Sermons on Difficult Passages:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

When Death Is Precious

Contributed by Virgil Watson on Nov 24, 2006

Although the bereaved may find it difficult to comprehend the loss of a loved one , the Christian family can be comforted in knowing that death is precious to the Lord.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together today to pay our last respects to _________________________ and to offer our condolences to family and friends. EULOGY: Born:_____________________ Passed:__________________ ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 116:15

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

If You Remain Silent Series

Contributed by Charles Salmon on Nov 7, 2006

Sometimes God’s people are put in a difficult situation and God expects committment. He will stand by those who take a stand for the right.

“If you remain silent” Esther 4:14 INTRO.: Summarize the story of Esther 1-4. Events occurred during the last period of Old Testament history. In the middle of the 100 year period Israel was returning from Babylonian exile. The dominant world empire is Persia. Mordecai and Esther, Jews of the ...read more

Scripture: Esther 4:14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