Sermons on Difficulties:

What Is Faith

Contributed by Christopher Howitz on Dec 13, 2008

A call to copy the faith of our team-mates in the cross-country relay race of life... looking to God and trusting Him through the mud and the pain... because we have another city and different treasure... a prize that is worth the struggle.

Intro… The title I’ve got for you today is, “What is faith?” Hopefully by the end of what I’ve got to say, we’ll not only know what faith is, but we will be able to live it. And to help us along the road we’re going to have assistance from two old pros who we’re going to meet shortly. Hebrews… The ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-40

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Confused By God's Favor

Contributed by John Appling on Dec 22, 2008

Mary is described in this passage as highly favored by God. But this favor didn’t result in an easy time. We need to understand God’s thoughts if we are not going to struggle in life.

Confused by God’s favor – by John Appling Luke 1:26-38 26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Encouragement For Those Who Suffer

Contributed by Shawn Rose on Dec 27, 2008

The apostle Peter gives us encouragement to help us when we suffer.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER Text: 1 Peter 1:13 – 16 Introduction: • 64 AD Rome burns under Nero; Nero blames Christians • Christians around world still suffer • US suffering: verbal, emotional, or physical abuse; inciting to lose temper or to sin; hindering your service for God ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

Ah, Lord God

Contributed by Andy Barnard on Dec 27, 2008

When things don’t go according to our plan, we need to know God is stil in control

An explorer in the deepest Amazon suddenly finds himself surrounded by a bloodthirsty group of natives. Upon surveying his situation, he says quietly to himself, "I’m toast." A ray of light breaks forth from the sky and a voice booms out: "No, you are NOT toast. Pick up that stone in front of you ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:1-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Grace And Future Glory Series

Contributed by Martin Wiles on May 10, 2011

God takes everything in our life-good and evil, and works it together for good in his purpose for our life.

Romans 8:18-30 Introduction: A. There is a longing in humans that leads them to want something better and to believe there is more to life than experienced on earth. B. While we don’t necessarily want to die to attain the better experience, believers maintain taking this step is the only way ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-30

Denomination: Baptist

How Can I Be Confident In A Crisis

Contributed by Rommel Samaniego on May 2, 2008

Based on Rick Warrens book,Answers to Life Difficult Questions. I added illustrations and made it to a sermon.

HOW CAN I BE CONFIDENT IN A CRISIS? Illustration: When I was young my Dad always told me about his childhood and how they lived in a house that is near the Sea. The thing that he most feared was the typhoon since their house is made of wood, it will be beaten down, almost carried by the wind, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:9-12

Denomination: Baptist

When Your World Is Turned Upside Down

Contributed by Paul Wallace on Apr 23, 2008

When our world is turned upside down we need God’s truth to guide us, instead of our feelings.

When Your World is Turned upside Down Psalms 34 and; 1 Samuel 21:10-15 1 A psalm of David, regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who sent him away. I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. 2 I will boast only in the LORD; let all who ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:1-22

Denomination: Wesleyan

"Trusting God In The Midst Of Suffering”

Contributed by John Harper on Nov 11, 2008

When you suffer know that the Lord is watching, and He will turn it around for good

I Peter 4:12-19 October 8, 2008 Pastor John L. Harper “Trusting God in the midst of suffering” I. (vs. 12-13) Suffering Should be Considered as a Reason for Joy A. Don’t be surprised 1. Like something is strange and abnormal 2. When a fiery trial comes upon you B. Don’t Grumble, but ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Christian's Perspective Of Trials

Contributed by Shad Comeaux on Nov 11, 2008

How Christians should view trials of life.

I’m wondering this morning if there is anybody who knows anything about trials. Is there anyone who’s going through a trial right now? Maybe you’ve just come out of a trial and I’m not psychic, but I have a feeling that somebody is about to go through a trial. • The words of the great ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Baptist

A Complainer's Cure

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Nov 19, 2008

Trials and Tribulations should build our character not our list of complaints!

I AM SURE WE HAVE HEARD MANY PHRASES IN REGARDS TO PESSIMISM SUCH AS “SEEING THE GLASS HALF-EMPTY INSTEAD OF HALF-FULL,” OR “YOU CAN’T SEE THE FOREST FOR ALL THE TREES.” WHATEVER THE SAYING, UNGRATEFULNESS AND PESSIMISM DO NOTHING TO HELP OUR DISPOSTION OR RAISE OUR SPIRITS. ESPECIALLY IN THIS ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Free Methodist

Are You Going Through It?

Contributed by Matthew Davaughn Cox on Mar 5, 2013

James 1:12

I. Are you going through something? a. Do you feel like you are being tested? b. Are you looking for someone to turn too? c. Are you thinking why Am I going through this? II. a. God will only test the ones that he loves with all of his heart. b. When God test you, do not think of it as a bad ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12

Denomination: *other

When I Am Weak Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 22, 2013

Sometimes trouble just overwhelms you. You feel vulnerable, weak, unstable. If you ever feel this way, you are in good company. David felt that way too. He poured his heart out to God and depended on the Lord in a way that will help you in times of troubl

As with some of our most recent psalms, Psalm 59 was written by David during a particularly difficult time in his life. In 1 Samuel 19 David has a death sentence on his head from jealous King Saul. In verse 9 we learn that one day an evil spirit entered Saul and he threw a spear at David, trying ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Good Shepherd Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Dec 3, 2012

One of the greatest of all the psalms gives us hope when venturing out of the sheep pen that a God of great love will accompany us in life's darkest valleys.

Psalm 23 is by far the most well-known of the psalms. Many people who are not Jewish or Christian can often recite it from memory. It has even made its way into popular films and TV shows (mostly in graveside scenes). Overall this psalm gives us a picture of God as provider, no matter what ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

God Uses Thorns

Contributed by James Lee on Nov 3, 2012

Paul really tries to get his readers to understand that there is a danger of thinking too much of ourselves

I’m not sure who said this but it really says a lot. "My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn. I have thanked Thee a thousand times for my roses, but not once for my thorn. I have been looking forward to a world where I shall get compensation for my cross; but I have never thought of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Storm Proofing Life

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Nov 10, 2012

1. We all go through storms 2 They Had Set Out With Christ 3 His Presence on Board is no Guarantee of Perpetual Calm 4. The Storm Does Not Mean That He Has Left Us. 5. Do Not Lose Faith If He Seems Calmly Indifferent.

1. We have gone through two storms these last 2 weeks - Lost of power & have snow because of Sandy – 10/29/12 - Sandy dumped 3’ wet snow - 270,000 people lost power - 6 people in WV have died - John Rose, 60, a Republican candidate killed by falling tree - It could take at least six ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Baptist