Sermons on Preparing For Trials:

Lent, The Beginning Of A Fresh Start

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 9, 2026

Lent, a season of spiritual renewal, fasting, and prayer that offers a "fresh start" to break from unhealthy habits and deepen one's faith. It acts as a purposeful, reflective journey to reorder priorities and prepare for Easter.

Sermon – Lent, the beginning of a Fresh Start. Scripture Lesson - Psalm 51:1-19, “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-19

Denomination: Methodist

The Seed Of Christmas

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Dec 12, 2022

If you leave the Christmas story in Matthew and Luke, you do not recognize how long God was planning and preparing and moving all of the pieces of the world in order for us to receive the greatest gift that has ever been given to man, which is Jesus Christ, His Son.

We often sell ourselves short when we say to each other simple clichés, like, "Jesus is the reason for the season". Now, I'm not shaming anybody who's used it because it works at this time of year. But the reality of it is, is Jesus is not the reason for the season. Jesus is ...read more

Scripture: Micah 5:2

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Art Of Presentation (Lesson 2) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Mar 31, 2020

To establish that preaching is an art, that this skill can be taught, learned, developed and perfected. This lesson reviews the need for the church: to identify sound, capable, and, faithful men; to be trained in the "art of preaching." This lesson stresses the art of presentation.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 2. The Art of Presentation Remarks. 1. This is lesson two, in the sermon-series: "The Art of Preaching." This lesson reviews the need for the church of Christ, to identify sound; capable, and faithful men, to be taught the "art of preaching" of the word of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Art Of Persuasion (Lesson 3) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Mar 31, 2020

To establish that preaching is an art, that this skill can be taught, learned, developed and perfected. This lesson reviews the need for the church: to identify sound, capable, and, faithful men; to be trained in the "art of preaching." This lesson stresses the art of persuasion.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 3. The Art of Persuasion Remarks. 1. This is lesson three, in the sermon-series: "The Art of Preaching." This lesson reviews the need for the church of Christ, to identify sound; capable, and faithful men, to be taught the "art of preaching" of the word of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

An Outline Of Acts 4:1-22

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on May 4, 2021

Peter and John were arrested after they healed a man born lame, as recorded in Acts 3. Now they're on trial, the next day, before a group of Israel's leaders. What happened next? (This is another outline from a miniseries on Acts I preached several years ago.)

Introduction: In Acts 3, Luke records how Peter and John were on their way to the Temple to observe and take part in the afternoon time of prayer. While on the way there, they saw and then healed a man who had been lame from his birth. Peter preached another message to the crowd who had gathered in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

What We Learned From A Ping-Pong Marathon Series

Contributed by Rich Anderson on Feb 15, 2011

Paul says to dwell on those things that are excellent and worthy of praise. These encouraging words will help us all through any circumstance, any trial or any hardship, as we remember that “all things work together for good to those who love God.”

How soon we forget, or how soon we don’t forget. I have cherished memories from long ago that I will never, ever forget. Way back in 1975 I learned a valuable lesson about time, and I learned how many hours are in a week. I also learned about the power of prayer and leaning on God to ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14

Denomination: Christian Church

Handcrafted By God

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on May 17, 2012

Is God bending, shaping, or polishing me right now? What’s my attitude: Am I thanking and praising God, or am I complaining about the process? Trials are intended not to provoke us but to prove us. See the present from the perspective of the future. Look

Opening illustration: The Steinway piano has been preferred by keyboard masters such as Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, Cliburn, and Liszt—and for good reason. It is a skillfully crafted instrument that produces phenomenal sound. Steinway pianos are built today the same way they were 140 years ago when ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Saying Good-Bye To Egypt Series

Contributed by Bob Marcaurelle on Mar 9, 2016

Message 9 uses the day the Exodus began as an example of how God keeps his promises and how He leads us through the wilderness of temptation, trial and tears to make us strong. It also shows that Jesus is our cloud and fire to guide and guard us,.

Moses 9 SAYING GOOD-BY TO EGYPT Exodus 12:31-42; 13:17-22 D. Salvation from Egypt 4. The Coming Out In one night the nation of Israel was born. In one night the church of the living God was formed. In Genesis we have individuals - Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob - worshipping God. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"A Song Of Holy Confidence In The Holy God” Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on May 15, 2020

During days of trial, Psalm 46 has been a source for many throughout the Church Age. Martin Luther based the famous hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God", on this Psalm. The Psalm offer us a Holy Confidence in our Holy God.

We are going to look at Psalm 46 for a few weeks, a majestic Psalm, which was written to be sung, in fact, many Christian hymns in history have been based on this Psalm. It is one of nine Psalms/ Songs of Zion, the place where God reigns and rules. The Psalm is divided into three stanzas, with ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Joy At Christmas Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Dec 20, 2025

This sermon proclaims that the true joy of Christmas is not found in changing circumstances or earthly comfort, but in the unshakable, eternal joy that comes from God drawing near in Christ—who lived, suffered, died, and rose again to secure our salvation and remain with us through every trial.

To begin our discussion this morning, let’s do a quick, informal congregational survey. I’m going to describe a few scenarios. If the scenario brings you joy, give me a thumbs up. If it brings discomfort, frustration, or sorrow—give me a thumbs down. Just respond honestly. First scenario: ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9

Denomination: Baptist

Life's Challenges

Contributed by Dennis King on Aug 26, 2021

We all go through challenging or awkward times in our lives. It's not easy staying positive when we run into daily trials and tribulations. God allows this to happen to us, and others, to encourage faith, which allows for our spiritual growth.

Life's Challenges We all go through challenging or awkward times in our lives. It's not easy staying positive when we run into daily trials and tribulations. God allows this to happen to us, and others, to encourage faith, which allows for our spiritual growth. 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1, 2 Corinthians 12:9

Denomination: Baptist

Isaac

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 19, 2022

How does a father feel, sacrificing his son, to war, or to a cross? Abraham faced that test, and passed. What could Isaac have been thinking during his father’s trial of faith? Let's look at Isaac's faith.

Isaac was the son of promise, yet Abraham was tested. How does a father feel, sacrificing his son, to war, or to a cross? Abraham faced that test, and passed. What could Isaac have been thinking during his father’s trial of faith? “And Isaac said to his father Abraham, ‘My father!’ And he said, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:7-9, Hebrews 11:19, Hebrews 11:21, Matthew 22:31-32

Denomination: Baptist

Battling Temptation With Scripture Alone

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 22, 2023

Life is filled with trials and temptations. Sometimes we fail. Jesus was also faced with great tests, but He succeeded. Let’s learn how Jesus battled temptations and won, using scripture. Let’s look at the testing of Christ in Matthew 4:1-11.

Life is filled with trials and temptations. Sometimes we fail. Jesus was also faced with great tests, but He succeeded. Let’s learn how Jesus battled temptations and won, using scripture. Let’s look at the testing of Christ in Matthew 4:1-11. Led by the Spirit When Jesus fasted was it a complete ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Via Dolorosa

Contributed by Troy Borst on Apr 6, 2017

This morning as we begin to prepare our hearts for Easter, I would like us to focus on the trudging walk that Jesus took for us to the place where He was killed. To do that, we are going to look briefly in all 4 Gospels and talk about some important Trut

THE VIA DOLOROSA GOSPEL PASSAGES #NBCCEASTER2017 INTRODUCTION… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Dolorosa The Via Dolorosa is a sacred destination and a street in Jerusalem. The words “Via Dolorosa” are Latin words which mean “Way of Grief" or "Way of Sorrow" or "Way of Suffering.” It is a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:27-33, Mark 15:20-22, Luke 23:24-31, John 19:16-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Go! And Treasure True Beauty (Rubies) - Proverbs 3:15 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 6, 2025

Rubies in Scripture are a picture of preciousness, rarity, and enduring worth. They remind us that true treasure is not material, but spiritual, eternal, and found in Christ.

Go! And Treasure True Beauty (Rubies) - Proverbs 3:15 Proverbs 3:15 (NLT): “She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” Introduction: The Search for True Value Think about a jewel store. Rows of sparkling gems dazzle the eye — diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:15, Isaiah 54:11-12, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Matthew 13:45-46, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Matthew 5:14-16, Philippians 2:15, Romans 10:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal