Sermons on Difficult:

Shall I Not Drink The Cup The Father Has Given Me?

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Sep 26, 2013

Jesus faced his cup of suffering willingly. God had a plan and Jesus, as difficult as it was, was willing to carry it out. Jesus needed to teach this lesson to Peter and it's a good lesson for us as well. Are we willing to 'drink our cup'?

“SHALL I NOT DRINK THE CUP THE FATHER HAS GIVEN ME?” John 18:1-14 1) Agony in the garden (vs. 1). John’s gospel doesn’t mention anything about the events that took place in the Garden of Gethsemane before Judas showed up. It’s important to look at what Jesus dealt ...read more

Scripture: John 18:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Can’t Do Everything Won’t Do Anything Syndrome

Contributed by Don Emmitte on May 20, 2014

Our history calls us to an optimism that often is difficult to support. We do live in a changing time. The familiar has gone for most of us. Too often this creates within us a feeling of uncertainty and confusion rather than hope and optimism.

The Can’t Do Everything Won’t Do Anything Syndrome John 6:1-14 Sermon by Don Emmitte – Memorial Day, 2014 – Grace Restoration Ministries Take Your Bibles, Please… After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Fourth Word From The Cross: "Eloi, Eloi, Lema Sabachthani?" Series

Contributed by Ravin Caldera on Apr 18, 2017

This is a reflection on the forth word from the cross, which is a very difficult passage for exposition. These words give a deep expression of faith ("my God, my God"), universal cry for justice ("why") and, words of deep mystery ("have forsaken me").

And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34). As Mark stated, about Jewish ninth hour or in our time three o'clock there was darkness over the whole land—out of darkness and despair ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:33-37

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Palm Branches And Willow Branches

Contributed by Dean Morgan on May 1, 2017

The palm branch was a symbol of triumph and victory in Roman times. The willow represents weeping, sorrow, difficult times. When you come into my presence the Lord said He wanted you to bring a palm branch in one hand and a willow in another.

We need to begin by looking at the context this verse is set in. This is part of the ceremony concerning the Feast of Tabernacles. This festival, which was instituted in grateful commemoration of the Israelites having securely dwelt in booths or tabernacles in the wilderness, was the third of the ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 23:40

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Do You Wanna Get Well?

Contributed by David Henderson on Aug 28, 2018

In this message we look at a question that on the surface is quite odd. I mean if you had been lame for 38 years and someone asked you if you wanted to be well, would that be a difficult question? Perhaps it is harder than we first realize.

“Do you want to be well? John 5:1-17 In our recent study in Nehemiah I showed you this picture of what the wall looked like that Nehemiah and the builders constructed around Jerusalem. This picture shows 10 gates that were used to gain entrance to the city. Each gate had a specific ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

5. The Shield Of Faith Series

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Dec 1, 2019

Merely sort of agreeing with Christian ideas won't carry you far when life gets difficult. The real strength comes when we are solidly connected with our God through a deep and living faith inour hearts.

This morning we'll continue with putting on the armor of God. We live in a world that bombards us with things that battle against our souls. And God has provided armament to be able to resist them, not only to resist, but to stand strong and firm and hold our ground. We start by putting on ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17, Luke 17:5-10

The Days Of Noah

Contributed by Martin Holland on Oct 10, 2012

Noah lived in a very difficult time and yet in so many ways by the descriptions given in the Bible of Noah days we are living in a similar environment. What can we learn from Noah that we might find grace in the eyes of the God?

The Days of Noah Genesis 6:1-13 Mention: Genesis 6:5-6, 11 The state of the world in Noah’s days Questions: • I wonder how many people were upon the earth at this time. Genesis 6:1 Today we know that there is an estimated 6.5 Billion • I wonder how bad it was at this time. We ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 6:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

God Does Wonderful Things Series

Contributed by James Dina on Jul 16, 2020

Only God can perform wonders. Wonders are hard and difficult to perform by man, they are too hard for us; “God said, Is anything too hard for me” (Genesis 18:14).He carries out miraculous works. God is a God of wonder.

GOD DOES WONDERFUL THINGS “Who does great things, and unsearchable, Marvelous things without number” (JOB 5:9) God’s wonders are supernatural acts beyond human understanding. Through extraordinary signs, the God of wonders demonstrates His limitless power, His inescapable presence, His divine ...read more

Scripture: Job 5:9, Genesis 18:14, Job 5:10, Amos 4:7, Isaiah 5:6, Psalm 68:9, Job 38:26, Job 38:37, Joshua 3:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Better: A Call To Goals & Growth

Contributed by Harold Eggar on Jan 3, 2025

All Scripture is taken from the ESV unless otherwise noted. I do not spend much time correcting spelling and grammar in my notes as I deliver these sermons orally. I apologize if that makes this sermon more difficult to follow on paper.

