Sermons on Difficult:

When Disaster Strikes

Contributed by James Chandler on Apr 20, 2003

This message based around the story of Lazarus will share five essential principles to making it though difficult times in our lives!

When Disaster Strikes John 11:1-45 The following was written by Jack Jordan newspaper editor recording the events of April 3, 1974. An uneasiness nagged at me as I checked over proofs for the next day’s paper. It was Wednesday, April 3, 1974 about 4 o’clock on a gray afternoon. More than 100 ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Do Our Loved Ones Know What's Happening To Us Now? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 1, 2003

This message explores the difficult question of whether those in heaven can still see what’s going on here on earth.

There is a romantic notion of those in heaven “looking over the balcony rail of heaven” and watching over us throughout our lives. Is that a biblical notion? The Bible does not address the question directly, but this morning I want to examine some of the relevant passages to answer this ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

How To Be Joyful No Matter What Happens

Contributed by Fernando Cabrera on Oct 27, 2004

Philippians chapter 1 give us what we need to stay joyful, regardless how difficult like becomes.

How to Be Joyful No Matter What Philippians 1 • Most people don’t enjoy life • Just look at people at the subway: hard faces, grin, baptize in vinegar The 4 keys for a joyful life 1. The Right Perspective (1:12-14) a. What do you see when you are confronted with the worst? i. Myth: Life must ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Thanksgiving Declaration

Contributed by Kent Lenard on Nov 25, 2002

The need for giving thanks is vital to Chrisitan growth, but those who have much seem to find it more difficult to be thankful.

Thanksgiving Declaration Eph 5:19 - 20, 1 Thes 5:16-18, Psa 100:1 - 5, Rom 1:21, Th 5:18 November 18, 2002 I. On Sept 16, 1620 Two ships sailed from Plymouth England, The Speedwell and the Mayflower. The Speedwell had a lot of problems as they started among them were many leaks springing in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Romans 1:21

Denomination: Baptist

Broadway Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on May 29, 2005

Why is the narrow way the road less traveled? Because 1. It is difficult. 2. It is against the majority. 3. It includes persecution.

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). (A spontneous skit can be done here. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14

Denomination: Methodist

Love Your Enemies? Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Sep 27, 2011

This message is the second in a series that deals with some of the difficult sayings of Jesus. This message deals with Jesus’ call to love your enemies.

Sometimes we hear something that sounds so unreasonable our response is, “You have got to be kidding.” I believe in our text we encounter Jesus saying something that really sounds unreasonable. In fact this statement goes against what we consider to be reasonable. This statement goes against ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-44

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Look Back?? Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Sep 27, 2011

This message is the fifth in a series that deals with some of the difficult sayings of Jesus. This message looks at Jesus' warning in regard to looking back.

At first glance Jesus sounds very harsh as He addresses someone that sincerely wanted to follow Him. What’s wrong with wanting to tell His family goodbye? In 1978 the Little River Band wrote a song that describes a great tendency that many of us have. Listen to these few lines from this song. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:61-62

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

You're Not The Boss Of Me

Contributed by Kelly Benton on Jan 10, 2012

To share how we can overcome difficult times by Soaking in God's Word, Soaking in Prayer, and soaking in service to God.

You’re not the boss of me. This is a phrase that most of us parents have more than likely heard from our children when speaking to one another. I believe that most kids will learn this phrase and use it towards their siblings more than any other phrase. It seems to me that this is one of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:9-11

Denomination: Other

Defeating Your Own Personal Drought

Contributed by Kelly Benton on Aug 2, 2011

To share how we can overcome difficult times by Soaking in God's Word, Soaking in Prayer, and Soaking in service to God.

Someone published this request online: “Please pray for rain: "It’s so dry in Tennessee that the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling; the Methodists are using wet-wipes; the Presbyterians are giving out rain-checks; and the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Other

Habakkuk's Powerful Prayer

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Aug 28, 2007

This message deals with Habakkuk’s prayer and how we can look to God to strengthen our faith in difficult times.

"HABAKKUK’S POWERFUL PRAYER" Habakkuk 3 INTRO – Life is full of questions, isn’t it? Some questions are unimportant. Others have life-changing, life-altering implications. And then there are those questions that sound relatively unimportant, but definitely have life-changing implications. ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Surrendering

Contributed by Sam Peters on Mar 1, 2007

Too often when we are confronted with a difficult situation we strive to solve it ourselves instead of letting God be God.

Surrendering – Let Go, Let God Text – Daniel 6:10, 16-24 Situation: Your company has made announcements that it is cutting 100 jobs across the company in an effort to trim expenses and increase shareholder equity. The cuts will be made after upper management reviews employee performance. What do ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 6:10-24

Sometimes God Says No

Contributed by John Petty on Jan 12, 2010

In a world of greed and materialism it’s difficult for us to accept "no" from God. But sometimes God says no.

I made a statement last week in the message that I want to repeat this morning … “Sometimes, God says no.” And what I want to do this morning is give us a couple of the many examples of God saying no. Moses’… It was Moses hearts’ desire to go into the Promised Land but because he didn’t follow ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Denomination: Church Of God

Finding Our Way

Contributed by Chris Stevens on Feb 10, 2007

Finding our way through life can be difficult, unless we have someone to light our way for us.

Finding our way through life we have many tools: • On the road: o Road Signs o Maps o Ask for directions o Directions from officials • Raising children: o Handbooks by the experts o Advice from “parents” and “grand-parents” o Our kids.  o Those who don’t have children The “old time” cars ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

It's A Wonderful Life In The Face Of Trouble Series

Contributed by Randall Bergsma on Dec 19, 2006

Life is difficult. Christmas can bring crisis for many. But it can still be wonderful because God came in Jesus to be with me.

Intro: Have you ever felt you might be better off dead than alive? The struggles of life seem to surmount the beauties of life and you begin to wonder “what’s the point?” That’s what happened to Geoge Bailey in the classic film It’s a wonderful Life. In this scene your about to see, George, who ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:1-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Family & Job Relationships Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 25, 2005

Learn how to get along as parents and children - and how to deal with a difficult boss at work in this practical guide to everyday living.

At church everyone is at their best behavior (most of the time) - hair combed, attitudes straight (after the argument in the car on the way). We come in and look and act so pious and pure. But when does our real character reveal itself? At home - and sometimes on the job. Overbearing parents, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-9

Denomination: Calvary Chapel