Sermons on Hard Challenges:

Run Hard To The Finish

Contributed by Chew Chew on Aug 2, 2007

To challenge the students to make a decision to run right up to the finish and to encourage those that are dropping out of the race to come back right on.

Text: 2 Timothy 4: 6-8 Title: Running Hard to the Finish Objective: To challenge the students to make a decision to run right up to the finish and to encourage those that are dropping out of the race to come back right on. Introduction Before I began with the actual preaching of the word, I ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Growing Up Is Hard To Do Series

Contributed by Rodney Coe on Feb 13, 2015

An introduction to James that challenges us to grow up in our walk of faith.

Growing Up is Hard to Do James 1:1 The history books paint Hernando Cortez as a ruthless explorer. He conquered the Aztecs, Mexico and Cuba. On February 10, 1519 he said this; “We are on a crusade. We are marching as Christians into a land of infidels.” We start today a sermon ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

"being A Christian Is Hard"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Feb 20, 2019

The challenge of following Christ.

“Being a Christian is Hard” Luke 6:27-38 Someone said to me this week, “Being a Christian is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” and I would have to agree with them. Jesus says: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38

Denomination: United Methodist

Work Hard, Pray Hard

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 21, 2006

We serve God and others in our daily labors and activities. As we share God’s love and the good news of Jesus Christ, God calls us to work hard and pray hard.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26, 12:9-14 “Work Hard, Pray Hard” INTRODUCTION For over one hundred years, the people of the United States have celebrated Labor Day on the first Monday of September. Labor Day began as a concession by the government for its poor, violent handling of the Pullman Railroad ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

Denomination: Lutheran

Hard Words To Hard Hearts

Contributed by Greg Nance on Mar 15, 2008

Jesus words of rebuke in Luke 11 hit the nerve. Those he spoke to were determined to get revenge. If only they could have seen who He is. If only we could see today.

We are entering the middle of Luke’s gospel now and already Jesus is engaging battle with the Jewish leaders. This is an ongoing battle that will ultimately lead to Jesus’ crucifixion and he knows it well, but does not show any signs of shrinking back. Jesus’ very presence should command respect, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:14-54

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Hard Sermon For A Hard Heart Series

Contributed by Hugh W. Davidson on Jun 13, 2020

Ahab was the quintessential bad example

Ahab I Kings 21:1-19 The party aboard ship was in full swing. Speeches were being made by the captain, the crew, and all the guests were really enjoying the week-long voyage. Sitting at the head table was a seventy-year-old man ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 21:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

A Hard Prayer For A Hard Time Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Aug 23, 2025

In the difficult but necessary words of Psalm 58, we learn how to cry out for God's intervention when it feels as though corrupt rulers and injustice have completely taken over the world.

A Hard Prayer for a Hard Time: Crying Out for God's Justice Introduction: A Difficult Psalm Some psalms are like gentle streams; they comfort and refresh our souls. Others are like a roaring fire, speaking of God's majesty and glory. And then there are psalms like Psalm 58. This psalm is ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Making Hard Choices

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 1, 2009

Today’s world is filled with energy-saving devices that make life easier, but there is something to be said for embracing life’s challenges. The apostle Paul found serving Christ hard, but he didn’t see it as a cause of discouragement. The goal was worth

Opening illustration: On September 12th, 1962, President JF Kennedy delivered a speech at Rice University in Houston, TX, about the difficult challenges facing the nation. He also shared his passion for the US to place a man on the moon. In balancing the needs of his people with the desire to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Advancing Through The Challenges Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Jul 14, 2022

In today’s text I’m more interested in noting the message to the Philippians that can FUEL THEIR FAITH … Paul’s message is that Christians are Advancing Through The Challenges.

Advancing Through The Challenges Philippians 1:12-20 Introduction American Ninja Warrior is a television show in its 14th season on NBC. People as young as 15 years old from all over America compete on the world’s most difficult obstacle courses. “A top prize of $1 million ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Loving God When Life Is Hard

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Aug 24, 2014

Loving God when life is easy is no challenge. Loving God when life is horrible - that's a challenge that God equips us for.

Sermon for Outdoor Service – “Loving God When Life is Hard” – August 24, 2014 No matter where we were to find ourselves at any one moment on this planet, we would discover that we have a great many things in common with every other human there. We all need to eat, sleep, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Life Is Hard

Contributed by Rakesh Sharma on Oct 25, 2024

As we navigate through difficult seasons, let us remember that faith is not the absence of doubt but the perseverance through it. Trust in God's goodness, rely on your community, and keep your eyes on His miracles, for in every challenge lies the opportunity for profound growth.

>> Opening Bible Reading Luke 7:18-23 18 John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 19 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:18-23, Genesis 3:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Staying Positive In Hard Times PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Encourage believers to persevere through life's challenges with joy, rely on God's strength, and find contentment in His provision, as guided by the scriptures.

Good morning, church family! You know, life can sometimes feel like a marathon, right? We’re running, we’re striving, we’re trying our best to keep going, but we inevitably hit those moments where we just feel like giving up. But let me share with you a nugget of wisdom that has been a source of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-4

Topics: Perseverance

7 Hard And Difficult Things You Must Do To Stay Ahead As A Leader Series

Contributed by Dag Heward-Mills on Jan 5, 2011

By choosing hard and difficult things instead of nice and easy things you will make yourself a natural leader. Most people choose nice and easy things. That is why most people are on the broad and easy way that leads to Hell.

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. John 12:27 By choosing hard and difficult things instead of nice and easy things you will make yourself a natural leader. Most people choose nice and easy things. That is why ...read more

Scripture: John 12:27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Hard Lessons About Hard Times Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 9, 2015

Trials are designed to teach us so that our conduct and character change.

Hard Lessons About Hard Times 1 Peter 4:12-19 Rev. Brian Bill March 7-8, 2015 Several years ago I took one of our daughters to a Demolition Derby. I loved watching the drivers demolish and destroy one another. We saw some great smash-ups and did a lot of laughing. I didn’t know much about ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

No Mountain Too High For God SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 12, 2023

In the book of Genesis, we are asked if there is anything too hard for the Lord. Jeremiah provides us with the answer in Jeremiah 32:17, affirming that there is nothing too hard for Him! Our faith can often be tested, especially when we face towering challenges. However, we must remember that no mountain is too high for God.

Introduction: In the book of Genesis, the question is asked, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" In Jeremiah 32:17, we find the answer that there is nothing too hard for God. Our faith is often tested when we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, but we can trust that God will give us victory ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:17

Topics: Faith, Overcoming Challenges