Sermons on God Tests People:

The Purpose Of Thorns Series

Contributed by Rick Burdette on Sep 7, 2012

Tests, weakness, God's power, grace

THORNS 2 Cor 12: 7-10 September 2, 2012 INTRODUCTION: Why did God put thorns on roses? Well, here is the answer from a Harvard Science Professor… Rose plants have prickles not thorns. Prickles are sharp ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Seven Examples Of Testing (Rewritten) Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Sep 6, 2013

This is an update version of this sermon that I had written several years ago.

Seven Examples of Testing Do you recall the story of Job - how he went through many trials and tests? He was a wealthy man with many possessions - yet in a very short time he lost most of what he had. He lost his possessions, his health was gone, and his children died. Calamity after calamity ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:8-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Gift PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 3, 2023

To explore the gifts of testing, patience, and joy and how they serve to mature us and deepen our relationship with Christ.

Good morning, church family. You know, as Christians, we often hear about the gifts of the Spirit, but how often do we consider the gifts of testing, patience, and joy? In a world where instant gratification is the norm, these gifts may seem like anything but. However, as we delve into James ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-16

Topics: Tests, Challenges

Meeting The Enemy

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jan 23, 2019

Meeting the Enemy Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) Brad Bailey – January 30, 2019

Meeting the Enemy Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) Brad Bailey – January 30, 2019 Text: Luke 3:20-23; 4:1-14 Intro: At the start of a new year…many of the trends that are growing get special attention. And one of those is the growing tragedy of identity theft. Unlike the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:20-23, Luke 4:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Comfort My People

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Nov 28, 2006

God knows we are of little value to the Gospel of Christ when we are miserable, or down in the dumps. If we live down in the dumps, we cannot live where God wants us.

COMFORT MY PEOPLE God knows what you went through this past week and He knows what you will face this coming week. You may have had an average week, or you may be thankful it is finally over. Regardless, you should know that God desires for His people to be happy and blessed in all things. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Helping Needy People

Contributed by Greg Nance on Jun 5, 2002

A preacher’s wife dies leaving a debt she can’t pay. The creditor is on his way to collect her two sons as payment. What to do? God has ways.

Helping Needy People 2 Kings 4:1-7 Elijah and Elisha are very unique prophets in the Old Testament. They both served the Lord in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This was after the division and civil war broke out in Rehoboam’s reign. If you are familiar with the history of Israel, you remember ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7, Deuteronomy 15:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

24. David Spares Saul's Life (Again) Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Sep 10, 2025

Some tests in life keep coming back. You thought you had passed them, moved on, and maybe even grown stronger from them, only to wake up and find yourself right back in the same battle.True maturity is not only seen in what we can do, but in what we choose not to do, out of reverence for God.

David Spares Saul’s Life - Again September 10, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 26 Some tests in life keep coming back. You thought you had passed them, moved on, and maybe even grown stronger from them—only to wake up and find yourself right back in the same ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

Just Ordinary People Series

Contributed by Glenn Narvaez on May 31, 2015

Believers will know that Jesus is a miracle-working God. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Believers will also put their faith in Jesus, believe his miracles and walk in daily expectancy of his miracles in their lives.

INTRODUCTION: Good morning. Praise God for this new day. This is the day that God has made we will rejoice and be glad. I won’t worry about tomorrow. I’m trusting in what you say. Today is the day. If you are here this morning, it is not an accident. God has a plan for you. He will ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Have We Had The Sin Test? Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 3, 2022

Scripture firmly censures sin and leaves no justifiable reason for it. Sin generally upsets our walk with God.

This passage of Scripture firmly censures sin and leaves no justifiable reason for it. While this warning notice is frequently deciphered as a litmus test for salvation, John's particular crowd is really Christian believers. Salvation is not a good reason for someone to commit a transgression, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:4-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Contrasts Between People Who Do Things Right Vs People Who Focus On Doing The Best Things

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

The following two lists seeks to contrasts the kinds of people who choose to just do "right things" as opposed to people who focus on choosing to do the "best things". Only through the leading of the Spirit of God and obedience to the will of God are we a

Perhaps one of the biggest limitations most Christians are facing today is to make the best choices over those which are merely good. The following two lists seeks to contrasts the kinds of people who choose to just do "right things" as opposed to people who focus on choosing to do the "best ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Greater Blessing - Genesis 15 Series

Contributed by Brian Williams on Jun 4, 2024

Life is filled with choices and opportunities. How do we know which choices to make and what opportunities are from God or not?

Last week we studied the passage in Genesis 13:3-18 where we saw that Abram and Lot were prospering, so much so that they needed to expand their territory and go their separate ways. Throughout this transition, Abram stayed close to God and learned to settle things God’s way. Lot on other hand ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 14:17-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Call Of St. Matthew

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Jun 5, 2002

No one is too bad for the grace of God

Hunworth/Brinton 09-06-02 The Call of St. Matthew (Mt. 9:9-13 and 18-26) Story: From 1987 to 1990, the ministry of television evangelists (popularly referred to in the press and the televangelists) in the USA was brought into disrepute by the revelation of a string of frauds, mismanagement of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

Denomination: Anglican

The Importance Of Knowing History

Contributed by Paul Decker on Mar 19, 2006

We must not be set in opposition to God.

THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING HISTORY Acts 7.1-53 S: Church C: Purpose of the Community Th: A People with Purpose Pr: WE MUST NOT BE SET IN OPPOSITION TO GOD. We must not set ourselves in opposition to God. KW: Pleas TS: Since Stephen stands accused of blasphemy, we will find four pleas he makes in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:1-53

Denomination: Baptist

Hail Mary.... The Immaculate Conception Explained

Contributed by Simon Rundell on Dec 6, 2001

Explaining the Immaculate Conception, teaching on the history and theology of the dogma, and how it applies to all of us, as an example of God’s Grace and Goodness.

Sermon: 8th December 2001, Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Text: Luke 1:26-38 “Hail Mary, Filled with Grace” In the name of the +Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Two weeks ago, during our Advent Course, Fr Lewis laid down a challenge for me, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Show Me You Changed

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Feb 26, 2018

A study in the book of Genesis 44: 1 – 34

Genesis 44: 1 – 34 Show me you changed 44 And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack. 2 Also put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and his grain ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel