Sermons on Marshmallow Test:

A Litmus Test Of Spiritual Well-Beng

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Mar 5, 2022

Using the analogy of a litmus test, this sermon juxtaposes the traits of arrogance over against the traits that reflect the DNA of love. It explores the inclusion of 1 Corinthians 13 sandwiched between chapters 12 and 14.

“Litmus test” is a process used to determine the nature of something. In the 14th century scientists discovered that litmus, a mixture of colored organic compounds obtained from lichen, turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and, thus, can be used as an acid-base indicator. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-3, 1 John 4:7-10, Matthew 22:36, John 1:12-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Have We Had The Sin Test? Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 3, 2022

Scripture firmly censures sin and leaves no justifiable reason for it. Sin generally upsets our walk with God.

This passage of Scripture firmly censures sin and leaves no justifiable reason for it. While this warning notice is frequently deciphered as a litmus test for salvation, John's particular crowd is really Christian believers. Salvation is not a good reason for someone to commit a transgression, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:4-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Have We Been Put To The Test? Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 3, 2022

Check the words that people speak with what God says in the Bible. Check the commitment to the body of believers

1 John 4:1-6 cautions Christians not to indiscriminately acknowledge every single spiritual case. There are numerous bogus instructors (false teachers) on the planet. It is vital to painstakingly consider both the source and the substance of an instructing (teaching) before we acknowledge it. John ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Have We Had The Scripture Test? Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 3, 2022

Believers are urged not to sin, but if they do, they have an advocate with God the Father. Believers are told to have love for one another, thereby showing that they are followers of Christ.

In verses 1-2: John is at this point an extremely elderly person. He has spent practically each of his years in the service of the Lord, and a considerable amount of his readers were for sure his spiritual youngsters. John utilizes the phrase “little children” in a warm, paternal way. He is not ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Tested Again – The Power Of Consistent Character Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 4, 2025

True character is not revealed in a single moment—it is proven over time.

TESTED AGAIN – THE POWER OF CONSISTENT CHARACTER By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Samuel 26 Supporting Texts: Proverbs 11:3, Psalm 26:1–2, Galatians 6:9, James 1:12, Hebrews 13:18 INTRODUCTION: True character is not revealed in a single moment—it is proven over time. In 1 Samuel 26, David ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

From Dust To Life: Tested And Transformed

Contributed by Brian Williams on Jan 26, 2026

Why did Joseph stir up the pain of the past, what did he constantly awaken the consciousness of their failures? What was the purpose, what did it accomplish? Gen 44 speaks hope into the past so that we do not have to bring into the future.

In real life, people carry the weight of brokenness—family dysfunction, personal failures, neglect, and wounds that often go unspoken. What do we normally do with the dysfunction? Cover it up and move on. This next chapter in Genesis speaks hope into these areas of brokenness. God shows us how our ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 44:1-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Famine Tests Your Faith Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 11, 2026

Famine seasons test the authenticity of faith, revealing whether trust in God remains firm under pressure.

WHEN FAMINE TESTS YOUR FAITH By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Genesis 12:10-20 Key Verse: “And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.” (Genesis 12:10) Supporting Texts: James 1:2-4; Psalm 66:10; Hebrews 11:17; ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:10-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Part 2: The Test Hidden In The Wilderness. Series

Contributed by Rev Emmanuel O. Adejugbe on Feb 20, 2026

Rest is easy when life is secure, but the real "Trust Crisis" happens in the desert. In the Sinai wilderness, God gave a command that felt like a death sentence: gather manna for six days, but on the seventhstop. This was a survival test.

THE PATTERN INTERRUPT: Refugee Scarcity vs. Modern Accumulation Most of us think we can't rest because our calendars are full. Our inboxes are bursting. Our to-do lists are endless. Our notifications are relentless. We think the problem is too much information, too many demands, too many people ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:23-30

Denomination: Pentecostal

Living In Faith Through Trials And Tests Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 29, 2025

This message is a reminder that faith is not just believing when things go well, but holding on to God even when everything around us seems to fall apart. Faith is the bridge that carries us from testing to testimony, from tears to triumph, and from brokenness to breakthrough.

