Sermons on Hardships:

Suffering And Humility Lead To Rewards

Contributed by Craig Condon on Oct 23, 2015

There are things in life that we can’t understand on earth, but we will understand them completely when we get to heaven. One of these things is God’s grace. Grace can’t be earned. It is the gift of God’s unconditional love.

In 1927, the silent film “Wings,” a World War I film about two American aviators, won the first Academy Award for Best Picture. When it was being filmed, production stopped for several days. Frustrated producers asked the director why. He replied, “All we have is blue sky. The ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:1-17

Denomination: Anglican

Back Against The Wall

Contributed by David Dewitt on Dec 16, 2014

Jesus stands with us even when our back is against the wall

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 14:33 I. The Promise of Peace I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace Every person will face challenges in life; it is one of ...read more

Scripture: John 14:33

Denomination: Church Of God

Standing In The Storm

Contributed by Daniel Austin on Apr 9, 2010

If you wish to stand in the storm, you will hear and obey; if you do not you will experience destruction.

Standing in the Storm 02/15/09 AM Text: Matthew 7:13-27 Reading: Matthew 7:24-27 INTRODUCTION This weekend brought a rare event to the San Diego area – weather! We experienced a rare powerful winter storm system that brought about weather about as wild as it gets in Southern California. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When Discouragement Comes, Remember!

Contributed by Daniel Austin on Apr 17, 2010

When discouragements come remember who our God is and remember what our God does, for us and through us, and be encouraged.

When Discouragement Comes, Remember! 04/05/09 AM Text: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 Introduction: It’s no secret to anyone here this morning that life can be hard! I know that everyone one of us has faced difficult times and felt the discouragement which at times can be so overwhelming. There are ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

King Herod's Early Release Program Series

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Oct 11, 2009

No one, not a single person in this story expects Peter to be released. Not Herod, not the guards, not the people of the church, not even Peter himself. Still, God answers the prayer.

Note to reader: I have hot-links to various subjects in this sermon. The document with the active links can be found in PDF form at this web address: http://www.firstpresanchorage.org/Sermons.htm (The sermon is titled the same: "King Herod’s Early Release Program") The links are not active in this ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Goodness Of God

Contributed by Matthew Smith on Mar 12, 2011

As James talks to us in James 1 about not being deceived, he gives us some reasons that we can know that God is good no matter what our circumstances.

In the mid to late 90’s people in the church began to say God is good--- all the time--- all the time---God is good. It’s easy to proclaim and to shout aloud the goodness of God when things are going great! It’s easy to brag on Jesus when people are coming to know Christ in large ...read more

Scripture: James 1:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

Making Hard Choices

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 1, 2009

Today’s world is filled with energy-saving devices that make life easier, but there is something to be said for embracing life’s challenges. The apostle Paul found serving Christ hard, but he didn’t see it as a cause of discouragement. The goal was worth

Opening illustration: On September 12th, 1962, President JF Kennedy delivered a speech at Rice University in Houston, TX, about the difficult challenges facing the nation. He also shared his passion for the US to place a man on the moon. In balancing the needs of his people with the desire to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

We Matter

Contributed by Monty Newton on Jan 13, 2013

We matter because we are God's... God created, formed, ransomed and claimed us as his own.

Title: We Matter Text: Isaiah 43:1-7 Explain the parallelism in the lines of Hebrew Poetry… the first line makes an observation and the second line restates it in slightly different language. It serves as something of a double-whammy by making a point and then reinforcing that point. It ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

From Worrier To Warrior Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Sep 21, 2009

God meets us where we are and empowers us to become who we are to be.

Title: From Worrier to Warrior Text: Judges 6:11-12, 25-32 and 34 (Scripture Reading 6:1-16) Thesis: God meets us where we are and empowers us to become who we are to be. Series: The Bible in 90 Days Whole Church Challenge Background: Last week we wandered with the people of God on their ...read more

Scripture: Judges 1:1-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"how To Embrace Life's Many Challenges."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Jun 16, 2022

"Embracing Life’s Many Challenges" powerfully reminds us that although life presents difficulties, it is through these challenges that we can experience profound growth, deepen our faith, and ultimately fulfill God's purpose for our lives."

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (James 1:2-4) (2) “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;” (3) “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (4) “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10, James 5:7-11, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Ecclesiastes 3:17-22, Psalm 90:12, John 5:10-15, James 1:2-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

No Paycheck On Wednesday - James 5:7 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 30, 2022

How to synchronize the clock of your expectations with divine providence.

James 5:7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See, the farmer waits for the valuable crop of the land, being patient until he receives the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against each other, ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7

The King Wants To See You

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 14, 2021

Christians, especially, must always remember those who have stood with them, honouring their memory and the kinship they have shared during hard times.

“David said, ‘Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’ Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, ‘Are you Ziba?’ And he said, ‘I am your servant.’ And the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

After Darkness, Comes The Dawn Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jan 30, 2025

In this sermon, we will explore biblical examples of how God brings good days after difficult ones, and how we can apply these principles to our own lives.

As Christians, we are not immune to difficulties and challenges. In fact, Jesus promised us that we would face tribulations in this world (John 16:33). However, He also promised us that He would be with us, and that He would bring us through those difficulties into a brighter future. In this ...read more

Be Strong In The Grace Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Sep 24, 2011

Let’s think about what it means to be strong in the grace of Christ. 1- Being strong means to impart the Word 2- Being strong means to endure hardship 3- Being strong means to please the commander 4- Being strong means to obey the rules 5- Being str

INTRO.- 1 You then, my son, be strong. I thought all sons were strong! I guess it depends on the son and the type of strength you’re talking about. But when I was a son at home with mom and dad I only thought of one kind of strength and that was physical. What about you men? Did you ever ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Stay The Course Series

Contributed by Roger Nelmes on Jan 29, 2008

Many people have gone before us and endured hardship and persecution. The Prophets, Job, Peter, Mark Buntain, Rachel Scott, Cassie Burnel, the list goes on of those who have stayed the course through all the trials and challenges.

Many people have gone before us and endured hardship and persecution. The Prophets, Job, Peter, Mark Buntain, Rachel Scott, Cassie Burnel, the list goes on of those who have stayed the course through all the trials and challenges. We can make it through the storm! Not even Hurricane Katrina can ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-12

Denomination: Pentecostal