Sermons on Hard Knocks:

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

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

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

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

Come To The Banquet

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Dec 10, 2021

Jesus gives us a lesson on humility and gives us a look at being a blessing to all people we come into contact with.

Come to the Banquet Luke 14:15-23 Introduction- Good morning church! Some of the best things happen when you hear God’s Word and respond. Wither you are in a church or you are listening by internet, know that God’s Word can change your life forever. To have deep faith is to trust the truth ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:15-23

Denomination: Nazarene

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

The River

Contributed by Dan Farrell on Jul 19, 2001

God wants us to “get into” the River. He wants us to “get into” Him. He wants us to “go Hard after Him”.

INTRODUCTION: God wants us to “get into” the River. He wants us to “get into” Him. He wants us to “go Hard after Him”. The River is the “Moving of/with/to God”... the “Healing of God”... the “Power of God”... the “Life of God”... the “Glory of God”... the “Peace of God”... I. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:10-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

To Force That Which One Loves

Contributed by Créteur Fabien on Dec 2, 2003

There is a way of requesting which speaks to us about love! Let us see that like a relation or communion rather than a task, something of hard to achieve...

CONTRAINDRE LE BIEN AIME Lecture : Cantiques des cantiques 3/1-5 AA peine les avais-je passés, Que j’ai trouvé celui que mon coeur aime; Je l’ai saisi, et je ne l’ai point lâché Jusqu’ ce que je l’aie amené dans la maison de ma mre, Dans la chambre de celle qui m’a conçue.@ La ...read more

Scripture: Song of Songs 3:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Grace-Giver

Contributed by Jared Schroeder on Oct 1, 2004

Grace is sometimes hard to understand and can seem rather uncomfortable at times. But living a life of grace is what Jesus Christ has called us to.

The Grace – Giver Galatians 2:1-10 Introduction What does the Christian Church have to offer that the world cannot offer? What sets Christianity apart from any other religion, society or group? Gordon MacDonald, a Christian author once said this, “The world can do almost anything as well ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:1-10

Denomination: Mennonite

The Examined Life

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Feb 5, 2006

The hard commands of Jesus are best understood as being directed to the church, which should be a Community of Grace. This sermon addresses Jesus’ teaching on lust, sin and adultery.

The Examined Life in the Community of Grace Our key scripture today suggested to me the sermon title, The Examined Life”. You may have heard of this saying by Socrates, an ancient philosopher: “The unexamined life is not worth living." It struck me that, in some very strong language, what ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"See The Land" By Dr. Winson Butler

Contributed by Winson Butler on Sep 21, 2005

Don’t die until you’re dead. Good advice. The children Israel learned this lesson the hard way. Let’s examine it together!

MESSAGES WERE PREACHED @ DINSMORE BAPTIST CHURCH 10500 OLD KINGS ROAD JACKSONVILLE, FL 32219 (each point becomes a main thought in this series) INTRODUCTION The children of Israel were about to be confronted with the greatest descision of their lives. Except the challenge and move on into Canaan ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Father's Day Advice Series

Contributed by Pat Cook on Jun 13, 2003

Letting Jesus tell us how to run our life is hard but fruitful. Trust Him in all things. Fits all groups but targets men.

John 21:1-14 – Father’s Day Advice Someone wrote these humorous words called, "The World According to Dad." These are words that most dads have said at some time or another to their children. - This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you. - Bring back all the change. - How should I know? Ask ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Faith+love=obedience

Contributed by Jeff Pearce on Jul 11, 2009

WE LOVE GOD, WE TRUST GOD, SO WHY DO WE HAVE SUCH A HARD TIME DOING WHAT HE WANTS US TO DO?

FAITH + LOVE= OBEDIENCE 1 JONH 5:1-14 INTRO: IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE DO YOU ALWAYS LISTEN TO THEM? 1: DO I LOVE GOD? A) DO I SEEK HIS WILL FOR MY LIFE? B) DO I CARE OR CONSIDER HOW SOMETHINGS IN MY LIFE MAKE GOD FEEL? C) DO I TRUST GOD WITH MY LIFE? D) HAVE I ASKED GOD TO REVEAL HIS WILL TO ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-14

Denomination: Other

Preaching At An All-Age Service

Contributed by Martin Erwin on Jul 14, 2011

Preaching to an all-age congregation is something we all find hard to do. Here sre some tips on how to make it a positive experience for all.

Preaching at an All-Age service Preaching at an all-age service is for many of us, the most difficult environment in which to speak. I prefer speaking to adults, either in an evangelistic setting, or in Bible teaching. And many of us, though not specialists, can turn our hand at a children’s ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-16, Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Brethren

Perseverance Series

Contributed by Tyler Edwards on May 11, 2009

God is calling us to a relationship with Him but a relationship means nothing without perseverance. Where do we find the strength to carry on through hard times?

5. Spiritual Disciplines Series May 17th, 2009 Perseverance A man is traveling down a long dirt road when he meets a guru. The man asks the guru, "Which way is success?" The bearded sage did not say anything but pointed to a place off in the distance. The man was thrilled by the prospect of quick ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3-14

Denomination: *other