Sermons on Harsh:

Living In Hope And Unity Series

Contributed by Paul Clemente on Nov 30, 2010

When we understand "elpizo" hope and live it out, we will be united and be able to build up one another!

The Pilgrims left Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620. Their destination? The New World! Although filled with uncertainty and peril, it offered both civil and religious liberty. For over two months, the 102 passengers braved the harsh elements of a vast storm-tossed sea. Finally, with firm ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

First Things First

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jan 2, 2008

A New Year’s message on excuses and priorities and the preeminence of Christ--what it means to be a disciple.

“First Things First” ~Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts Count the Cost Jesus encounters three volunteers who are eager to swear allegiance and follow Him, but who have certain conditions. They figured they were ready to follow Jesus, and they seem quite ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

Denomination: Congregational

Tearing It Out Without Tearing It Up: 10 Keys To A Fair Fight Series

Contributed by Michael Fletcher on Aug 31, 2011

Intro: Some people might hear the subtitle to this message and say, “I can’t believe your teaching people how to have arguments because if we have godly marriages we won’t fight.

Intro: Some people might hear the subtitle to this message and say, “I can’t believe your teaching people how to have arguments because if we have godly marriages we won’t fight.” Well you say that, you have either never been married or have only been married one week. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:26-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Paul On The Defense: 2 Corinthians Intro Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 6, 2011

Christians have a long-standing tradition of being confused about church leadership and the identity of the Christian lay person. The Corinthian church experienced this problem even in the middle of the first century! Who are we?

[Note: this sermon was so long -- or my preaching of it -- that I was only to cover my first point in 1/2 hour] Paul on the Defense: 2 Corinthians Intro (2 Corinthians 1:1-2, textual) 1. Paul plants the church in Corinth (about 51 A.D.) 2. Paul writes I Corinthians (about 54 A.D.) 3. Timothy and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Making An Impact For God Sermon Ix: God Delivers No Matter Who Or What Is Against Him Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Jan 20, 2020

Mature Christians rest not on their laurels but rest assured that serving the Lord faithfully and unequivocally all the days of their lives will be rewarded with God's verbal stamp of approval, "Well done!"

WHAT THE LORD PROMISES, HE DELIVERS, NOTWITHSTANDING ENEMIES WITHIN As a hummer and whistler, I find myself humming and whistling tunes that pop into my head almost any time of day almost anywhere. Not unusual for other folks to notice this ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:13-26

Get Out Of The Boat: Finding Faith In Fearful Times

Contributed by Fr. Rian Adams on Sep 14, 2020

When Peter stepped out of the boat in faith

Get out of the boat: Finding Faith in Fearful Times Proper 14 This story is one of those few times in the Gospels, where the disciples are not with Jesus. Matthew says that Jesus told the disciples to get in a boat and go to the other side of the sea of Galilee while he went to pray and rest. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Episcopal

Keeping A Clear Head During Mixed-Up Times Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 24, 2012

Leading and following during uncertain eras of church life require us to keep a clear head. So does handling life. Paul rehearses some principles that can help us do that.

Keeping A Clear Head During Mixed-Up Times 2 Corinthians 10 1. I had a stressful weak; my sister is approaching death, and she and my brother-in-law had to talk about some painful decisions. 2. It is hard to keep a clear head when you are unsure, upset, and heart-broken. 3. But it is our choices ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:1-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

5 Things We Can Learn From Lilies

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Jun 3, 2013

Jesus told us to study the Lily. The Greek emphasizes it is to be a diligent study. 5 things some digging and thinking that Lilies teach us.

5 Things We Can Learn From Lilies Text: Matthew 6:28-30 Mt 6:28 "And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, Mt 6:29 yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. (NASB) I want ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:28-29

Denomination: Pentecostal

Anger Management Series

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Apr 2, 2021

Anger is a two-edged sword: our disciplined responses to conflict can reflect spiritual wisdom and bear witness to the transforming power of grace. How well we control anger can reveal a lot about our spiritual health.

An OR nurse in Georgia tells the story of a couple arriving at the hospital, both of them with gunshot wounds. The husband had overslept on his first day on the job because his wife forgot to set the alarm, and he expressed his displeasure by shooting her in the arm. Not to be outdone, she ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-21

Israel’s Trouble, God’s Promises Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on May 5, 2022

There are spiritual leadership lessons here that apply to anyone in spiritual leadership. If you have suddenly seen the tide turn against you in your leadership, then you will identify with Moses here.

“Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day, I have a wonderful feeling, everything’s going my way.” After what we find in Exodus chapter 4, Moses may have been able to sing that song. After Moses made multiple excuses not to answer the call of God at the burning bush, he did respond to ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 5:1-19, Exodus 6:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Nursing Home Devotional: Parable Of The Talents

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 19, 2023

A message on the talents for nursing home audience

I’d like to share with you today a parable that Jesus taught during his ministry, called the parable of the talents. From Matthew chapter 25, verses 14-30. The scripture says this: “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Salvation Army

Handling Criticism Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 10, 2025

Criticism is something that everyone faces at some point in their lives. It is a reality of living in a fallen world, where opinions are often shared freely, sometimes with little regard for how they may impact the individual receiving them.

HANDLING CRITICISM By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Proverbs 15:31-32 (NIV): "Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding." Supporting Texts: Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 15:31-32

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Character Study Of Elisha Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 23, 2025

Elisha was a powerful prophet who walked in great miracles and prophetic authority. His faith, humility, and compassion made him a great leader in Israel. However, his life also reminds us that spiritual power must be combined with wisdom and patience.

CHARACTER STUDY OF ELISHA – SUCCESSOR OF ELIJAH By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Kings 2:9 "And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." – Supporting Texts: 2 Kings 2-13, 1 Kings 19:19-21, James 5:14-15 INTRODUCTION Elisha was a powerful prophet in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:9, 1 Kings 19:19-21, James 5:14-15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How To Seldom Offend And Not Be Offended

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on May 8, 2007

Scripture way to deal with conflict resolution within the community of believers.

May, 2007 How to Seldom Offend and Not be Offended Matthew 18:15-20 INTRODUCTON: Many times there are things that come up within the Christian community that cause hard feelings among members, and these problems grow into mountains and cause divisions within the church and even church splits. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20

Denomination: Methodist

Submitting To Those In Authority Over Us Series

Contributed by Matthew Stoll on May 31, 2008

How Christians are supposed to live in submission under the God given governing and workplace authorities.

Since Easter we have been looking at Jesus’ disciple Peter and his first letter. This is a man who walked with Jesus when he was on the earth. He was one of the twelve disciples. His life was transformed by the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ and he became one of the leaders of the early ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-24

Denomination: Methodist