Sermons on Penal Sufferings:

God's Purpose In Hardship

Contributed by Emile Wolfaardt on May 7, 2009

(PowerPoint Slides and Cell Study Notes freely available by emailing Emile@Wolfaardt.com) Understanding God’s purpose in the midst of our hardships...

God’s Purposes in Hardship Romans 5:3-8 This morning I want to talk with you about a subject that is close to each and every one of our hearts - and that is this . . . God’s Purpose in Hardship As hard as it is, we have to answer the difficult questions. We cannot simply ignore them hoping they ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-8

Denomination: *other

The Church At Smyrna Series

Contributed by David Taylor on May 6, 2003

The 2nd in the series, this church had nothing for which the Lord rebuked them. But there is a great lesson to be learned from them.

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Think About It Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Oct 6, 2023

Those who want nothing to do with God will receive their request when Jesus returns.

INTRODUCTION • People were longing for the return of the Lord, and some were more or less checking out of life, expecting Him to come at any moment. • In the last couple of chapters of 1 Thessalonians, Paul wrote to comfort and encourage the folks concerning what would happen to those who died in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Have We Been Just Lying Here?

Contributed by James May on Apr 15, 2012

How long will we lie around at the pool waiting for the waters to be troubled? Do we not know that the supernatural power of God is available all of the time? Will we rise and walk in power or lie in sorrow and self-pity. Take up your bed and walk by G

Why Have We Been Just Lying Here? Sunday, April 15, 2012 – AM Rev. James May John 5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. John 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

To Hope Again

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Apr 20, 2017

HOPE ALLOWS US TO LOOK TO THE FUTURE, AND DARE TO BELIEVE THAT OUR LIVES CAN BE BETTER AS WE DO.

TO HOPE AGAIN 1 PETER 1:1-9 HOPE IS THE ONE THING IN THIS WORLD THAT WE CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT. HOPE ALLOWS US TO LOOK TO THE FUTURE, AND DARE TO BELIEVE THAT OUR LIVES CAN BE BETTER AS WE DO. 1 PETER 1:3-4: “3 ¶ PRAISED (HONORED, BLESSED) BE THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (THE ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

False Assumptions

Contributed by Dana Chau on Jan 20, 2003

Indentify and correct the two false assumptions many Christians hold

This past week, we dropped off Esther at my parents for a few days to train her to stay overnight. We had forgotten to bring diapers for Esther, so Susan and I went to Walgreen to buy diapers. I walked in and asked someone, "Where do you have diapers?" The lady looked at Susan and I, and then ...read more

Scripture: Job 8:1-22

Denomination: *other

Faith And Hope - Much More Than Coke

Contributed by Philip Cairns on Feb 1, 2002

Understanding the difference between ’wish lists’ and ’hope’ as the Scriptures teach it.

TITLE: "Faith and hope - much more than Coke" SCRIPTURE: James 1:2-12 AIM: Through an understanding of ‘suffering’, challenge my hearers about their faith and how they would stand when tested. INTRODUCTION: In 1 Corinthians Paul talks about the three things that will remain - faith, hope and ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Holiness

Revelation Study Series 3 - God's Mysterious Plan Fulfilled Series

Contributed by Clayton Beck on Feb 17, 2023

Jesus is alive! Jesus is coming back! Jesus wants you ready for His return!

Revelation Study Series 3 - God's Mysterious Plan Fulfilled 10.17.21 Message… Revelation 2:8-11 8 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive: 9 “I know about your suffering and your ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Finders Weepers Losers Keepers - Mark 8:34-38 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 16, 2023

What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross? And how does it help you in your daily battle with sin?

Excerpt #1: You are a radical, fundamentalist, extremist Christian or you are a non-Christian. Excerpt #2: People title this passage, "The Cost of Discipleship," but it could just as well be called, "The Cost of Non-Discipleship." Jesus wants us to compare costs. Excerpt #3: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38, Matthew 16:13-27, Luke 9:18-26

Are You Willing To Be Offered?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 19, 2022

We are to shine like lights in a shadowy world. And to do that, we may have to be offered up for the sake of others.

In light of everything that Christ was willing to do for them, Philippians 2:12-18 explains how Christians ought to live. The directive to “work out” salvation is to let the new birth in Christ manifest itself in one’s actions. Believers should serve God without complaining or griping as part of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Praise In Persecution

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 10, 2001

An exhortation to praise when life hurts.

Praise In Persecution We often paint the Christian life as one of utter joy and prosperity when we witness to unbelievers. Christians spend their lives trying to live up to that sales pitch. They learn to ignore the pain in their lives or accept it as punishment for their sins. They wear ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:12-13, Philippians 1:29-30

Denomination: Baptist

Discouraging Comfort Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 1, 2021

The book of Job makes clear that one of life's greatest tragedies is that believers do not comfort and encourage one another, but rather are often discouraging. That is what we see Job's friends being to him.

Emilie Lorning in her novel, Swift Waters, tells the story of a young single pastor who fell in love with a beautiful young woman in his congregation. She learned to play the chimes in the tower of the church, and when she learned the pastor's favorite hymn, she would play it frequently. ...read more

To Everything There Is A Season Series

Contributed by Rich Dunbar on Apr 20, 2005

This sermon looks at four seasons in the life of the early Church revealed in the passage.

A Season for… 1. Showing - v. 27-28 - Agabus being a prophet was literally speaking God’s word for the Church. Today we have His perfect revelation that reveals everything necessary for life and Godliness from the beginning to the end of time. There is no longer a need for this type of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

Cultivating Christian Aftercare

Contributed by Aubrey Vaughan on Sep 2, 2007

This message is a call to be Christians who care for others to go to places and to people in Jesus name and show real aftercare to a hurting world.

Cultivating a life of care Luke 17:11-19. Here we see Jesus traveling along the border of Galilee and Samaria, where he would enter a village and minister to 10 lepers and the remarkable would take place they would be healed of their leprosy. Here we see the aftercare of Jesus ministering to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Baptist

Reaping From God's Chastening

Contributed by Mark Johns on Jun 15, 2002

God’s relation to mankind and how he "corrects" His children.

Reaping from God’s Chastening Hebrews 12:4-13 Introduction It is hard to be loved by perfection. As a virtuoso pounces upon the keys of a piano determined to summon forth its most resonant sounds; as a sculptor furiously chips away at a large piece of marble intent on releasing the image of beauty ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:4-13, Romans 8:18-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