Sermons on Grief And Loss:

Nowhere To Stand

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 19, 2018

What is moving the ground beneath your feet today? Is it the loss of a loved one? A marriage that is less than perfect? A job that seems insecure? An illness that threatens your life? A trusted person who has let you down? Faith in God can be restored.

Nowhere to Stand Psalm 46:1-3 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Message: There are ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-3, 2 Samuel 12:18-19, Psalm 18:1-2

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When Tragedy Hits Home

Contributed by David Sylvester on Sep 14, 2001

Dealing with grief in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 tragedy.

“WHEN TRAGEDY HITS HOME” Habakkuk 1: 12 - 2:4 News reports on September 11, 2001 portrayed jubilant Palestinians dancing in the streets, handing out candy, and shouting “God is great” as they celebrated the deaths of estimated thousands of Americans as a result of a coordinated and simultaneous ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Good Cry Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 12, 2012

Go ahead, have a good cry if you need to. Then let your tears draw you close to others and to God.

There is a new trend in China’s changing culture, which I find very interesting. The trend is a Cry Bar and it’s spreading to several major Chinese cities. The first Cry Bar opened eight or nine years ago (2003) in the city of Nanjing with only a sofa, a few tables, and tissues – a lot of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:1-26

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Coping With The Holidays

Contributed by Davon Huss on Nov 19, 2016

This information was put together for a workshop on "Coping with the Holidays" (Adapted from the book, "The Empty Chair: Handling Grief on Holidays and Special Occasions" by Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge and Robert C. De Vries)

HoHum: Start with some family information: I grew up in a tight knit family spending my Sunday afternoons after church with all my extended family at my grandparent’s house. I am the eldest grandchild and my grandfather spent a lot of time with me growing up. I had trouble reading so before ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 138:8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Noah's Faith

Contributed by Jeremy Morford on May 19, 2014

After losing two of our saints in a single week, the congregation was seeking to know the answer to the question, "Why?" Noah teaches us that we can trust God -- His Personhood, His Prescriptions, and His Protection.

Noah’s Faith Text: Hebrews 11:7, Gen. 6 Intro: This has been a rough week for the church. We have had to say good-bye both Andrea and Bro. Bush. It is always heard to lose a loved one, but to lose two within just a few days can be devastating. It is times like this that we look to God ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:7

Denomination: Holiness

Funeral For Christian Woman Who Died In Her Early Seventies

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jan 21, 2021

This funeral was for Christian lady who served in the church but had serious healthy problems in latter years of her life.

Opening and eulogies by family members prior to this message. MESSAGE: I had the privilege of pastoring Katie and her family for fourteen years between 1991 and 2005. When I came to _________ Church, Katie was there waiting for me, and when I left she was still here supporting the work of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Hebrews 9:27

Denomination: Charismatic

The Ministry Of Presence

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on May 24, 2024

In this sermon Dr. Vorce examines the importance of the Ministry of Presence flowing from the believer's life. Using the Good Samaritan, the Story of Ruth, and Paul's prison experience as examples, he explains the power of both extending and receiving "presence" as a ministry.

Scripture Reading • Matthew 18:20 (NIV): "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." • John 1:14 (NIV): "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:20, John 1:14, Luke 10:25-37, Job 2:11-13, 2 Timothy 4:9-13, Ruth 1:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

Roll Away The Stone

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on May 30, 2009

We bury a lot of things in our hearts and hide them there behind very heavy stones. These stones often have a name, like shame, hurt, bitterness, loss, and grief. Others are called selfishness, envy, lust, and greed. I want you to know that whatever is en

Roll Away the Stone Today we celebrate with Christians all over the world the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the great event that separates the Christian religion from all others. Our God is not an idol of stone or wood but our God is alive. A great battle took place behind the stone ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Rejoicing In The Gift

Contributed by Sue Richard on Dec 15, 2007

Mary is a model of how to find joy

LUKE 1: 46-50 REJOICING IN THE GIFT- 12/16/07 I’m sure you’re well aware that the theme for today is JOY. “Rejoicing in the Gift.” The banner announces the theme, the songs we sang, the story for the children. Yet, I know Christmas is not a season of joy for many people. Last ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-50

Denomination: Brethren

There Is Hope In Life's Darkest Hour

Contributed by John Knight on Jul 15, 2002

A word to those in grief, and to those who know someone who is.

There Is Hope In Life’s Darkest Hour Luke 7:11-17 Introduction: Funeral customs ( Http://library.thinkquest.org/16665/burialframe.htm.) Egypt-bodies were mummified with spices, herbs, and chemicals. Maoris (New Zealand)-bodies are burned in huts which are locals for elaborate ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-17

Denomination: Holiness

Is Something Lacking In The Sufferings Of Christ? Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 4, 2021

The obvious answer that we can all affirm, is “nothing is lacking.” But someONE may be lacking.

Monday of 23rd week in Course The words of St. Paul to the Colossians are a tremendous stumbling block for some Christians. What is lacking in the sufferings of Jesus Christ? The obvious answer that we can all affirm, is “nothing is lacking.” Objectively, Jesus suffered and died and won our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:6-11, Colossians 1:24-29, Colossians 2:1-3

Denomination: Catholic

The Beautiful Side Of Death

Contributed by Rule Digal on Aug 11, 2008

We think of death as a loss –a loss of a great life, a loss of a beloved person. Death is nothing but losing. But that is not what the bible says about death. There is a verse in the word of God that says, “Death is gain.”

Theme: The Beautiful Side of Death Text: John 11 Introduction A. I’d like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family of Allan. We want you to know that our heart is with you in these times of sorrows and pain. It’s really painful. It’s really a tough time when a loved one died. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:21-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Wept - Part Three (Covid) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Oct 30, 2020

When Jesus wept in the Garden of Gethsemane, he left an example for those who wrestle with soul-crushing sorrow. By following his example, we can find hope and healing during life's hardships and heartaches.

Jesus Wept (3) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 9/27/2020 I vividly remember the 1991 NBA finals. After four hard fought years of disappointment, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pipen had just led the Chicago Bulls to their first ever NBA Championship over Magic Johnson and the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-39, Hebrews 5:7

Denomination: Christian Church

Happy Are Those Who Mourn Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Jan 21, 2011

Happy are those who mourn. Today’s text is one of the great contradictions of the Bible. Even if we don’t use happy for the word blessed, there still seems to be little correlation between being blessed and grieving.

Happy are those who mourn. Today’s text is one of the great contradictions of the Bible. Even if we don’t use happy for the word blessed, there still seems to be little correlation between being blessed and grieving. When you lose a person you love, do you feel blessed? Does it comfort ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Abraham, A Man Challenged #9 Series

Contributed by Raymond Smith on Jan 20, 2008

A Division that comes from loss of Vision

Abraham, a Man of challenge, Faith, Promise A Division that comes from loss of Vision Reading: Genesis.16:1ff In view of developments in recent years in our society of surrogate motherhood, egg and sperm donation for use in cases of infertility, this patriarchal equivalent is not so much of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Denomination: Pentecostal