Sermons on Preparing For Trials:

Three Servants: Three Rewards Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Feb 24, 2003

Sermon 9 of 10 in Jesus Stories Series. This life is very much a test. In fact it could be said that our life is a trial that reveals our character and nature. In this story – one of the few parables in which the author reveals it’s meaning – Jesus rev

Three Servants & Three Rewards This life is very much a test. In fact it could be said that our life is a trial that reveals our character and nature. In this story – one of the few parables in which the author reveals it’s meaning – Jesus reveals the importance of what we do with what we have ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus: Prince Of Peace Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Dec 20, 2012

Violence, tension, unrest and scores of trials can certainly dim the angels proclamation of "Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward men." Jesus comes to us as the Ruler and Prince of Peace. His names in Isa 9:6 demonstrate His deity, power, and authority to br

Jesus: “The Prince of Peace" “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders ; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Your Calling? (Part 9) Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Mar 10, 2016

Are we at that place where we know our calling explicitly? Have we positioned ourselves for God’s plan to play out? God’s favor will bring upon you trials and test your faith and endurance. Are you ready?

Opening Illustration: Sundar’s call resembles that of Paul who had God’s favor. He was raised in the Sikh religion in India. All Sikhs have the same last name, "Singh", which means "lion." When Sundar received Christ at age 16, his Father poisoned him, but Sundar didn't die. After ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Do It! Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 6, 2017

If you want to pass the tests of life and come out on the other side of your trials a better person, more like Christ, then with God’s help: Receive the Word – do it! Reflect on the Word – fix it! And practice true religion – live it!

In her book Amazing Grace, writer and poet Kathleen Norris shares what she calls “the scariest story” she's ever heard about the Bible. Norris and her husband were visiting a man named Arlo, a rugged, self-made man who was facing terminal cancer. During their visit, Arlo started talking about his ...read more

Scripture: James 1:21-27

Denomination: Evangelical Free

A Blessing To Tithe

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 27, 2022

Many of us are afraid to tithe, because we feel that we have too many financial obligations to spare anything. But, did you know that the Bible teaches that both our financial troubles and our daily trials will lessen or cease if we tithe?

Money can be a very frustrating thing, because you just never seem to have enough of it. Right? Comedian Bob Phillips says, “Money used to talk – then it whispered. Now it just sneaks off . . . [and] today a dollar saved is a quarter earned . . . [and] the economy is [just] terrible [right now]. ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

It's Not All Bad!

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Sep 21, 2016

Sometimes when we look at certain Bible passages we get the feeling that only suffering and persecution awaits the true believer in Jesus. Nothing could be further from the truth! Even in the midst of trials we can have joy and peace and hope! PTL!!

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (Please look up this Scripture as we will read it in a few minutes) As I was thinking of last weeks sermon we had spoken about the death of James, the brother of John and the miraculous deliverance of Peter from prison and of the fact that there is a great wave of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Denomination: Nazarene

From The Garden To The Cross—part Of Our Lord’s Last Earthly Journey Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Apr 15, 2025

The last few hours of our Lord's life were spent first in a garden, then in various trials, and finally the last steps took Him to Calvary. So much took place in so little time--and He did all of this for us.

From the Garden to the Cross—Part of our Lord’s Last Earthly Journey Introduction: When the LORD made Adam, He put Adam in a garden—Eden. Now that the last Adam, Jesus Christ, is about to die for the sins of the world, one of the last things He saw was a garden as well. Dr. A. W. Pink in his ...read more

Scripture: John 18:1-14, Isaiah 53:6, Colossians 2:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

Reasons To Rejoice Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Sep 26, 2024

The Psalmist commands us to rejoice, illustrating that true rejoicing is a deliberate choice rather than a fleeting emotion. We uncover a list of compelling reasons to rejoice in the Lord, inviting us to shift our focus from our trials to the steadfast goodness of our Creator.

Reasons to Rejoice! Psalm 33 Introduction: Look: v.1 – remember the Psalms are songs. Hymns! Psalm 33 = Song of joy & praise Quote: “Joy is the soul of praise.” – CH Spurgeon A praising heart is a joyful heart. Praise to God is the outflow and the overflow of a heart joy. Praise is ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Refining And Purification

Contributed by Ron Auch Jr on Oct 27, 2024

I have for you toady a story that illustrates the message of 1 Peter 1:6-7, which speaks of how trials refine and strengthen our faith, much like gold is refined in fire. This story highlights the theme of enduring hardship for a greater purpose.

