Sermons on Difficult Passages:

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

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

God's Call To Prayer

Contributed by Frank Lay on Jan 8, 2005

What can we do in difficult times. God invites us to call on Him. Like Jeremiah, we can respond to God’s invitation to prayer

GOD’S CALL TO PRAYER Jeremiah 33:3 The Setting: Jeremiah was living in desperate times. The people of Jerusalem had been taken captive. Jeremiah had faithfully preached but his message had been totally rejected. Moreover, Jeremiah was imprisoned. Yet God gave this man, an invitation to ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:3

Denomination: Baptist

A Secret No Longer Sermon Iv: A Troubled Heart There Need Not Be Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Apr 6, 2020

In times of uncertainty, Christians trust our Lord's presence and promises to see us through difficult times and circumstances, not for just awhile but for time and eternity.

A TROUBLED HEART THERE NEED NOT BE FOR WE WHO KNOW THE WAY Spring Break began Friday and the radio announcer said “there will be more than 80,000 travelers to pass through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport” on that particular day. If you ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-7

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

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

A Team Sport Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on May 13, 2020

Holiness is often misunderstood. It has been abused to try to enforce rules. So, what is Holiness? Is it possible? Why is it so difficult? Why does it seem to be such a mess?

Pt. 2 - A Team Sport I. Introduction Last week we talked about the Hall of Fames that over 200,000 people visit annually to catch a glimpse of a glove or a helmet. Have you ever watched one of the induction ceremonies? Individuals stand on a stage receiving the honor of a lifetime and they spend ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9

Denomination: Pentecostal

Our Availability Makes Room For God PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 23, 2024

This sermon explores how Isaac's story teaches us to persist against opposition, honor our spiritual heritage, and trust in God's provision during difficult times.

As we gather here today, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we find ourselves on the cusp of a story that is as old as time itself, yet as fresh and relevant as the morning dew. A story that weaves itself into the fabric of our lives, threading through our joys, our sorrows, our trials, and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:19-22

Topics: Opposition, Diligence

The Call To A Life Of Faith Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Jan 13, 2009

Few men, outside of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself have has such an impact on the history of the world as did the man introduced to us in this passage of scripture.

Abraham: Following In the Footsteps of Faith Genesis 11:27-12:3 Series Intro: Few men, outside of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself have has such an impact on the history of the world as did the man introduced to us in this passage of scripture. This man is revered by over one-half the world’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

They Lost Their First Love

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 24, 2001

This is a passage of scripture that really bothers me, & yet it has a tremendous message. It is part of one of the 7 letters to the churches in the Book of Revelation.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK I'm going to read a passage of scripture that bothers me, & yet it has a tremendous message. It is part of one of the 7 letters to the churches in the Book of Revelation, & is found in chapter 2, vs's 1 5. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-5, Psalm 51:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Long View - Perspective Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Jun 11, 2013

Sometimes it is difficult to see what God is doing because we are too close to the situation; it is helpful to remember and place our hope in God's long-view perspective.

When I was a kid, I used to get a magazine in the mail every month, I think it was Canadian Geographic for kids or something similar, and one of my favorite parts was on the second to last page. It was about 9 pictures, super close up, and the game was to see how many of those objects you could ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Holiness Of God Series

Contributed by Jason Smith on Sep 12, 2013

One of the most difficult attributes for us to understand as humans is the holiness of God. This sermon attempts to describe it, but like all others, cannot do the subject justice!

If you want to know or learn more about God, one of the most important things you need to learn about Him is that He is Holy. His holiness is probably one of the most prominent attribute that is talked about in scripture. The word “holy” is mentioned over 600 times in the Bible. He is ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Look At Yourself

Contributed by Kelvin Mckisic on Oct 15, 2023

Taking a long honest look at ourselves is one of the hardest things for us to do. Admitting that I need help, something is wrong in my life is very difficult.

Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, 1 John 1:8-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

David Sinned, And The Son Must Die: A Sermon For Christ The King Sunday

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Nov 15, 2023

What should we make of such a miserable passage of Scripture? And what does this have to do with Christ the King Sunday. Read and find out.

Adam Sinned, and the Son must Die 2 Samuel 12:9-14 Sin has dire consequences. It not only affects the sinner but also everyone around him. In this case, David's newborn son with Bathsheba is struck down by the LORD, even though David is allowed to live. But an even greater Son must die, not ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:9-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible