Sermons on Difficult People:

When The Saints Go Marching In

Contributed by Craig Condon on Mar 2, 2015

Christians are not isolated individuals who live in the world alone. We are connected. We pause to remember those who have passed on, but in whose memory we hold dear. We also remember their impact on us and our own impact as people of God.

handing it to a clerk at the cash register. “Was it a gift?” asked the clerk. “No, I bought it for myself,” he said, “and I made a mistake. “Didn’t you like the translation? Or the format?” “Oh no,” the man said, “the format was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:20-31

Denomination: Anglican

Welcoming Everyone, Even Though They Are Not Right

Contributed by Richard Schwedes on Nov 2, 2007

A sermon to encourage us to welcome people into God’s family no matter who they are...because we all require Jesus.

One day a new couple to town arrived at church. Out the front of the church was a huge sign that said everyone welcome. As they got out of their car some others in the car park, said, "good morning, how are you!" And walked with them to the front door of the church and said look after church we ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:21-28

Denomination: Lutheran

James 1 - Faith In Trials

Contributed by Hannah Pinkstone on Dec 11, 2002

When we go through trials our joy comes from standing firm on the promises that God has given us. It’s through difficult times that faith has the biggest part to play. We show the reality of God’s love for us because we have joy when life is difficult.

I want to explain to those who don’t know, what its like to be a Cardiff city fan. Each season begins with promise, and I feel a sense of expectation and excitement. For the first half of the season, I hope, and dream and see a bit of just what can be achieved with great people such as Andy Legg ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8, James 5:7-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You Shall Love

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Oct 23, 2014

Make a Friend -- Be A Friend -- Bring A Friend To Christ. Loving your neighbor is at the heart .of making a Friend.You're not living if you're not loving. You Shall Love!

For Those not familiar with an Anglican Service there are four Scripture readings Prior to the Message. Today's readings are Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46. It has been said .....that love...... may not make the world go around, .....but it sure makes the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-46

Denomination: Anglican

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

Even If

Contributed by Bright Adeyeye on Nov 20, 2019

Sometimes when circumstances are difficult, it can be tough to keep the faith. But God desires that we trust in Him—even if our prayers are not answered.

EVEN IF "16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:16-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Hope” In Haggai And Zechariah: True, False, Postponed And Perilous Series

Contributed by Wm Darius Myers on Apr 24, 2007

Theme Paper in Haggai-Zechariah, tracing the appropriate applications of hope, despite the difficult realities of our circumstances. An excellent theme for redevelopment pastors to consider.

“Hope” in Haggai and Zechariah: True, False, Postponed and Perilous The Shawshank Redemption: Morgan Freeman tells fellow-inmate Tim Robbins, “Hope is a dangerous thing. Drive a man insane. It’s got no place here.” In a place like Yehud, with the Jews seeking to rebuild the temple amidst ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

No One Likes A Wishy, Washy God Series

Contributed by Troy Luttrell on Jan 27, 2014

This difficult passage seems to suggest that God changes His mind, but a closer look reveals that God does not change His mind as men do.

Introduction: Verses that I wish were not in the Bible, but they are and I must deal with it. • Ill: As a married men, it is often where we hear our wives say, “I have the right to change my mind at any time!” One minute the couch is perfect on that side of the room, ten ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:14

Denomination: Baptist

When You Fast Do Not Advertise

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Vivek Gundimi on Mar 17, 2019

Generally speaking, Fasting is about going without food in order to spend time in prayer with God and meditate on God’s Word – this is noble but difficult.

When you Fast – Do not Advertise Introduction: Generally speaking, Fasting is about going without food in order to spend time in prayer with God and meditate on God’s Word – this is noble but difficult. (But Fasting is not hunger strike). In the passage that was read to us… we find that Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1, Matthew 6:16-18

Denomination: Methodist

How To Get Jesus To Change His Mind: When "no" Changed To "yes" Because Of Faith.

Contributed by Fr. Rian Adams on Sep 14, 2020

Sermon on the Canaanite Woman that Jesus called a dog, a racial slang against... As we confront racism, what shall we do with such a difficult passage?

Title: How to get Jesus to change his mind Proper 15, Matthew 15:21-28 Intro: “Jesus wasn’t white, but he sure was a racist.” So says David Peters, a priest from Austin Texas. Do I have your attention? If we step back and watch this scene unfold, it is no wonder how someone could accuse Jesus of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Episcopal

Trying To Change Society By Moral Improvement Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Oct 22, 2025

This is a difficult passage but at its core it's one that posits what happens when someone tries to bring transformation without God.

WHAT'S THE POINT OF THE STORY? It is about moral improvement without God. - Luke 11:24-26. - Let’s begin by acknowledging that this is a difficult passage. It comes across a little obscure. It’s easy to read it and think it’s either just a weird saying or something with no application to our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:24-28

Denomination: Baptist

Jealousy Of God Series

Contributed by L Lee on Sep 17, 2010

Learn more about the character and attributes of God. It is difficult to please God or respond to Him appropriately if we do not know what He is like.

Jealousy of God 1. God is a jealous God Exo 34:14 Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. God is soooooooooo jealous, the Bible says you might as well say His name is called JEALOUS. 2. What does it mean to us? We must not have other gods before ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 34:14

Denomination: Christian Church

Justice Of God Series

Contributed by L Lee on Sep 17, 2010

Learn more about the character and attributes of God. It is difficult to please God or respond to Him appropriately if we do not know what He is like.

Justice of God Our God is a just God Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIV) He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Isaiah 45:21 (KJV) Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:4

Denomination: Christian Church

Justice Of God Series

Contributed by L Lee on Sep 17, 2010

Learn more about the character and attributes of God. It is difficult to please God or respond to Him appropriately if we do not know what He is like.

Justice of God Our God is a just God Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIV) He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Isaiah 45:21 (KJV) Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:4

Denomination: Christian Church

Thankful For Heaven

Contributed by Charles Wall, Jr. on Feb 15, 2005

This has been the most difficult year of my of life with Elizabeth’s going to be with the Lord. Therefore on this Thanksgiving, what am I thankful for?

This is the Sunday before Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Sunday and it is customary that the pastor bring a message on Thanksgiving, on giving thanks. So as I considered what the Lord would have me share with you today, I began to ask myself the question: what am I thankful for? Obviously ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-3

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance