Sermons on Difficulties:

God's Refinery

Contributed by Chip Blackshear on Jun 2, 2012

Why does God permit pain and suffering? One reason is to help shape us to be more like Christ.

“GOD’S REFINERY” Isaiah 48:1-11 First Presbyterian Church, Corpus Christi, TX Rev. Charles S. Blackshear • April 29, 2012 Have you ever had one of those days when it seems that nothing is going your way? From the time you get up in the morning it’s as if the whole ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 48:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Hindered But Not Hopeless Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Nov 11, 2020

There can be no doubt that Paul endured much for the sake of the gospel. From a worldly perspective, one might have thought his efforts had largely failed. However, Paul kept the faith and continued serving the Lord. We should be thankful for his perseverance.

Hindered but not Hopeless 1 Thessalonians 2: 17-20 What precious and powerful words are recorded for our exhortation in these few verses! These words reveal the very heart and soul of the apostle Paul. He, of all men, knew what it was to face adversity and extreme difficulty in ministry. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Denomination: Baptist

Attacking Anxiety

Contributed by David Dewitt on Oct 8, 2001

Since September 11th our nation has been in a state of high anxiety. God has the solution for high anxiety.

Attacking Anxiety Selected Passages October 7, 2001 Introduction What do all of these things have in common?  Fear to take action  Cowardice to deal with difficult situations  Withdrawal from daily life  Depression and discouragement  Distrust and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7

Denomination: Church Of God

New Year PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 26, 2023

This sermon encourages perseverance in faith, reflecting on God's past promises, navigating present circumstances, and looking towards a hopeful future with divine guidance. Key

Welcome, dear friends and beloved family in Christ, to this blessed gathering where we seek to grow in wisdom and understanding, to be nourished by the Word of God, and to be drawn closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. I am truly humbled and overjoyed to share this time with you all, as we stand on ...read more

Topics: New Year

Overcoming Life’s Disasters Series

Contributed by Kerry Tilley on Aug 25, 2018

Learning to maintain integrity and resisting the urge to blame God during a disaster in life.

TEXT: JOB 1:13-19; 2:7-9 Objective: To help the listener learn to maintain their integrity and resist the urge to blame God during a disaster in life. INTRODUCTION: I conclude my series today on Moving Forward in Life. We have learned how to overcome disappointments and difficulties. Today, we ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:13-19, Job 1:20-22, Job 2:7-9, Job 23:10, Job 27:4, Job 19:25, Matthew 11:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Practiced Gratitude Fills The Boat With Joy

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Nov 22, 2022

Simple lessons from the story of the "first Thanksgiving."

Practiced Gratitude Fills the Boat With Joy Acts 27:33-38 (NIV) "Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:33-38

Denomination: Pentecostal

What God Has Done Series

Contributed by Rodney Burton on Jan 29, 2009

Psalm 85 looks at what God has done for us and what God desires to do for us. In part 1 of this 3 part series, we look at God’s restoration and divine favor upon His people.

Psalm 85 -- We Must Remember and Anticipate *Written by the Sons of Korah, a talented musical family. The Sons of Korah are credited with having written 11 Psalms. Psalm 85 is believed to have been written after the return of the Jews from their captivity in Babylon, most likely during the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 85:1-3

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Power Of Perseverance Series

Contributed by Rudolf E. Y. Mensah on Sep 15, 2024

In the grand tapestry of life, we often encounter challenges that test our resilience, faith, and determination.

*Sermon Title:* "The Power of Perseverance" Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-2 *Introduction* In the grand tapestry of life, we often encounter challenges that test our resilience, faith, and determination. These trials, though difficult, are not meant to defeat us but to refine and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1, Matthew 24:13, Romans 5:3-4, James 1:2-4

Denomination: Charismatic

Comfort In The Valley?

Contributed by Peter Balogun on Aug 9, 2010

Refuse to remain in the valley of life

COMFORT IN THE VALLEY? Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; In whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; The rain also filleth the pools. Psalm 84:5-6 Is it possible for a man to be in the valley and still find comfort? Oh! Yes. The God we ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 84:5-6

Denomination: Pentecostal

Keys To Effective Vigilance (I Am Vigilant, I Am Prepared For Eternity)

Contributed by Cesar Datuin on Aug 9, 2021

This world is full of Satan's schemes and activities to lure Christians to give up their faith. But in this sermon, we will see a perfect example set by Jesus in order to be effective in our vigilance against the enemy.

Intro: Last week we were able to learn that Satan is only a voiceless roaring lion who wanted to set fear and worries in us by using his defenseless roar. That’s why, if we recall our theme this month “I am Vigilant, I am Prepared for Eternity” we are called to be watchful and be on guard always as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46, 1 Peter 5:9-10, Isaiah 55:9, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Isaiah 62:6, Psalm 121:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Two Perplexing Questions

Contributed by Larry Soblotne on Nov 28, 2001

When adversity strikes in our lives we usually have two questions: "why is this happening to me" and "why don’t the unsaved seem to have any problems"?

TWO PERPLEXING QUESTIONS TEXT: Job 1:6-22, 2:1-10 & Psalm 73:1-28 PROPOSITION: We need to trust the Lord in all of life’s circumstances. INTRODUCTION: This week I heard of a man from Jordan, a Christian who came to the United States, went through seminary, even got his doctor’s degree in ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 73:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

Humility, Suffering, Glory Series

Contributed by Ken Henson on Sep 28, 2016

We only see God's greatest work through us when we embrace humility & suffering. Only then we'll see His glory.

Ephesians 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:7-13

Denomination: *other

Worshiping Despite Distraction

Contributed by Luke Vasicek on Mar 24, 2024

Worship Despite Distraction

Worship Despite Distraction 1. Joy Keeps us Focused on _Worship_ Rather on Self (Heb. 12:2-3; Nehemiah 8:10) A. Heb. 12:2-3 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2-3

Denomination: Bible Church

The Search For The Messiah

Contributed by Joel Santos on Oct 8, 2004

Jesus ONLY reveals Himself to people who seek for Him earnestly.(This sermon is prepared by Pastor Joe Balaan, my student in Central Bible College, as part of his course requirement in Bible Exposition).

(This sermon is prepared by Pastor Joe Balaan, my student in Central Bible College, as part of his course requirement in Bible Exposition) Main Idea : Jesus reveals Himself to people who seek for Him earnestly. Historical background The Magi were men who were skilled in philosophy, medicine ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Learning From A Giant Killer (Part 1)

Contributed by David Dewitt on Jan 4, 2008

Lessons on life that are revealed through the life of David

Learning from a Giant Killer Selected Passages Lessons from the life of David December 30, 2007 Evening Message This message was written with the aid of two major sources David: A man of Passion and Destiny by Charles R Swindoll David: A man after God’s own heart by J. Vernon ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:8-9

Denomination: Church Of God