Sermons on Enduring Hardship:

Jacob-When He Had To Deal With Losses Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on May 15, 2022

Jacob had his share of blessings but he also endured a number of losses. This message gives some glimpses of what he endured and how he dealt with these situations.

Introduction: Jacob had to deal with bad things as well as good things during his earthly journey. He thought he had received the paternal blessing as well as the birthright but he lost as much, if not more, than he gained because of this. Now Jacob is going to experience a number of “hits”. 1 He ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

“losing Your First Love: The Church At Ephesus” Series

Contributed by Dean Rhine on Nov 3, 2016

A look at the church at Ephesus

Intro: Turn with me this morning to the last book in the Bible, the book of Revelation. Here in this book, we find a message that is given to us by God to prepare us for the future. In chapter 1, we these words: the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Losing Your First Love

Contributed by Dean Rhine on Jun 19, 2018

The Church at Ephesus

“Losing Your First Love: The Church at Ephesus” Revelation 2 1/10/10 Intro: Turn with me this morning to the last book in the Bible, the book of Revelation. Here in this book, we find a message that is given to us by God to prepare us for the future. In chapter 1, we these words: the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Half-Time Pep Talk

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Feb 26, 2008

Things can be pretty tough there in the first half of the game. Certainly Timothy was not having a really great time. So let’s listen in to Paul’s half-time talk.

Passage: 2 Timothy 2:1-13 Intro: Most team sports have some kind of intermission, half-time. 1. and if you have played on a crummy team, like the football team I played on in HS, you have heard the half-time “pep talk.” 2. supposed to energize, encourage, send the team back out with a “rah ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Love Rekindled Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Jan 14, 2014

As we read the mail to the church of Ephesus, we can learn truth about Jesus, about churches, and about ourselves.

Love Rekindled Revelation 2:1-7 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Character Study Of Ezekiel Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 23, 2025

Ezekiel was a prophet and priest who ministered during the Babylonian exile. Ezekiel’s life teaches us about obedience, faithfulness, and the power of God’s word to transform hearts.

CHARACTER STUDY OF EZEKIEL – PROPHET IN EXILE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Ezekiel 2:1 "And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee." Supporting Texts: Ezekiel 1:1-3, Ezekiel 3:17, Ezekiel 18:30-32, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Ezekiel ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 2:1, Ezekiel 1:1-3, Ezekiel 3:17, Ezekiel 18:30-32, Ezekiel 37:1-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Looking Forward

Contributed by Michael Brown on Jun 11, 2024

I wrote this to be a devotional I share at a local assisted living home where our church goes to do ministry

Warn them that this devotional has a sad part but the sadness will illustrate the joy of God. We will start this time of study with what should be a simple question. Which one of you has lived your life without experiencing challenging times when you didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel? ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:14, Romans 8:18, Colossians 3:1, 2 Corinthians 4:17

Denomination: Baptist

When Life Really Gets Hard (I) Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 16, 2009

Benefits gained by those who persevere through trials are discussed. James tells us to rejoice in hardship; sermon examines why.

When Life Gets Really Hard James 1:2-12 4-13-08 How would you respond this morning if you received a call telling you that terrorists had just blown up your house and your insurance had expired yesterday? How would you respond if your boss called to tell you his business had fall off and he was ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Charismatic

It’s Worth It - The Beautiful Fight

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Aug 5, 2009

What is the motivation of the follower of Christ to do what he or she does? Knowing that the beautiful fight is worth it for the joy set before us.

It�s Worth It The Beautiful Fight TCF Sermon July 19, 2009 Recently I read a fable about a dog who loved to chase other animals. He bragged about his great running skill and said he could catch anything. Well, it wasn�t long until his boastful claims were put to the test by a certain rabbit. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What's Your Thorn

Contributed by Rolland Bouchard on Sep 4, 2002

A sermon to help us see that God works through our hardships, to keep us close to Him.

WHAT’S YOUR THORN? AIM: To show the congregation that God’s power is shown in our weakness. OPEN: a) Good morning and Welcome b) Something Relevant c) My suffering, my weaknesses. d) Introduce topic • What’s God’s purpose for you life? Have you ever wondered about that? I’m not referring to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"God's Got A Plan!"

Contributed by Kevin Smith on Dec 4, 2004

God has a plan for our life.. A plan to prosper us, and not to fail us, EVEN in the hardships of life!

I. INTRODUCTION: In this particular text, the prophet Jerimiah has sent a letter to the exiles that Nebachunezzer had exiled from Jerusalum to Babylon concerning what they should do while in exile, as well as the promises he had made them during & before the exile, and for when they came out of ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Denomination: Pentecostal

I Do Part 4 - For Better Or For Worse Series

Contributed by Spencer Homan on Mar 1, 2010

Continuing our sermon series on Marriage/Relationship to Christ... this sermon focuses on staying dedicated despite the hardships.

2 Timothy 3:12-17 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:12-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Accept The Challenge?why Am I In This Valley?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Dec 12, 2008

Hardships are not sent by mean destiny and fate to destroy you. This is but a challenge to open new opportunities before you.

Accept the challenge? WHY AM I IN THIS VALLEY? THIS TOO SHALL PASS... By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com YOU MAY HAVE TO DO THIS IN TWO PARTS, OR MOVE QUICKLY. I use a series of metal bowls, starting the small and increase to larger bowls... we sing: HERE’S MY CUP LORD, I LIFT IT UP, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:23-24

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Sacrifice Of Fools Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Mar 31, 2023

Look past religion, rulers, and riches to the Lord to find real joy in life despite its hardships.

Ron Blue tells the story of a wealthy father, who took his son on a trip to the country to show his son how poor people can be. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from the trip, the father asked his son, “How was the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:1-20, Deuteronomy 23:21

Denomination: Evangelical Free

All Means All

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Sep 21, 2015

When Paul says "all things work together for good," does he really mean all?

Dr. James Dobson wrote a book in 1997 entitled When God Doesn’t Make Sense. The book was written for anyone struggling with trials and heartaches—the death of a loved one, disease, divorce, rejection—in the hopes of understanding the meaning of suffering in the world. He ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-39

Denomination: Methodist