Sermons on Hard Knocks:

Rizpah, A Mother Who Stood Her Ground

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Oct 2, 2015

This is a Mother's Day message that encourages mothers to work hard at their calling to raise their children.

RIZPAH, A MOTHER WHO STOOD HER GROUND TEXT: 2 Samuel 21:10 2 Samuel 21:10 KJV And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Doing The Right Thing

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Aug 12, 2016

It is hard to do the right thing because it does not come naturally, it is from the Lord.

Doing the right thing Selected Scriptures Introduction- I have to tell you that I believe that we have hit a nerve when we began looking at practical ways to experience God. Last week sermon on worship was well received and talked about this past week. It seemed that some were energized ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1

Denomination: Nazarene

Peeling Off The Grime

Contributed by Matthew Blau on Mar 12, 2014

Being born again is like taking a shower after a hard days work

Peeling Off the Grime A side effect of hard physical labor is that we get dirty. Working out leave us sweaty and less than sweet smells. And after awhile, we start to feel as if we can take a putty knife and peel off the grime. I know I am really looking forward to summer. But summers here in ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Denomination: Methodist

It’s Real… Oh Yes, It’s Real!

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 16, 2022

There are some lessons in life that some folks seem to have to learn the hard way.

Illus: A first grade teacher asked her class to write six things in life they had learned the hard way. One little girl jotted these six things down. She had learned: • No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats • When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair • ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

What About That Third Servant?

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 25, 2022

Life on this earth is hard, and acting as a Christian sometimes makes it even more demanding.

Saturday of 21st Week in Course So we’ve all probably read or heard sermons on this parable from Matthew’s Gospel, and typically–to cut to the conclusion–we are told that Christ has given each of us a measure of talent or gifts, and we’d better use them properly. If we do, we get rewarded; if we ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Psalm 33:18-21, Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Catholic

Lessons Learned From A Night Of Failure

Contributed by W. Alderman on Aug 2, 2008

This is a sermon that illustrates the way the Lord cares for his own.

“LESSONS LEARNED FROM A NIGHT OF FAILURE” TEXT: Luke 5:1-11 W. Max Alderman INTRODUCTION: Some of your greatest lessons will be learned at “The University of Adversity”. I have heard people say that they received a degree in “knee-ology” at the “School of Hard-knocks”. The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Why We Preach On Giving

Contributed by Mike Garner on Aug 15, 2006

Why is it so hard for pastors to preach about giving? Why is it so hard for church members to hear about giving? Here are 3 reasons why preachers should NOT apologize for a sermon on giving - from a layperson!

What is On Your Mind? One of the most intriguing challenges for anyone who steps behind one of these (pulpits) is trying to figure out what¡¦s going on in your minds. What are you thinking as we speak? It¡¦s not always easy to read. But there is one time where it¡¦s really not all that hard to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Have We Been Using The Wrong Words?

Contributed by Ray Geide on Feb 16, 2012

Why is the Bible so hard to understand? Why does there seem to be a disconnect between the Bible and reality? Why is the church out of touch with the world around it? The answer to all of these questions is simple, yet hard to stomach.

Have We Been Using the Wrong Words? Why is the Bible so hard to understand? Why does there seem to be a disconnect between the Bible and reality? Why is the church out of touch with the world around it? The answer to all of these questions is simple, yet hard to stomach. We have been ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:8-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How To Convince God

Contributed by Isaac Magsino on Jan 16, 2006

But when you realize that it is God who can rise you up; you suddenly, find yourself ashamed and this could be the reason on why it is hard to be close to Him. You’re thinking that God is hard to convince.

Theme: How to Convince God Text: Genesis 32: 22-31 Place: FBC Kodiak, Alaska Date: January 15, 2k6 Intro: Illus: Three handsome male dogs are walking down the street when they see a beautiful, enticing, female Poodle. The three male dogs fall all over ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:22-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Persistent Prayer

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Nov 4, 2014

Prayer can change circumstances and prayer can change us. The Lord has told us to pray and never give up, both of these things are very hard when you are going through a hard time.

Persistent Prayer Luke 18:1-18:6 Introduction- We will continue to look at Jesus parables and how we can apply his teachings to our life. Last week we looked at honoring God with our lives and make sure that God gets the glory. This week we look at prayer-persistent prayer of the widow. Luke ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Nazarene

12 Blessings From Obeying The Word Of God

Contributed by Randy Bataanon on Nov 29, 2012

If the youth is the future of the nations, then we have to ask this legitimate question: How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psa 119:9

12 BLESSINGS FROM OBEYING THE WORD OF GOD Psalms 119 If the youth is the future of the nations, then we have to ask this legitimate question: How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psa 119:9 Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the scripture and it gives emphasis ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:1-165

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who Does He Think He Is?

Contributed by Bobby Brewer on Feb 3, 2023

After feeding the 5000, the people want more bread. What happens when Jesus says that He's what they need for everlasting life?

Message: Bread of Life part 2 John 6:35-60 Theme: Who does He think He is? Date: Feb 5, 2023 ICEBREAKERS -Read John 6:35-60 and Matthew 11:20-24 -What exactly were the people grumbling about? -Luke 2:19 says that “Mary kept these things (Incarnation) to herself.” Why? -Were there any hurdles you ...read more

Scripture: John 6:35-60

Three Parables, One Message

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Apr 26, 2025

This message is an examination of Luke 15, which contains three parables that communicate the same message.

Please turn with me to Luke 15. We're going to look at this chapter tonight, and I know it's a very familiar chapter, but I want to take a look at it and bring some things out that I pray will bless you and see this chapter in a different light. Most of the time when Luke 15 is taught, the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Arrested By Love Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Jan 10, 2008

God wants to put a stop to our old way of living so that we might experience His restoration and know His love.

Arrested by Love Acts 9:1-19 Intro: In my nearly 40 years, I’ve never been arrested. I did receive 3 speeding tickets and a traffic violation soon after I turned 16. Then I got another speeding ticket 3 years later- back when the interstate was still 55 MPH in ID, rather than 75. Of course I ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-19, Matthew 19:27-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Arested By Love

Contributed by Rev. Timothy Porter on Aug 22, 2014

How God is willing to go for the lost souls

Arrested by Love Acts 9:1-9:19 Introduction: Explain or describe being arrested (how you are taken into custody or apprehended) Ask the question has any one here ever been arrested ?? -The apostle Paul refers to his first encounter with Jesus as an arrest, or as being apprehended by ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational