Sermons on Joy In Suffering:

Rules Of Engagement

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 29, 2012

The rules by which we are to conduct ourselves as strangers in this world are provided in the Word of God.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-11

Denomination: Baptist

Alien Life Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Aug 5, 2012

How should Christians respond to persecution and to suffering in the world?

This passage introduces the epistle’s section on Christian living and its overall theme. To borrow from Francis Schaeffer, it is “How Should We Then Live?” How should Christians conduct themselves in a world that is nonChristian, i.e. where the citizenry do not acknowledge Jesus ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

God Is Our Help In Sorrow

Contributed by Thomas Andrufski on Feb 3, 2021

We all go through difficult times in this world. Quite often it is hard to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. But trust me, or should I say trust the Lord. He will be there with you all the way through the journey of your trial.

Isaiah 35:10 (KJV) And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. We all go through difficult times in this world. Quite often it is hard to see the proverbial ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:10, John 16:20, Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 51:11, John 14:27, 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Revelation 21:4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

It Is Always Good To Be Joyful: A Sermon For The Third Sunday In Advent

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Dec 4, 2021

We must rejoice in the Lord in all circumstances.

It is Always Good to be Joyful Philippians 4:4-9 ? Philippians 4:4–9 NKJV Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7, Philippians 4:4-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Happy Are The Sad - Matthew 5:4 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 3, 2024

No one feels good after a failure. But how is the sorrow of a child of God different? And why does Jesus pronounce a blessing on people who feel that way? This message will help you draw near to God through times of hardship.

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Invisible Gold

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Aug 5, 2008

Don’t give into life’s troubles. You may not see in them the rich potential of a strong faith, but it’s there. To have it developed is much more precious than gold! Faith-Testing Times Can Be Faith-Strengthening Times.

Opening illustration: In the 1980s, Northern Nevada was the site of a gold strike. The discovery would have been beyond the imagination of 19th century prospectors, for the gold in those western hills is virtually invisible. Even after being magnified 1,500 times, most of the particles remain ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God’s Purpose In Our Problems Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 25, 2010

God loves to bring out His purposes through our problems.

God’s Purpose in our Problems 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Rev. Brian Bill 7/25/10 Lydia and I went to the Demolition Derby at the 4-H Fair this past week and had a blast. I loved watching drivers take aim at each other with the attempt to demolish or disable one another. We saw some great smash ups ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

Hope Does Not Disappoint

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jun 8, 2009

Suffering, endurance, character, hope: the formula is not automatic. All depends on whether we learn to live in the resurrected Christ.

One of my friends begins nearly every conversation with the phrase, "You just can’t win.” "You just can’t win." One day recently he was wearing a long, long face. He had just gotten his car repaired, but some inebriated partygoer had slammed into it. He had just worked off his debts, but suddenly ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How Long, O Lord? Series

Contributed by Sterling Franklin on Jun 21, 2010

Habakkuk asks the main question, ’How Long, O LORD?’ through a very confusing time in Judah’s history. Deals with suffering, hope, and our LORD’s sovereignty

How Long, O LORD? Written in 2007, Sterling C. Franklin Feel free to use (and not take credit for) this message, but please do necessary preparation for your congregation’s sake! :) TEXT Habakkuk 1:1-2:1 (ESV) 1:1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. 2 O LORD, how long shall I cry for ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Does God Allow Pain? Series

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Jan 8, 2010

If God really is there and loves me, why do I still hurt?

Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Jeremiah 15:18a It’s always helpful at the start of a journey to know where you’re headed! Let me share some of the “roadmap” for our series on ‘WHY’ – the questions people ask. The well-known artist and songwriter Bill ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 15:18

Denomination: United Methodist

Groaning In Hope Series

Contributed by Ed Taylor on Jan 29, 2009

Thank God that relief from suffering is coming through Jesus Christ!

1. Sin has done much more damage than we really realize. 2. We suffer in this world… because of sin. – Read 8:18 • We experience pains & problems in this world… because of sin. • Fears, anxieties, hurts & bitterness… because of sin. As we go back to the Garden of Eden. • Adam & Eve learned in an ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:19-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Did You Feel That?

Contributed by Kahala Bolton on Feb 17, 2009

So if you want God to order your steps, you must be ready for the shake up.

There is a word from the LORD from the book of Acts: Acts 16:26 (New King James Version) 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Intro: About a month ago, God began to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:26

Denomination: Christian Church

Boat Was Now In The Middle Of The Sea…

Contributed by Bala Samson on Nov 25, 2012

We need to know how to deal with unexpected scenarios!

Boat was now in the middle of the sea… Mathew 14:24”…the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.” We need to know how to deal with unexpected scenarios! "Who would expect to face a complex day? None of us! We expect smooth, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:20-32

Denomination: Pentecostal

High Seas 2 - Paul Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Jul 11, 2011

Because we live on a fallen planet with other fallen human beings it is possible to find ourselves in the midst of a life shattering storm through no fault of our own. The effects of the fall visit themselves randomly upon the creation.

Dakota Community Church July 10, 2011 High Seas 2 - Paul Luke 6:46-49 46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:9-44

Denomination: Mennonite

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