Sermons on Preparing For Trials:

Taking Up Our Cross

Contributed by Kelvin Mckisic on Oct 14, 2024

The sixth church that Jesus addressed received no words of rebuke or chastisement. It was faithful to the Gospel, open to opportunities, and will be delivered from its enemies at the coming hour of trial upon the world. Take up your cross and do the same.

Good morning, dear friends. It's a joy to welcome you to this moment of shared faith, a time of communion in the Word of God. We gather here, not merely as individuals, but as a community united by the love of Christ, a love that transcends our differences and binds us together as one family ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Galatians 6:2, John 16:33, James 1:2-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

From Doubting To Faith

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jul 19, 2025

The best thing we can do during difficulties and trials is to bring all our griefs, troubles, and discouragements to Jesus. This is what John the Baptist did when he was in prison, and it helped him move from doubting to faith.

All me to begin with an illustration: “Joe Scriven was a missionary from Ireland to Canada, working among the Iroquois Indians. He was joined by his fiancé, who was also from Ireland. Just before the wedding, she was killed in an accident. Joe buried her with his own hands and a broken ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Call Me Barabbas

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 12, 2008

Politician Pilate is on trial now, and he has a finger in the air checking the wind’s direction. Instead of doing what is right, he does what is easy. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

Call Me Barabbas Matthew 27:11-31 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Barabbas.html Last time we saw the religious phase of Jesus’ trial, in which He was accused of blasphemy. But that charge wasn’t worthy of death in the Roman world, so they need to try to dig something else up. How about treason? ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:11-31

Denomination: Baptist

A Compelling Conclusion (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 24, 2016

Life is often difficult, even for the strongest believer. It is easy to focus on the trials we endure instead of the Lord. While we are unable to fully comprehend all our Lord is, our faith is increased as we look at Him by faith.

A Compelling Conclusion (Part 2) 1 John 5: 13-21 As we continue to consider the closing words of John in his first epistle, we are mindful of the many difficulties and obstacles the early church faced. John has dealt with false doctrine, the spirit of antichrist, personal sin, and the great need ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:18-21

Denomination: Baptist

Narnia: Believing The Incredible Series

Contributed by Lee Johnson on Dec 9, 2005

Lucy’s opening of the wardrobe into a new world can symbolize the opportunity for our hearts to connect with God. No matter what our situation, trial, or need, God is only a blink away. Open the door . . . see the light.

Title: “Believing the Incredible” Is it possible that someone can open a door and enter into a new world? The truth about our existence is that there is another world near us. And this world is not so visible, but it is the one that we’ve always hoped for, where life-purpose and adventure are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A God Of New Beginnings

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jan 21, 2022

There are many people who wish they had a new beginning; to those experiencing trials and hardship; and those who are suffering from poor choices; to those who are lost and dying in their sin - and God can give new beginnings!

In December of 1934, John and Betty Stam, a young American missionary couple assigned in China, were captured by Communists and eventually martyred for their faith. Captured with them was their baby daughter. One of the other prisoners, as he was being released from Jingde Prison, overheard the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Enemy Situation (Lesson 1) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Feb 18, 2021

To establish that the Christian must prepare to be fit-to-fight. Paul gives the saints at Ephesus their operations order to engage the forces of evil successfully. It outlines the enemy situation, rules of engagement, and equipment safeties (protections).

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. The Enemy Situation Remarks. 1. This is lesson one in this sermon-series: “Fit-to-Fight,” “The Enemy Situation,” in “Ephesus’ Operations Order.” This lesson will deal with the saint’s need to understand the enemy situation in this fight: for the saint’s battle in their ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Josiah Series

Contributed by Mark Eberly on Apr 6, 2009

Our last hero, Josiah, shows us what it means to be a breakthrough hero. What Josiah is able to accomplish sets the stage for the renewal of a pivotal worship practice that prepares the way for Jesus’ new covenant.

Heroes of the OT: Josiah 2 Kings 23:19-25 March 29, 2009 Our last hero is Josiah. He is what I’m calling a breakthrough hero. I’ll be talking about what that means for the people of the OT and for us. What I believe this hero will address is the social area of our lives with a strong emphasis on ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 23:19-25

Denomination: Church Of God

Two Men Enter Heaven

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 11, 2019

Death is inevitable for those now living. The sole exception will be should the Lord return. Christ offers life for all who receive Him. Our responsibility is to prepare for the inevitable, trusting Him.

“The other [thief] rebuked [the first], saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:40-43, Acts 7:59-60

Denomination: Baptist

A Fisherman's Confession Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on May 23, 2009

What does it mean to confess Christ? Is it a onetime event? It certainly wasn’t in Peter’s life. Peter’s confession involved proclamation, preparation, examination and restoration. The fact is that confessing Christ is a life-long commitment. Are you

http://brushforkbanner.blogspot.com We talk about confessing Christ all the time. Well, what does that mean? Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

Strengthening Your Faith In Times Of Adversity Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 22, 2025

Adversity is part of life, even for believers. Jesus never promised a storm-free life but a storm-proof one.

STRENGTHENING YOUR FAITH IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Text: 1 Peter 1:6-7 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-7, Isaiah 43:2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Father's Heart Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jun 18, 2021

A Father’s heart has the power to bring renewal to those who need to be refreshed from the trials of life and pressures of life. A Father’s heart can also bring trauma, pain and loss to people.

A Father’s Heart Opening Illustration: Skit Guys – Things Dad’s Don’t say! 2 parts Happy Father’s Day! Introduction: Today is Father’s Day – a day to recognize and honor our Father’s – this means our spiritual fathers, adopted fathers, step fathers, father figures and of course our ...read more

Scripture: John 8:54-56, John 10:25-30, John 15:20-25, John 17:1-5, John 17:20-26  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Open Letter Of Encouragement

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jun 28, 2007

When we are down and out, when things are against us, when lifes trials come our way, and try to steal our joy...We have a choice... Because there IS a Light at the end of the tunnel. Put a Song in your Heart.

A Letter of Encouragement Psalm 42-43 There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Put a song in your heart to carry you through. When we are down and out, when things are against us, when lifes trials come our way, and try to steal our joy... We have a choice... <This is an actual letter of ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Position Yourself For Restoration

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Sep 30, 2025

Restoration is God’s divine act of bringing back what was lost, stolen, or destroyed, and positioning ourselves rightly opens the door for complete recovery and multiplied blessings.

POSITION YOURSELF FOR RESTORATION By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Joel 2:25-26 Key Verse: “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:25-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Asking For Wisdom Series

Contributed by John Visser on Feb 20, 2006

When we ask God for wisdom in the midst of painful trials, ee start discovering what really matters. We start discovering how God is working out His eternal purposes in all of the pain and all of the confusion of the here and now.

Let me begin by giving you a little bit of the background information to the book of James. The book of James is the first of what is known as “The General Epistles” in Scripture. The general epistles are seven in number. Besides James, they include 1st & 2nd Peter, 1st, 2nd & 3rd John and the book ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed