is both difficult and easy in accepting Christ. Once done we begin to grow and finally after much study begin - "Putting on Christ "

Putting on Christ While our natural hearts desire is to have our own way - being centered on money, ambition and pleasure our hearts as Christians hope to acquire - Integrity, Honesty, Chastity and and the good Christian Principals that Christ so inspired us to possess. Through Christ’s own ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28, Mark 10:21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Strawberry Of Self-Control Series

Contributed by James Westervelt on Feb 5, 2002

I’ve chosen the strawberry to represent self-control, because it is one fruit that I find very difficult to control myself in eating.

THE STRAWBERRY OF SELF-CONTROL Review: The ORANGE OF FAITHFULNESS - "The Christ-like quality of dependability: stability in our relationship with God, reliability in our relationship with others." The MANGO OF MEEKNESS - "The Christ-like quality of servanthood: humility in our ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, James 3:7-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Mission Possible

Contributed by Melvin Shelton on Aug 20, 2003

What is the most difficult task you have ever faced? To me, it was leaving my young wife in 1969 to go into the armed forces.

MISSION POSSIBLE 1st Timothy 1:1-2 What is the most difficult task you have ever faced? To me, it was leaving my young wife in 1969 to go into the armed forces. Of course there have been a few others, but that was the most difficult. Other people have climbed great mountains, explored jungles where ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Cajuns, Prophets, And Persian Kings: God's Servants To Bless His People

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Nov 3, 2002

Pentecost 22: Trials, persecutions, and the most difficult moments in life are used by God to deliver us from greater harm and to bless us.

A few nights ago I was sitting in the living room working on the computer. While checking my email, a pop-up ad for Classmates.com appeared. Classmates.com is an Internet company that stores graduation and reunion information for schools and military units. For some reason I decided to look up ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 45:1-7

Denomination: Lutheran

Bragging Rights

Contributed by Johnny Carver on Apr 9, 2002

Finding the courage to testify about Jesus seems to be so difficult for Christian now days because they have no examined the Scripture concerning Jesus.

Scripture: Matthew 11:1 - 6 Title: “Bragging Rights” Introduction: How many times have we heard someone make the statement, “I’m the man”?  A saying arose a few years ago, “No brag, just facts!”  John the Baptist was languishing in prison appearing to be discouraged and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-6

Denomination: Pentecostal

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