Sermons on Hard Situations:

Divine Transformation

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Mar 3, 2021

Like turning water into wine, Jesus came to us to transform our hard, selfish hearts into something extraordinary, lives worthy of God’s power and glory, stamped with the likeness of his Son.

Divine Transformation John 2: 1-11 The classic novel, “Gone With the Wind,” was based on real people who lived pretty much the lives described in the book--although Rhett Butler's actual surname was Turnipseed, and Scarlett O’Hara was really Emelyn Louise Hannon. But Rhett did, in fact, walk ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Thankfulness Makes You Full Inside

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Nov 14, 2019

We can only get so far towards becoming new by trying hard or getting educated. The real power comes from inside, a changed heart, and thankfulness is a key to a changed heart.

There was a time when I thought that if we wanted to change our lives, to start good habits, or to break bad habits, all we had to do was decide to do it. We just had to choose. I come from a family with a lot of will power. But the more I have had to wrestle with my own weaknesses, the more I ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:3-4

Be Filled With The Holy Spirit

Contributed by John Ong on Jan 15, 2018

Is it really hard to let ourselves soak in the presence of the Lord? Or are we just blinded by unnecessary things we put first in our lives? And what does being filled with Holy Ghost means?

In accordance with what the Bible said, we Christians are called not to be drunk with the sinful wine but to be filled with the Holy Ghost. We are very fond of idolizing and praising actors and politicians. We’re giving them our full support because they give us worldly entertainment, but when it ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Perceptive Art Of A Receptive Heart Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 24, 2018

What's the main difference between the people who have hard hearts, shallow hearts, crowded hearts, and the one who has an open heart? The person with the open heart hears it and does it.

INTRODUCTION Here’s Bob and here’s Jerry. They’re both in Celebration Worship at Green Acres listening to the Pastor. They’ve both been Christians for over twenty years. But there’s a big difference between Bob and Jerry. During the message, Bob has his Bible open and he’s taking notes. He ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Who Has Got Your Tongue? Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Oct 7, 2015

Controlling the tongue. Why is it so hard? Is the control of the tongue a valid indicator of our spiritual condition? James give us some illustrations that are very useful in defining the ravages of an out of control tongue.

Let’s ponder on this for a moment before we plunge into today’s Scripture. 1 Samuel 2:2 “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God.” If you are a son or daughter of God you are one of the most privileged souls in the ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12

Denomination: Nazarene

Are You Going Up Or Down?

Contributed by Craig Condon on Mar 19, 2015

The rich man's sin was not his wealth, but his hard heart. Those who are rich have an obligation to help the poor. How we use what we have leads to God's judgment.

The Pope, Billy Graham and Oral Roberts all died on the same day and arrived at the Pearly Gates at the same time. St. Peter said to them, "I have some bad news and some good news. The bad news is that we are full right now and I am going to have to send the three of you down to the devil. The good ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Anglican

Natural And Spiritual!

Contributed by Bala Samson on Jul 15, 2015

Have you tried all you can to break some hard nuts with the Gospel only to be left frustrated and exhausted because they never got it? This is what you call as natural man!

Natural and Spiritual! 1 Corinthians 2:14”The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” Have you tried all you can to break some hard nuts with the Gospel ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:14

Denomination: Pentecostal

The History Of "Teenager" Series

Contributed by Jerry Mckee on Feb 5, 2009

This series is based on the book, "Do Hard Things" by Brett and Alex Harris. It is a 7 week series that challenges teenagers to step up from the low expectations that our culture has placed on them.

The Rebelution The History of “teenager” Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12 Illustration – the elephant and the rope I. The history of “Teenager” A. The term teenager has ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12

Denomination: *other

Get Uncomfortable Series

Contributed by Jerry Mckee on Feb 5, 2009

This series is based on the book, "Do Hard Things" by Brett and Alex Harris. It is a 7 week series that challenges teenagers to step up from the low expectations that our culture has placed on them.

The Rebelution Get Uncomfortable How to do Hard things that take you out of your comfort zone For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7 Illustration – I. Life is full of scary things A. Can you remember something in your own ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7

Denomination: *other

Above And Beyond Series

Contributed by Jerry Mckee on Feb 5, 2009

This series is based on the book, "Do Hard Things" by Brett and Alex Harris. It is a 7 week series that challenges teenagers to step up from the low expectations that our culture has placed on them.

For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. – Proverbs 1:32 Illustration – I. The trap of “just doing your best” A. Being “good enough” can turn into a special hazard. 1. We become complacent in our lives 2. We stop doing ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 1:32

Denomination: *other

Small Stuff Series

Contributed by Jerry Mckee on Feb 28, 2009

This series is based on the book, "Do Hard Things" by Brett and Alex Harris. It is a 7 week series that challenges teenagers to step up from the low expectations that our culture has placed on them.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men – Colossians 3:23 Illustration – I. Small Things A. What are small things? 1. The “stuff” that makes up our everyday life 2. It’s generally repetitive B. Small things most often occur behind the closed doors of our homes, ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:23

Denomination: *other

The Rebel Returns Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 30, 2021

We want to look at the story Jesus told about a youth who learned the hard way. It is often called the parable of the Prodigal Son, but it could just as rightly be called the parable of the Faithful Father.

The main social event of the year in many Sunday Schools is the summer picnic. William Porkess was in an English Sunday School that was granted permission by an Earl to have a picnic on his large estate. How excited they all were as they were being carried to the estate by horse and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Finding God In The Wilderness

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Jul 4, 2021

When we are going through hard times is not the time to start looking for the Lord. It is before so that He can help us through the tough times and walk us through with His Presence.

Finding God in the wilderness Exodus chapter 3 Welcome to Rosedale! Good Morning! Almost two years to the day as I began to preach, there was a medical emergency and one of our people was taken by ambulance and almost died. We had to stop the service for her to get the care she needed. She was ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-12

Denomination: Nazarene

Discovering Hope In A World Of Despair

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 3, 2022

Hope in Christ stands as doorway to peace and as the answer of the need of the human spirit. Hope is what people need right now, and hope is so hard to find apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sermon – Discovering Hope In A World of Despair Scripture Lesson -Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace[a] with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5, Romans 15:13, John 14:6, John 16:33

Denomination: Methodist

God's Favor Does Not Mean A Straight Line Lesson 5 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 24, 2023

Hard times and trials do not mean loss of God’s favor. God’s favor means His presence, His guidance, His work through you, and your inner strength.

A. INTRODUCTION: WHAT GOD’S FAVOR IS NOT 1. Even in prison. “The Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy and gave him favor” (Genesis 39:21). 2. Joseph’s road down: a. Joseph’s favored status with his father. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children” (Genesis 37:3). Favoritism ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 9:21, Genesis 39:21

Denomination: Baptist