Sermons on Inner Struggle:

God's Joy Also Comes In The Morning

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Feb 29, 2016

This is a message given at the anniversary service of an inner-city church in Toronto, Canada.

Anniversary Service - February 28, 2016 Well…Happy Anniversary to Church at the Mission! Hard to believe it’s been 18 years since we formally launched as Church at the Mission. Actually we didn’t have a name when we started. Two different members of the mission’s ...read more

Scripture: John 16:16-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Thru Prayer Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Sep 8, 2019

Jesus was filled with joy and this inner joy came from His relationship with God the Father through prayer. Prayer and inner joy are linked together because prayer opens a door to the presence and guidance of the Lord.

Opening Video: Selah “We Must Not” Sermon: Find joy in the journey through prayer! Scripture: Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Thesis: Jesus was filled with joy and this inner joy came from His relationship with God the Father through prayer. Prayer and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:12, John 17:1-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be Still And Know

Contributed by Nathan Johnson on Feb 20, 2009

Even as Christians, we can find ourselves struggling against God at times. We need to stop and consider. It is far better to travel with the current than against it.

Be Still and Know Griffith Baptist Church – 2/22/09 P.M. Service Text: Psalm 46 Key verse: Psalms 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Premise: Even as Christians, we can find ourselves struggling against God at times. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Passion And Purpose Of The Urban Pastor

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Nov 8, 2004

This sermon is a charge to the congregation for the ordination service of an inner city pastor.

Ordination Service for Outreach Pastor - The Passion and Purpose of the Urban Pastor Ephesians 4:1-5, 11-13; 1 Peter 2:9-10 This is a very special day. I appreciate that you’ve joined us here today. This is a day where we come together to worship God, which has always been the way of God’s people ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Happens When I Don't Forgive? Lesson 3 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 15, 2023

Forgiveness brings inner healing, but bitterness spews its poison.

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13, NKJV). “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psalm 66:18, NKJV). A. UNFORGIVENESS IS COSTLY “Forgive … that your Father in heaven may also forgive you” ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 28:13, Galatians 6:7

Denomination: Baptist

Thomas: A Jesus Follower Who Doubted Lesson 5 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 18, 2023

A doubter makes decisions – not on intellect or emotions – but on their inner negative nature.

A. WHO WAS THOMAS 1. Thomas was listed both 7th and 8th among disciples (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16). THOMAS – THREE NICKNAMES • Had a twin brother. Didymas means ditto, or duplicate, i.e., perhaps an identical twin (John 20:24). • Was from the tribe of Judah, or that was his ...read more

Scripture: John 20:25, John 20:27, Mark 9:23, Hebrews 11:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

His Faith And His Works Equals Justification

Contributed by Darren Sirmans on Aug 19, 2010

All those who struggle with their faith and their works, the struggle is over

Romans 5: 1 Deuteronomy 32: 20 Today, I pulled praises out of the minds of what people think about me; I’m pulling his praises out daily. I praised God for all the praises that he has given me to praise him with. I want be shame when he draws all the praises that he wants out of me for ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Wrestling With God

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Aug 3, 2005

We struggle or we don’t grow. Jacob gives us the keys for how to struggle (and how NOT to struggle).

THE PASTOR’S POINTS (The view from my garden) Wrestling with God Genesis 32:1-27 Of all the mysteries I would like solved before I die, it is the one that says you must struggle if you are going to grow. Growth always means struggle in one form or another. I struggled when I was a youth, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:1-27

Denomination: United Methodist

"Forgiveness"

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Mar 21, 2016

This Palm Sunday Jesus struggles with the Elders of the church, He struggles with Pilate, and finally he must struggle with his fate.

Forgiveness Luke 23:34 Luke tells us about the passion of Jesus. He recounts in painful detail how Jesus stood before Pilate and Herod, was sentenced to death and was crucified and killed. Today’s story is all about struggle, not celebration. Passion not palms. A cross, not a crown. 1. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:34

Denomination: Methodist

The Adornment That Attracts

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Aug 5, 2013

A sermon that describes the character of an individual who seeks to adorn the "inner man of the heart."

"The Adornment that Attracts" Pt. 1 1 Peter 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Banana Of Joy Series

Contributed by James Westervelt on Nov 21, 2001

Joy can be defined as: "Inner happiness, which is not dependent on outward circumstances." The O.T. word "simchah" means "gladness of heart," the NT word, "chara" means "inner delight."

THE BANANA OF JOY I). WHAT is Joy? 2). HOW is Joy Expressed? 3). HOW is Joy Developed? I. WHAT IS JOY? Joy can be defined as: "Inner happiness, which is not dependent on outward circumstances." The O.T. word "simchah" means "gladness of heart," the NT word, "chara" means ...read more

Scripture: John 16:22, Galatians 5:22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Experience Of Daniel (#5 Of Series On Prayer) Series

Contributed by Rule Digal on Nov 25, 2005

The blessing of being in the inner chamber of God’s Presence through prayer.

The Experience of Daniel Text: Daniel 6 Intro. A. Why is prayer essential? We have learned four points in our last lesson about the essentiality of prayer. 1. Prayer will draw us near to God; 2. Prayer will allow us to experience God’s Power; 3. Prayer will unlock the storehouse of God’s ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 6:16-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Greater Promise Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Mar 7, 2005

The New Covenant is Greater because it is an INNER, RELATIONAL, INCLUSIVE, and ETERNAL Covenant.

The Greater Promise Hebrews 8 SCRIPTURE READING: Hebrews 8:6-13 INTRODUCTION: I was talking to one of the Pueblo Group leaders this week and they mentioned that their group “had a lot of fun last week with Melchizedek.” Maybe we should have called the lesson, “fun with Melchizedek.” To ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 8:6-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A New Ministry Begins

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Jan 15, 2012

This is the Induction sermon for the new Assistant Pastor at an inner city church in Toronto

Can everyone hear me at the back? A preacher asked that once and someone called out: “Yes, but I wouldn't mind changing seats with someone who can't”. Another pastor was greeting folks at the door after the service. A woman came up and said, "Pastor, that was a very good sermon." The ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Instructions From God To Women Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jan 21, 2025

God desires women to reflect His beauty, both inner and outer.

As daughters of God, women play a vital role in the kingdom of God. Throughout the Bible, God provides guidance and instructions for women to live a life that honors Him. Here are instructions from God to women, based on biblical teachings: 1. Be a Woman of Faith (Hebrews 11:1-3, 35-40) God ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-24