Sermons on Ministry Struggles:

Saul And Goliath

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

We like to identify with David as he dealt with Goliath but we often are more like Saul in this story. David shows how we are to deal with the struggles of faith which we share with Saul.

Introductory Considerations 1. As children we often have heroes- people who we look up to and people who we want to be like. Heroes can be people we know - who we admire for the things they do, can be leaders or sports stars, - as I child when I played baseball, I would sometimes pretend to be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Cross And The Message Of Hope To Mankind

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Jun 22, 2001

This sermon is about the message of hope through the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross to those in 1.SINS 2.SICKNESS 3.SORROW 4.STRESS 5.SCOURGE 6.SHAME 7.STRUGGLE

THE CROSS AND THE MESSAGE OF HOPE TO MANKIND ******************************************************************** OUTLINE 1.SINS 2.SICKNESS 3.SORROW 4.STRESS 5.SCOURGE 6.SHAME 7.STRUGGLE THE MESSAGE THE CROSS AND THE MESSAGE OF HOPE TO ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:5

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Men & Women Want - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Feb 4, 2009

We are built and designed for relationship. Yet, we often struggle to know what the person we love needs or wants. Examine 4 areas that must be dealt with in order to have a healthy relationship.

“What Men and Women Want” Pt. 1 Steve: We want to begin this morning by reading a couple of passages of Scripture. The first is: Matt. 19:11 – 12 11But Jesus said, “Not everyone is mature enough to live a married life. It requires a certain aptitude and grace. Marriage isn’t for everyone. 12Some, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:6-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Power Of Mom Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 14, 2007

For Christians Psalm 22 is a "messianic" psalm. But when it was written many would have seen the picture of a man struggling with doubt and despair, who overcame that hopelessness by what his mother taught him.

OPEN: An anonymous son wrote the following observations about his mother. He said that: His Mother taught him LOGIC... She once asked: "If everyone else jumped off a cliff would you do it too?" His Mother taught him MEDICINE... "If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they’re going to freeze that ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 22:1-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Down But Not Out

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Oct 1, 2006

Many are going through difficult times and struggling with major issues: health, or finances, besetting sins, family matters, or a myriad of other battles. There’s hope - don’t lose heart.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Better Or Bitter?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 14, 2003

Asaph started to regress toward bitterness because he struggled with over-reacting to the prosperity, pleasures and privileges of others. We all have to choose to become better or slip into bitterness, cynicism and negativity.

Getting Better or Bitter? (Psa. 73:1-28) "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." (Heb. 12:15) Quote: " I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go" - ABRAHAM ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 73:1-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Christmas Reality Check

Contributed by Gene Haraldsen on Jul 15, 2004

Sometimes we romanticize Christmas and when we do we miss some of its most crucial messages. The real story of Christmas is about real life and real struggles and real truth.

A Christmas Reality Check Luke 2:1-7 The Christmas of today is very different than the first Christmas: Today: The manger scene usually includes angels hovering, shepherds watching, animals gazing, clean straw, a strong looking Joseph, a vulnerable yet invincible baby, a halo over Mary’s ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

He Is Known By God

Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Oct 12, 2010

Many Christian’s struggle with a proper understanding of God’s grace. God is fully pleased with what Jesus did on the cross and if we receive Him as Lord He is pleased with us as well.

Lk 9:23 There are a number of times- Jesus says believe in me, but there are more times where He says follow me. True believing always results in following. Are you a fan of Jesus or a follower of Jesus? Fan- an enthusiastic admirer. Jesus-looking for more than bumper sticker Christians. Jesus ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

Denomination: Charismatic

God's Defense Of Marriage Act

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Oct 13, 2009

Jesus takes us back to God’s design for marriage. What attitude and actions do we take toward those struggling with divorce or any of the other many sins surrounding sex?

Text: Mark 10:2-16 Theme: God’s Defense of Marriage Act Season: Pentecost 20b Date: October 11, 2009 Web page: www.caughtbyjesus.net/sermons/God_s-Defense-of-Marriage-Act-Mark10_2-16.html Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Word from God ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:2-16

Denomination: Lutheran

Believe, And See The Glory Of God

Contributed by Don Schultz on Mar 9, 2011

Jesus makes big promises, and we struggle to believe in the midst of our troubles and setbacks of life. Jesus gives us the strength to believe, and fills us with the hope of seeing God's glory someday.

How quick are you to believe big promises? I think there’s a certain part of all of us that’s a little hesitant, a little skeptical, to believe every promise that we hear. Have you ever believed a promise, only to have that promise broken? “I promise you that we will give you ...read more

Scripture: John 11:17-45

Denomination: Lutheran

Love And Unity In The Community

Contributed by Mark Engler on Jan 2, 2015

The first century Christians at Rome struggled with unity in their Christian community, the church of today does too. If are to accomplish the mission of Christ, Christians must work together in unity as one mind, one heart.

Love and Unity in the Community Romans 14:1-15:13 INTRO: A man said: I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. I immediately ran over and said, “Stop! Don’t jump!” “Why shouldn’t I?” he said. I said, ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

In Step With The Spirit Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 27, 2014

We live in opposition to the world, and we're engaged in an internal struggle between the old and new natures, a clash of opposites described as the fruit of 2 trees--the works of the flesh & the fruit of the Spirit.

Introduction: How’s your walk with the Lord? God doesn’t demand perfection, but He does expect some progress. If we’re walking in step with the Spirit, our lives will demonstrate an on-going devotion to God, His word, His church, and His people. Liberty or License, 16-18: ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26

Denomination: Congregational

Well Encounters

Contributed by Karl Popke on Nov 14, 2012

The story of Jesus, is life changing, however we struggle to break through the barriers in order to share that story. Jesus is the master exampling how to be intentional about being intentional. The results are life changing.

I. Fear Is An Inhibitor - Some time ago there was a commercial. I think it might have been a Kodak moment, or something like that. But in the commercial the day begins with a dad taking his little girl to a public pool. Once there, he’s found teaching her how to dive off the diving ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Early Bird Gets The Worm

Contributed by David Roth on Mar 10, 2015

Proper 20 (A). We toil and struggle against sin, to live righteously, But it does not give us life. Christ gives to us freely and aboundantly, all we need for this life and the next.

J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. “The early bird gets the worm” In our text today, Jesus tells His disciples another parable about the Kingdom of Heaven. You will recall that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Lutheran

Your Enemy Is Going Down

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017

In Psalm 18 David recounts some of his struggles and celebrates the victories God gave him over his adversary. This Psalm is full of encouragement for the child of God and full of assurance that we win!

Psalm 18 6/5/16 In Psalm 18 David gives testimony of God’s faithfulness in his life. He talks about some hard times that he went through. He was not exempted from those. But in the midst of that trouble, he found God to be a very present help the moment he called on Him. The title of this Psalm, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 18:1-50, Jeremiah 33:3, Zechariah 2:8

Denomination: Charismatic