In Preaching Articles: "Joy In Trials"

9 Points For Preaching On The Problem Of Evil

By Norman Geisler on Jan 22, 2025

The topic of evil offers many onramps to preaching powerful sermons and proclaiming the gospel. Dr. Norman Geisler offers insight for preaching and pastoral conversations.

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:6, Colossians 4:6

Tags: Apologetics, Evil, Satan, suffering, tragedy, Difficulties, problem of evil, Apologetics God, Sin General, Trials  (view more)  (view less)

A Question Pastors Need To Hear From Jesus

By Lance Witt on Jun 13, 2022

Ultimately, if God is not working in you, the joy of his work through you will be short-lived.

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Tags: leadership, pastoral leadership, soul care, receiving, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

We Need A Theology Of Rest

By Lance Witt on Jul 27, 2023

You don’t have to be running at an insane pace to be running on empty. I think the primary issue here isn’t the size of your ministry or the pace of your ministry. The PRIMARY issue has to do with the health of your soul (your interior life).

Scripture: Proverbs 14:8, Exodus 33:14-15, Jeremiah 6:16

Tags: Wisdom, Rest, endurance with joy, spiritual leadership, entering God's rest  (view more)  (view less)

"Get To" Vs. "Have To"

By Lance Witt on Apr 13, 2022

I am not exempt from the needs of my humanity simply because I am a pastor or ministry leader.

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Tags: pastor, endurance with joy, rest in Jesus, fixing eyes on Jesus, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

Two Questions To Break Despair

By Marion Clark on Dec 2, 2022

There is a great need for Christian counselors with the expertise to unravel the problems of life. The more a pastor is equipped in this area, the better they will be able to serve the members of their church who are facing difficulties and trials.

Tags: Hope, encouragement, Counselor, Despair, pastoral care, WISE COUNSEL, fixing eyes on Jesus, counseling  (view more)  (view less)

God’s Work In Your Depression

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 5, 2022

“Is this depression? I have almost no motivation for anything. I have been praying and I will keep praying for God to be my strength but how do you fight when you don’t feel like fighting?"

Scripture: Isaiah 43:2-3, Psalm 139:11-12

Tags: Emotions, Healing, endurance, Depression, Struggles, soul care, Fighting for Joy, Help for the Hurting  (view more)  (view less)

5 Questions That Reveal Your Leadership Strengths

By Charles Stone on Mar 23, 2023

When we discover, develop, and deploy our strengths and gifts, we maximize our Kingdom impact and experience the greatest joy.

Scripture: John 19:28-29

Tags: Preaching, preaching

5 Spouse Killers In The Ministry

By Charles Stone on Aug 21, 2025

Eight in ten pastors’ wives say they feel unappreciated or unaccepted by their husband’s congregations. Charles Stone and his wife give insight into how to protect your spouse and your marriage during the sometimes difficult calling of pastoral ministry.

Tags: Ministry, stress, Marriage, wife, family, Stress, relationships, priorities, home, Spouse, Church Body of Christ, Marriage General, Trials and Difficulties, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

3 Ways To Defeat Leadership Discouragement

By Charles Stone on Dec 11, 2023

Discouragement comes with the territory for ministry leaders. Unmet goals, putting out fires, staff issues, displeasing people, and general tiredness all contribute to discouragement. When it weighs us down, how can we dig out? The life of the prophet Elijah gives us hope.

Tags: Perseverance, leadership, Discouragement, Depression, Elijah's faith, Pastoral Ministry, Elijah's Depression, Fighting for Joy, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

How To Resolve Most Relational Conflict

By Jon Bloom on Nov 5, 2022

"Few things sap more of our joy, are as emotionally demanding and mentally distracting, as relational conflict. And few things wreak as much havoc and destruction on lives as relational conflict. And so much of it is avoidable."

Scripture: Matthew 10:34-36, James 4:1, Matthew 18:21-35, 1 Peter 5:6, Philippians 2:14-15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Peace, Humility, conflict, resolving conflict, Love Others, Dealing with Conflicts, selfish ambition, Humility and Pride  (view more)  (view less)

Does Our Culture Make Kids Feel Ashamed Of Their Faith?

By Focus On The Family on Sep 9, 2022

As Christians, we all know how important it is to equip kids with a sense of joy in reading God’s Word and the confidence to freely express their faith in Jesus. But that goal is becoming more difficult in today’s culture.

Tags: Apologetics The Bible, Training children, Children's Faith

Faith That Changed The Culture How Luther Inspired Music, Charity, And Abolition

By Michael Reeves on Oct 18, 2022

Through the Reformation, a tidal wave of social and cultural improvement was unleashed.

Tags: Music, Culture, Slavery, God's Grace, Christian Joy, Reformation, Church History, Freedom in Christ, justified by faith, give generously, Philanthropy, culture  (view more)  (view less)

The "Measure Up Mentality” In Today’s Church

By Charles Stone on Dec 13, 2021

The ‘measure up mentality’ can suck the joy out of ministry. By applying a few simple ideas, you can stay positive and encouraged in your ministry even when you feel you don’t measure up in the eyes of others.

Scripture: Psalm 62:5

Tags: leadership, Preaching, pastor, Laziness, hard work, Pastor, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Hope And Perspective When We’re Dealing With Doubt

By Randy Alcorn on Dec 3, 2022

"In times of doubt, difficulty, and trials, our fundamental beliefs about God and our faith are revealed. So how can Christians find faith in the midst of doubt? How can they trust God’s plan when their lives seem out of His control, and prayers seem to go unanswered or, sometimes it feels, even unheard?"

Scripture: Romans 10:17, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:11, 2 Timothy 3:16, Job 23:10, Isaiah 43:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: doubt, Perseverance, suffering, tragedy, Promises of God, Genuine Faith, Test of Faith, sovereignty of God  (view more)  (view less)

Vacation Bible School Promotion And Communication, Part One

By Lisa Eifert on May 15, 2024

What strikes simultaneous fear and joy in the hearts of church staff and volunteers this time of year? Yep, you guessed it, Vacation Bible School (VBS). Anyone who has been a part of planning VBS knows the vast amount of time, resources and imagination that go into making these events memorable experiences for kids.

Tags: Communication, Technology, delegation, VBS, communication  (view more)  (view less)