VBPH Sermon Podcast

“We Serve God Not Because It’s Easy But Because It’s HARD”— A Challenge by Pastor Dave Smale

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Episode notes

Why follow Jesus if it’s so hard? Because it’s worth it.


In this powerful and relatable sermon, Pastor Dave draws a stunning parallel between JFK’s call to go to the moon and the Apostle Paul’s bold testimony of faith under fire. From Cold War history to modern-day TikTok temptations, Pastor Dave challenges the Church to reject the easy life and embrace the calling to follow Jesus—even when it’s hard.


📖 Text: 2 Corinthians 11:22–30


💡 Big Idea: True Christianity costs something. But what you gain is eternal.


🔥 Highlights:

  • ​ Why Paul boasted in his weakness
  • ​ What prosperity preachers won’t tell you
  • ​ Real-life examples of hard choices that honor God


🎯 If you’ve been avoiding the hard road, this message will reignite your passion for obedience, sacrifice, and purpose.


👊 Don’t serve God because it’s easy. Serve Him because it’s hard.


0:00 - Welcome & Homecoming Gratitude

2:30 - The Cold War & The Space Race Setup

5:45 - JFK’s Moon Speech: Doing Hard Things

9:30 - False Apostles in Corinth & Today

14:00 - The Prosperity Gospel vs. Real Ministry

18:10 - Paul’s Credentials: Suffering, Not Success

22:40 - Why Modern Christianity Avoids the Hard Way

26:00 - Five Types of Hard Things We Must Do

29:00 - Paul’s Motivation: Love for the Church

32:30 - Real Persecution Around the World Today

35:40 - Failing the Test of Prosperity

38:00 - A Young Man Resisting Temptation at Work

40:30 - The Value of Choosing Hard Over Easy

43:00 - Modern Comfort vs. Gospel Commitment

45:00 - The Altar Call: Course-Correct Before It’s Too Late


Show Notes

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