Sermons on Difficult Passages:

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

Author Of Liberty

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Feb 7, 2025

Why do you suppose it is that people find it so difficult to understand that real freedom only comes when we obey God?

It’s a risky thing to mix politics and religion. It’s too easy to confuse the two. And if I remember correctly, one of the major bones of contention during my predecessor’s tenure was over that very thing: whether or not it was proper to have the American flag in the sanctuary. Many people do ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:11-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Working Faith Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Oct 11, 2024

in these difficult days before Jesus comes again, depend on the Lord and be diligent in your work, because Jesus could come at any moment.

Two young boys were spending the night at grandma’s house the week before Christmas. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers. The younger one began praying in a loud voice: “I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE... I PRAY FOR A NEW NINTENDO...” His older brother leaned over, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Why Did God Create Hell? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 25, 2023

Explore the difficult topics of God's righteousness, the reality of Hell, and its purpose in God's plan, emphasizing that ignoring these truths does not change their reality.

Good morning, Church Family! Today, we are going to delve deep into a topic that can be uncomfortable, but is absolutely critical to our understanding of the Gospel. We're going to talk about God's righteousness, the reality of Hell, and its purpose in God's plan. Our key verse today is Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:33

Topics: Purpose Of Hell

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

Now Is Not The Time To Quit

Contributed by Pamela Johnson on Jun 22, 2019

I have looked at this word faithful from a number of angles. Because although it seems like an easy task if anyone is willing to admit it can be a difficult task.

Now is Not the Time to Quit 1 Corinthians 15:58 By: Pamela L. Johnson This month I found myself being very mindful of our focus, the courage to be faithful. I have looked at this word faithful from a number of angles. Because although it seems like an easy task if anyone is willing to admit it ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58

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

Grow Up

Contributed by Willem Hartley on Feb 6, 2013

God does not allow suffering and difficult situations to destroy us rather He uses it to help us Grow Up into the promises He has for us

Grow up Good morning church. Do you know the dumbest question someone could ask, and unfortunately the question mainly comes from christians. Are you ready? The dumbest question is : Why do bad things happen to good people? Taking the question at face value proves it stupidity.. First of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

Paul's Expectations Of The Church

Contributed by Alan Tison on Aug 2, 2005

The apostle Paul gives us his expectaions for the church from a very familiar passage.His expectaions are found through out his writings

Introduction: High School Reunions can be some of the best of times and some of the worst of times. One thing about High School reunions is often people are surprised with the changes that have occurred with their classmates. • The computer Geek is now a successful the businessman • The awkward ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

An Interlude With Evil PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 25, 2023

Explore the providence, power, and hope of God in difficult times, as demonstrated in Esther Chapter 5, emphasizing that God often calls us in our weaknesses, not our strengths.

Good morning, brothers and sisters! Today, we are going to delve into the book of Esther, specifically Chapter 5, where we encounter the providence of God in the face of pain and misery, His power in the midst of evil, and the hope He provides in difficult times. In the words of Jerry Bridges, "He ...read more

Topics: Providence, God

State Of The Church - 2008

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jan 8, 2008

Without a doubt this was and is the most difficult message which I have ever had to prepare and deliver. It’s speaks of change, confrontation, call, an challenge.

State of the Church 2008 Hebrews 12:1-2 Turn with me to Hebrews 12. Before we read the first two verses of Hebrews 12, we need to be reminded that Hebrews 11 gives us what has been referred to as “Faith’s Hall of Fame.” Here are some great men and women of faith listed with the 2 words “by faith” ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist