Sermons on Purpose In Suffering:

Making Sense Of Life Prt 1- The Problem Of Evil

Contributed by Brian Williams on Aug 14, 2023

The existence of evil is one of the most vexing challenges a Christian—or any person for that matter, must grapple with.

Making Sense of Life The Problem of Evil - Part 1 13 Aug 2023 When trying to reconcile the existence of a good and all-powerful God and the problem of evil, it can be a difficult conversation. One doesn’t need a Ph.D. in theology or philosophy to realize something is desperately wrong with the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Does God Let His People Suffer? Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Apr 7, 2010

God “redeems” suffering through faith in his goodness and control.

Scripture Introduction A guy from New York rented a car after landing at the Dallas airport and set out across Texas to a meeting. Suddenly a truck pulling a horse trailer swerved and collided with him. He waited over a month before trying to collect damages from his insurance company. When he did ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Trialful Joy

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 8, 2009

Trials and tests are no fun. James doesn’t tell us to consider it fun but to "consider it all joy." Trials and tests are gut wrenching and drawn out at times, but the one thing that we must know is that God is with us through the whole ordeal.

Opening illustration: After William Carey was well established in his pioneer missionary work in India, his supporters in England sent a printer to assist him. Soon the two men were turning out portions of the Bible for distribution. Carey had spent many years learning the language so that he could ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Lord's Servant

Contributed by Chris Surber on Jun 17, 2010

Redemption was born in suffering, so is our peace.

The Lord’s Servant, Isaiah 52:13-53:6 Introduction “After a mission service, the preacher of the evening was hurrying away to a late train. He had just three minutes to catch it when he saw a man running after him. “Oh, sir,” he said breathlessly as he came up, “can ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church

Why Life Is So Tough

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Bob Aquino on Apr 6, 2011

Many of us would like a personal ministry, but we don’t know where to begin. This passage suggests that our personal ministry begins as we share with others what God has shared with us.

INTRO: In May 2008 Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman's five year old daughter Maria was run over and killed on the family property. Her teen-aged brother did not see her playing in the driveway before she was struck. It was a tragedy of unspeakable sadness. I remember that my first thought ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Trials---What Are They Good For?

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Apr 15, 2011

Trials teach us patience, test our faith, train for service, testify to others and help us to triumph through Christ

Trials---What Are They Good For? Chuck Sligh I. THEY TEACH US PATIENCE. A. James 5:10-11 – “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience ...read more

Scripture: James 5:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Why God Allows Bad Things To Happen

Contributed by Craig Condon on Dec 20, 2015

We must remember that when bad things happen, God is in control. He loves us and wants us to be saved. He allows events for his good purpose.

An old church building needed remodeling, so during his sermon the minister made an impassioned plea and looked directly at the richest man in town. At the end of the sermon, the rich man stood up and said, “Pastor, I will contribute $1,000.00” Just then plaster fell from the ceiling ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:26-39

Denomination: Anglican

Defining Trials Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 4, 2010

Trials are designed to teach us so that our conduct and character changes.

Defining Trials Hebrews 12:5-11 Rev. Brian Bill 7/4/10 About two weeks ago I received a phone call from someone who was in great distress. After recounting the details of what had happened, the following question was uttered in a loud, yet broken voice: “Pastor Brian, does God hate ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Vision, The Thorn, And The Grace Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 17, 2010

Paul learned to accept his thorn in the flesh as a gift from God, and allowed it to bless and benefit his life.

Introduction: A. I want to start with a true story that illustrates the overall lesson I hope we will learn today. B. The story is told of a 10-year-old boy who decided to study Judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. 1. The boy began lessons with an old ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Scourged And Shamed Series

Contributed by Bob Marcaurelle on Mar 17, 2015

A message on the scourging of Jesus as a prelude to crucifixion showing how God was in control even then.

Looking at the Cross Sermon 1 Bob Marcaurelle Matt.27: 27-30 JESUS SCOURGED AND SHAMED “The Governor’s soldiers/ stripped off Jesus’ clothes and put a scarlet ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Suffering Church (The Church Of Smyrna 2 Of 7)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jul 15, 2025

You will notice that of the seven churches that John addressed, he gave the least amount of space to the church of Smyrna.

All he had to say about the church of Smyrna he was able to cover in just four verses. However, we must not think less of this church, or feel they were insignificant just because there are less verses given to them. Why? Because there were only two of the seven churches ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:11-12, Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Rejoice In Problems And Trials

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Jun 17, 2012

I. EXORDIUM: When do we rejoice? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To convince them to rejoice when problems and trials come IV. TEXT: Romans 5:3-4 (NLT) 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, f

I. EXORDIUM: When do we rejoice? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To convince them to rejoice when problems and trials come IV. TEXT: Romans 5:3-4 (NLT) 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Should We Do When Disaster Strikes? A Righteous Response To Disasters

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Nov 3, 2012

Hurricane Sandy did not affect us, but it devestated millions of others. How should we respond? What should we think? What should we do? Jesus answers these questions from Luke 13:1-5

Here in South Jersey, we rode Hurricane Sandy Monday and Tuesday,. W were thankful that very few in our area were affected. Phone calls and visits on Tuesday revealed that this time, we did not have the damage and devastation like we did during July’s devestating dorecho storm that knocked out ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-8, Romans 8:28-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Grace At Work Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jun 3, 2011

If we want to find fulfillment and joy in our work then we must submit even to bosses who treat us infairly, for only in this do we experience grace and fulfill our calling.

David Roper’s 3-year-old grandson, Seth, in Judsonia, Arkansas, received a toy lawnmower for Christmas a few years ago, but he didn’t have the chance to use it until one hot July day when his father went out to mow the lawn and Seth volunteered to “help.” A few minutes ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18-25

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Why Did God Put Me On Planet Earth?

Contributed by John Gaston on Jan 8, 2017

The Bible teaches we have a definite purpose. It's to influence the people around us to make the choice to serve Jesus Christ. A C.S. Lewis quote captures to eternally critical job that we dare not neglect for the lost's sake!

WHY DID GOD PUT ME ON PLANET EARTH? Ps. 138:8, TLB. INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. There were three guys who wanted to be in the Olympics, but didn’t know how to enter. So they went to the gate of the Olympic Village to see how other athletes got in. 2. Soon a big, hulking guy walked up with bulging ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 138:8

Denomination: Assembly Of God