Sermons on Baptism Of Suffering:

Navigating The Surprises Of Life

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Aug 29, 2011

God can and will help us change so we can be better equipped to handle change. If we will go all in with God and give our lives to Him, He will help us learn to navigate the surprises of life in a way that brings Him honor and produces something good in o

Navigating the Surprises of Life Intro: How many of you enjoy surprises? I know, I know – it depends on what the surprise is. For example, your tax return comes back with $500 more than you expected – that is a good surprise! Or, back when we used VCR’s… one day you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Hope-Filled Heart Series

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 15, 2011

In this sermon based on a chapter from Max Lucado's book Just Like Jesus, we learn how to have a hope-filled heart like Jesus.

Introduction: A. Peter Robinson, former speech writer for Ronald Reagan, wrote a book titled How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life. 1. Robinson relates a lunch meeting he held with Edwin Meese, who had served in many official capacities within the Reagan administration, including Attorney ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Handcrafted By God

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on May 17, 2012

Is God bending, shaping, or polishing me right now? What’s my attitude: Am I thanking and praising God, or am I complaining about the process? Trials are intended not to provoke us but to prove us. See the present from the perspective of the future. Look

Opening illustration: The Steinway piano has been preferred by keyboard masters such as Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, Cliburn, and Liszt—and for good reason. It is a skillfully crafted instrument that produces phenomenal sound. Steinway pianos are built today the same way they were 140 years ago when ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Support: Giving Real Support Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Dec 9, 2012

Give real support for friends in suffering by being present with them, providing them a listening ear and share the promises of God.

What can you do to a friend who is suffering? • Support him. 2 Cor 1:3-4 “… the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” ...read more

Scripture: Job 2:11-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What Christmas Did Not Do

Contributed by Ed Sasnett on Jan 21, 2013

Christmas did not eliminate evil and suffering, but it gives us the hope that one day God will eliminate evil and suffering.

Title: What Christmas Did Not Do Text: Matthew 2:13-23 Truth: Christmas did not eliminate evil and suffering, but it gives us the hope that one day God will eliminate evil and suffering. Aim: hope and encouragement (Outline: lifeway.com, Jeff Griffis) INTRODUCTION Christmas Sunday the pastor ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

1 Secret Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Feb 5, 2013

We can find the “1 Secret” to contentment for:1) A Contented Person Is Satisfied with Little (Phil. 4:11), 2) A Contented Person Is Independent from Circumstances (Phil. 4:12) and, 3) A Contented Person Is Strengthened by Divine Power (Phil. 4:13)

Philippians 4:11-13. [11] Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [12] I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13] ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13

Denomination: Other

“in Times Of Loss” Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on May 28, 2013

What does god want us to know in times of loss?

We read in this passage how Isaiah saw a vision of the Lord and heard the voice of the Lord. The circumstances surrounding this experience was the death of Isaiah’s king and friend, Uzziah. We learn about king Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26. Uzziah was a good king, until he allowed pride to make ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

"We Are Just Passing Through"

Contributed by Brad Henry on Nov 11, 2011

How to be patient and joyful in pain and trials.

I want to thank everyone for all the e mails yesterday. Over the past 13 years of writing I have lived my life out through what God has enabled me to write. My doctor’s appointment went well. My depression is severe but all I can tell you is that 1. God does not make mistakes 2. God has ...read more

Scripture: Job 2:10

"I Want This Pain Over"

Contributed by Brad Henry on Nov 11, 2011

How to be patient in affliction and faithful in prayer

1 Peter 4:12 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” I have a doctor’s appointment this morning to see what is going on. I am tried all the time, can hardly move with pain and a host of other ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12

Persecution Makes Perfect Series

Contributed by James Jack on Jan 8, 2010

Like Paul, we must be prepared to suffer to present others perfect in Christ

Colossians 1:24 – 2:5 Richard Wurmbrand was a Christian pastor in Romania in the middle of the communist era. In 1945 there was great conference run by the communists where one by one the church leaders of Romania got up and pledged allegiance to Stalin and the communist system. Although ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

To Live: Deliverance Series

Contributed by Mark Nichols on Aug 5, 2009

Paul has joy even when life is hard because he focuses on Deliverance! Either your difficult times will come to an end, or you will, but it’s a win/win situation...because Paul knows Christ!

TEXT: Philippians 1:12-30 TITLE: To LIVE: Deliverance SERIES: To Live TOPIC: Salvation OCCASION: Burnside Christian Church, June 28, 2009 PROP.: in order to receive deliverance, you must wait for the Lord…but continue to read His word, continue with your mission, understand God’s plans are ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Problem Of Pain

Contributed by David Dewitt on Sep 1, 2009

One of the ongoing challenges of the Christian life is the issue of pain

The Problem of Pain Mark 5:21-43 August 30, 2009 Morning Service Introduction Driving through Texas, a New Yorker collided with a truck carrying a horse. A few months later he tried to collect damages for his injuries. "How can you now claim to have all these injuries?" asked the insurance ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Church Of God

Will The Real "Super-Apostle" Please Stand Up Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 10, 2010

In this lesson we will be challenged and convicted by Paul's sufferings in service to the Lord. How much are we willing to suffer and sacrifice?

Introduction: A. Today is Mother’s Day, so we want to take a moment to honor the mothers among us. 1. William Goldsmith Brown wrote: “The sweetest sounds to mortals given, Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven.” 2. Thank God for moms – the good ones and the not so good ones ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:1-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Long O Lord

Contributed by Stanley Tay on May 26, 2010

A lesson to be learnt from the psalmist with regards to what our perspectives should be towards the issue of pain & suffering.

INTRODUCTION I would like us to turn our attention today to the Book of Psalms. My hope is that we will get to learn something from the psalmist with regards to what our perspectives should be when it comes to this whole issue of pain & suffering. Most of us are probably more familiar with those ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-6

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Our Response To Persecution

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on May 27, 2010

Jesus promised us persecution, though we have not experience a great deal in the US. But those days will change. How should we respond?

Passage: Matthew 10:17-33 Intro: Wartime is different than peacetime. 1. war has it’s rules, but when the purpose is killing the enemy, the rules only limit the how. PP Geneva Convention 2. terrorism has introduced a whole new element of modern warfare. 3. use of civilians as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:17-33

Denomination: Evangelical Free