Sermons on Preparing For Trials:

Are You Ready For Christmas?

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Apr 22, 2020

John the Baptist told people to make preparations to meet Jesus that were very different from our preparations for Christmas.

I hope we are all making some progress towards being ready for Christmas. We know the drill, decorations, shopping, Christmas cards, wrapping presents, cooking, and so on. Today we meet John the Baptist, who gives us a very different list of things we need to do to be ready to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-14

"what Shall We Do? Restoring Joy In Advent"

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Dec 14, 2024

As we immerse ourselves in the Advent season, we find ourselves in a time of preparation—preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Introduction: As we immerse ourselves in the Advent season, we find ourselves in a time of preparation—preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. This season also invites us to reflect on what it means to have joy. Today, we will explore two powerful scriptures: Luke 3:7-18 and Zephaniah ...read more

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-20

Denomination: Methodist

#4seasons Of Testing Series

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on May 7, 2002

We need to learn and prepare for the process of seasons of testing.

#4 Seasons of Testing By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com TEXT: 1 Cor. 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Luke 4:13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Growing Pains Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Feb 11, 2010

As we face various trials in life we must learn to respond appropriately to the work God is doing in us: Embrace your trials and ask for God's help.

Growing Pains James 1:1-8 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Extreme Makeover On Location Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Jul 14, 2005

This is the 12th sermon in the series "Are You Prepared?"

Series: Are You Prepared? [#12] EXTREME MAKEOVER: ON LOCATION Revelation 6:9-7:17 Introduction: I want everybody to get your belongings and stand up. Now, I want every body in the front 2 sections to move to the back 2 sections and those who are in the back 2 sections to change sides. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

When Things Haven't Turned Out The Way You Expected

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 8, 2010

A look at John the Baptist's astonishing admission of doubt about who Jesus is and why we often have similar doubts.

OUR COMPLAINT: “This is not what I signed up for.” - Matthew 11:2a – John in prison. - I cannot read the mind of John, but I can’t help but believe that a prison cell was the last place he expected to end up. - He is the great prophet of God, the forerunner of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Why God Allows Suffering, Part 2 Series

Contributed by Greg Laurie on Feb 21, 2014

To be a holy person means that you will have trials, hardship, and suffering in life.

“Have a nice day!” That’s a classic Americanism and statement one hears a lot in my home state of California. Usually, people do not mean it when they say it. After you complete a purchase, you hear, “Thank you, and have a nice day. Buh-bye.” Or even worse, when you ...read more

Scripture: Job 2:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sick Unto Death

Contributed by Charles Trout on Feb 5, 2001

Inspired by the death of a friend. Are we really prepared to die?

Sick Unto Death 2 Kings 20 2 Kings 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. In the lives of many Christians we give much thought and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 20:1

Denomination: Baptist

Sound And Blameless

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Dec 9, 2005

How should Christians live in preparation for the coming of the Christ?

Sound and Blameless – 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 - 28 Intro: It has been particularly difficult getting ready for the Christmas holidays this year. Usually, I have the Christmas trees up by the week after Thanksgiving. That didn’t work this year because we were having new carpet installed. --- So ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Your Soil...god's Soil?

Contributed by Lorraine Greeff on Apr 30, 2020

is your soil prepared for God, is your soil ready?

YOUR SOIL…GOD’S SOIL? Let us read a well-known parable taken from Luke 8:5-15 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:5-15

Denomination: Charismatic

God Who Is Good Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 28, 2007

A reminder to Christians of the character of God is necessary when we are enduring trials.

JAMES 1:16-18 GOD WHO IS GOOD “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be ...read more

Scripture: James 1:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

Some Necessary News

Contributed by Kevin Higgins on May 28, 2003

Jesus prepared His disciples for the realities of following Him.

John 16:1-7 Some Necessary News INTRODUCTION The following account was recorded in a book of modern martyrs titled Jesus Freaks: "It was the 1960s in Romania. The Communist torturers came towards Pastor Florescu again, this time with red-hot iron pokers. "Who else believes as you do? Give us ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-7, 1 Peter 4:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

Settler's Best Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on May 31, 2005

This is the 5th sermon in the series "Are You Prepared".

Series: Are You Prepared? (Revelation) [#5] SETTLER’S BEST Revelation 2:18-29 Introduction: Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said, "We can’t keep Christians from going to church. We can’t keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Baptist

"The Believing Heart"

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Nov 23, 2005

God will give us wisdom for trials, but we must ask, believing.

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5-8

Denomination: Orthodox

Rededication Series

Contributed by Michael Stover on Nov 25, 2000

Israel undertakes preparation for rededication and worship.

Rededication Nehemiah 12:27-47 I. Preparation for Rededication (27-30) A. Worship (27-29) B. Purification (30) 1. Fasting & Prayer 2. Bathing b. Confession c. Cleansing d. 1 John 1:9 II. Procession of the Rededication (31-43) A. 2 choirs for worship (32-42) B. Sacrifices ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 12:27-47

Denomination: Baptist