Sermons on Facing Trials:

When Little Is Much

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Mar 27, 2011

As we think about the trials, testing, and tasks we face, both in our church and personal lives, often we become disheartened feeling we have little to offer and what lies ahead is too great. But God will use our little in a great way if we will let Him.

When Little Is Much “Then He said, ‘To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:30-32

Denomination: Baptist

It Is Well

Contributed by Larry Grant on Jan 28, 2023

"It is well", must have been the theme phrase of this Shunamite woman's life. She knew that there are things in life that we cannot control and yet she demonstrated her faith in God by keeping the standard in the face of extreme trials, knowing that He was in complete control.

2 Kings 4:14-26 (NKJV) “It is Well” January 27, 2023 The United Kingdom (Saul, David, Solomon) has divided (931 BC). Our text takes place around 850 BC - Elisha was God’s prophet to the Northern kingdom. He was the son of a farmer, Shaphat, and also understudy of Elijah. At Elijah’s ascension ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:14-26

Denomination: Baptist

Heaven's Wager

Contributed by Larry Brincefield on Jun 25, 2004

The story of Job continues today. We are all Job. Satan is trying to afflict us, to tempt us, to lure us away from God. We must remain faithful in the face of trials. We must fall to the ground in worship, expressing love to God. But, if we have faile

Preached by Larry Brincefield on June 27, 2004 Title: Heaven’s Wager Text: Job 1:6-22 Introduction 1. I don’t have much time for “pleasure” reading. • I do so much reading of Bibles, commentaries, and other materials in sermon preparation, • I just don’t have the time to read much beyond ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:6-22

Denomination: Nazarene

A Shortened Time, A Passing World

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 8, 2017

The reordering of our priorities in the face of an impending crisis.

A SHORTENED TIME, A PASSING WORLD. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31. This is one of Paul’s ‘I say, not the Lord’ passages (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:25), meaning that he is not here directly quoting a word from Jesus. Not that his comments are uninspired, as some contend. The Apostle goes on to qualify ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Paul And His Greeting To The Roman Church Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Mar 2, 2024

Paul warmly greets the church he would one day see face to face, but as a prisoner.

1:1. “Paul.” We first meet him on the Damascus Road. But his life is told in other parts of the book of Acts, and the epistles. Circumcised the 8th day. Sent to Jerusalem to study eventually under Gamaliel, the grandson of Hillel, the most famous rabbi of Jewish history, except for Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Confronting Life's Great Challenges

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Aug 30, 2003

"Confront" is the word of choice when referring to the many and varied challenges we face in life. It means "to face, especially in challenge". (Webster)

CONFRONTING LIFE’S GREAT CHALLENGES “…I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:4-6

Denomination: Baptist

Peter's Conflict With The Religious Leaders Series

Contributed by Hugh W. Davidson on Jun 16, 2020

Any progress in the Christian life will face opposition

Peter's conflict with the religious leaders Acts 4:1-22 1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 being grieved that they taught the people, and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

With Christ In A Storm

Contributed by Joe Lunsford on Oct 31, 2005

Discovering that Christ is bigger than any trial satan throws our way!

Christ In A Storm Mark 6:45-52 Jesus Christ performs some of the greatest miracles ever written about in the book of Mark. Mark was not necessarily an eye witness to all the accounts contained in his book… In fact there is a strong belief that he received his information from someone who was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:45-52

Denomination: Church Of God

Stephen Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Sep 22, 2023

As the gaze of the Sanhedrin fell on Stephen they saw “that his face was like the face of an angel.” Stephen stood there, unafraid, his face glowing with the peace and calm of heaven.

September 23, 2023 As the church grew, it began to experience growing pains. One source of that pain involved the distribution of food to the Jewish and Gentile widows. The Gentile widows made accusations that they were not getting their fair share of the daily food distributions. The ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:11, Acts 6:8, Acts 7:1-60

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Moved By Afflictions Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on May 26, 2021

In this particular passage of 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul wants to encourage the Thessalonians in their faith in the midst of trials and doesn’t want them discouraged because he and his companions, including Timothy, suffer trials and hardships.

MOVED BY AFFLICTIONS 1 THESSALONIANS 3:1-13 #1Thessalonians3 READ 1 THESSALONIANS 3:1-13 Therefore, when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Joshua’s Wilderness

Contributed by Samuel M on Oct 16, 2023

Moses' wilderness was near Mount Sinai for 40 years, whereas Joshua's wilderness was near the tent of meeting for many years. God was speaking directly face to face with Moses, but God was not speaking directly face to face with Joshua.

Moses' wilderness was near Mount Sinai for 40 years, whereas Joshua's wilderness was near the tent of meeting for many years. God was speaking directly face to face with Moses, but God was not speaking directly face to face with Joshua. Joshua's wilderness was that “Being in a close ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 33:11

Walk A Mile In My Shoes Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on May 19, 2015

God's grace is sufficient for our every trial & affliction. Trials are an integral & authenticating aspect of our ministry. Let us journey for a while through the life of Paul as he authenticates to us that he is a true servant of Christ.

2 CORINTHIANS 11: 22-27 [GAINING PERSPECTIVE Series] WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES [Philippians 3: 4-11] Do you serve Christ so that all will go well with you here and now? Has all been easy for you in your service of Christ? Ease in Zion was certainly not the Apostle Paul's experience. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:21-27

Denomination: Baptist

Surrendering As A Christian Series

Contributed by James Julian on Dec 6, 2004

The Christian life is and should be a life of Joy. James said, "count it ALL joy when you fall into various trials." Paul, in Col. 1 shares with the Believer how to turn trials into JOY.

Joy in SUFFERING OCCASIONALLY (v.24) Jesus’ death was COMPLETE Our suffering is CONSTRUCTIVE Joy in SERVING OTHERS (25-27) Paul RECEIVED God’s Grace Paul helped to REVEAL God’s Grace Joy in SEEING OBEDIENCE (v.28,29) Paul’s only desire was to PREACH Paul’s only goal ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

Rejoicing Always

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Oct 25, 2006

Trials and persecutions notwithstanding, Paul keeps the focus on rejoicing both in his life and in the church.

REJOICING ALWAYS “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul referred to “rejoice”, “rejoiced” or “rejoicing” ten times. The church had much that tended to discourage it. It was not an affluent congregation. It was ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4

Denomination: Baptist

Pain Reveals Our Genuine Faith Series

Contributed by Ed Taylor on Apr 7, 2008

Trials in our lives show us how much faith we have in the Lord.

1. Remember that Peter is writing this letter AS A PASTOR to those who were suffering greatly for their faith. • Scattered. Suffering. Confused. Perplexed. • They are going through some seriously tough times. • Nero is taking some & using them for his own sick entertainment. • Society at this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational