Sermons on Difficulties:

Bread Of Adversity, Cup Of Affliction, Begone!

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 2, 2010

For Black History Month: The "world the slaves made" (Genovese) was one they chose to make, seeing hope and possibility in what God had done and in following the Teacher, Christ. He ate the bread of adversity and drank the cup of affliction, but rose in

By the light of the flickering bonfire you could see them. Gathering from the little cabins down by the creek, coming up the road from the brush arbor, a few of them on a creaky old wagon pulled by two mules. Something exciting was happening here tonight! Their laughter told you, too, that this ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 30:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

Switched - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Apr 10, 2010

We usually like for things to stay the same. However, sometimes an exchange takes place for our good. Some things need to be “Switched!”

“Switched” Text: Genesis 25:21-26; 32:24, 27-28; 35:14-18 Gen. 25:21 Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, "Why is this happening to me?" ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Suffering Of The Present And The Glory To Come

Contributed by Jesse Roncales on Apr 15, 2010

Suffer now glory later

Introduction We live in a suffering world. And we, too, suffer. Every honest person on earth testifies that life is not fairly easy. And biblical Christianity does not minimize our difficulties and sufferings. We are saved and we are looking forward to the coming of Christ. But at present we are ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-25, Romans 8:18-30, Romans 8:30-39

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Beginning Of… Pain Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Apr 20, 2010

God curses the universe for our rebellion, but in discipline there is hope.

Scripture Introduction In certain segments of Jewish culture, there is a way of pretending to say something nice, then adding a twist that turns it into a curse. Alan King lists a number of these in his Great Jewish Joke Book: • May you inherit a hotel and die in every room. • May ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:16-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Jesus Lifestyle - Serving Others

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on May 2, 2010

What can you expect when you decide to follow Jesus?

17As for us, brothers and sisters, when, for a short time, we were made orphans by being separated from you—in person, not in heart—we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face. 18For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, wanted to again and again—but Satan ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Denomination: United Methodist

The Internal Power To Face External Pressures

Contributed by John Putty on Apr 16, 2011

We cannot change what's going on around us most of the time, but we can change internally for the better so that we are better equipped to deal with external pressures.

TITLE: THE INTERNAL POWER TO FACE EXTERNAL PRESSURES TEXT: 2COR. 4:1,7, 8-10, 15, 16-18 INTRO: Atmosphere of extreme mental,‑physical and spir. pressure. ‑Discouragement seems to come from all‑sides. The news, people,‑circumstances, and even demonaic‑attacks. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Believing In God’s Blessings Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jun 26, 2012

1. Trust God to bless you through His transformation (vs. 1). 2. Trust God to bless you through His truth (vs. 1). 3. Trust God to bless you through your trials (vs. 2-4).

Christianity Where the Rubber Meets the Road Part 1: Believing in God’s Blessings James 1:1-4 Sermon by: Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - Feb. 12, 2012 *One of my favorite Scriptures is Matthew 7:7-11, where Jesus told His followers: 7. "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Journey Through The O.t. #4: Weak And Discouraged Series

Contributed by C Jordan on Jul 3, 2012

In the Book of Judges, God called and chose Gideon - a small and insignificant man - to be one of his champions. With God on our side, we can overcome weaknesses and discouragement.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE OLD TESTAMENT #4: WEAK AND DISCOURAGED INTRO TO TOPIC: Have you ever questioned or wondered: “IF the Lord is (good and He is) with us, WHY then has all this (bad stuff) happened to us? And WHERE are all His miracles which our fathers told us about? BUT now the Lord has forsaken ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:1-40

Denomination: *other

When God Sends A "Great Storm" Into Your Life Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 11, 2013

A look at why God sends storms our way.

WHY WOULD GOD DELIBERATELY SEND A "GREAT STORM" INTO YOUR LIFE? The two most likely reasons are pruning or discipline. - Jonah 1:4; John 15:1-8. WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF OUR DISOBEDIENCE? The two biggest are a bad witness for God and bad results for us. WHY WON'T GOD LET US WALK AWAY? Because ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:4

Denomination: Baptist

Our Ever Present Help In Time Of Trouble

Contributed by Philip Beals on Sep 22, 2013

Just when we think all is lost, we can count on God to be there to help, and carry us through the storms of life.

I want to begin this morning by taking you to two other passages of Scripture. The first is found in Isaiah 41 and verse 10, which reads as follows: “Fear thou not; for I am with you. Be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; I will uphold you with the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-10

Denomination: Baptist

Managing Christian Trials-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Sep 14, 2010

1 of 3. James divulged the proper management of trials which were endemic/common to Christians. There are proper ways of managing the those difficulties. But how are Christians to manage their trials properly? Tackling trials properly involves managing

MANAGING CHRISTIAN TRIALS-I—James 1:1-27 Attention: A plane is on its way to Los Angeles when a blonde in Economy Class gets up, moves to First Class & sits down. The flight attendant watches her do this & asks to see her ticket. She examines it, then tells the blonde that she has paid for ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-27

Denomination: Baptist

How To Benefit From Trials Series

Contributed by Greg Nance on Feb 7, 2015

Suffering trials is a strange place to find anyone rejoicing, yet that is the surprising instruction of God for us in Christ.

At the heart of the gospel is the amazing truth of how God is willing to suffer to redeem us. Jesus experienced firsthand the greatest human trial imaginable. He endured being betrayed by on of the 12 apostles, deserted by all his closest friends and followers, falsely accused, being mocked and ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Cried Out To God Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jan 30, 2013

What should we do when we find ourselves in a distressing or desperate situation in life? 1- We cry out to God 2- We look to scripture 3- We offer our praise

INTRO.- Life is full difficulties and sometimes it’s more of a disaster than a difficulty. Like Hurricane Sandy hitting New York and New Jersey. That was one of the worst, at least, for them. Or like that tornado that hit Joplin, MO, a year ago last May. ILL.- Thomas Edison invented the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 77:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Brushes Or Swords Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 29, 2011

If we’re going to "put the icing" on the days God makes for us, we must enjoy his delights and embrace his discipline.

Lauri Johnson of Hudsonville, Michigan, talks about a wonderful afternoon her two sons, 12-year-old Matthew and 6-year-old Ryan, spent with her parents recently. When they were ready to leave, Matthew’s grandpa said to him, “You made my day.” Matthew replied, “God made your day; we just put the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 29:1-30

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Enduring Trials Series

Contributed by Rich Anderson on Feb 22, 2011

When we face trials in our lives, do we complain or do we trust that God will help us through?

Did you hear of the man who was dyslexic, agnostic and an insomniac? Yes, he stays awake all night long wondering if there really is a “Dog.” Michael Josephson, the founder of the “Josephson Institute of Ethics” in Southern California writes about an old legend that tells ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Christian Church