Refining and Purification ((((SLIDE)))) Todays message comes from 1 Peter 1:6-7: In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, ((((SLIDE)))) 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Happens When The Church Prays! Prayer Invites Divine Intervention Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on May 26, 2023

One of the most amazing privileges of believers is access to God through prayer. We all face trials and tribulations but praying will help us overcome. Why? Because a praying saint can lay down in trouble and wake up to a miracle. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Subject - Effective Fervent Prayer Invites Divine Intervention Scripture - Acts 12:5-11 “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:5-11, Acts 12:12-25, Luke 18:1, Luke 21:36, Mark 11:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

Thankful At Thanksgiving

Contributed by Ronnie Miller on Nov 25, 2012

I’m thankful for many things today. I’m thankful for my wife Brenda in which we have been through bad times and good for over 45 years. Our two sons Keith and Kevin. When your children go through trials, troubles and life threating situations they never

Thankful at T hanksgiving. Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us I’m thankful for many things today. I’m thankful for my wife Brenda in which we have been through bad times and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18

Denomination: Baptist

Amazing Grace Received Through Faith: God's Faithfulness During Great Struggles

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 23, 2021

Jesus causes the dead to live. He pursues us, faithful to His promises, abounding in love. Though trials and temptations come, God’s grace goes along with us. As Christians we can expect much struggle and suffering. Yet we can also expect to encounter great grace and joy.

Jesus causes the dead to live. He pursues us, faithful to His promises, abounding in love. Though trials and temptations come, God’s grace goes along with us. As Christians we can expect much struggle and suffering. Yet we can also expect to encounter great grace and joy. As the Apostle Paul ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:5-12, 1 Peter 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Isaiah 40:29-31

Denomination: Salvation Army

Understanding Matthew 24 Series

Contributed by Scott Weber on Mar 23, 2001

The first in a series of messages on Matthew 24 & 25, this message focuses on understanding that Matthew 24 is primarily pointing to the destruction of Jerusalem and warning us not to waste time predicting the time of Christ’s return. Rather, be prepared at all times.

Because Jesus Is Returning . . . "Understanding Matthew 24" You can’t read the article that appeared in the Atlanta Journal, June 5, 1997 without some remorse and sympathy for Clarence Jackson. "The clock struck midnight and Clarence Jackson didn’t turn into a millionaire." Jackson, who is 24, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-51

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Can I Do Now? Series

Contributed by Doug Warren on Oct 4, 2001

WE SHOULD NOT LIVE IN FEAR, WE SHOULD NEVER RETURN TO "NORMAL" (THE APATHETIC WAY IT WAS) SO, WHAT SHOULD BELIEVERS DO NOW? HOW CAN WE PERSONALLY BE PREPARED AND LIVE FOR GOD IN THESE LAST DAYS?

INTRO: IN THE UNCERTAIN DAYS WE LIVE, BELIEVERS SHOULD NOT LIVE IN FEAR, NEITHER DO WE WANT TO RETURN TO "NORMAL" AND FORGET WHAT GOD IS TEACHING US..SO WHAT SHOULD WE DO? PETER SAYS "DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION"(3:14)...AND OFFERS THREE SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO ACCOMPLISH THAT: I. SANCTIFY ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

0600 Ascension Series

Contributed by Mark Woolsey on Aug 16, 2005

This is in some sense the zenith of His ministry, the high point and culmination of all His work on earth. All that’s recorded in the gospels, His teaching, miracles, suffering, death, and resurrection are simply preparation, a means to an end, that lead

Sermon: Ascension Text: Luke 24:49-53, Acts 1:1-11 Occasion: Sunday after Ascension Who: Mark Woolsey Where: Arbor House When: Sunday, May 23, 2004 Where: TI, morning prayer When: Friday, May 13, 2005 Where: Providence REC When: Sunday, May 15, 2005 May the words of my mouth and the meditation ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:49-53

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican