Sermons on Purpose Of Testing:

Zechariah’s Tests God’s Promises Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Dec 8, 2024

Do we rejoice at God’s provision even in when we don’t feel like it? Do we seek to know Jesus and share Him with those around us? John prepared the way for Jesus, who came to redeem all of creation - what will we do to show Him to others? This is our mission during Advent!

2024 Christmas Series – Part 2 Sermon 2 – Zechariah’s tests God’s promises Luke 1:5-25, 57-66, and 67-80 Introduction - Welcome to Seasons! This morning, we continue our series on Advent -- Might ask, “What is Advent?” Comes from Latin word, “Adventus” -- In its original form it means ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:57-66, Luke 1:67-80

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Two Faces Of Faith: Triumph And Trial

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Apr 9, 2020

It’s easy to trust God when the sea is parting, when the walls of Jericho are falling, when His voice is clearly coming through to our spirit. But what about those days when God is silent? Discovering both sides of Faith!

There is a faith receives what it believes, and a faith that believes beyond what it receives. Text: Hebrews 11:13-16 "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:2-40

Denomination: Methodist

Why Are We To Prepare Ourselves For Persecution?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Mar 30, 2025

We should not be afraid of what may happen to us because of our faith. Trust in God to help guide us through what we may face.

Why Are We to Prepare Ourselves for Persecution? Matthew 10:16-42 In verses sixteen - eighteen: The resistance of the Pharisees would resemble assaulting wolves. The only expectation that the disciples have is to seek their Shepherd for assurance. We might even confront comparable aggression. Like ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:16-42

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Abraham & Isaac: God's Substitution

Contributed by Edward Hardee on Sep 22, 2020

A message about salvation from Genesis 22 and God's subsitution

Title: Abraham & Isaac – God’s substitution Theme: To show the purpose & symbolism of salvation by faith in Genesis 22 Text: Genesis 22 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." (1) Then He ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14

Denomination: Church Of God

Provoking Thoughts From 1 John (4 Of 16)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 10, 2022

In 1 John, chapter one, John had the audacity to tell some of those who claimed to be saved that they were liars.

Evidently John never took a course in “HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE”. If he had taken it, he would have had a hard time passing the course. We know this because we see he called those people liars five times. He used “liar(s)” in: • 1 John 1:10. • 1 John 2:4. • 1 John 2:22. • 1 John ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:3-11

Denomination: Baptist

What Holds When You’re Tested

Contributed by Lewis Martin on Jun 28, 2025

In Philippians 1:12–26, Paul writes from prison—but his faith isn’t shaken. This message invites us to consider what truly holds when life tests us. Is Jesus our comfort… or our everything? Let’s explore the difference surrender makes.

Sermon Introduction: “What Holds When You’re Tested” Philippians 1:12–26 Let me tell you about two people. Both go to church. Both say they follow Jesus. But one wants just enough Jesus to feel better— to ease the guilt, to call for help when things go wrong. The other? They’ve given Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26

Denomination: Nazarene

Jesus, The Rock Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on May 15, 2023

There are many rocks on the earth. Some are solid, some are collections of dust. Some are strong and some are very weak. Many men are not trust worthy but Christ alone to be trusted for your life values.

1 Peter 2:2-10 -Tested stone Greetings: The Lord is good and his love endures forever! You are my witnesses. There is a marble rock range in Jabalpur (India). There are several colors and layers. People make beautiful souvenirs out of it. I ordered one souvenir to make a family tree to present ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:2-10

Denomination: Methodist

A Compassionate Ministry Series

Contributed by Terry Blankenship on Mar 10, 2009

Jesus celebrates with His disciples the victories won in His name. But another test challenges the disciples. Will they pass the test in showing compassion and faithfulness?

