Sermons on Hard Knocks:

The Laughter Of Disbelief

Contributed by Jim Kane on Nov 25, 2002

Nothing is impossible with God.

This past week during some devotional reading, I read an excerpt from one of Fredrick Buechner’s books entitled, Peculiar Treasures: A Biblical Who’s Who and one of the passages that he addresses in the book is our main passage of this morning. "Quantitatively speaking, you don’t find all that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:1-15

Denomination: Church Of God

Heroes Of The Bible: Ruth Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Feb 24, 2022

The Bible is full of heroes! They don't wear spandex or fly around in capes and cowls, but God empowered these heroes and heroines to accomplish some pretty amazing feats that can inspire us to become heroes of God ourselves. Our next hero is Ruth. (Alliterated Outline, PowerPoint Available)

Heroes of the Bible: Ruth Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 8/15/2021 NOTE: This sermon was adapted from my book, Holy Heroes of the Bible. If it's a blessing to you, please consider buying the book which includes chapters/sermons on 17 additional Bible heroes: ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church

Three Dark Moments Of Jesus' Life: The Falling Away, The Garden, And The Betrayal: Sunset, Early Night, And Deep Night Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Nov 4, 2023

“You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’”

What was your darkest moment in life? When did you hit a sort of rock bottom? I can think a few of moments in my life. I remember when I was 17 years old, I was downstairs in my parents basement. My parents had just split up. I had been bullied a lot in school, until I started doing drugs and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:27, Mark 14:48-52

Denomination: Salvation Army

Is Your Heart Stubborn Or Soft? How To Guard Your Heart Diligently Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 19, 2023

It depends on your heart. The seat of who you are, and your decision making. The heart. It’s about what is in your heart. And what influences your heart has taken in, what is your desire, what is your life pointed at? Where have you taken your heart in your choices?

I was over at cone zone ice cream on Saturday. And I was pulling through the drive through. On the front of my vehicle I have a license plate that says “Jesus Christ is the answer.” I saw a lady with her son look at the license plate and scowl and I could read her lips she said, “no it isn’t.” And ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:1-3, Matthew 6:21, Psalm 119:11

Denomination: Salvation Army

Sermon # 20 - A Repentant Heart Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Oct 25, 2024

Jonah was brought to the depths and after being battered in the belly of a big fish, Jonah repented and turned back to God. Rebellion is detrimental to us and only those who repent and get back to God can fulfill His purposes for their lives.

For this study and meditation we will read, Jonah 1:17, “When Jonah fell into the sea, the LORD chose a very big fish to swallow Jonah. He was in the stomach of the fish for three days and three nights.” (ERV) When Jonah disobeyed God, and voyaged in the opposite direction to the place God bid him ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:17, Jonah 2:1, Psalm 119:144, Judges 16:21, Judges 16:27, Luke 15:15-17, Luke 15:13, Proverbs 20:20-21, Judges 16:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Big Ears Series

Contributed by Andrew Chan on Apr 27, 2004

Message series in book of James: “Extreme Makeover: What Really Looks Good to God” - A church that is in hard times gets a lesson through James on how to grow together as a community of faith with big ears.

Big Ears Message series in book of James: “Extreme Makeover: What Really Looks Good to God” Big word, an in word, in our culture these days is “makeover.” Tummy tucks, lipo-suction, nose jobs, home renos, remodelling of gardens, they are all the rage. Many TV shows that have this theme are ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-20

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Looking Up, When Life Has Got You Down

Contributed by Robert Parker on Jun 30, 2003

No matter what hardships, mistakes or mishaps that can occur in life God allows us to Look up when Life has got us down. A message of encouragement during tough times...

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4: 7 – 10, 14 (4:7) “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (4:8) “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.” (4:9) “Persecuted, but not forsaken; ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18, 1 Peter 4:12-13

Denomination: Christian Church

The Hope In You

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Apr 28, 2008

Hope is the opposite of despair; how can I "sanctify" Christ in my heart so I can defend the Gospel in this despair-filled world?

but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 1 Peter 3: 15 (NRSVA) Hope is the opposite of despair. Charles Swindoll tells the story of a missionary who was sitting by her ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Denomination: United Methodist

Gone With The Wind

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 31, 2005

God uses a surge of problems sometimes to DIRECT us, to INSPECT us, to CORRECT us, to CONNECT US, to PROTECT US, to PERFECT us, & to PROJECT us. Link included to free PowerPoint Presentation and formatted text version.

Gone With The Wind II Cor. 1:8; 4:8-10 --- Link includes formatted text and free PowerPoint... http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Irma.html --- "For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

What Kind Of Student Am I? Teacher?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Apr 26, 2002

We look at what I have learned as a student and teacher.

WHAT AM I LEARNING? TEACHING? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com TEXT: John 7:15 And the Jews marvelled saying, How knoweth this man letters,’having never learned? Phil. 4:9 Those things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, DO: and the God of peace shall be ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:9-11, John 7:15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God Uses The Ordinary

Contributed by Tim Patrick on Mar 3, 2008

Learn how God will use ordinary people in His service.

It is amazing how ordinary people sometimes rise above the masses to accomplish great things. • Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin yet rose to become one of our greatest presidents. • Michael Jordan was cut from his middle school basketball ball team because he was an ordinary player. • Dolly ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:13

Denomination: Baptist

Respect For The Aged Day

Contributed by Davon Huss on Sep 17, 2007

A sermon from Psalm 71 based on David’s elderly life. Let’s look at some identifying marks of this godly old man! Good for Grandparents Day! (Outline taken from Pulpit Commentary, historical setting taken from a few Sermon Central Contributors)

Sermon for 9/16/2007 Psalm 71 Introduction: Jeanne Calment, at 120 years, was the oldest living human whose birth date could be authenticated. When asked to describe her vision for the future, she replied, “Very brief.” When the reporter asked the birthday girl what she like best about being ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 71:1-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Rascal

Contributed by Davon Huss on Nov 19, 2013

A sermon on the parable Jesus told about dishonest manager in Luke 16:1-9 focusing on stewardship theme (First part of sermon from Eugene Peterson's book, Tell It Slant, pg. 99-105; Last part of sermon from Tom Ellsworth's book, Inverted, pg. 107-110)

HoHum: Eugene Peterson- I was approaching John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore looking for a parking place. I was a preacher coming to visit a church member who had recently had surgery. The street was lined with parked cars. I circled the hospital 3 times and no parking place opened up. I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Peace Through Contentment Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jan 11, 2017

Although facing great adversity, Paul had learned to be content. The Lord had been faithful to provide the strength he needed to endure whatever trials or difficulties he faced. We too can learn contentment and receive strength for our trials.

Peace through Contentment Philippians 4: 10-13 Our text today offers a compelling and intimate look within the heart of Paul. This letter to the Philippian church was penned from a Roman prison. Paul was bound, and unable to minister freely as he once did. The possibility of execution loomed each ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Pursuit Of Excellence: "Finishing Life Well"

Contributed by Reverend Cooper Mcwhirter on Sep 27, 2016

Mediocrity is NOT an option!

Sermon Preached at Grace Community Church (EPC) Sun City Grand, Surprise, AZ Sunday, April 17, 2016 by the Reverend Cooper McWhirter The Pursuit of Excellence: “Finishing Life Well!” [Part Two] Philippians 3:12-21 My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Seibing, was a real taskmaster! But as ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed