Sermons on Joy In Pain:

A Glad Light Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Feb 9, 2023

The book of Esther explains the origin of the Feast of Purim and ensures that it would be observed by all future generations of the Jewish people (Esther 9:28). It reveals Divine providence to save the Jews, explains Human responsibility, and absurdity of wickedness.

Theme: A glad Light Text: Esther 8:15-17 Greetings: The Lord is good and his love endures forever. Introduction: The name Esther means ‘Star.’ The Persian word “star” refers to the Babylonian love goddess, Ishtar. The Hebrew name “Hadassah” (Esther 2:7) means “myrtle” (John MacArthur). The book ...read more

Scripture: Esther 8:15-17

Denomination: Methodist

The Hope Of Glory Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jan 9, 2012

This concept of future glory in relation to present suffering becomes the theme of our present passage. The afflictions which we are call on to endure are not only consistent to being a child of God but may come because we are a child of God. But they co

ROMANS 8: 18-25-27 THE HOPE OF GLORY [2 Corinthians 4:15-18] The preceding verse introduced the thought of participating in the suffering of Christ so that we may participate in the glory of Christ (8:17). This concept of future glory in relation to present suffering becomes the theme of our ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Raised With Christ

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Apr 2, 2018

Today we focus on the resurrection; when sadness turned to joy. And since Jesus was raised to life, our sadness can turn to joy because through him, we too are raised to life.

RAISED WITH CHRIST Over the last few weeks we've been looking at the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. When Jesus announced to his disciples that he would be tortured and killed Peter was pretty upset. Even though Jesus said he would be raised to life Peter didn't want to see him go ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10, Romans 6:1-4, Ephesians 2:1-10, Colossians 3:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Groans To Glory

Contributed by Jason Bonnicksen on Jul 17, 2011

There’s times when we’re seemingly dealt one crummy hand after another. It’s in times like these when there’s really not much we can do but groan with deep frustration in prayer, and place our hope in in God that he’ll turn our groans to glory.

INTRO The other day I needed to take my mind off things, so I opened my computer and played a game of hearts. Now, for those of you who’ve never played hearts, the object of the game is to score as few points as possible. You do this by trying to pass all your hearts to your three ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-30

Denomination: Lutheran

Be Still And Know

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Bob Aquino on Apr 6, 2011

When God says, “Be still and know,” he invites us to linger at the foot of the cross. God’s answer to your pain is not a sermon or a theory or a book you need to read. God’s answer to your pain is a Person. God’s answer is Jesus.

On March 11 one of the largest earthquakes in recorded history shook the north coast of Japan, resulting in a tsunami that swept as far as 10km inland. Thousands of buildings have been affected, and the death toll is estimated at over 10,000. Who can forget the tsunami in 2004, one of the greatest ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Letting Go Of Loneliness

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 4, 2005

Loneliness and feelings of abandonment can rob us of life’s joys. The Bible offers clear paths that we can take to overcome loneliness and regain the joy of life.

Psalm 22:1-2, 19-21, 27-31 “Letting Go of Loneliness” INTRODUCTION In the book, Clan of the Cave Bear, by Jean Auel, the main character Aila commits an unpardonable sin. She is a woman, but she likes to hunt, which is the domain of the men. The Clan passes a death sentence on her, and cast ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 22:1-31

Denomination: Lutheran

The Great Impressionist Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Aug 15, 2013

Good impressionists are a joy to watch, and they command our attention. But the greatest impressionist of all is not a joy to watch, but still commands our attention. We meet him in the book of Revelation.

“The Great Unveiling: The Great Impressionist” Revelation 12:1-13:18 I’m always captivated by good impressionists – people who can mimic the voices, quirks, and facial nuances of others. It’s a tremendous talent and takes a great amount of study and work to do it ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What Christian Suffering Is--And Isn't

Contributed by Daryl Bahn on May 9, 2002

Christians can expect to suffer, but in Christ suffering is a time for joy, praise, humility, and faith.

WHAT CHRISTIAN SUFFERING IS—AND ISN’T 7th Sunday of Easter (1 Peter 4:12-17; 5:6-11) Introduction: “OK, Doc, give it to me straight.” When you go to the doctor, do you want him to only hint that something might be wrong, or do you want him to honestly and clearly discuss the details of your ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-11, 1 Peter 4:12-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Strength To Stand - Part One

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Nov 13, 2006

Why is it some have joy and the strength of the Lord in their lives, while others don’t?

STRENGTH TO STAND ~ Part One ~ The Armor of God There is something wonderful about becoming a Christian. The forgiveness of God is difficult for people to understand. That is, until they finally surrender their life completely to the Lord. To know first hand the saving Grace of God is life ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Ministry Of Thornes

Contributed by Scott Carroll on Mar 8, 2008

WHEN GOD ALLOWS OR CAUSES US TO GO THROUGH PAINFUL THINGS THAT ACTUALLY BENEFIT US MORE IN THE LONG RUN THAN THE GOOD THINGS.

THE MINISTRY OF THORNS VS. THE MINISTRY OF THRONES *** The Gospel and the gift of God are structured so wonderfully that the very enemies and forces that are marshaled to fight against us actually help pave our way to success. *** Those forces can be used the same way an eagle uses the fierce ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Advice For Comforters Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Nov 1, 2018

God grants us the joy of comforting someone. It is a gift of grace. Use it wisely.

15-year-old Douglas Maurer of Missouri had been feeling bad for several days. His temperature was ranging between 103 and 105 degrees, and he was suffering from severe flu-like symptoms. Finally, his mother took him to the hospital in St. Louis. Doctors diagnosed his symptoms as leukemia. They ...read more

Scripture: Job 28:1-28

Denomination: Other

Our Greatest Hope Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

God may not meet our expectations in every situation, but He ultimately fulfills our greatest hopes and is always present with us, even when He seems distant.

Hey guys! Today, we're going to talk about something we all experience: disappointment. You know, those times when things don't go the way we want or expect them to. And sometimes, it feels like God isn't showing up when we need Him the most. But I want to share a story from the Bible that shows us ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Topics: Unexpected Joy, Hidden Blessings, Unseen Opportunities, Hopeful Discoveries

Prayer Is For Weak People Series

Contributed by Dan Jackson on Jul 3, 2006

Life’s difficulties are often the Father’s appointed paths to spiritual maturity. The positive way forward in difficult and painful circumstances is the way of prayer.

An airliner was bound for New York City. The flight was routine until the pilot began the descent. Then he realizes that the landing gear would not engage. Working the controls back and forth, he tried again and again to lock the gear into place. No success. He circled the landing field, getting ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-20

For God So Loved The World: A Sermon For The 4th Sunday Of Advent

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Dec 16, 2024

How is the great love of God expressed to us?

For God so Loved the World: a Sermon for the 4th Sunday in Advent John 3:16 NKJV For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. We now come to the 4th and last Sunday of Advent, a season in which we prepare ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Why God Lets Friends Die Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on May 1, 2008

God love his people through sorrow and death to eternal pleasure and everlasting joy.

Scripture Introduction John 11 contains the well-known story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, and (for trivia fans) the shortest verse in the Bible is in this chapter. We also find here the last of the seven miracles (or “signs” as John calls them) which structure this book. Miracles (of ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed