Sermons on Penal Sufferings:

Where God Is

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Nov 9, 2005

When, in hope, we choose to endure suffering with the people of God over the fleeting pleasures of sin, we choose well, because God is with those who suffer.

Title: Where is God? Invocation: Psalm 13 Responsive Reading: Romans 8:12-25 Text: Hebrews 11:23-28 3By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 24By faith ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:23-26

Denomination: Baptist

Real Compassion Series

Contributed by Aneel Aranha on Feb 5, 2021

Real compassion is not pity or empathy, but suffering with the sufferer. This often takes experience. [Watch video: https://youtu.be/McY-TyeB93s]

Scripture Reading: Mark 6:30-34 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:30-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Miraculous Healing Of A Lame Man

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 22, 2021

Nearly all of the miracles you read about in the Bible work to alleviate suffering. Nearly all the miracles deal with human suffering just as our story today.

Today’s Scripture “And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

Message In 1peter – Number 6 – Follow My Example Of Suffering And Walk Accordingly (But Not The Writer’s Example) – 1peter 2:21-23 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on May 24, 2023

This message looks at examples, especially Christ's example in suffering. Committed Christians take up their crosses and follow Christ, their example. Our Lord has set the example in suffering. That will lead to persecution/suffering when we deny self and walk in His footsteps.

MESSAGE IN 1PETER – NUMBER 6 – FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING AND WALK ACCORDINGLY (BUT NOT THE WRITER’S EXAMPLE) – 1Peter 2:21-23 {{1Peter 2:21 “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,”}} [A]. A ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21, Acts 17:10-11, Philippians 3:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-9, 2 Timothy 3:12, Matthew 16:24, John 12:24-25, Isaiah 53:3-5, 1 Peter 2:22, Hebrews 7:26, John 8:46, James 5:10-11, Philippians 3:10-11, Acts 5:41, Romans 8:18, 2 Thessalonians 1:5, John 6:15, Philippians 3:8, 1 Peter 2:23, Matthew 26:62-63, Luke 6:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Loving All The Way Until It Hurts Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 14, 2025

Remember that the letter to the Hebrews tells us that Jesus Himself was made perfect through suffering. If we, too, want to share in His glory, we must also be prepared to suffer, perhaps a lot. And loving can involve suffering too, can't it?

Fifth Sunday of Easter 2025 Pope St. John Paul II looked at Our Lord Jesus as the fulfillment of what we might call “human potential.” He was and is the man that Adam was created to become. Lamentably, Adam and Eve tried the Satanic shortcut, attempting to become divine by disobeying a direct ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:21-27, Psalm 145:8-13, Revelation 21:1-5, John 13:31-33, John 13:34-35, Hebrews 2:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Should I Sin Or Should I Suffer? - 1 Peter 4:1-4a Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 25, 2025

Spiritual warfare is won through righteousness which comes through truth.

1 Peter 4:1-7 Therefore, since Christ suffered in flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in flesh is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-4

Why Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Nov 8, 2020

When we face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy? Really, James? Find out how how that's possible.

One of my favorite songs or mantras that I often repeated when I was a young man was: “Why me?” “Why does this always happen to me?” Every time there was a problem … any time something threw off my day or my plans … I would launch into an endless chorus of “Why Me?” One day I was singing the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-8

Denomination: United Methodist

Triumph In Tragedy Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jan 1, 2023

In Psalm 22:1-21 the Psalm speaks of suffering and agony and points to the greatest suffering of all, that of Jesus Christ dying on the cross. The Psalm then takes a dramatic change. In verses 22-31 Psalm 22 turns from tragedy to triumph.

In 1898 one of the greatest preachers of America was about to quit the ministry. Why? His name was George Truett. He was pastor of Frist Baptist Church Dallas. One of the church members, Captain J. C. Arnold invited him to go hunting. Truett’s gun went off hitting Arnold in the leg with birdshot. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 22:22-31

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus, The Good Shepherd

Contributed by Craig Condon on Feb 10, 2015

Jesus does not protect those he loves from bad things happening, but uses bad things to fulfill his plans for our lives. When we suffer, he is glad not because we are suffering, but because through suffering we have the chance to grow in faith.

