Sermons on Enduring Hardship:

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

Contributed by Gene Gregory on Mar 17, 2006

A look at several biblical reasons for Christian suffering.

WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE? - Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 As we look at this passage, we wonder, "If God is in control, and He is; and if God is all powerful, and He is; why did He let all of this stuff happen to His man Paul? If God is in control, why do bad things happen to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33

Denomination: Baptist

Jars Of Comfort Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Jan 10, 2008

We are jars of clay through whom God comforts others.

Title: Jars of Caring Text: II Corinthians 1:3-7 Thesis: We are “Jars of Clay” through whom God works. We are stewards of the presence of God… we exist so that others may see the glory of God in us and working through us. We are also stewards of the God’s comfort. We exist to share from our ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Trust In God's Protection Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jul 26, 2007

The prophet Isaiah reveals yet another portion of the future that awaits man-kind. It is a future that will demand the utmost trust in God. But for those who focus their life on God, they will find extraordinary peace for whatever they face.

ISAIAH 26:1-6 TRUST IN GOD’S PROTECTION Philippians 4: 6-8 Because of God’s victory over the city that ruled the world through oppression the prophet pens a song that will be sung by the redeemed when the Messiah establishes His millennial kingdom. Isaiah ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

"A Praise In The Midst Of Confusion"

Contributed by Kevin Smith on Jun 7, 2005

We as believers need to learn how to give God TRUE praise, even amidst chaos & confusion.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 Habbakkuk says in verse 18, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, in the God of mine salvation." He was basically saying that even amidst all the confusion, strife, stress, mess, and destruction and chaos, he was STILL going to praise God, no matter what... And for a few minutes I ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-19

Denomination: Pentecostal

When Life Turns Bitter Instead Of Sweet

Contributed by Tony Marshall on Oct 20, 2004

How to manage the difficulties of life so that God can receive the Glory and we can receive the Blessing.

When Life Turns Bitter Instead of Sweet Exodus 15:22-27 Introduction: Church Misconception 1. Misconception that because you are in the Church and saved things are always going to be Good, Sweet, Enjoyable, and Pleasant 2. Or that there will not be any difficult days in life because you are now ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 15:22-27

Exploring Options

Contributed by Allegra Mcgrew on Aug 26, 2002

Sermon explores Moses leading the children of Israel.

There will in everyone’s life be difficulties, problems, and situations that you feel you cannot endure, never mention, rise up against and conquer. Because of our fear, and the uncertainty of what will happen if we act, we do nothing, we sit in stagnation, and we settle. Too afraid and unable ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:12-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Got Wisdom? Series

Contributed by Mark Lennon on Feb 3, 2003

James 1:5-8 this is number 2 in sermon series on James. dealing with wisdom.

Got Wisdom? James 1:5-8 Last week we talked about trials and testing. Do they make us a bitter or better Christian? We also talked about how trials are inevitable, (or to be expected) Remember James is not a book of faith and works but a book of faith that works! I. We need wisdom as Christians to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

Grace Sufficient

Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Aug 7, 2004

God not only showers us with Saving Grace but also with Enabling Grace. No matter how difficult situations may become, His grace is sufficient to meet every need.

GRACE SUFFICIENT—Numbers 33:50-56 and II Corinthians 12:1-10 I have always appreciated Robert Frost’s poem “The Death of the Hired Man” since first reading it as a junior in high school. Frost portrays three characters in his poem: Warren, a New England farmer; his wife Mary; and Silas their ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Denomination: Methodist

The Tears Help Series

Contributed by Erick Riddle on Sep 5, 2004

Jesus teaches us the value of mourning.

INTRODUCTION My dad’s parents lived in a very old house. It was a small house, just two bedrooms. They had seven children and 18 grandchildren. When the kids were all grown and moved out, Grandma and Grandpa moved into a tiny house. There was not room for much more than two people. Large groups ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How God Uses Circumstances For Our Growth

Contributed by Bill Burnett on Feb 27, 2003

How does God use circumstances to help us fulfill and release God’s dreams for our lives

HOW GOD USES CIRCUMSTANCES TO HELP US REACH OUR DREAMS Going To The Next Level Series We’ve been talking about dreams for the last four weeks. I believe that every person in this room has a dream hidden in you somewhere. It is our desire that we help you find and release God’s dreams for your ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 42:8-28

Denomination: Foursquare

Moving From Fatal Choices To Faithful Purpose

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Feb 13, 2006

Our choices can defeat us but they do not have to cripple us

"Attention, shoppers: Welcome to today’s marketplace, where consumers face a bewildering variety of choices. In grocery, we have 24 different bagged lettuces, 100 cheeses -- 20 of them cheddar -- plus 30 kinds of muffins, 24 flavors of coffee sold in bulk and 80 varieties of cereal in just the ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn Series

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Mar 7, 2004

Lent Mid-Week 2: When death comes close, it is painful. The faithful mourn. Even in this, the Lord tells us, we are blessed because He will draw close to bring comfort.

‘Blessed are,’ says Jesus as He speaks each of the Beatitudes. ‘Blessed’ means more than ‘happy.’ Happiness is an emotion that is dependent on how well things are going. It is an emotional reaction based on outward circumstances. But ‘blessed’ in the Beatitudes refers to much more. It speaks to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Denomination: Lutheran

How To Avoid Second Guessing God

Contributed by Brian Atwood on May 15, 2007

Biblical perspectives on dealing with life’s unanswered questions .

How to Avoid Second Guessing God 1 Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. 4 ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Confront Unknowns

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Sep 13, 2004

The goal of this message is to help the congregation to fact unknowns in the future without fear and with faith in God’s promises.

Confront Unknowns Joshua 1:1-9 These are days around the world when people are learning to confront unknowns. Two hurricanes have hit Florida and a third is on the way. Hundreds of innocent children died at the hands of terrorists in Russia. Warfare continues in the Middle East. Three years ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9

Denomination: Free Methodist

Yes We Have A Future

Contributed by Norm Story on Feb 7, 2003

Focus on immediate suffering, or a longer-term perspective?

"Yes, You Do Have a Future" Isaiah 40:26-31 Romans 8:18-28 (Isaiah 40:26-31 NRSV) " Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. {27} Why do you ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-28, Isaiah 40:26-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed