Sermons on Purpose In Suffering:

Running With Horses

Contributed by Charles Payne on Oct 28, 2025

When God asked Jeremiah the question, “If you can't run with men, how will you run with horses?” Is he defining purpose behind the trials of life are we in training for bigger things?

“RUNNING WITH HORSES” TEXT “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses?” (Jer. 12:5) PROLOGUE Question: when God asked Jeremiah the question, “If you can't run with men, how will you run with horses?” Is he defining purpose behind the ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:5, 1 Peter 1:7, James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-4, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Hebrews 12:5-11, Luke 16:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"A Better Discipline" Series

Contributed by Rob Petersen on Jul 1, 2009

No matter the context, God’s discipline shows his Father’s heart for us.

DOMINANT THOUGHT: No matter the context, God’s discipline shows his Father’s heart for us. PURPOSE: - Head: For the people to understand that God cares for us as a father cares for his children. - Heart: For the people to have confidence and hope in God’s promises through tough times. - Hands: ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:4-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Getting Along With Others Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Oct 4, 2009

Sermon for International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We’re to bless and not blast those who persecute us.

Getting Along With Others Romans 12:14 Rev. Brian Bill 10/4/09 Have I ever mentioned to you that there’s a lot of persecution for Packer fans here in Illinois? I’ve told my dad this many times but I’m not sure he really believed me until last Sunday afternoon when my parents came down from ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:14

Denomination: Baptist

God Uses All Things For His Purposes

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 7, 2001

To lead the people to understand how Joseph’s enslavement is allowed to happen by God’s sovereign wisdom for the saving of many lives.

Hard Times Joseph Becomes a Slave – Gen. 37;39:1-20 Preparation for The Teacher 1. Aim: To lead the people to understand how Joseph’s enslavement is allowed to happen by God’s sovereign wisdom for the saving of many lives. 2. Explanation of the Aim: There are times when we go through hardships ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 39:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Purpose #4: You Were Shaped For Serving Series

Contributed by Dan Borchert on Dec 9, 2003

This sermon deals with the #4 purpose

Mathew 20:20-28 Purpose #4: You Were Shaped For Serving God Introduction A. Who here will have the highest ranking in heaven? B. Maybe it will be me. The pastor. A Pastor is close to God right? C. Maybe it will be one of the Elders; after all they are the head of the church? D. Maybe it will be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

"The Shepherd And The Valley"

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 5, 2002

Christ the Good Shepherd can lead us through the dark valleys because He’s been there. He laid down His life for His sheep.

Funeral Service Meditation, “The Shepherd & the Valley” -Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts Psalm 23:4, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I fear no evil; for Thou art with me.” These words were written by a shepherd—David lived with ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:4

Denomination: Congregational

"If The World Hates You..."

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 15, 2009

Message discussing persecution.

“If the World Hates You…” Various Scriptures December 6, 2009 NOTE: THE ME/WE/GOD/YOU/WE FORMAT IS FROM ANDY STANLEYS’ BOOK, "COMMUNICATING FOR A CHANGE." Me: Today we’re going to talk about that wonderful Christmas topic called “persecution.” November 8th was the yearly International Day of ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-23

Denomination: Wesleyan

"It Is Not Good For Man To Be Alone." Series

Contributed by Charles Hines on Dec 2, 2008

The acronym HALT means Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired, today we will look at Loneliness.

It is not Good that Man should be Alone! (H.A.L.T.) The dangers of Loneliness Romans 11:1-3 1I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1-3

Denomination: Church Of God

Growing Pains

Contributed by Carl Allen on Aug 13, 2009

Stuggles and Temptations face all Christians. The church at Thessalonica serves as a great source of encouragment to those of us today facing persecution.

Growing Pains 1 Thess. 2:13-20 Intro It was not easy to be a Christian in Thessalonica where believers faced persecution and suffering. Yet in the midst of suffering, the Thessalonica Christians experienced joy. They received Paul’s ministry of the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Measure Of A Man Series

Contributed by Jimmy Chapman on Sep 25, 2008

the measure of man as viewed in the light of his suffering

THE MEASURE OF A MAN Acts 21:27-40 In looking at this passage tonight, I was more prone to call it the measure of the man than I was to say this is the arrest of Paul. It is the arrest of Paul, but it is the measure of the man who is seen in the midst of the circumstance that interests me. I ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:27-40

Denomination: Baptist

Ordered Steps-Numbered Days Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Apr 24, 2010

1) Life before Death (Job 14:1-6) 2) Life after Death (Job 14:7-14)

One of the most difficult situations to deal with is the time of suffering and death. Not only is the situation difficult to comprehend, it can be difficult to help others in distress. Currently, the Bothwell’s are dealing with the apparent immanent death of Scott’s mom. We have been praying for ...read more

Scripture: Job 14:1-14

Denomination: Other

The God Of All Comfort

Contributed by Victor Yap on Jan 24, 2009

Paul, Pt. 9

THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT (2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-6) Everything that could go wrong went wrong for Will Smith’s character in “The Pursuit of Happyness.” He invested his money into buying and selling bone-density scanners. One of his $250 scanners was stolen by a hippie and another by a lunatic. The lack of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Good News Through Tough Times Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 5, 2017

The Spirit descended upon the prophet Isaiah and empowered him to bring good news to the captives, proclaim liberty and announce God's everlasting covenant.

Introduction As we prepare for the future--for the birth of the Christ Child and the arrival of the King of kings--we once again glance to the past. Today's text directs our attention to the exiles. The Exodus out of slavery in Egypt through the wilderness to the Promised Land and the Exile to ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?

Contributed by Dan Bauder on Jan 20, 2017

It is of vital importance for all of us to understand what being a christian is all about

BACK TO BASICS #1 “WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN?” Ephesians 1:3-6 January 8th, 2016 Solid Rock Baptist Church Rev Dan Bauder INTRODUCTION I’ve been preaching the Gospel since December 1999. One of the things I’ve noticed is the way we assume all those who have attended for a while ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Lutheran/Biblical Mind Finds Joy In The Cross Series

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Jul 16, 2017

We not only find joy in the cross of Christ, but also in the cross God calls us each to carry. Find out why.

We’re smackdab in the middle of another Alberta summer. There isn’t anywhere else I’ve lived that serves up summer as well as this part of the world does. We have long hours of sunshine that stretch well into the evening letting you get more done outside. Even when temperatures reach the upper 20’s ...read more

Scripture: Job 19:21-27

Denomination: Lutheran