Sermons on Hard Message:

"But Jesus...: Faith In The Face Of Reason"

Contributed by Keith Manry on Mar 21, 2002

In the struggles and hard times of our lives, we are called to look beyond our own understanding, beyond our reasoning and recognize that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. In your life if you have not already experienced them, times wil

“‘But Jesus…’: Faith in the Face of Reason” Mark 6:30-44 For many people, the events of this fall have resulted in changed lives. In the beginning of September we traveled on airlines without fear and seldom gave thought to things like anthrax and small pox. Before September 11th, few people knew ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:30-44, Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Methodist

I Know My Redeemer Lives Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 30, 2002

Beyond all of the cultural reasons to come to Easter worship, we come to know that our lives are anchored. But it’s hard to know. Job points the way by affirming a redeemer despite the lack of evidence. Today we know a living redeemer, life changer.

 I If I were to ask you why you’ve come here today, how would you answer? Tell the truth, now; you’re in church. What do you expect and why are you here today? I’d guess that a number of us would give out what Mayor Williams calls the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:11-12, Job 19:23-27

Denomination: Baptist

Trusting God

Contributed by Jeffrey Cox on Sep 15, 2003

Jesus states in Matthew that even though you worked miracles, if you do not “know” God, you will be sent away on the day of judgement. If you know Him, you will know that trusting him is the best thing for you to do, and it won’t be hard to do

Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” He only knows those who trust in him. Knowing him is quite important: see below. Matthew 7:21,22,23 (21)“Not everyone that says ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but ...read more

Scripture: Nahum 1:7, Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In The Sinew That Shrank..." By Dr. E. Winson Butler

Contributed by Winson Butler on Aug 4, 2004

The strength of a man consists in finding out the way God is going and going that way! Jacob learned the hard way. Had he followed God without reservation, he may not of walked with a limp for the rest of his life. Let’s examine the story together!

Introduction Going God’s way is not only the best way but the only way! It’s when we look back we say, "I wish I had followed God..." Jacob knew the feeling too well. A person is never what he ought to be until he is doing what he ought to be doing. Jacob was neither. In other words it took a bit ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:31-32

Denomination: Baptist

"Without God..."

Contributed by Winson Butler on Apr 21, 2004

In the 21st Century it’s hard to think of anyone living in our world without some modern convenience. More tragically would be someone living with everything made modern possibily and without the most important thing in his or her life, God.

"Without God..." Ephesians 2:12 -Dr. E. Winson Butler- Introduction I. Can you imagine it, anyone, someone living without at least one modern convienence in this world of ours. Running water, a bed, a clock. To many this would be horrible. Yet no one takes the time to think what life would be ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:12

Denomination: Baptist

The Heart Of Followership

Contributed by Robert Garrett on Apr 11, 2005

God’s people encounter things that are indeed very hard to handle. We come upon situations daily that we struggle especially in regard to our relationships. Jesus looks for five main qualities in the hearts of his disciples as he called them to followe

INTRO. Many times in life we encounter things that are indeed very hard to handle. We come upon situations daily that we struggle especially in regard to our relationships at work, school in our homes and even here in God’s church family. Often we are placed in situations where we are not in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Finding Peace In The Midst Of The Storm Series

Contributed by Richard Goble on Mar 20, 2008

It’s hard to know what to do when the storms of life come our way. In Peter’s attempt to walk on the water we discover some valuable principles that will help us face those storms while giving glory to our Lord.

Title: Finding Peace In The Midst Of The Storm Series: God Uses Broken Vessels Text: Matthew 14:22-32 Introduction Tom Dooley was a young doctor who organized hospitals, raised money, and literally poured out his life in the service of the afflicted peoples of Southeast Asia. Here was a man ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-32

Denomination: Baptist

How To Stop Strife Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 21, 2003

Nehemiah has to put down his hard hat and turn his attention from the construction of the wall to the walls that were being put up between his workers. While their external enemies helped to rally the people, internal conflict threatened to divide and de

How to Stop Strife As we continue in our series through the Book of Nehemiah, we’ve learned that Nehemiah confronted a different challenge in each chapter: • In chapter one, he was faced with a personal challenge. When he heard about what was happening in Jerusalem, he sat down and wept and then ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Whatever Happened To Sin?

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Sep 12, 2010

Preachers once preached against sin and God’s people felt the weight of guilt and shame for their sin. In our world today we have a hard time finding someone willing to admit to sinning. The question must be asked “Whatever has happened to sin?”

Whatever Happened to Sin? 1 JOHN 3:1-4 Introduction: President Calvin Coolidge was well-known for being a man of few words, reticent, and straight to the point. There’s a story that after attending church one day, someone apparently asked him what the preacher had preached about. “Sin,” Mr. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Three Simple Rules (Part Three) First, "Do No Harm" (Conclusion) Series

Contributed by Carl Greene on Jul 4, 2008

Based upon the book "Three Simple Rules" "A Wesley Way of Living" by Rueben P. Job. This third in a multi part series continues and concludes our examination of the first of the three rules. "Do No Harm." Sounds simple, easy to understand, hard to prac

Three Simple Rules A Wesleyan Way of Living Based on the book of the same name by Ruben P. Job REVIEW OF LAST WEEK We are exploring John Wesley’s “Three Simple Rules” Do no harm, Do Good and Stay in love with God. Last week we began with “Do no Harm.” We remembered the response of Jesus when ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-15

Denomination: Methodist

Family Comes From The Heart Of God

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Aug 31, 2019

It can be hard to understand what God is like, but Genesis tells us that we are created in God's image and we know that God is love. When we love our families and others, we experience something important of what God is like.

Open your bulletins and look at the two Bible verses at the top of our worship liturgy for today, in the box that says, “Words to Ponder.” We have all heard those two verses many times before, but I want to be sure you understand some amazing things in them this morning. Could we read them ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-19, Genesis 1:26-27

Godly Dads

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jun 13, 2012

Being a good father or mother is one of life’s most important privileges. But being a father or mother is also one of life’s most difficult responsibilities. It is easy to become a biological father, but hard to become a really good father. Some of you we

Opening illustration: Play a video on imitation. Introduction: Now in this text of Scripture Paul compares himself to a father of the Corinthian believers. He was not their biological father, but he was a spiritual father to them. He was instrumental in bringing them to faith in Christ. Through ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lessons To Be Learned

Contributed by Carl Allen on May 12, 2008

Today there are all kinds of views of what a perfect pastor should be like and look like. And there is, no doubt, all sorts of advice available today on how a minister can be sure to fulfill his calling. But I think one will be hard pressed to find bett

Lessons to be Learned 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Intro Today there are all kinds of views of what a perfect pastor should be like and look like. And there is, no doubt, all sorts of advice available today on how a minister can be sure to fulfill his calling. But I think one will be hard pressed to find ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Change Management Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Mar 30, 2009

Many of us have a hard time managing change. But God is the change management expert of all time. He uses a special secret to help bring about change that is just awesome and answers some basic problems we have with living life here.

Chapter 8 of Romans is all about how to live a life dedicated to loving and serving God while living in a fleshly body in a world opposed to Him and facing an enemy bound and determined to thwart your efforts and God’s to change you from your image into His. Seems like the cards are stacked ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-30

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

God Gives Reassurance Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on May 29, 2022

Abraham had some tremendous high points, but he had low points too. Knowing that will help us when you are not experiencing victory after victory. Sometimes you do not see everything you are trusting God for, and it is hard to have faith.

God said it. I believe it. That settles it. That is a bold statement. You can order a bumper sticker that has this declaration of faith. However, are there times we need reassurance from God? Abraham might have ordered a bumper sticker for his camel that said: God, you said it. I heard it. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-18, Romans 4:23

Denomination: Baptist