Mark 6:30-44 This miracle is recorded in all 4 gospels. It is the only miracle reported outside of the resurrection by all 4 writers. Mt 14.13-21; Lk 9.10-17; Jn 6.1-13 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:30-44

Denomination: Baptist

Testing Your Christmas With Christian Compliance-2

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Dec 22, 2012

2 0f 2. John supplied his readers with a test for Christian compliance in Jesus’ sonship/humanity/birth. Jesus’ sonship/birth is a test for Christian confession/compliance...But in what way is it tested? Celebrating Jesus’ Birth Tests Our...

TESTING YOUR CHRISTMAS With CHRISTIAN COMPLIANCE-II — 2John :7-11; 1John 2:22-25; 4:14-16; 5:5-13— Attention: Our Christmas celebrations say much about what we really believe. Need: John supplied his readers with a test for Christian compliance in Jesus’ sonship/humanity/birth. Jesus’ ...read more

Scripture: 2 John 1:7-11

Denomination: Baptist

Cross Purposes 2: Suffering For Us Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Dec 13, 2019

On the cross, 1) Christ joined in our suffering, 2) Christ bore the results of our sin, 3) Christ gives us hope when we suffer

CROSS PURPOSES 2: SUFFERING FOR US Suffering is a fact of life. People get sick, and die. Some endure constant pain or loss of abilities. Some feel the ache of loneliness or loss. Some are bullied, abused, abandoned, or enslaved. The world is a place of suffering. War, disease, natural disasters, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-12, Mark 8:28-33, Hebrews 2:10-11, Colossians 1:24-27, 1 Corinthians 4:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Gifted For Ministry: Purposeful Stewardship Of Talents Series

Contributed by Darrell Coats on Sep 19, 2006

The second sermon in the sermon series "Purposeful Stewardship" challenging us to use our gifts and abilities for the service of Christ.

Gifted for Ministry Introduction: Every Christian has been gifted for ministry with different talents. Purposeful stewardship involves using all these talents to serve others and glorify Christ. “Talents” means both our natural abilities and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10

Denomination: Methodist

Breakthrough From Fear Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Mar 27, 2020

In 1 John 4 - John gives us three actions that are to be a part of the children of God’s daily lives so they fulfill the will of God for their lives. 1st we are to Test the spirit’s, 2nd Know Love and show love, and 3rd Fear not.

Sermon: Breakthrough from Fear! Illustration: The story from Outreach Church and the bat from the balcony! Opening Quote: “Everyone experiences fear in their life. There are big fears we are very aware of and little ones we may not even realize we have. I've learned that it's very ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46, 2 Chronicles 20:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Questioning God: Between Pain & Purpose PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

Explore the intersection of faith and suffering, emphasizing that even in times of pain and doubt, we can trust in God's wisdom, find comfort in His presence, and discover purpose in our suffering.

Good morning church family. Today, we're diving into some deep waters together. We're going to tackle the tough issues of pain, doubt, and suffering in our lives and how they intersect with our faith in God. It can be hard to understand how a loving God can allow us to go through such tough times. ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-19, Psalm 34:18-19

Topics: Upset With God, God's Judgement

A Double Portion

Contributed by Ava Ch on Aug 26, 2025

we reflect on the story of Elijah and Elisha, we are reminded that God's Spirit is not confined to the past. It is being poured out now.

Last week, we saw Elijah at one of his lowest points. Fresh off the victory over Baal’s prophets on Mount Carmel, he spiraled into fear and despair. He ran from Jezebel, collapsed under a broom tree, and told God, “I have had enough... I alone am left.” Elijah’s ego—his belief that he was the last ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 2 Kings 2:6-14

The Testing & Teaching Of The Feeding Of The Five Thousand

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jan 26, 2022

You probably know that what we learn after we are out of school is much more than what we learned in the classrooms while we were in school.

A mistake many high school students make is to think that one day they will graduate and never have to apply in their daily living any of the things they learned in those classrooms in the past twelve years. The reason they think that way is because we have been trained to think of a classroom ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-14

Denomination: Baptist