Sermons on Difficult Passages:

The Day Jesus Wept - The Day Of Visitation

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Mar 30, 2021

What a tragedy it is when God visits His people and many of them miss His visitation! Take advantage of the move of God during this difficult season. God is still speaking!

Introduction: The Christmas carol ask the question, Do you see what I see?, Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king, Do you know what I know?, In your palace wall mighty king, Do you know what I know?, A child, a child Shivers in the cold, Let us bring him silver and gold, Let us bring him silver ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:41-45, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Matthew 23:37-38

Denomination: Methodist

Say What You Mean And Mean What You Say Series

Contributed by Chad Bolfa on Apr 14, 2009

Well Jesus says in our passage today that we are to say what we mean and mean what we say. It’s at the foundation of what being a Christian is all about - that we are truthful, because God is truthful. Let’s turn to this passage, and look at what Jesus sa

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount Part 8 Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say Matthew 5:33-37 Introduction Have you ever met a person who is constantly saying things like, "I swear I’m telling you the truth," or "Honest!" or even something like, "as God is my witness..." Have you ever wondered why ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

The Good Works Army

Contributed by Troy Borst on May 3, 2011

The Bible is full of passages that tell us what we should be known for and how we should act. The Bible is full of passages that command us to do good and be good and look after those around us. We are part of a “Good Works Army” and we are going to loo

The Good Works Army Titus 3:1-15 INTRODUCTION… Christians are known for (www.orcmagazine.com) If you were to Google the phrase “Christians are known for” what do you think the results would be? What are people who call themselves followers of Christ known for… whether good ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:1-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Some Giants Need Killin'

Contributed by Steven Bell on Oct 16, 2020

In this passage we see a timeless account of good vs evil. Time after time in business, corporate America and meeting rooms, you will hear the words, “It is a David and Goliath situation.” This passage is here to teach us some very basic principles to help us face everyday life.

Some Giants Need Killin’ I Samuel 17:3-11, 32 Introduction: Were you ever picked on by a bully? Ever felt outsized, inadequate to face a challenge, or disadvantaged in the face of opposition? In this passage we see a timeless account of good vs evil. Time after time in business, corporate America ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:3-11

Make Me A Blessing (1 Of 3)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Aug 8, 2024

In I Timothy 6:1-12 we do not have to do any surmising when it comes to who Paul was addressing in this passage of scriptures. Although we know the letter is addressed specifically to young Timothy, yet it is clear, the thing he has to say in this passage of scripture is to the MAN OF GOD

Look at verse 11. We read, “But thou, O MAN OF GOD...” To be referred to as a “man of God,” or a “woman of God,” is one of the greatest titles that could be given to any Christian. (1) The term MAN OF GOD is often given to MINISTERS of the gospel. (2) Also, the clergyman is called THE MAN ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Justified By Faith, Or By Works?

Contributed by Charles Degner on Oct 23, 2006

This difficult chapter of the Bible is not hard to understand if you ask a simple question. James says we are justified by our works, not just by faith. But justified BEFORE WHOM?

James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-26 Pentecost 17B Rev. Charles F. Degner 1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. 2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If you show ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-25

Denomination: Lutheran

Following The Captain

Contributed by Jim Wright on Aug 25, 2004

This passages shows us how to follow the Captain of our salvation as He leads us to the completion of our glourious salvation in the world to come.

Hebrews 2:5-13 Following the Captain of our Salvation Introduction 1. This year as part of our vacation we planned a camping trip to Sudbury to see Science North (the northern version of Ontario Science Centre) and to experience family camping along the way. 2. Our destiny was Science North, but ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:5-13

Denomination: Baptist

"radical Love: The Mark Of A Disciple"

Contributed by Mark Zorn on Sep 16, 2025

Beloved friends in Christ, today’s passage from John 13:33-35 calls us to a profound yet simple commandment: to love one another.

Introduction Beloved friends in Christ, today’s passage from John 13:33-35 calls us to a profound yet simple commandment: to love one another. Jesus, in His final hours with His disciples, shares these words: “Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and as I said ...read more

Scripture: John 13:33-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When We Decide Evangelism Isn’t For Us To Do Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 22, 2025

This is a passage about a watchman. The analogy fits with our responsibility today to share the Good News. Unfortunately, that's a responsibility we often neglect.

OPTIONAL? Many Christians do not see evangelism as a responsibility. - Ezekiel 33:1-11; Matthew 28:16-20. - [Unpack the responsibility to share but not the “blood on our hands” part.] - Unpack the passage and the responsibility that is put on the watchman. Explain the watchman analogy in that ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 33:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Praying For Our Church

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Jul 12, 2020

Paul's second prayer for the church in Ephesus is a great model of how we can pray for our church and for other churches today, for God to strengthen his people with power.

PRAYING FOR THE CHURCH INTRODUCTION We’ve now come to the sixth and last in our mini-series on prayer. We first looked at Gideon’s prayer for guidance. Then we spent two weeks on the Lord’s Prayer. Then we had two weeks on Daniel’s prayer of confession on behalf of his people. Today we’re ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Love Is Patient Series

Contributed by Kevin Cummins on Apr 20, 2005

One of the most difficult areas to show patience in is our relationships with others. But that is exactly what God’s Word calls us to have in our relationships. Because love is patient.

“Did you hear about the teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his boots? He asked for help and she could see why? With her pulling and him pushing, the boots still didn’t want to go on. When the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost whimpered when the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Denomination: Church Of God

The Best Gifts Come In Small Packages

Contributed by Jason Patrick on Jan 5, 2002

We need the joyful reminder that God is present with us not only in life’s most difficult moments but especially in the midst of life’s tragedies.

The Best Gifts Come in Small Packages / Matthew 1:18-25 Advent 4, Year A; Downsville Baptist Church; 23 Dec. 2001 A little boy and girl were singing their favorite Christmas carol in church the Sunday before Christmas. The boy concluded "Silent Night" with the words, "Sleep in heavenly beans." ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Increase Our Faith

Contributed by Peter Parry on Jun 29, 2002

Increasing our faith is a gift from God that we recognize in difficult times when we question God less and trust Him more.

INCREASE OUR FAITH (Luke 17:3-6; Mt.15:21-28) Increase our faith asked the disciples after Jesus had just explained to them the need to forgive your brother even up to 7 times in one day. The disciples knew themselves well enough to admit that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:5

Denomination: Congregational

Don't Allow Circumstances Rob Your Joy Series

Contributed by Fred Sigle on Feb 13, 2007

Philippians is commonly called the "Book of Joy". But Paul presents several thieves that try to rob us of our joy. The first thief: "Difficult Circumstances."

DON’T ALLOW CIRCUMSTANCES ROB YOUR JOY A. For the next few weeks we’re going to take a look at CHRISTIAN JOY and the THIEVES that try to ROB us of our JOY from the book of Philippians. 1. Now to some people the phrase “CHRISTIAN JOY” is an OXYMORON--in their mind these two words CONTRADICT ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Allow People Rob Your Joy Series

Contributed by Fred Sigle on Feb 13, 2007

Philippians is commonly called the "Book of Joy". But Paul presents several thieves that try to rob us of our joy. The second thief: "Difficult People."

DO NOT ALLOW PEOPLE TO ROB YOUR JOY ILLUSTRATION: A PREACHER told about his nine-year-old daughter who one day JUMPED off the SCHOOL BUS as it stopped in front of her house and SLAMMED her way through the front door. She MARCHED up the stairs into her ROOM and again SLAMMED the DOOR. All the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