A mother was once asked by a census-taker how many children she had. She replied, “Well, there’s Billy and Harry and Martha and…”. “Never mind the names,” the man interrupted, “Just give me the numbers”. The mother angrily replied, “They ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-10

Denomination: Anglican

Black Lives Do Matter!

Contributed by David Owens on Jun 22, 2020

We are all made in God's image and have equal value and deserve equal justice.Our God is concerned about justice for the oppressed. The body of Christ must weep and suffer with those who weep and suffer, and do what we can to relieve their suffering.

A. Kent Hughes tells a story about John Reed, a man who drove a school bus in Australia. 1. The bus carried both whites and aborigines and the boys on the bus were constantly fussing and fighting about their racial differences. 2. Finally, John had heard all the bickering he could stand between ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:15, 1 Corinthians 12:24-26, Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 82:3-4, Proverbs 31:8-9, Micah 6:8, 1 John 3:18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Could God Do That?

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Nov 29, 2007

Ther will always be mystery when it comes to suffering. We would certainly desgin the Christian life to have less suffering and more fun. But God has a different plan.

Passage: James 1:9-18 Intro: It’s the most common theological question asked. 1. it is asked when hurricanes slam ashore and thousands die. 2. when tsunamis come without warning and kill 200,000 3. when a mom comes to the day of delivery and her twins are still-born 4. If God is good, how ...read more

Scripture: James 1:9-18

Denomination: Evangelical Free

John 17 - A Glorious Prayer Of Joy Through Immense Pain

Contributed by Sterling Franklin on Jun 23, 2010

Jesus suffered and died for us. Jesus offers up a prayer in John 17 that shows His desire for us and His joy in obeying the Father through much suffering.

(Note the Semi-Chiastic Structure of John 17) John 17 – A Glorious Prayer of Joy through Immense Pain Full Structure of John 17:1-26 A) Verses 1-3: The time has come: The Father will Glorify His Son; Eternal life is only through Jesus. B) Verses 4-8: Jesus' account: He has glorified the ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Ultimate Challenge Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Jul 14, 2011

The difficulties in life are not what cause us to suffer. It is our response to these difficulties that cause us to suffer. The ultimate challenge in the book of Job is:- Will I Trust God ... Or Not?

You can listen to the full message here:- http://www.nec.org.au/listen-to-a-sermon-series/faith-when-i-suffer/ Message Job 1:1-3:26 “The Ultimate Challenge” Who is Job? Read Job 1:1-3 Job had buckets of money and was very well known. Not just because of his money, but also because of the type ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Abraham’s Children In Trouble Part 2 Series

Contributed by Daniel Olukoya on Jan 19, 2010

Once a person breaks the law of faith, even if he is a child of Abraham, he will suffer. So the first reason Abraham’s children suffer is because of sin.

ABRAHAM’S CHILDREN IN TROUBLE PART 2 Dr. D. K. Olukoya Beloved, this week, we are looking at the concluding part of the message entitled, “Abraham’s children in trouble.” Last week, we looked at various reasons a person could be a child of God and yet be in trouble and why ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Jesus' High Priestly Prayers The Night Before The Cross Lesson 6 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jan 22, 2019

b. Gethsemane, Jesus prays out of suffering and agony. Jesus prays out of suffering and agony. Gethsemane shows exhaustion and weakness as He surrenders to the Father’s will.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. Two different prayers. a. John 17, Jesus prays out of His strength. b. Gethsemane, Jesus prays out of suffering and agony. 2. John 17 has a triumphant theme; Gethsemane shows exhaustion and weakness as He surrenders to the Father’s will. 3. First prayer not in Upper Room ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-22, Luke 22:44, Matthew 26:42

Denomination: Baptist