Sermons on Innocent Suffering:

How Could A Good God Allow Suffering (2025)

Contributed by David Owens on Feb 10, 2025

The presence of pain and suffering in the world do not take away from God's goodness or power. God's answer to suffering is the cross and the resurrection.

Introduction: A. There is a movie scene in which a young brother and sister experienced the death of a beloved kitten. 1. The children had prayed fervently that the cat would get well, but unfortunately, it had died. 2. The children couldn’t understand why this had happened, so they decided that ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5, Hebrews 12:5-6, 1 Peter 1:6-7, James 1:2-4, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Job 1:20, Job 2:9-10, Hebrews 4:14-16, Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

17 The Prayer For Mercy Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Nov 11, 2020

The devotion is about the prayer by the sailors before they threw Jonah overboard so as to bring a calm to the sea.

# 17 – The Prayer for Mercy Jonah 1:14 – “Therefore they cried out to the LORD and said, “We pray, O LORD, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O LORD, have done as it pleased You.” “Therefore they cried out to the LORD…” In our last ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:14, Matthew 27:24, Matthew 24:9-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Women Of Jerusalem Lament Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 23, 2022

What should we lament as we contemplate the tortuous walk of Jesus to the place of the skull?

The Women of Jerusalem lament (Those of us who have had the privilege and honor of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land always make Jerusalem part of the holy time. There, although the Jewish Temple has been replaced by a grand mosque, we can see the very places we read about in the New Testament, the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:27-31, Isaiah 4:4, Luke 13:34

Denomination: Catholic

Jesus' Birth & Childhood

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 6, 2023

Let's look at the beginning of Jesus' life, his refugee status and move to Nazareth.

Let’s look at Matthew, a catechism or instruction book for new Christians. Preparing for Jesus (Matthew 1) Read Matthew 1. Let’s learn about Jesus' birth and John the Baptist. Abbreviated Genealogy Why did Matthew abbreviate this genealogy? The lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:3–14 is abridged in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

If You Were Accused Of Being A Christian, Would There Be Enough Evidence To Convict You?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 11, 2024

How would we stand up in a court based upon our Christianity? Would we truly be found guilty of being a Christian or would we be acquitted due to lack of evidence?

At the time when the Jewish remnant returned to Israel to rebuild the walls, Joshua was the High Priest (Haggai 1:1, 2:4). APPOINTED, ACCUSED, APPEARANCE, ACCEPTABLE In verses one - four: Satan “resisted” (accused) Joshua, who depicts the country of Israel here. The allegations were exact, ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 3:1-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Sin Of Betrayal

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Aug 25, 2025

We all know what happens to one who is betrayed. But what happens to the betrayer? What ramifications does the betrayer await? In this message, I will reveal hidden truths about just how serious God takes betrayal and his judgment against those who have betrayed you.

What ramifications can one expect when they betray someone? We all know the pain and heartache a person who HAS BEEN betrayed experiences, but what does that act do the betrayer themselves? Having recently gone through a betrayal myself, I believe, by the grace of God, that I have the answer to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:23-26, Matthew 27:3-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

How Can God Be Good? Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Mar 31, 2021

First in a series based on questions that we received from people in the Church. This message deals with the question of the morality suffering

Question to be asked: I’m a bit confused. Why does everyone just say that God is good and ignore some of things He seems to approve? He lets evil and suffering go on in the world. He ordered a lot of people to be killed. And then there’s the whole concept of hell. Why would a God who is good ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Afflictions Of God's People

Contributed by Clarence Clough on May 24, 2008

An important thing for us to think about is how do we cope with suffering?

The Unique Afflictions of God’s People Text: 2 Cor. 1:6-11 Intro: "When Samuel Rutherford [ 17th Century Scottish Presbyterian theologian and author ] found himself in the cellar of adversity, as he often did , he began to look around for ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:6-11

Denomination: Church Of God

It Will Be Worth It All Series

Contributed by Nathan Johnson on Jun 26, 2008

Our suffering does not match the good news that awaits us in eternity. We can be encouraged that one day, we will find our ultimate comfort.

It Will Be Worth It All Griffith Baptist Church – 6/29/08 A.M. Service Text: Romans 8:18-22 Key verse: Romans 8:18 - For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. The Introduction There once was an oyster whose ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

Crushed Expectations

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Mar 8, 2009

Here’s a word that will help the body deal with pain, sufferring, and disappointment. A big blessing to our church!

Crushed Expectations Text: Psalm 6:1-7 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure. 2 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.3 My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O LORD—how long? 4 ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 6:1-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 10, 2010

Celebrates the literary insights of James Baldwin, who had died shortly before; the privilege of redemptive suffering on the part of a person or a people participates in the suffering of Christ and of His victory. Includes readings from Baldwin’s writing

Nothing is more full of mystery than this – that the suffering of .a few who are oppressed and injured acts to redeem the many, including the oppressors. And yet nothing is more true than this – that from time to time a person, a people, a race receives the awesome privilege of suffering in such ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Jesus Followers Guide

Contributed by Terry Cavanaugh on Aug 28, 2010

An honest look at following Jesus

Good morning Calvary, are you ready for the word of God. We will be looking at Ephesians 3:1-13 today. As you find this passage in your Bibles I want to confess to you when I began my ministry over 28 years ago, I was clueless. I had no idea what ministry involved. I did not really know all ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Denomination: United Methodist

Preparing For The Best Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jan 31, 2011

In this lesson, we cover the principles for living for Christ, so that we may received the best blessings, even in the worst of persecution.

Introduction: A. I like this picture – Don’t you know that that car never saw it coming! 1. In some respects life is unpredictable and we need to learn to expect the unexpected. 2. When it comes to the Christian life, there is not much that is unexpected. 3. Jesus tried to prepare us ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Surprised By Joy Series

Contributed by David Owens on Feb 14, 2011

We should not be surprised by persecution when it comes, nor by the joy we feel when we suffer for Christ.

Introduction: A. The story is told of a man who went to the perfume counter and told the clerk he'd like a bottle of Chanel No. 5 for his wife's birthday. 1. The clerk smiled and said, “A little surprise, eh?” 2. “You bet,” answered the customer, “She's expecting a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Will The Real "Super-Apostle" Please Stand Up Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 10, 2010

In this lesson we will be challenged and convicted by Paul's sufferings in service to the Lord. How much are we willing to suffer and sacrifice?

Introduction: A. Today is Mother’s Day, so we want to take a moment to honor the mothers among us. 1. William Goldsmith Brown wrote: “The sweetest sounds to mortals given, Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven.” 2. Thank God for moms – the good ones and the not so good ones ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:1-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