Sermons on Hard Things:

Just Keep Swimming

Contributed by Pat Cook on Aug 31, 2004

Prayer is hard work, but as we die to ourselves, we gain resurrection life in it.

Philippians 3:7-14 – Just Keep Swimming Illustration: Dory encouraging Marlin to press on (from "Finding Nemo") Perseverance is an important quality in the life of a Christian. (read verses on perseverance) Perseverance comes from under going trials. In fact, it brings life as it flows from pain ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-14

Denomination: Baptist

A Good Soldier (Thoughts For Memorial Day)

Contributed by Tom Walker on Oct 18, 2000

2 Tim. 2:3 says, “Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Tim. 2:3 says, “Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” On May 30th in America, we observe a day called “Memorial Day.” It is marked by parades, speeches; flags and flowers are placed on the graves of many servicemen. It was first observed on May 30, 1868, for the purpose of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3

Practice For Life Everlasting

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Sep 3, 2018

Practice the HEARING & DOING of Scripture in this life; it prepares you for the next life. Practice Hard.

Spend enough time around 57th Street and Seventh Avenue in New York City, and you’re bound to be asked for directions to Carnegie Hall. “Which way to Carnegie Hall?” “Where is Carnegie Hall?” “What’s the address for Carnegie Hall?” Almost never does one ask the “how” question. Because everyone ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17-27

Denomination: Other

Different Stages Of Forgivenesss Lesson 4 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 15, 2023

Thank God for using a difficult/hard experience to conform you into the image of Jesus Christ.

“Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). A. FIVE STAGES WHEN WE DENY FORGIVENESS 1. We deny we did it and our consequences are inevitable. 2. We get angry at our problem. 3. We bargain to live beyond our consequences. 4. We become depressed because the consequences ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:12, Matthew 5:44, Matthew 18:15-17

Denomination: Baptist

Will God Judge The World, And Make Things Right? (Revelation 6:1-17) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on May 11, 2023

A no-rapture, academically rigorous series on Revelation

Over the past two weeks, in Revelation 4 and 5, we've read about what happened in heaven, after Jesus ascended into the clouds. Jesus rises up, disappears, out of the sight of his disciples. And he rises up into the heavenly throne room, into the midst of the four living creatures. And when ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:1-17

Jesus Came Down

Contributed by Ian Johnson on Nov 16, 2005

Is it any wonder that the world finds it hard to follow Jesus? Often The only Jesus they are ever presented is hard, harsh and unloving. We are Jesus to the world; our actions speak louder than fifty street preachers. Jesus came down!

JESUS CAME DOWN IAN JOHNSON www.papelim.org.nz “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” – 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV) What does that mean, “he became poor”? It means that he gave ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:9

Denomination: Pentecostal

To Him Who Believes

Contributed by Mark Baker on Dec 1, 2007

Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’’ What an incredible statement. If it wasn’t said by the lord Jesus Himself then it might be a little hard to swallow, but here it is in black and white for al

Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’’ What an incredible statement. If it wasn’t said by the lord Jesus Himself then it might be a little hard to swallow, but here it is in black and white for all who will receive. Let’s look at the the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-27

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Mission People. Are You Prepared?

Contributed by Jeff Riedel on Jul 8, 2014

Mission work is hard work. Many missionaries endure more things than you could possibly imagine. If you are not truly called to the "Mission Field", then please reconsider your position to serve in this type ministry. Let me share our exploits w/you.

The "Mission Field". What is it? Where is it? Who shall go? We are missionaries and the road to become one was very peculiar....or was it? We know many successful missionaries and they all have something in common.....on how they were led to the mission field. Please read our personal ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19, John 20:21, Matthew 26:11, Luke 9:23, Matthew 19:21, Jeremiah 22:16, Job 5:16, Philippians 4:6, Acts 2:38-39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian Church

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

What If - In These Times

Contributed by Steve Woods (Pastor Woody) on Apr 22, 2020

What if, throughout history, things didn't happen the way they did? Would life be different for us all today? We are in very hard times right now and our "what-ifs" can make the difference in our future.

As soon as this virus was named a Pandemic, I was given a new role as “Business Essential.” Basically, what this meant was that even if our Governor, or the President, shuts down our state, I am required as a “Mission Critical” employee to come to work. Seeing this getting closer and closer to a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:4, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Genesis 2:16-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Does A Christian Have All Authority To Decree And Declare Things Over Their Lives?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Aug 15, 2019

There is a growing trend within some circles of Christianity to teach that a Born-Again Christian can declare and decree things over themselves, and others, as already done.

The primary Scripture verse to support the teaching is: “Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.” (Job 22:28 KJV) The Hebrew word translated ‘decree’ in the verse is ‘gazar’ which is a verb in the masculine singular, and ...read more

Scripture: Job 22:28, Job 42:7, Romans 4:17, Matthew 28:18, 2 Corinthians 12:7, Psalm 51:17, Luke 22:42  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Four Things A Loving God Wants Us To Know About Death And Dying

Contributed by Larry Moyer on Aug 5, 2009

Death is a gate. All of us have to pass through it. It may be expected or unexpected. But if you trust Christ, that gate will be wide enough for two - you and your Savior. And the One who has led you all through life will not desert you then.

Ted Springer, a former professional baseball umpire once made the comment, "Life is a lot like a baseball game. It has its start and its excitement, its lively and its dull moments, and it has its finish. Sometimes a game is called off unexpectedly because of a sudden storm. Sometimes it lasts the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is God's Presence A Desirable Thing? (Exodus 20:21-26) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Apr 14, 2022

Exodus puts two pictures of God, back to back. In #1, God is glorious, and "big," and scary. In #2, God also offers to come and be present in worship. Is this offer something we should want?

Christians often have negative attitudes about sacrifice in the OT. There's maybe four reasons for this: (1) We don't really understand sacrifice very well at all. It's foreign to us, and confusing. And I include myself in this. (2) We maybe know that the OT has a number of really ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:21-26

"Thinking The Things Of God” The Lord’s Prayer-The Christians’ War Cry Series

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Oct 6, 2018

The Lord's Prayer explained

In Jesus Holy Name October 6, 2018 Series: Luther’s Small Catechism Series Redeemer Text: Matthew 6:9b-13 “Thinking the Things of God” The Lord’s Prayer-The Christians’ War Cry Christian Warfare Revelations 12:17 Christianity is not a religion ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Doesn't Science Contradict Faith? Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on May 15, 2018

Final sermon in a five part series that answers hard questions about God, the Bible and faith.

ENGAGE Because we live in a culture that is rapidly becoming more secular, we have often been subjected to a myth that I am going to deal with this morning. That myth has been advocated by those considered to be among the most brilliant minds in the world today. And here is just a sample of some ...read more

Denomination: Baptist