Sermons on Hard Situations:

Where Knowledge Begins Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 2, 2021

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. We have made it clear that fear means reverence, and the Lord means Jehovah, but the hard part is still ahead. What does it mean that the attitude of reverence toward the one true God is the beginning of knowledge?

A millennium and a half ago Diogenes said, "The foundation of every state is the education of its youth." Both ancient and modern philosophers have recognized that education is basic to the making and keeping of any great and strong nation great and strong. Lowell said, "It is in ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 1:7

Self-Control - 2 Peter 1:6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 9, 2025

Imagine how much better your life would be with more self-control. Why is it so hard? Elite athletes who are unbelievers often outshine most Christians in this area—how can that be, if it’s a fruit of the Spirit?

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, having made every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control. Introduction I want to start with this question: in Peter’s list of virtues in 2 Peter 1:5-7, why isn’t verse 5 enough? By the end of v.5 you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:6

Open Tomb, Closed Case Series

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Apr 26, 2025

In our cynical world today, it's hard to trust anyone. All the institutions have been shown to be engaged in fraud, lying, and deception. But we can trust the Word of God and the God who gave us that Word.

Open Tomb, Closed Case Text: John 20:1-29 So we just celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And like I said last Sunday, it’s the most amazing event in all of human history. So even though we’re going to be back in John’s Gospel this morning, we’re right at the point ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-29, Romans 1:1-4, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Corinthians 15:14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Compensation (Exodus 22)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 28, 2024

God's old covenant contains many things hard to understand. Do we judge God by our corrupt society's standards or humble seek to understand? Let's look at Exodus 22.

When we look at the laws under the old covenant, are we tempted to think that some were too harsh and some were amazing? Do we judge God by our society’s corrupt standards? Or, do we humbly seek to learn? Let’s look at Exodus 22. What compensation was a thief to pay? Was there something similar to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Transitioning Well Series

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Feb 11, 2018

Change or transition is hard, but we can face it bravely and powerfully with God's help. The transition in leadership from Elijah to Elisha reminds us to pay attention, to seek the Holy Spirit's filling, and to bravely take up the task given us.

2 Kings 2:1-15 Transitioning Well Prophets with a Purpose – Week 5 Today we’re finishing up a five-week series looking at various Old Testament Prophets and what they have to say to us. Little Samuel reminded us that God still speaks if we are listening. Jonah reminded us that all people matter to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Witness To Resurrection

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 20, 2018

Have had your hopes and dreams absolutely destroyed before your eyes? Such loss is entirely devastating and seems absolutely unbelievable at the time. It is hard enough when it happens to you as an individual but more so for a group. Jesus Restores Us

Witness to Resurrection Luke 24 1 Corinthians 15 Peace be with you Have you ever lost faith? Have you ever had your hopes and dreams absolutely destroyed before your eyes? Maybe for you it was losing faith in someone you loved. All that trust and mutual investment in relationship torn ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:9-10, John 20:19-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

God Brings Down The Proud Series

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Apr 10, 2022

In the church's fear and struggle, feeling hard-pressed and helpless, she can be encouraged. We know that the proud of the earth will not endure forever. The violent will not prevail. God is on his throne: He is the great judge and our faithful Saviour.

The world has seen many cruel tyrants and dictators. Sometimes these powerful men live out their days to the fullest, enjoying all the glories of their position right to the end, then dying in comfort. But many end in humiliation and defeat. The great Napoleon spent his last years in exile on a ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Psalm 55 Title: When Sorrows Like Sea Billows Roll Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 21, 2021

If we have been tempted to give up, to run away from our problems, then this is the psalm for us. Most of us have been where David was in this psalm—hard pressed by circumstances that are partly our own making but which have gotten beyond our control.

Home Lessons October 9, 2015 Tom Lowe PSALM 55 Title: When Sorrows Like Sea Billows Roll (To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maskil, a Psalm of David.) Theme: A Cry of Faith in the Time of Antichrist Psalm 55 (KJV) 1 Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 55:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon "Do-Over" - Satisfaction Guaranteed?

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Feb 22, 2015

Since 2002 I have undergone a complete theological transformation and many of the sermons posted here from my earlier days in the ministry are; to put it nicely, “A little off.” This series is an attempt to remedy this situation.

21, March 2004 22 February, 2015 Dakota Community Church Satisfaction Guaranteed Sermon “Do-Over” Introduction: Jesus promised abundant life. This sermon heads off the rails even before we get out of the gate with a wrong foundational premise. What is Jesus talking about in John ...read more

Denomination: Mennonite

Stand Still

Contributed by Brian Crowe on Jan 18, 2016

Throughout the Bible, we have situations where God has helped individuals accomplish magnificent victories, glorious triumphs, and extraordinary endeavors. You may be here facing what you feel are insurmountable mountains, Stand Still and Let God Move.

Stand Still and Let God Move: Exodus 14:9-14 9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. 10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

What To Do When You Are In Exile, Part 1

Contributed by S Henriques on Jan 27, 2003

Don’t we all know the feeling of being in a complicated and difficult environment that feels sometimes as though we are in a foreign land? We find ourselves being forced into an unpleasant situation we would never choose for ourselves, and it looks as tho

What To Do When You Are In Exile Jeremiah 29:1-13 by S. M. Henriques Folks, I have been so eager to bring you this message of hope and good news this morning. I am truly excited about what God wants to say to you and me today. Suppose that this afternoon, a group of soldiers was to storm into ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

No One Can Really Explain Away The Power Of The Holy Spirit

Contributed by Doug Koehler on May 22, 2002

There are souls who seek to explain away what God has done before them, even though they have seen His work with their own eyes. This text reminds us of how Peter dealt with those situations and thus we are encouraged by his actions.

May 19 2002 Day of Pentecost “The Activity of God is something that we just cannot explain away.” Acts 2:1-21 One of my long time friends, Charlie, was at my birthday party when I turned six. As a special gift to me, my mother hired a friend of hers who happened to do a few magic tricks. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Following Christ

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jan 22, 2009

When we consider what Christ desires from us we feel uneasy. Our relationship with Him affects all our other relationships ... For some of us these demands may seem too hard to achieve. We are afraid of whole-hearted obedience to Christ will cost us.

Opening illustration: S. I. McMillen, in his book None of These Diseases, tells a story of a young woman who wanted to go to college, but her heart sank when she read the question on the application blank that asked, "Are you a leader?" Being both honest and conscientious, she wrote, "No," and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Forgives A Paralysed Man Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

We often get carried away by the performance, but is the message being proclaimed clearly. Are we speaking the gospel in every situation we find ourselves in? Are we offering forgiveness and mercy. Are we engaged in the main game or just the side show?

Have you noticed how mobile phones are now an essential accessory for so many people? It seems like no matter where you are you’re likely to find yourself standing next to someone who’s having a conversation on their phone. And if you’re like me you probably find yourself ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

Denomination: Anglican

From Pouting To Shouting

Contributed by John Gaston on Aug 24, 2022

David went from despair and questioning God to victory and singing. His four "How Longs" were turned around by intercessory prayer and his resolution to no longer focus on his negative situations, but on the God who was on his side.

FROM POUTING TO SHOUTING Psalm 13:1-6 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. “CHIPPIE THE PARAKEET NEVER saw it coming. The problems began when Chippie’s owner decided to clean Chippie’s cage with a vacuum cleaner. She removed the attachment from the end of the hose and stuck it in the cage. The phone rang, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-6

Denomination: Assembly Of God