Sermons on Struggles:

The Slow Slide Series

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Mar 21, 2020

Many people struggle with the same temptation for many years. Often, people will wonder, “How is it possible for a Christian to struggle with a temptation for so long? How did things get so bad?” I’ll tell you how: so slowly that you wouldn’t even notice what was taking place.

The Slow Slide Text: Genesis 13:2-13 Introduction: Ever seen a Chinese handcuff? Maybe you know it better by the name “Chinese Finger Trap” or “that joke your friend played on you that one time after asking, ‘Wanna see something cool?’” The genius of this gag toy is its simplicity; it’s just a ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:2-13

Denomination: Baptist

A New Identity

Contributed by Don Aldrich Tamayo on Jan 10, 2025

Just like Jacob in Genesis 32, you may have wrestled with struggles in your life—challenges that tested your faith and made you question your future. But I want you to know this: God is ready to meet you in your struggle, transform you, and give you a new identity.

Sermon: Jacob’s New Identity Text: Genesis 32:22-32 Title: "A New Identity for a New Year" Key Text: Genesis 32:28 (NKJV): "And He said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.' Illustration: ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:22-32, Genesis 32:28

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Live By The Spirit

Contributed by Clive Broadbent on Sep 29, 2017

Because we're filled with the Holy Spirit, we struggle with sin and know the consequences of sin, so we must live by the Spirit and love our neighbours as ourselves.

Back in the 1980s, a classic TV ad showed a skillfull basketball player dribbling a ball round a young lad who was holding a stick of Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles. After a few minutes of very impressive dribbling, the basketball player finishes by spinning the ball on one finger. “Not bad” says the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-26

Restoring Proper Worship Series

Contributed by Ely Lambert on Jun 2, 2003

Christendom is struggling with what is true worship, and just how we are to worship the Living God. Ezra gives some great insight into this subject.

Restoring Proper Worship Ezra 3 Preached at the Laurel Church of Christ On March 2, 2003 Introduction: I. “After attending church one Sunday morning, a little boy knelt at his bedside that night and prayed, “Dear God, we had a good time at church today – but I wish you had been there!” A. The ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 3:1, Ezra 3:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Knowing God's Will

Contributed by Howard Mcglamery on Oct 13, 2003

Christians often struggle in knowing God’s will in their life. This message is about finding the will of God for your life, not by seeking His will but by seeking God.

Knowing The Will Of God Phil 2:12,13 Introduction Ill. – Pastor, Iv’e been praying and praying for a job. Now I’ve got 3 job offers. How do I know which one to take. This message is about applying “Grace” to Knowing the will of God. I. THE FIRST KEY – THE FOUNDATION OF KNOWING GOD’S ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13, Romans 12:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Encouragement In Difficult Times

Contributed by Tyranne Mcmillan on May 6, 2002

During times of difficulty, we find it hard to belive God. Trusting in God will bring peace to our heart and joy in our struggles.

HEBREWS 10:35,36: CAST NOT AWAY THEREFORE YOUR CONFIDENCE, WHICH HATH GREAT RECOMPENCE OF REWARD. FOR YE HAVE NEED OF PATIENCE, THAT AFTER YE HAVE DONE THE WILL OF GOD, YE MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE.(KJV) In an ever changing world, we need confidence. Confidence is the assurance in God’s word that ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:35-36

Denomination: Pentecostal

Jacob Series

Contributed by Alan Mccann on Jul 5, 2004

God brings Jacob to Peniel to bless him but not before he has struggled all night with God. Limps are reminders from God.

GENESIS 32.23-32 JACOB AND THE STRUGGLE WITH GOD. If I were to say the letters WWF would you know what it meant? My immediate answer to that is World Wildlife Fund. Ask the children and you will probably get World Wresting Federation. I am not a great fan of wrestling but I know a lot of the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:23

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Getting Where You're Going Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 25, 2007

There are other shepherds out there, and even the most Godly Christian struggles with making the LORD his trued shepherd. Find out why.

OPEN: In the classic novel: “Alice in Wonderland,” Alice comes to a fork in the road. One path leads one way, and the other path leads the other… and she asks the Cheshire Cat for advice: “Would you tell me please,” she asks “which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Trusting God

Contributed by Sam Peters on Mar 1, 2007

We struggle to trust God with the mundane things of life. This text examines why, and encourages us to begin to trust Him in all things

Trusting God! My text tonight is somewhat unusual when you think about trusting God. However, I find in this Psalm a resounding utterance of a God you can count on. A God you can trust. Close your eyes for a moment and just listen while I read to you the 19th Psalm. As I read, I want you to hang ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 19:1-14

How To Keep From Getting Wrapped Around The Wringer

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Jul 20, 2005

- We Live in a Pressure Cooker World - The world is ready to wrap us around it’s wringer - Paul helps us in this struggle

How To Keep From Getting Wrapped Around The Wringer Acts 18:1-11 - Remember the wringer washer - Guide it Through - Hit the release bar Paul - V.1 “After these things”  Laughed out of Athens 17:32  Sought After in Berea 17:13  Chased out of Thesalonica 17:5-10  Asked ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Pentecost Today

Contributed by David Johnston on Mar 29, 2008

Are you struggling? Are you powerless? Are you hungry, thirsty for something more from God? Are you saved? You are a candidate for the Holy Ghost.

Pentecost Today Joel 2:28-29 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:28-29

Denomination: Pentecostal

"When The Spirit Came"

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on May 10, 2005

What does the Holy Spirit mean to us personally today? In what ways does He help us in our daily struggles?

Scripture: Acts 2:1-4

Denomination: Methodist

Lord, Do You Love Me?

Contributed by Jeremy Morford on Jul 27, 2006

We all face insecurities. Some really struggle wondering if God really loves them. This topical message tries to reassure them.

Lord, Do You Love Me? Text: 1 John 3:1-2 “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-2

Denomination: Holiness

Understanding And Living Grace

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Aug 18, 2008

We in our humanity struggle to understand the depth and comprehensiveness of the divine concept of Grace. How can we try and understand this concept better?

Grace We visit the Columbia Asia Hospital occasionally. We always make an appointment for a specific time. I remember one occasion very clearly. We arrived early, the appointment was at 10.45 and we arrived at 10.15 am. We took the registration slips and sat down to wait. Half an hour wait in a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Prayerlessness Series

Contributed by Robert Higgins on May 1, 2008

Do you know the number one struggle of every Christian? It is prayerlessness. See how Moses found the strength to pray when weary.

Corporate & Intercessory Prayer Review – What kind of diet are you on? What do you fill your appetite with? Did you “diet” this week from sawdust and try some bread of life? Testimonies? Preview A recent survey of Discipleship Journal readers ranked areas of greatest spiritual challenge to ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:8-15

Denomination: Baptist