LIVING IN FAITH THROUGH TRIALS AND TESTS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: James 1:2-4 Supporting Texts: 1 Peter 1:6-7, Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 11:17-19, Job 23:10, 2 Corinthians 4:17 INTRODUCTION: Life as a believer is not exempt from difficulties. Trials and tests are part of the Christian ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Temptation Vs. Testing And Trials - What's The Difference? Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Aug 5, 2015

Earlier in the first chapter of James much has been said about testing and trials but now James turns his attention to temptation. How are they alike and how are they different, especially since the Greek word is the same for both? Let's take a look!

James 1:1-15 “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-15

Denomination: Nazarene

Will You Take God Up On His Test? (Exodus 15:22-27) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Feb 21, 2022

If you're actually/fully obeying God, will He heal you?

I apparently needed a break from Exodus, which I didn't expect (did Psalm 9-12). But I'm learning to not fight it, and just go with it. [And I'm hoping this is the Spirit leading me, somehow]. This week, I felt like I was maybe ready to try Exodus again. Let's start by ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 15:22-27, James 5:14-16, John 9:30-33

The Power Of Patience Series

Contributed by Buffy Cook on Apr 5, 2015

"For Dummies" books are a raging success! Why? Full of practical wisdom and simple "How To's" Wouldn't a "Christianity for Dummies," a book full of practical wisdom & simple How Tos on how to live out our faith, be great? James & this series is JUST THAT

Christianity For Dummies: The Power of Patience James 5:7-11 I. Introduction A. A woman saw a father shopping with a fussy two-year old in his grocery cart. "Be patient, Billy," he whispers. "You can handle this, Billy. It's okay, Billy." The woman said to him, "I don't mean to ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-11

Denomination: Baptist

Daring To Wait Series

Contributed by Stephen Sheane on Jun 4, 2025

Learning to WAIT means that we learn to Write, Act, Imitate and Trust in God

DARING TO WAIT An American police officer was waiting on the side of the highway to catch speeding drivers. Just then a car came past puttering along at 22 MPH. He thinks to himself, “This driver is going dangerously slow.” So, he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over. Approaching the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Times Of Testing. Joseph Meets His Brothers. Genesis 42-43

Contributed by William Akehurst on Nov 11, 2024

Joseph‘s brothers come to Egypt and undergo a time of testing. As they come into their brother’s presence, unbeknownst to them, they bow low before him. Joseph’s Dream has been fulfilled.

2024.11.10. Sermon Notes. Genesis 42-43. The Test Begins. Joseph meets his brothers. Dreams fulfilled. William Akehurst, HSWC BIG IDEA: Joseph‘s brothers come to Egypt and undergo a time of testing. As they come into their brother’s presence, unbeknownst to them, they bow low before him. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 42:1-38, Genesis 43:1-34, Psalm 105:16-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The 7 Tests In Which We Must Be Victorious - Refining : The Purpose Of Trials And Tribulations

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Feb 21, 2005

THIS SERMON IS ABOUT THE REFINING PURPOSE OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS IN OUR LIVES AND THE 7 AREAS OF TESTING NAMELY THE TEST OF 1. LOVE 2. FAITH 3. OBEDIENCE 4. SACRIFICE 5. HUMILITY. 6. ENDURANCE 7. PATIENCE

7 TESTS IN WHICH WE MUST BE VICTORIOUS REFINING - THE PURPOSE OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OUTLINE 1. THE TEST OF LOVE 2. THE TEST OF FAITH 3. THE TEST OF OBEDIENCE 4. THE TEST OF SACRIFICE 5. THE TEST OF HUMILITY. 6. THE TEST OF ENDURANCE 7. THE TEST OF PATIENCE 1 Corinthians 10 : ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:10

Denomination: Pentecostal