Sermons on Hard Knocks:

The Upper Class Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 26, 2021

It is hard for modern American Christians to get their minds open to the mind of Christ on this issue because it goes against the grain of our culture. The New Testament, however, is loaded with teachings about being servants.

When soldiers for the 6th Massachusetts Militia were attacked, and many were wounded at the start of the Civil War, they were brought to Washington, D. C. Clara Barton had been a teacher in Massachusetts, and she recognized some of the wounded soldiers as her former students. She went to the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:24-30

Thankfulness Makes You Full Inside

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Nov 14, 2019

We can only get so far towards becoming new by trying hard or getting educated. The real power comes from inside, a changed heart, and thankfulness is a key to a changed heart.

There was a time when I thought that if we wanted to change our lives, to start good habits, or to break bad habits, all we had to do was decide to do it. We just had to choose. I come from a family with a lot of will power. But the more I have had to wrestle with my own weaknesses, the more I ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:3-4

Assurance Of Our Life

Contributed by Rev. Duraimony Dickson on Nov 14, 2020

We are blessed with the assurance of life and Christ. Our lives are blessed and made anew. No matter how hard our situations may seem, we have the assurance that Christ is always by our side.

Assurance of our Life Ephesians 2:4-10 “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all day long!” Fanny J. Crosby wrote over 8000 hymns ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:5, Ephesians 2:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Discovering Hope In A World Of Despair

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 3, 2022

Hope in Christ stands as doorway to peace and as the answer of the need of the human spirit. Hope is what people need right now, and hope is so hard to find apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sermon – Discovering Hope In A World of Despair Scripture Lesson -Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace[a] with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5, Romans 15:13, John 14:6, John 16:33

Denomination: Methodist

Finding God In The Wilderness

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Jul 4, 2021

When we are going through hard times is not the time to start looking for the Lord. It is before so that He can help us through the tough times and walk us through with His Presence.

Finding God in the wilderness Exodus chapter 3 Welcome to Rosedale! Good Morning! Almost two years to the day as I began to preach, there was a medical emergency and one of our people was taken by ambulance and almost died. We had to stop the service for her to get the care she needed. She was ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-12

Denomination: Nazarene

Lover Of Knowledge Or Plain Stupid. Series

Contributed by Claude Alexander on Nov 18, 2021

Wisdom seems hard to obtain. Wisdom is different than having knowledge. Knowledge is defined as having information through experience, reasoning or acquaintance. Whereas wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is true.

Lover of knowledge or plain stupid. Prov. 12:1-10 The topic of wisdom comes up over and over again throughout the pages of Scripture. In fact one whole book (Proverbs) is devoted to the topic . Wisdom seems hard to obtain. Wisdom is different than having knowledge. Knowledge is defined as ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 12:1-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God's Favor Does Not Mean A Straight Line Lesson 5 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 24, 2023

Hard times and trials do not mean loss of God’s favor. God’s favor means His presence, His guidance, His work through you, and your inner strength.

A. INTRODUCTION: WHAT GOD’S FAVOR IS NOT 1. Even in prison. “The Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy and gave him favor” (Genesis 39:21). 2. Joseph’s road down: a. Joseph’s favored status with his father. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children” (Genesis 37:3). Favoritism ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 9:21, Genesis 39:21

Denomination: Baptist

Your Money Or Your Life?

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 25, 2023

Jesus asks us to hold ALL of God’s gifts lightly, to be ready to give them up, if necessary, to follow him. But it’s hard. And the more you have, the harder it is.

Do any of you remember the story of the poor fisherman and his wife, who caught a magic fish, who granted them 3 wishes? Or Aladdin and his wonderful lamp (not the Disney version)? Or all the other fairy tales involving magic and wishes and unexpected consequences? When I was young I used to spend ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Dancing With Wolves

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jun 17, 2023

The false prophets dance around the cost of discipleship, but dancing slippers don’t suit the hard road that leads to the narrow gate, and the wolves never warn their people that they need hiking boots instead

I am trying to navigate the theological tsunami that is threatening to permanently alter the face of our denomination. The amendments to the constitution regarding ordination standards, diversity, inclusiveness, interpretation of Scripture, and so on, are incredibly important to our identity as a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:15-19, Revelation 22:18-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

To Mom And Dad With Love Series

Contributed by Wes Humble on Nov 11, 2006

Sermon on the Fifth Commandment

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God will give you.” Exodus 20:12 A mother that had scrimped and saved to put her son through college sat in her son’s graduation. She watched as he walked across the platform and received his degree with ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:12

Denomination: *other

Avoiding Costly Mistakes At All Costs: Our Plans Series

Contributed by Don Jones on Aug 20, 2006

Series focuses Biblical characters who made serious mistakes and what we can do to avoid them and better follow Christ.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes at All Costs - Our Plans Genesis 15-16 Pastor Don Jones West Glendale Baptist Church The word disciple occurs in the New Testament 261 times. Jesus called His disciples and Jesus calls us to be disciples. The Greek word for disciple is properly translated, "learner". ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Let Go Of The World Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jul 9, 2001

"JESUS is ENOUGH!!" The first 2 chapters in Colossians hit hard the truth, now that we know this truth - HOW - should it effect our lives. This is what we’ll be doing the next 4 weeks... (Jesus is Enough - Part 4)

Jesus Is Enough - Part 4 "Therefore, LET GO Of the WORLD" Colossians 3:1-11 Okay, here we go....This is week four in our study of the book of Colossians, a study we are calling; "Jesus is enough." Remember, Paul wrote this letter to the church in Colosse because false teachers had come into ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Easter 2022

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Apr 13, 2022

"What God has shared with you in the Light, do not forget in the darkness." The is the overall message from this Easter sermon. When we have hard times, do not forget what Jesus has already spoken into our lives.

Easter 2022 Scripture: John 8:12; Mark 10:32-34; 16:9-11; James 1:2-3 I want to thank Pastor Cynthia for her continuing to cover for me as I travel back and forth to Tennessee for the next several months. It is a blessing to have someone that you can depend on when you need them most. Thank ...read more

Scripture: John 8:12, Mark 10:32-34, James 1:2-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Mind Control 7 Series

Contributed by Clyde White on Mar 11, 2006

A mature Believer must have the hard steel of discernment and perseverance blended together with the soft steel of humility. True humility is not a groveling, self-despising spirit. It is a right estimate of ourselves, as God sees us.

Proper perspective brings assurance and confidence. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-17

The Dance Series

Contributed by David Flowers on Jan 31, 2006

Intimacy is one of the hardest things we are called to in this life. Because it’s hard, we engage in a dance - drawing close, backing away, drawing close, etc. Is there any way to stop the cycle?

The Dance Prt. 1 of series Life After the Wedding Wildwind Community Church David Flowers January 22, 2006 Video – What makes a good marriage? Almost everybody knows what makes a good marriage. Isn’t it amazing that there are so many divorces and bad marriages? Think about those two facts. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:20-23

Denomination: Free Methodist