Sermons on Purpose In Suffering:

Does Suffering Mean God Has Abandoned Me? Series

Contributed by Ross Anderson on Oct 25, 2005

Not even the worst afflictions you might face can cancel out God¡¦s purpose or God¡¦s favor in your life.

You might have heard that, on the next to last day of our vacation, Nancy and I were rear-ended as we were pulling off the freeway in San Jose, California. Thankfully we weren¡¦t hurt, but the car was undriveable, and we were 850 miles from home without transportation. For a while we felt not ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Where Is God When I Hurt? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 22, 2012

Does God care when His people suffer? Does He desert them in their sorrow? A message to encourage the suffering saint by redirecting our gaze to the Master in our sorrow.

“As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep. “And Saul approved of his execution. “And there arose on that day a great ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"finding God's Presence In Your Suffering."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Sep 29, 2025

As we journey through life, we inevitably encounter moments of pain, heartbreak, and struggles. Yet, what if these experiences, far from being signs of God's absence, are actually evidence of His deep presence and transformative power, that can lead us to a brighter future.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (1 Peter 4:12-13) [12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-13, James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28

Denomination: Pentecostal

Thank God For My Scars!

Contributed by Spencer Miller on May 10, 2013

There is a purpose to the scars of life, Christ suffered for us but are willing to suffer for Him?

“From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.” – New Living translation INTRODUCTION Scars are a reminder of something, and most of the time a scar reminds of something unpleasant. Scars are not unusual because there are ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:17

Denomination: Baptist

Renewing Our Consecration To God’s Purposes Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 19, 2022

This exposition of Zechariah 8:9-13 focuses on the importance of Christians being on task and fulfilling their God-given calling in life. This remnant of Jews suffered unnecessary troubles when neglecting their God-given assignment but blessing as they obeyed.

Intro Our text today begins in Zechariah 8:9 with the words: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Let your hands be strong.’”i The word translated strong is chazaq. It means “to be strong, be courageous, be firm, be resolute.”ii God used this word three times when commissioning Joshua for the task of ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 8:1-23, John 6:38, Philippians 3:1-14, Ezra 5:1, 1 Kings 11:14, Jeremiah 24:9, Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 25:14-30, 2 Chronicles 7:13-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

What Does Suffering Say About God? Series

Contributed by Ross Anderson on Oct 25, 2005

The Bible sees hardship as God¡¦s loving discipline, which, as we submit to it, he uses to produce his character in our lives.

Turn in your Bibles to Hebrews 12. We¡¦ve been talking in recent weeks about suffering, seeking to make sense out of the trials and hardships we go through in life. To start us off, I want you to think about what one couple has gone through¡K Introduction: Video interview with a couple who ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:3-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Sovereignty In The Midst Of Christian Suffering (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 7, 2010

A sermon examining the God's plan and purpose in times of suffering.

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IN THE MIDST OF CHRISTIAN SUFFERING (Part 1) Acts 4:23-28 (Antioch Baptist Church: Wednesday, September 10th, 2025) For the weak believer or perhaps a new Christian, it may be disconcerting to hear that God not only allows His children to suffer; in some cases He causes ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-28

Denomination: Baptist

God's Sovereignty In The Midst Of Christian Suffering (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 9, 2010

A sermon examining God's plan and purpose in times of suffering.

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IN THE MIDST OF CHRISTIAN SUFFERING (Part 2) Acts 4:23-28 (Antioch Baptist Church: Wednesday, August 27th, 2025) Many unbelievers have a common misconception that “if our God is real”, and “if He is all powerful”, and “if we are His children”, and “if He loves us”, then we ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-28

Denomination: Baptist

Discovering Your Purpose Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 15, 2003

As we understand the ramifications of Christ dwelling within us, we will strive for maturity in our faith and can become all that God desires for us to be.

Discovering Your Purpose A truck driver was hauling a load of 500 penguins to the zoo. Unfortunately, his truck broke down. He eventually waved down another truck and offered the driver $500 to take the penguins to the zoo. The next day the first truck driver got his truck fixed and drove into ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-12

Denomination: Baptist

Discovering Your Purpose Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 24, 2003

As we understand the ramifications of Christ dwelling within us, we will strive for maturity in our faith and can become all that God desires for us to be.

Discovering Your Purpose A truck driver was hauling a load of 500 penguins to the zoo. Unfortunately, his truck broke down. He eventually waved down another truck and offered the driver $500 to take the penguins to the zoo. The next day the first truck driver got his truck fixed and drove into ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

God's Purpose In Hardship

Contributed by Emile Wolfaardt on May 7, 2009

(PowerPoint Slides and Cell Study Notes freely available by emailing Emile@Wolfaardt.com) Understanding God’s purpose in the midst of our hardships...

God’s Purposes in Hardship Romans 5:3-8 This morning I want to talk with you about a subject that is close to each and every one of our hearts - and that is this . . . God’s Purpose in Hardship As hard as it is, we have to answer the difficult questions. We cannot simply ignore them hoping they ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-8

Denomination: *other

A Purpose Driven God Series

Contributed by Wes Richard on Apr 5, 2004

God works out his purposes in a world beset with sin.

Last Sunday, after church, the kids mime ministry team left immediately to give a presentation at Future Church of Tomorrow on 12th Street. As we left, the adults counted all the noses to make sure we had everybody and we formed a caravan of vehicles so we could get there without getting ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-39

Denomination: Brethren

One Holy Purpose Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2016

Examining the motivation for Paul's perseverance and service can encourage believers to persevere in the midst of a darkened world that increasingly opposes the Faith.

“I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” [1] The Apostle has emphasised a concept that is not often welcomed today—hardship. Directing student ministries at a major pastoral school some ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:10

Denomination: Baptist

Pain Has A Purpose

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Mar 13, 2006

We all know pain is going to be a part of life. The main question is "why". If I understand God’s purpose for pain I can deal with it.

March 12, 2006 Second Sunday in the Season of Lent -------------------------------------------------- Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: United Methodist

The Threefold Purpose Of The Incarnation

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Nov 30, 2020

A). COMPREHENSION B). DEMONSTRATION C). SALVATION

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS THE THREEFOLD PURPOSE OF THE INCARNATION OUTLINE A). COMPREHENSION B). DEMONSTRATION C). SALVATION INTRODUCTION THE INCARNATION The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ was an incarnation. He was God who took the form of a human being. Even before his birth , the prophets ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14

Denomination: Pentecostal