Sermons on Struggle:

Discover The Christ Who Is About His Father's Business Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 8, 2007

This story from Jesus’ childhood, confronts us with the challenges of prioritizing our lives so that we, like Jesus, are about our Father’s business

Luke 2:41-52 ”Discover the Christ Who Is About His Father’s Business” INTRODUCTION Growing up is never easy. Each one of us has stories to tell of super highs and crashing lows. We vividly remember the struggle of trying to figure out who we were and what life was all about. We also, with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Denomination: Lutheran

"I Doubt God Will Help Me" Series

Contributed by Jonathan Mcleod on Apr 15, 2007

What should we do when we doubt God will help us?

A Guy Who “Sort of” Believed • He was desperate to find help for his son. “A man in the crowd answered, ‘Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech’” (Mark 9:17). o The father was desperate: “I beg you to look at my son” (Luke 9:38). o The boy was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:17-27

Denomination: Baptist

In The Middle Of It

Contributed by Jamie Wright on Apr 27, 2004

Many Christians quit when faced with adversity. Jesus promised that He is in our midst. Looking through the Scriptures one can find that in the middle of a crisis God is right In the middle of It with them. He is in the middle of the Firery Furnace, He

In the Middle of It Pastor Jamie Wright * Maranatha Fellowship * 04-18-04 How many times have you found your self in the middle of something? I would love to that but, I am in the middle of doing something right now. I would like to pay my tithes but I’m In the middle of a financial crisis I ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Model To Follow Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 9, 2008

John shows us the model of preparing the way for the coming Savior, but preaching the good news in the wilderness--good news of love, forgiveness, new life and a relationship with God.

Mark 1:1-8 “A Model to Follow” INTRODUCTION The greeting, “Merry Christmas” rings a little hollow this year. Try as we might to joyfully prepare for Christmas and the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we fall short of our goal. Anxiety, fear, depression, and grief describe the mood of the season ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Paul’s Agenda For You Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 28, 2013

God’s direction for your life can be summarized in several ways; our text suggests we are to engage in several processes to fulfill God’s intent for our lives.

Paul’s Agenda for You (Colossians 1:9-14) 1. Some people are just tough: KILAUEA, Hawaii, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A Hawaii surfer who was attacked by a shark said the encounter ended when he managed to punch the carnivorous fish in the eye. Jeff Horton, 25, said he was sitting on his surfboard off ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God's Whisper

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 13, 2013

In the midst of our distress, God whispers words of comfort in our hearts

1 Kings 19:1-18 “God’s Whisper” INTRODUCTION Today is All Saints Sunday. It is a time that the Church pauses to remember those who have gone before us and to celebrate their lives, their witness, and their faith. Historically it has been one of the high holy ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Money Worries: Why Would God Pay Attention To Me? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 29, 2014

A look at the feelings of worthlessness and unworthiness that leads some believers to believe that God has more important things to do that attend to their needs. This message focuses on vv. 24 and 28 to give us confidence that God is there for us.

[Drama: lady with priceless china; after back is turned (maybe while talking to another woman), the movers are tossing it around.] A RECURRING STRUGGLE WITH TRUSTING GOD WITH MONEY WORRIES: “Why would God pay attention to me?” - For many people, one of the sources of worry is the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:22-31

Denomination: Baptist

Following His Footsteps Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 29, 2012

Choices are made each day to follow Jesus and to live by faith. We choose to allow God to be glorified in our lives.

John 12:20-33 “Following His Footsteps” INTRODUCTION Jodi Kantor, in her book, The Obamas portrays Michelle Obama as struggling with the cost of being “The First Lady.” Kantor writes that Mrs. Obama shied away from the spotlight and fought against the loss of freedom ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-33

Denomination: Lutheran

Imperfect People Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 6, 2016

We hold a holy treasure in clay pots, but that's all that's needed to share the gospel and honor God.

2 Corinthians 4:1-15 “Imperfect People” INTRODUCTION Many illustrations are used to explain the deep truths of God’s grace and our lives as Christians. In the thirteenth chapter of Matthew Jesus explains to his disciples that God’s kingdom is like a mustard seed (vs. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-15

Denomination: Lutheran

Dealing With Stress - Church And Friends Series

Contributed by Cameron Bottema on Jun 5, 2013

A series on "Dealing With Stress." This sermon BRIEFLY explores two sources we have to assist us in stress - the Church and our Friends.

For the past three weeks we have been Dealing with Stress. Two weeks ago we started to Discover and attempt to use our resources. We learned that God is our primary resource for dealing with stress. To be anxious and stressed is a choice that we make because it is the opposite of trusting in ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-2

Denomination: Friends

More Than Conquerors Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Nov 23, 2019

Reading the Bible gives comfort, direction and hope for every day. This passage talks about how God works for us, his eternal plan for all of us and he is our strong security. This chapter starts with “no condemnation” and ends with “no separation”. Here, Paul starts piling glory on glory.

Theme: More Than Conquerors Text: Romans 8:28-39 Introduction: Reading the Bible gives comfort, direction and hope for every day. This passage talks about how God works for us, his eternal plan for all of us and he is our strong security. The first half of the book of Romans reaches its climax ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-39

Denomination: Methodist

God's Healing Power Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 6, 2017

The Psalmist has faced crisis situations in his life. Through all his troubles God has been with him, heard his prayers, and rescued him. The Psalmist praises the Lord for what God has done and now faces the future with a strong faith, courage and peace.

Psalm 30:1-12 “God’s Healing Power” INTRODUCTION As parents we all want to protect our children from threats, problems and harm. However, even if we are the greatest of helicopter parents we are unable to achieve this goal. Our children will encounter difficult times, failure and pain. This ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 30:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

Ambition

Contributed by Geoffrey Foot on Apr 4, 2017

James and John wanted to to sit at Christ's side in His kingdom - is this raw ambition? or is there something else here we can learn from?

Ambition Matthew 20:20 - 28 Today we see two of Jesus' closest disciple being ambitious, the request to sit at Christ's side in His kingdom. Ironically in Mark’s gospel it is James and John who actually come to Jesus with this request. In Matthew, today's gospel, it is their mother… ambition. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45

Why Do Bad Things Happen To People Trying To Be Faithful To God? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 16, 2022

King Hezekiah has tried to be faithful and yet a frightening attack from the Assyrians is headed his way. Why would God allow that and what can we learn from Hezekiah's response?

BUT KING HEZEKIAH WAS FAITHFUL: Why do bad things happen to people trying to be faithful to God? - 2 Chronicles 32:1. - Dismiss the idea of “why do bad things happen to good people?” with a discussion of the fact that none of us are good people. - This verse uses the word “faithfully” and that ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 32:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Christ: The Lord Even Of The Storm

Contributed by Antonio Manaytay on Aug 7, 2024

This sermon talks about the powerful truth that resonates deeply with our Christian faith: Jesus Christ is the Lord even of the storm.

Introduction Beloved, in our message today we will reflect on a powerful truth that resonates deeply with our faith: Jesus Christ is the Lord even of the storm. In a world often beset by turmoil and uncertainty, this message is not only comforting but also profoundly transformative. Our focus ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Pentecostal