Sermons on Christian Suffering:

Did God Turn His Back On Jesus On The Cross?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Jun 19, 2023

In many churches today, it is said that while Jesus was on the Cross, the Holy God poured out His wrath and turned His back, broke fellowship, and abandoned Jesus because He can't look upon sin.

In many churches today, it is said that while Jesus was on the Cross, the Holy God poured out His wrath and turned His back, broke fellowship, and abandoned Jesus because He couldn't look upon sin. The Bible teaches that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10, 44:6-8, 45:6; James ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:46, Psalm 22:1, Psalm 139:7-8, Ephesians 2:1-7, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Romans 8:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Invisible Gold

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Aug 5, 2008

Don’t give into life’s troubles. You may not see in them the rich potential of a strong faith, but it’s there. To have it developed is much more precious than gold! Faith-Testing Times Can Be Faith-Strengthening Times.

Opening illustration: In the 1980s, Northern Nevada was the site of a gold strike. The discovery would have been beyond the imagination of 19th century prospectors, for the gold in those western hills is virtually invisible. Even after being magnified 1,500 times, most of the particles remain ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

We Are Called Christians. Do You Know What That Means?

Contributed by Damien Saylor on Dec 8, 2019

Did you know that, in scripture, to be called a Christian was actually a put down?

Sermon- We are called Christians. Q- Do you feel a sense of pride, or good, to be called a Christian? - As Christians, we generally like the fact that we’re called Christians. - We say, I’m a Christian, I go to church! - Notably we’re known for our kindness, welcoming, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:26

Denomination: Baptist

Thanking God In Hard Times Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 9, 2017

1) A Communal Thanksgiving (Psalm 75:1), 2) A Careful Thanksgiving (Psalm 75:2-5), 3) A Contemplative Thanksgiving (Psalm 75:6-8), and finally 4) A Certain Thanksgiving (Psalm 57:9-10).

There are a lot of reasons why it seems odd to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Not only does it seem that we just finished summer, but also in regards to what is going on in our world. We have witnessed tropical storms, earthquakes, terrorist acts and so many instances of suffering. For those who ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 75:1-10

Denomination: Other

Turning The Agony Of Defeat Into The Thrill Of Victory Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Aug 8, 2016

When I follow Jesus He transforms my suffering in the flesh into triumph in the spirit

ENGAGE/TENSION How many of you know who Vinko Bogataj is? That’s what I figured. That name isn’t real familiar for any of us. But for those of my generation who grew up watching “Wild World of Sports”, you may not know his name but you’re familiar with his infamous ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

An Enemy Is Responsible

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jul 17, 2011

A sermon on the problem and end of evil from Jesus’ parable of the weeds and wheat.

An Enemy Has Done This Matthew 13:24-30 The world has been staggering from the overwhelming catastrophes that have taken place since the beginning of this year. The devastating earthquake and resulting tsunamis in Japan left over 28,000 people dead or missing. There are mudslides in South Korea ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30

Denomination: Methodist

Abundant Life

Contributed by Daniel Austin on Jul 5, 2011

The “abundant life” does not consist of an abundance of possessions Luke 12:15. But is a life characterized by Grace, Love, Good Works, Hope, Suffering and Comfort, and a Promise for Eternal Life.

Abundant Life 02/21/10 PM Text: John 10:10b I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Introduction The “abundant life” does not consist of an abundance of possessions Luke 12:15 Then He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Caution: God Working Series

Contributed by John Sears on Sep 15, 2011

Is the idea that God is working just wishful thinking? What does that look like if he is?

(Introduction) (Other ideas might be the pains of road construction: and the signs that say, “Completed in 2011 as promised) The grief of my grandfather’s loss was still fresh. His wife, my step grandmother, had passed away unexpectedly. She was alive and well as they went to bed. He awoke ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-30

Denomination: Christian Church

Hope Does Not Disappoint

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jun 8, 2009

Suffering, endurance, character, hope: the formula is not automatic. All depends on whether we learn to live in the resurrected Christ.

One of my friends begins nearly every conversation with the phrase, "You just can’t win.” "You just can’t win." One day recently he was wearing a long, long face. He had just gotten his car repaired, but some inebriated partygoer had slammed into it. He had just worked off his debts, but suddenly ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Understanding The Twelve Purposes For Trials, Trouble, Testing

Contributed by Larry Wolfe on Jul 7, 2009

A survey of the Bible texts concerning trials

UNDERSTANDING THE TWELVE BIBLICAL PURPOSES FOR TESTING, TRIALS & TROUBLES 1. God allows trials so that we might become stronger Christians (James 1:3, 4) Reason #1 To Praise The Lord! “My brethren count it all joy when ye fall into divers generations; knowing this that the trying of your ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Wrong Side Of History Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Nov 5, 2020

The HOPE of salvation provided through Christ is still available. Relinquish your IDOLS and rejoice in Him!

The Wrong Side Of History Acts 7:1-60 Ill. Amy and I had the opportunity several years ago to travel to Switzerland with my dad. My dad was born and raised in Switzerland and came to this country when he was 19 years old. On that visit we went to his hometown of Burglen. As we drove around the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:1-60

Denomination: Baptist

Behind The Curtain - Mark 9:1-7 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 16, 2023

What is the purpose of the Transfiguration? And how can it help you in your daily life? This message will answer those questions and show you how this event explodes with meaning when you understand the “hyperlinks” in the setting.

Mark 9:1 And he said to them, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power." 2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:1-7, Matthew 17:1-6, Luke 9:28-35

Seeking A Severe Savior - Psalm 42-43 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 11, 2025

Hardships don’t automatically get you depressed. It depends on what lens you look at them through. This message will help you learn to see your trials through lenses that bring pure joy.

Psalm 42 For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons of Korah. 1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, ...read more

Can You Drink The Cup? - Mark 10:32-40 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 27, 2024

True greatness is when God says, “Well done” and has nothing to do with how you compare to others.

Mark 10:32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-40, Matthew 20:20-23

How Do You Face Trouble?

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 22, 2012

Is there any good news for those who suffer? In times when trouble strikes, we need to take an inventory to see if there is any good news that can cheer us up and help us to bear the burden of pain. Trouble and suffering are facts of life that all of us

Title: How do you face trouble? Text: Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:13-22

Denomination: Baptist