Sermons on Hard Pressed:

Pardon Me Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jun 18, 2011

Forgiveness is hard, but God shows us how and makes us able.

Do any of you remember the movie Love Story? From at least 30 years ago, starring Ryan O’Neill and Ali McGraw? It was a real tear-jerker. Spoiled rich young man at Harvard meets gifted beauty from the wrong side of the tracks... she dies, eventually, of some unspecified wasting disease that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Holy Trinity - Father, Son, And Holy Spirit

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Jun 14, 2019

No matter how hard we try, understanding the concept of the Trinity is uncomprehendible

I speak to you in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Amen One of the first sermons I delivered here at Saint John’s, without realizing when I agreed to preach, was Trinity Sunday in 2011. I have to tell you, of all the Sundays in the year, this is the one that makes ...read more

Scripture: John 16:12-15, John 4:34

Denomination: Episcopal

"come Be Crucified! We've Got A Cross For Your Back Too!"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Oct 11, 2023

Following Christ isn't glamorous. It is hard, but it is worth it.

“Come! Be Crucified! We’ve Got a Cross for Your Back Too” Mark 10:35-45 Have you ever seen a church sign that read, “Come! Be Crucified! We’ve got a Cross for Your Back Too!” And yet Jesus was this up-front. You can’t accuse Jesus of false advertising. When James and John come up to Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: United Methodist

The Seven Trumpets (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on May 24, 2022

Will God's judgment bring repentance or underscore the hardness of their hearts?

We studying Revelation, Chapter 9, and are in the Great Tribulation, the Day of the Lord: 9 Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger, to make the land a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it. 10 For the stars of the heavens and their constellations will not ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 9:1-21

Denomination: Brethren

Three Feet Away.

Contributed by Roy Fowler on Dec 5, 2020

When things start to get hard, try to persevere through the adversity.

Second Sunday of Advent. Sermon Title: Three feet away. Scripture Text: Mark 1:1-8 ILLUSTRATION: During the gold rush, a man from Ohio traveled to California. It had taken him months to get there. He had to get a claim and register it and buy tools before he could start mining. The Ohioan ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Practical Pointers For Grief 1 Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jan 30, 2022

Grief is hard and we practical need help to work through it.

Last week we began what I hope will be a regular podcast on the topic of grief. Grief is a reality and will generally affect all of us at some time or another. Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. We grieve the loss of many things such as our dreams when they are shattered; the loss of ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Of Power Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 9, 2025

Nothing is too hard for the Lord. His power has no boundaries or restrictions.

GOD OF POWER By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Psalm 62:11 Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 32:17, Ephesians 1:19-21, Romans 1:16, Luke 1:37, Isaiah 40:29-31 INTRODUCTION: Power belongs to God. He is not just powerful; He is all-powerful—the Omnipotent One. Throughout the Bible, God’s power is ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 62:11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Choosing Optimism In The Face Of Adversity

Contributed by Delishia Davis on May 2, 2025

It is important to remain optimistic because your hope is in Jesus.

Choosing Optimism in the Face of Adversity "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived a life that exemplified unwavering ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

Your Eyes Are On Canaan, But Your Mind Is In Egypt!

Contributed by Kirk Devine on Jul 20, 2001

In order to reach your destiny,your mind must be focused on were are going.

YOUR EYES ARE ON CANAAN, BUT YOUR MIND IS IN EGYPT! EXODUS 16:1-3 (ROMANS 8:1-5) As I continue to grow and mature in life, and in the Lord, I have discovered that in order to achieve success, or attain a goal, you must have a fixed mind... In planning a brighter tomorrow you must anticipate the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-3, Romans 8:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Pursuing The Mark

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 20, 2013

Paul the persecutor was turned into Paul the pursuer. The Christian life is not static, but vigorously active.

PURSUING THE MARK. Philippians 3:4-14. The starter’s line for this passage is the Apostle Paul’s polemic against false teachers, whose confidence lies in the flesh (Philippians 3:2-4). “The flesh” here represents self-help religion, which stands contrary to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Carpe Diem - Seize The Day

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Jul 18, 2013

Faith is the foundation of God's message. Hope is the attitude and the focus,. .But love. Love is the action. When faith and hope are in line, you are free to love completely. And through this, we can truly "Seize the Day."

Paul shares this hope in Christ to the Colossians ... and to all that call themselves followers of the Christ. Hear Paul's prayer: BIBLE ".... that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, ....to please Him in all respects, .... bearing fruit in every good work ....and increasing in the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Philippians 3:13-14, 1 John 4:7-8, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Colossians 1:1-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

The Hall Of Fame Of Our Faithful Elders PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 14, 2024

This sermon explores the power and importance of faith as the foundation of our Christian walk, urging believers to actively engage with God's promises.

Welcome, beloved, to this gathering of saints, where we find ourselves wrapped in a fellowship of faith, united by our shared love for the Lord. We are here to immerse ourselves in the Word of God, to drink deeply from the well of wisdom that never runs dry, to be refreshed, renewed, and ...read more

Topics: Faith, Victory

Thanksgiving: We Cannot Live Without It

Contributed by Jim Kane on Dec 3, 2008

2008 Thanksgiving Message

This morning, I want us to begin with reading Psalm 136 responsively by having you read the phrase ‘His faithful love endures for ever,’ where it appears. Please stand, as you are able, as we read Psalm 136 responsively. (Slide 1) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 136:1-26

Denomination: Church Of God

Lessons To Be Learned From A Minister's Minister

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Oct 4, 2005

A sermon to those who are entering the pastoral ministry.

"Lessons To Be Learned From A Minister’s Minister" 2 Timothy 4:1-8 The perfect pastor preaches exactly 20 minutes, then sits down, He condemns sin but never hurts anyone’s feelings. He works from 8 AM to 10 PM in every type of work, from preaching to custodial service. He makes $60 a week, wears ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Fingerprints Of God Series

Contributed by Barry Edmondson on Feb 5, 2011

The Scripture teaches that God loves you. If you have Christ in your life, you have become a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way.

Charlie Brown built a beautiful sandcastle. He worked on it for hours. Finally, he stood back and admired his masterpiece. Just as he is admiring his work of art, a rebellious 8 year old boy runs across the sandcastle, destroying it. And with extreme frustration, Charlie Brown says to himself, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:7-16

Denomination: Pentecostal