Preached 1/5/25 I do want to say Happy New Year to all of you welcome to 2025, and as a church, we are so glad that you are here with us kicking off this new year being a part of God's family here in Riverton. You know personally I think I've always kind of been a little confused about ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:17-18, 1 Timothy 4:14-15, Luke 2:52, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 1 Corinthians 12:29-31, Philippians 3:13-15, Philippians 3:12, Philippians 3:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Message In 1peter – Number 8 – Woe To You Lazy Ministers And Pastors Who Feed Yourselves And Not The Ones In Your Charge - 1peter 5:1-3 - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 19, 2023

A shepherd must NOT be driven by the world’s agenda or ideology or greed. Righteous paths today are more difficult with all the liberal theology (satanic denial), WOKE, and Marxism pervading society and the church. The pastor must be skilled to lead the sheep in correct ways.

MESSAGE IN 1PETER – NUMBER 8 – WOE TO YOU LAZY MINISTERS AND PASTORS WHO FEED YOURSELVES AND NOT THE ONES IN YOUR CHARGE - 1Peter 5:1-3 - PART 2 THE ROLES OF SHEPHERDS/PASTORS IN THE LORD’S SERVICE [A]. THE INTRODUCTION This message is PART 2 of the previous message all about ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-4, Psalm 23:1-6, Jeremiah 10:21, Jeremiah 12:10, Jeremiah 50:6-7, Ezekiel 34:1-10, Jeremiah 25:34-36, Jeremiah 3:15, Jeremiah 23:3, Jeremiah 23:4, Ezekiel 34:23-24, 1 Peter 5:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Book Of Galatians – Chapter 2:11-21 - Message 5 – Paul Reprimands The Apostle Peter Publicly Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 17, 2023

How do we deal with others in reprimand? How do we deal with serious problems in the church and in Christian lives? It is difficult. In this message Paul had to reprimand Peter publicly because Peter failed in the very matter Paul was fighting against.

THE BOOK OF GALATIANS – CHAPTER 2:11-21 - MESSAGE 5 – PAUL REPRIMANDS THE APOSTLE PETER PUBLICLY We are continuing the series in Galatians, following the letter that deeply impressed Paul’s heart because the gospel he preached was being mangled. In this message Paul had to reprimand Peter ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-13, Acts 10:15, Acts 10:28, Acts 10:34, Acts 11:2-3, James 3:2, Philippians 4:2, Galatians 2:14-18, Galatians 2:19-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Creating A Refuge Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jan 7, 2022

Claiming new spiritual territory is difficult. All who seek to follow Jesus in faithful obedience while walking in hostile territory need a place of refuge. It’s up to the body of Christ to create that safe haven for both ourselves and others.

Conquering the land, or claiming new spiritual territory, involves grueling spiritual labor. We will encounter resistance, or even minor persecution, when sharing the message of salvation in Jesus Christ; and we can grow weary if we do not have times of refreshing. We’ve got to find a safe haven ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 20:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

God Is Our Help In Sorrow

Contributed by Thomas Andrufski on Feb 3, 2021

We all go through difficult times in this world. Quite often it is hard to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. But trust me, or should I say trust the Lord. He will be there with you all the way through the journey of your trial.

Isaiah 35:10 (KJV) And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. We all go through difficult times in this world. Quite often it is hard to see the proverbial ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:10, John 16:20, Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 51:11, John 14:27, 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Revelation 21:4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

Season Of Closed Doors

Contributed by Samuel M on Feb 20, 2024

When every door in our lives seems to be closed, there is always one door that opens, and that is the door to know and seek God. Many saints in the Bible went through this door during their difficult times when all other doors were closed.

When every door in our lives seems to be closed, there is always one door that opens, and that is the door to know and seek God. Many saints in the Bible went through this door during their difficult times when all other doors were closed. Instead of crying for the closed doors, we should go ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 41:40

The Man With The Pitcher, Not The Picture, Just The Pitcher Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 14, 2022

Guidance can be difficult and we may struggle with it. God often send to us the man with a pitcher. We don't have much of a picture of what lies ahead, but the Lord is there. Just take note of the man with a pitcher.

THE MAN WITH THE PITCHER, NOT THE PICTURE, JUST THE PITCHER [1]. THE MESSAGE FROM PILGRIM’S PROGRESS Who has read Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan? I love that book. Many decades ago, and all through the 1800s etc., nearly everyone read Pilgrim’s Progress, even non-Christians. Sometimes in ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 30:18-21, 1 Kings 17:2-9, Mark 14:13-17, Psalm 119:105, Acts 1:4-8, Mark 6:44-45, Acts 10:19, 1 Corinthians 13:10-12, John 16:13, John 15:26, 2 Peter 1:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational