Sermons on Hard Pressed:

Desirable Determination Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 4, 2021

The old saying that where there is a will there is a way is confirmed over and over again. People with a spirit of determination are doing the improbable all the time, and by the grace and providence of God, sometimes even the impossible.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn is one of the great modern examples of the power of determination. He served time in the Siberian waste land for making a disparaging remark about Stalin in a letter. He endured six years of imprisonment, when he suddenly discovered the joy of writing. He was suffering for ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:14-22

The Half Gospel Church

Contributed by David Dunn on Jan 8, 2026

Discipleship begins where control ends. Trust is revealed not by belief, but by movement

Introduction We live in a time that prizes manageability above almost everything else. We want lives that are controllable, predictable, and efficient. We value systems that reduce friction and minimize risk. We are constantly offered ways to simplify what feels demanding, streamline what feels ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23, John 10:27, Hebrews 3:7-8, Matthew 4:19, 2 Corinthians 5:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Call Of The Father Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 19, 2017

God shows the loving Call of the Father in declaring His actions in 1) The Past (Hosea 11:1-4), 2) Present (Hosea 11:5-7) and 3)Future (Hosea 11:8-11) dealings with His children.

If you spend time around groups of kids, be it in sports, music, social or other setting, you will quickly notice some interesting interactions. One that I have seen repeated time and time again revolves around how parents treat their own children when other children are around. If they are in a ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 11:1-9

Denomination: Other

The Widow's Might Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 8, 2014

Should the congregation have an "Order of Widows" to serve within the assembly?

“Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:9-16

Denomination: Baptist

Following The Master Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 30, 2019

1) Loving Christ more than everything else (John 21:15–17), 2) Being willing to sacrifice everything for Christ (John 21:18–19a), 3) Following Christ’s Leading (John 21:19b–25).

John 21:15-25 [15] When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." [16] He said to him a second time, "Simon, ...read more

Scripture: John 21:15-25

Denomination: Other

Living With Loneliness…even In A Crowd

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Jan 12, 2003

Few emotions are more painful than the emotion of loneliness. Deep loneliness is often experienced right after the holidays. The gifts have been opened. The parties have been given. All of the friends and family have returned home and the cookies have bee

SERMONIC / WORSHIP THEME Opening Statement: Few emotions are more painful than the emotion of loneliness. Deep loneliness is often experienced right after the holidays. The gifts have been opened. The parties have been given. All of the friends and family have returned home and the cookies have ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:9-23

"When Temptation Overwhelms Series

Contributed by Dan Jackson on Aug 20, 2005

3rd in series on James. True faith is often displayed in its reaction to trouble. Trials produce opportunities for growth and development in the Christian life.

Chuck Swindoll tells of a mountain man from West Virginia who had never seen a city, or bright lights and modern inventions. He married a girl of the hills and they spent all their married years in the backwoods. Their one son, creatively named “Junior,” reached his sixteenth birthday, [and] his ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-18, James 1:9-12

Unfinished Business Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 21, 2005

Lessons on effective evangelism from the example of Jesus when he was celebrating Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication).

Unfinished Business Fortifying the Foundations # 24 John 10:22-42[1] Intro: The Jewish Celebration, Hanukkah, began last Friday evening at sundown and will end two days after Christmas. It is an eight-day festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple in 164 B.C. Hanukkah (Chanukah) ...read more

Scripture: John 10:22-42

Denomination: Charismatic

Looking Back, Planning Ahead

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Dec 23, 2004

In preparation for the new year we must look back, but also plan ahead.

INTRO.- ILL.- Someone came up with these humorous observations or insights about life. 1) A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand. 2) I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food. 3) If it weren’t for STRESS I’d have no energy at all. 4) Whatever hits the fan will not be ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"When The People Have A Mind To Work”

Contributed by Martin & Elder Nedra Wilson on Nov 28, 2003

As we take a look at the world and the church we see that the area of commitment is a part of all our lives that needs much work.

“When the People have a Mind to Work” 2 Kings 2:1-15 As we take a look at the world and the church we see that the area of commitment is a part of all our lives that needs much work. As I was thinking about this I ask the Lord to show me were the real problem was that causes us not to be able to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-15

Denomination: Apostolic

In The Garden

Contributed by Keith Manry on Mar 29, 2007

This is part II in the series 24. It is a first person narrative from the perspective of Mark. The preaching idea: Prayer isn’t always a garden of serenity; sometimes it’s a wrestling mat.

In case you weren’t with us last week, we’ve begun a brand new series of sermons entitled 24, based on the last 24 hours of Jesus Christ. What makes this particular series of sermons so unique is that I will be sharing from the perspective of characters present during the events. These story-like ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:27-52

Denomination: Methodist

Keeping Score

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Jul 15, 2007

Jesus Kingdom plays by the rules of love, not money

Title: Keeping Score Text: Luke 12:13 – 21 MP: Self-sufficiency is an insufficient legacy. FCF: Through Christ and his Word, we can be sure that we have won the only game worth playing. <NOTE: During the reading, when Jesus asks “Who made me an arbiter and a judge among you – The answer is – by ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

Hold Fast Thy Crown Series

Contributed by Adam Deibert on May 7, 2004

The church of Smyrna shows us today how to live a victorious Christian life in the face of persecution and trial.

It has been said that there have been more Christian martyrs in recent years than there were during the time of the Caesars. According to a study done by Regent University, in 1999, nearly 164’000 Christians worldwide were martyred for their faith, and in 2000 that number was closer to 165’000. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Keeping The Main Thing The Main Thing

Contributed by Matthew Stoll on Jan 27, 2007

Refocusing/reminding our church on the main thing of making disciples of Jesus.

The beginning of the year tends to be a time for fresh starts, we refocus and remind ourselves of what is most important. As we look back on the past year we sometimes realize we may not have been doing everything perhaps we should have been doing. For some they realize they need to quit a habit, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Methodist

Don't Underestimate Your Prayers

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Aug 6, 2010

A church must continue to give itself to prayer in every situation of life.

Ephesians 6:18 KJV Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; I. INTRODUCTION -- PRAYER A. Quotes on Prayer Guy H. King—No one is a firmer believer in prayer than the devil; not that he ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18

Denomination: Pentecostal