Sermons on Hard Sayings:

Part 35: Why God Says To Sing A New Song Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Nov 21, 2025

God tells us to sing new songs... 1. Because we have new hearers (vs. 1-4). 2. Because we have new harmonies (vs. 4-6). 3. Because we have new hearts (vs. 1-3, 9-13). [1] Having new hearts means having new hope. [2] Having new hearts means having new holiness.

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 35: Why God Says to Sing a New Song Psalm 96:1-13 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared November 21, 2025) BACKGROUND: *Today our focus is again on worship. And nothing is more important in Christian life than heartfelt worship of the LORD! God the Father, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 96:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Scandal Of Grace Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 29, 2003

Grace is scandalous. It’s hard to accept, hard to believe, and hard to receive. Grace shocks us in what it offers. It is truly not of this world. It frightens us with what it does for sinners.

(MacArthur’s New Testament Commentary was used in preparing this message.) The Scandal of Grace In this series, we’ve been learning about the topic of grace. As we look at how Jesus dealt with people and at some of His parables, we’re discovering that these “Grace Encounters” radically ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Blaspheming The Holy Spirit

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Jun 9, 2012

This act reveals a heart so hard that repentance is impossible (Hebrews 3:7--19). Ultimately, as Augustine says, "It is un-repentance that is a blasphemy against the Spirit" Updated June 2018.

For those not familiar with an Anglican Service; there are four Scripture Readings before the Sermon. The Scripture Readings for this day were: 1 Samuel 8:4 - 20; Psalm 138 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 and Mark 3:20-35. A Little Boy desperately wanted $100.00 ...to buy some toys ...and prayed to God ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-35

Denomination: Anglican

Taking Jesus Seriously

Contributed by J Bernard Taylor on May 1, 2020

Many times when people say things to us that are hard to believe, we may reply. "are you serious?" However, Jesus was serious in everything he said.

TAKING JESUS SERIOUSLY Introduction: Many times when people say things to us that are hard to believe, we may reply, "are you serious?" However, Jesus was serious in everything he said. I HE WAS SERIOUS IN HIS PREACHING. People in the time of Jesus would often say that he ...read more

Scripture: John 20:28

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Power Of Simplicity Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Feb 19, 2012

Jesus is confronting the world’s conventional wisdom about wealth and materialism which says, “More is better.” Jesus says that for abundant life, less is more. The accumulation of things creates complexity in our lives, and that can make it hard for us t

Power of Simplicity Matthew 10:9-11, 42 Shirley Fields writes, “12 years ago my husband and I were still spending most of our time running a business we had created. Financially everything was great. The store we owned and operated was in a wonderful location, and had the extra large office ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:9-11

Denomination: Methodist

Go! And Follow When It’s Hard To Understand - John 6:60 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 14, 2025

Have you ever faced a moment when following Jesus simply didn’t make sense? When His Word cut across what the world calls “reasonable”? Maybe you’ve read something in Scripture and thought, “Lord, this is hard to understand!”

Go! And Follow When It’s Hard to Understand John 6:60 (NLT): “Many of his disciples said, ‘This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?’” Introduction: When Faith Doesn’t Make Sense Have you ever faced a moment when following Jesus simply didn’t make sense? When His Word cut across ...read more

Scripture: John 6:60-68, 1 Corinthians 1:23, Proverbs 3:5-6, John 6:63, Romans 8:6, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Part 21: How To Get God's Help In The Hard Times Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 3, 2025

1. Call on the Lord (vs. 1-4). 2. Check our attitudes (vs. 5). 3. Commit ourselves to the Lord's care (vs. 6-7). 4. Confess our faith in God (vs. 8a). 5. Keep calling on the Lord (vs. 8-10). 6. Keep checking our attitudes (vs. 11).

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 21: How to Get God's Help in the Hard Times Psalm 42:1-11 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - August 20, 2017 (Revised - April 3, 2025) BACKGROUND: *Anyone who has read a good portion of God's Word knows that there are a lot of prayers ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

We Are Empty Handed Without God

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Oct 24, 2014

To show that GOD does not want us to labor hard to earn money, but to labor hard for His Presence.

I. EXORDIUM: Are you a hard worker to earn more money? STOP. Must be a hard worker in the ministry not in work to earn money for GOD gives money to us as a gift. It's a blessing. II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that GOD does not want us to labor hard to earn money, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 31:42

Denomination: Pentecostal

When The Holidays Are Hard: Finding Peace When You Can't.

Contributed by John Dobbs on Dec 1, 2022

The holidays are often the happiest time of the year for many people.  It’s easy to forget that for many, the family gatherings, songs, and celebrations overlook the losses they have endured - and instead of being the happiest season of all, it becomes a hard time of year.

When The Holidays Are Hard: Finding Peace When You Can't Introduction The holidays are often the happiest time of the year for many people.  It’s easy to forget that for many, the family gatherings, songs, and celebrations overlook the losses they have endured - and instead of being ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:19, Philippians 3:12-14, Philippians 4:6-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Suffering Saints

Contributed by Grant Adams on Jun 20, 2022

Suffering is hard to handle. It is easier when it is us going through it and not our loved ones, but it is still hard.

Suffering is hard to handle. None of us like it. Usually, we can handle it better in ourselves than having to watch friends and loved ones go through it. We were just like our children, and we ask why not only for ourselves but for others. If they're not careful, we try to inform others why ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Hebrews 12:5-17

Denomination: Baptist

Change Is Hard: God's Authority Over Transitions In Our Lives Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on May 24, 2024

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

There is one constant in life, it’s change. Everything changes over time. I’ve experienced numerous changes over my life. Change is often hard and awkward at first. But it can also be something that brings a lot of positives. But it never feels comfortable at the time. I remember when I first ...read more

Scripture: John 14:10-11

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Shameful Truth Of A Man Exploits A Woman's Hard-Earned Money Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 18, 2024

In a society where gender roles are evolving, it's disheartening to witness men taking advantage of women's financial struggles.

A man who contributes minimally to the family's expenses, yet exploits his wife's earnings, is not only a financial burden but also an emotional weight. He neglects his responsibilities as a husband and father, leaving the woman to bear the brunt of living expenses, repairs, and emotional ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:7, Colossians 3:21

Breaking Point: Faith That Saves Vs. Faith That Doesn't Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Mar 10, 2021

At the height of popularity, Jesus makes hard statements that thin the crowds. He says many of his disciples didn't really believe. And they fell away. What's the difference between the faith that saves and the kind of faith that doesn't? This story reveals that truth.

I’m sure that there are many of us here who have known or encountered people who were strong Christians from everything we could tell, but who have, for one reason or another, fallen away from the faith. They no longer claim to believe, they do not practice what Christ taught, they no longer ...read more

Scripture: John 6:59-66, 1 John 2:19, John 3:16, John 6:47

Denomination: Bible Church

Arise And Walk

Contributed by Shawn Malloy on Jan 20, 2008

Walking with Him can be hard

Sunday Sermon 05/08/2005 We will start with a prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for your inspiring Word. I love you and worship you Oh Lord. Please forgive me and my sins. I ask that you these words to show and inspire the readers to come to you and want to know you as I know you. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:5

Denomination: Christian Church

Ot Trinity

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Feb 11, 2025

Not hard to find the Trinity in the OT.

Isa 48:12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. 13 Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together. 14 All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 48:12-17, Isaiah 45:22, Isaiah 46:9

Denomination: Baptist