Sermons on Hard Knocks:

Facing Hard Times Series

Contributed by Dr. Lewis W. Gregory on Oct 28, 2015

When it comes to disasters and accidents there are 2 ways to look at it: Mans way or Gods way. Whatever the problem God has a solution. He is the Master fixer upper. But you must learn to cooperate with God so He can bring the total restoration.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD” Isaiah 55:8. I. Reevaluating-Getting man’s perspective “He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him” Proverbs 18:13. A. Premature judgments B. Overreactions C. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Hard Side Of Christmas

Contributed by Michael Luke on May 29, 2016

Every instance of our lives is part of a greater spiritual conflict. The first Christmas was no exception.

Open There is the beautiful side of Christmas. It’s found in Luke's gospel. Luke’s account of the first Christmas is a love story set to music. There are angels coming and going. They’re singing and lighting up the sky. There are shepherds coming to visit. There is a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:9-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Value Of Hard Work

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Nov 13, 2016

Serving the Lord is a lifelong mission, although the nature of the work may change. God only holds us responsible for what we can do. Yet, if we pay attention, he will provide an opportunity to serve him every day in some way. (Great for Labor Day)

The Value of Hard Work 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Today we will focus on the cure for idleness, and here are my favorite thoughts on the subject: “Yesterday I did nothing and today I'm finishing what I did yesterday.” “If I won the award for laziness, I would send somebody to pick ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Truth Can Be Hard

Contributed by John Hamby on Jan 16, 2017

John the Baptist confronts the people with the truth, that they need to repent.

“The Truth Can Be Hard” Luke 3:1-20 This morning you we are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Sowing In Hard Places

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Aug 6, 2012

SOWING BY ITS VERY NATURE IS ABOUT GETTING WHAT YOU WANT TO HAVE, NOT WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. You sow into dirt because you want strawberries. Three principles that show how hard sowing can be: The principle of death; delay; and the principle of deceit.

Sowing in Hard Places How many of you have heard a preacher somewhere tell you that you want to sow your seed into good soil so that you can receive a good harvest? Makes sense that we should sow our seed into the best soil possible doesn’t it? No farmer in his right mind sows seed into bad soil. ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:6

Denomination: Pentecostal

Asked For A Hard Thing!

Contributed by Bala Samson on May 29, 2015

Great things don’t come easy, we’ve got to strive hard to attain them! Are you hearing please?Come on, be feisty, gutsy, dig in hard, and don’t give up!

Hard thing! 2 King 2:10” And he said, "You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so." Hey friend, Great things don’t come easy, we’ve got to strive hard to attain them! Are you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Need For Hard Teachings Series

Contributed by Scott Burr on Nov 19, 2012

Jesus, Himself, did not shy away from teaching hard truths. He was never worried that the crowds would quit coming if He preached truths that were hard to accept. Rather He used those teachings to qualify those who called themselves His disciples.

“On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the ...read more

Scripture: John 6:60-66

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Unity Is Hard To Come By Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Sep 6, 2014

A sermon on barriers to unity (adapted from Daniel Overdorf's book, Rediscovering Community, chapter 10 Graciously United, pages 308-314)

HoHum: Daniel Overdorf- A few years ago I visited a couple in their home. Both husband and wife had lived most of their lives apart from Christ and His church. Their marriage- a second marriage for both- had grown rocky. The 50 year old husband faced a frightening battle with cancer, and neither ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

That Story Is Hard To Swallow!

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Sep 8, 2013

Maybe one of the reasons we don’t pray for our enemies or witness to them (The ones who have hurt us, talked about us, lied about us, been mean to us) is, because deep down inside, we are afraid that they will repent and God will forgive them instead of punish them!!

Jonah 4:1-11-But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

When Belief Is Hard Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Apr 16, 2015

Sometimes belief is just plain hard - just ask Thomas (a 1st person sermon)

“Getting Into Shape: When Belief Is Hard” John 20:19-31 I’m grateful you’re here today. Some of you are here because you want to hear what I have to say – you’re curious; some of you are here to check out what I have to say – you’re suspicious. ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Hard Message Of Change

Contributed by John Bright on Jan 2, 2021

Sermon for the first Sunday of 2021

“A Hard Message of Change” Luke 3:7-9 A sermon for 1/3/21 Pastor John Bright Luke 3 “7 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:7-9, 2 Corinthians 6:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Methodist

Hard Things To Understand

Contributed by James May on Jun 2, 2024

There are many hard to understand words in the Bible, but all of it can be understood if we will allow the Spirit of God to dwell in us and open the eyes of our understanding, and then receive it as Truth.

Hard Things to Understand Many people in the world reject the truths of God’s word simply because they find it impossible to understand. Although there have been many translations and versions created in order to help us read the word, because even in the church you would find that multitudes of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:3-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

Hard And Bitter Truths

Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on Jan 16, 2025

The church as an agent of moral and spiritual transformation is becoming lukewarm. Hard and bitter truths are no longer preached in many churches. The church must wake up and once again shake the world like the days of the Apostles.

TEXT: 2 Cor 7:8-10 (NLT) "I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:8-10, 1 Corinthians 5:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Hard Work Of Trust

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Mar 16, 2021

God teaches us to trust in him and in his Son our Saviour. God tells us that anxious care and bitter sighing won’t help. Discontentment will get us nowhere, but only humble trust and steadfast faith.

Have you ever felt like complaining against the LORD? Maybe you’ve prayed and prayed, but the answer that you wanted hasn’t come. Or you don’t like what God has brought into your life: lots of disappointment, lots of frustration. Or maybe you look at all the wickedness in the world, and you fear ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:26-39, Habakkuk 2:2-4

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed