Sermons on Tough Teaching:

Exercise The Gifts You Have Been Given

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jun 10, 2025

Holiness is available by God’s grace to anyone who wishes to follow Christ, even when our own plans are disrupted.

Feast of St. Anthony of Padua 2025 (with readings from the Franciscan lectionary) Grace is indeed given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. When the Holy Spirit brings us into the Church, He gives us one or more gifts, as St. Paul teaches. They may be obvious, building on our ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:15-20, Psalm 40:3-4, Psalm 40:10-11, Psalm 40:17, Ephesians 4:7, Ephesians 4:11-15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Why Speak In Parables Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Dec 4, 2025

The parables are more than storytelling devices to help people remember Jesus' teachings. The listener who pursues understanding will receive both healing and blessing, and ultimately come to know God.

I would like to open with an illustration by Lifeway author Christine Hoover. She tells of the time her husband, Kyle, used her in a sermon illustration and spoke of her inability to perfect a pecan pie. She testifies, “That particular Sunday, I was serving in the nursery, and as parents came to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:10-17, Matthew 13:34-35

Denomination: Baptist

The Transformative Power Of Divine Love SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

Love inspires us. Inspiration is simply being touched by the Spirit. And God has touched us by His Spirit because of love.

Love is a powerful force that can inspire and transform us. It has the ability to touch our hearts and change our lives. In this sermon, we will explore how love inspires, transforms, and empowers us to live a life that reflects God's love. Love has the ability to inspire us and ignite a passion ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:13-21

Topics: Jesus Teachings, Divine Love

Embracing Change: Lessons From Jesus SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 11, 2023

Jesus prayed and relied on the Holy Spirit for every change. Even at the times of Christ’s greatest popularity He knew that only the Spirit produces lasting change.

Can change truly happen? Many of us make New Year's resolutions, hoping to bring about personal transformation. However, change is often met with resistance, as people prefer the familiar. Even when individuals claim to have experienced a spiritual rebirth, skepticism arises. But the Bible tells us ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:16-17

Topics: Jesus Teachings, Embracing Change

Embracing A New Beginning SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

This sermon focuses on the teachings of Jesus as outlined in Matthew 6, providing guidance for the New Year.

Today, I want to talk about a section of the Beatitudes found in Matthew 6. This portion of scripture is not more important than the rest of the Beatitudes, but I believe that the Spirit of God is leading me to discuss it as a foundation for the rest of 2014. Matthew 6:1-4 says, "Be careful not to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-34

Topics: New Year, Jesus' Teachings

Kingdom Now: Good Fruit! PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

Explore the themes of living the Golden Rule, discerning false prophets, and producing good fruit in our lives as believers.

Good morning, everyone! You've probably heard the statement, "Walk the talk." It's a common phrase used to remind us that our actions should match our words. But have you ever stopped to consider how it applies to our Christian life? Today, we'll be diving into Matthew 7:12-23, exploring the themes ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:12-23

Topics: Kingdom Now, Jesus' Teachings

When Fear Meets Faith Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Dec 15, 2009

Our faith can give us the courage we need to make it through the tough times in life.

When Fear Meets Faith Acts 27 (esp. 21-26) Intro: I’d like to show a video clip of a portion of Paul’s life. This excerpt is about 10 minutes long and will cover chapters 26 & 27 of Acts. We will start off with Paul speaking to King Agrippa who came to visit Festus, and end with the shipwreck. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:1-44

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Hard Gospel

Contributed by David Moore on Feb 17, 2001

The gospel of Christ makes tough demands on people’s lives, these demands cannot be negated or compromised.

The Hard Gospel By Pastor David Moore, Braehill Baptist Church, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Aim: To show that the gospel is “hard,” that its truths are tough and that it requires some difficult decisions. Text: Mark 10:17-23 Introduction: I will never forget many years ago visiting Belfast city ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-23

Denomination: Baptist

Semper Fi! An Easter Message

Contributed by Jack Warford on Apr 6, 2001

When things get tough, does God call for the Marines, or does He call for the Marys?

“Semper Fi!” An Easter Message This is short for the Latin words “Semper Fidelis”, which means ALWAYS FAITHFUL. This is the motto for our United States Marine Corps. But, long before there was a United States Marine Corps (10 November 1775), long before there was even a United States of America ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Your Brook Dries Up

Contributed by Robert Massey on Apr 2, 2002

Here are three lessons every believer needs to learn when they are going through tough times.

WHEN YOUR BROOK DRIES UP 1 Kings 17:1-16 Elijah is one of the most colorful personalities found in the entire Bible. Here in 1 Kings chapter 17, he appears suddenly upon the scene, he doesn’t have a huge introduction, and not a lot is said about his life previous to here in this passage. He ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-16, 1 Kings 17:1-17

Denomination: Church Of God

"The Grave Isn't The Final Word"

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 11, 2002

Death is the final healing and homecoming, but it’s still tough for us who remain and grieve.

Funeral meditation: "The grave isn’t the final word" Someone in our family is in the hospital, dieing, and we whisper at the bedside, “I’d do anything to make you well.” I heard a relative say, “If I could take your sickness and have you well, I would.” That is exactly what God the Father did. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Congregational

An Uncertain Life Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on May 8, 2006

The depressing, secular worldview: Life is tough, and then you die. But there’s a better way of life.

Overcoming Futility--a sermon series on Ecclesiastes “An Uncertain Life” -Chapter 9 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts At times, life is utterly incomprehensible! So is this book. In studying Ecclesiastes, reading various interpretations, I’ve seen how ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:1-18

Denomination: Congregational

Follow The Leader: Its More Than A Game Series

Contributed by David Kirkner on Sep 10, 2005

God dispenses grace to His people when He delivers strong leaders for tough times

Taking The Highway- Route 66: 1 & 2 Chronicles Follow The Leader: Its more than a game God dispenses grace to His people when He delivers strong leaders for tough times Introduction : What a difference a week makes. Last week we all were still in shock, denial and numb over the Katrina ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Is Jesus Hidden In Your Life?

Contributed by Jason Noble on Jan 2, 2003

Sometimes when the going gets tough we hide Jesus. Is he hidden in your life?

Mark 7:24 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. Is Jesus Hidden in Your Life? 1. In Your Devotions (Personal Life) 2. In Your Daily Living (Public Life) 3. In Your Dedication ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24

Denomination: Baptist

Loving Those We Hate Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Oct 23, 2001

Part 9 of Sermon on Mount Series, the tough job of loving those who hurt us

Salt, Light and those We Love to Hate November 17 1996 Matt. 5:38-48 Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV) "You have heard that it was said, ’Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, This particular command comes from Leviticus 19:18 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Wesleyan