Sermons on Difficult:

Changing The Narrative

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Aug 15, 2019

The paralyzed man at the Bethesda pool needed a change, and Jesus could heal him! Jesus can change our lives, but we have to respond to him in faith.

CHANGING THE NARRATIVE—John 5:1-18 Read John 5:1-3. For many years, skeptics said there was no pool called Bethesda by the Sheep Gate of Jerusalem. However, excavations in the 1800’s found 2 pools, with a 5th portico between, as John said. Evidence of the pool being called Bethesda finally emerged ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Cost To Serve Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Sep 8, 2019

Jesus had revealed much about the difficulty and opposition the disciples would face as they sought to serve Him. Finally, He revealed their service would also require personal sacrifice - it would come at a cost.

The Cost to Serve Matthew 10: 34-39 Jesus had revealed much to the disciples regarding what they could expect as they answered the call to proclaim the Good News. He warned that the task would not be easy, many would reject them, and they would face opposition along the way. However, in the midst ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:34-39

Denomination: Baptist

Be Significant: A Message For Hurting Hearts

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Mar 24, 2020

A message preached in the wake of the "home going" of my beloved sister in Christ , Joyce Davis. How she is remembered is as one who lived a Significant Life. Do you and I lead a significant life?

Be Significant : A message for hurting hearts This is one Sunday that I really hope I was not the one who is preaching. The reason is simple. I am still hurting from Joyce’s departure from our midst. May be many of you are too. I know that for seasoned preachers it might be easy, but for me, it is ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:24, Daniel 4:34-35, Isaiah 43:3-4, Jeremiah 31:3, John 14:1-3, Matthew 20:25-28, John 13:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Journey From Bethlehem To Nazareth

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Mar 24, 2020

We have our dreams for a perfect Christmas, but don't feel God has failed you if your dreams aren't met. Imagine how Mary's dreams for having a perfect birth for her baby were disrupted.

If we made a list of what it would take to make a perfect Christmas, it would be quite a list. Of course all the family needs to be together, all at the same time. Just that can be really complicated. For us, as near as we can tell, we’ll have one son coming in on the afternoon of the 25th and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

That Your Joy Might Be Full: A Sermon For The 3rd Sunday In Advent

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Dec 9, 2023

Today is the 3rd Sunday in Advent in which we think about joy. What is joy? In particular, what is Christian joy? How is this connected to hope, peace, and love, the other themes we reflect upon in this season?

That Your Joy Might be Full: A Sermon for the 3rd Sunday in Advent 1 John 1:1–4 NKJV That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Easter: The Power Of Resurrection Series

Contributed by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel on Mar 15, 2023

Easter is a time to remember what Jesus can do and that death can't take away the hope that is given to believers. A celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is a time of hope, renewal, and new beginnings for believers around the world

Easter: The Power of Resurrection Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, March 15, 2023 John 11:25–26: "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. "The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never ...read more

Scripture: John 11:25-26

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sow In Tears Reap In Joy

Contributed by John Gaston on Jun 29, 2022

Adults try not to cry, thinking it's a sign of weakness, but in God's thinking, tears elevate our actions to a new level. There are 7 laws of sowing & reaping. If we sow, we SHALL reap. Don't grow weary in your sowing. Your rewards are coming!

SOW IN TEARS REAP IN JOY Ps. 126:5-6 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: Ark Riddles 1. Q: What kind of lights did Noah install on the Ark? A: Flood lights. 2. Q: Where did Noah put the bees? A: He kept them in the Ark hives. 3. Q: What did Noah say to himself as he was loading up the Ark with the much ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 126:5-6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Intercessor’s Duty Series

Contributed by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel on Apr 6, 2023

The intercessor has to pray on behalf of others and bridge the gap between them and God. They act as mediators, standing in the gap for those who cannot or do not know how to pray for themselves. The intercessor must stand in the gap and pray for others, bringing their needs before God

THE INTERCESSOR’S DUTY Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, April 6, 2023 Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” INTRODUCTION The ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Joy In Trials?!

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Feb 18, 2022

The idea that we could find joy in trials seems very strange. But it makes sense - and it could radically change the way we respond to the trials that inevitably come.

We’ve now reached the last in our series of ‘Messages of Encouragement’. And we’ve come to a very difficult piece of teaching! ‘James’ – whoever James may be – tells us TO CONSIDER IT PURE JOY WHENEVER WE FACE TRIALS OF MANY KINDS! Wow! That sounds crazy! How can we understand it? The general ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Baptist

Embracing God’s Promise Of Hope Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Nov 15, 2022

The Lord gives us remedy for doubts that creep in about His ability to help or His concern to help when we are in a great crisis. God addresses His people, those redeemed by his grace to look away from their crisis (and doubts about Him) and embrace the facts about Him and the Hope they bring.

Sermon: Embracing God’s Promise of Hope Scripture: Isaiah 40:27-31 “O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights? 28 Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:27-31

Denomination: Methodist

Spiritual Leaks

Contributed by Anoop Samuel on Dec 17, 2022

A spiritual leak is a term that describes the loss of spiritual vitality and connection with God that can occur when we blame Him for our problems. It is like a hole in our spiritual armor that allows the enemy to infiltrate and attack us.

Spiritual Leaks The Lord said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” Job 40:1-2 Ever had a leaky faucet? If so, you may be aware that ignoring even a small leak can prove costly. When it comes to experiencing God’s peace, there’s ...read more

Scripture: Job 40:1-2, Genesis 3:12-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Power Of The Tongue

Contributed by Dasol Kang on Jun 8, 2025

Control Your Tongue, Before It Controls You

The power of the tongue! Lives have been both lifted and ruined by the tongue. Nations and civilizations have risen and fallen to the tongue. Goodness and mercy have streamed like a gentle river from our speech, but so has a cesspool of filth. The tiny tongue wields a mighty power in our ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Refining And Purification

Contributed by Ron Auch Jr on Oct 27, 2024

I have for you toady a story that illustrates the message of 1 Peter 1:6-7, which speaks of how trials refine and strengthen our faith, much like gold is refined in fire. This story highlights the theme of enduring hardship for a greater purpose.

Refining and Purification ((((SLIDE)))) Todays message comes from 1 Peter 1:6-7: In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, ((((SLIDE)))) 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Rest In Jesus

Contributed by Sylvan Finger on Jun 5, 2024

Why is the Sabbath day celebrated on Sunday? Why are the Pharisees upset with Jesus about working on the Sabbath day? Why are the Pharisees upset with Jesus? Does the law make people well or does grace and mercy make people well?

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. When you hear that you ought to keep the Sabbath Day holy, what does it mean to you? I know for many the first response is we ought to go to church. Sunday is the Lord’s Day so let that be a day dedicated to the Lord and go ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:12-15

Denomination: Lutheran

Thank God For The Fleas

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Nov 18, 2024

A sermon about how to be victorious even when things seem the worst.

“Thank God for the Fleas” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 1st Thessalonians is believed to be the earliest existing letter in the Bible that is written by the Apostle Paul. It was written to a young church that was undergoing tremendous persecution, and they were mourning the loss of a number of their ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Denomination: United Methodist