Sermons on purpose of trials:

Paul's Thorny Trial - Was It Sickness Or?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Feb 16, 2021

The issue of the Apostle Paul's thorn-in-the-flesh has been hotly debated for centuries.

"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure" (2 Cor 12:7 NKJV) Some have held that this "thorn" was an eye disease that God ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7, 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, James 4:10, Acts 19:11-12, 2 Corinthians 12:8, 2 Timothy 3:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Triumph Over Trials Sermon I: The Why Of Suffering Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on May 13, 2020

In times like these, suffering persists to the extent that we naturally ask why, so we turn for answers not to a politician, not to a physician, not to an attorney - we turn to the man who suffered for righteousness' sake.

IN TIMES LIKE THESE --- SUFFERING PERSISTS TO THE EXTENT THAT WE NATURALLY ASK WHY Soon after we were born into this world and began to take notice of all our surroundings we began to ask a toddler’s most irksome question: Why? Over and over again! No answer sufficed. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-25

Acts Chapter 12. How To Overcome The Trials In Life.

Contributed by David Cramer on Oct 3, 2020

A message on how to overcome the trials we face in life with confidence. Learning how to put Him first and really mean it.

How to overcome trials in life Good Morning Stand with me and lift up your bible and repeat after me. This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I can do what it says I can do. I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be. Today I will learn more of the word of God. ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Right Approach For The Approaching Storm Series

Contributed by Brian Matherlee on Oct 6, 2009

How to prepare for the storms that are on the horizon.

SAILING THROUGH THE STORMS Part 1 The Right Approach for the Approaching Storm March 15, 2009 Pastor Brian Matherlee Introduction During the recent snow storm we had where the snow melted and then would refreeze overnight a man was relating how he used his seven-year-old son’s baseball bat to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:32

Denomination: Wesleyan

Exodus 1 Series

Contributed by Tom Owen on Aug 11, 2009

verse-by-verse

Have you ever just wanted to get out of somewhere? On February 23, 2007 in Parrish Florida 13 Year Old Boy was kidnapped at gunpoint at his bus stop by a 22 year old kidnapper who drove him into the country. He chose the boy at random planning to hold him for ransom. Once he had 13 year old Clay ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Taking The Next Step Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jun 6, 2015

Sometimes God uses trials to get us to take the next step.

Taking The Next Step Text: Acts 8:1-25 Introduction 1. Video Clip 2. We are continuing our exploration of the book of Acts and the TV series A.D. today. A prevailing theme in Acts, which is clear in A.D. and mirrors our own lives to a somewhat lesser degree, is the trials and tribulations that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-25

Denomination: Methodist

Follow The Call Series

Contributed by Chris Heimsoth on Jun 16, 2011

This is the 5th of our series on Action in Acts. We look at the charges against Peter, how he did not seek to justify himself but share what God was doing, and how we are called to focus on what is truly important.

Action – Follow the right voice (5:17-42) Have you noticed how there seems to be people making stands for all sorts of things in life? There are thousands of causes, and there are people fighting for all sorts of things. Even within the “church” community, there are people with ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:17-42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Are You A Water Bailer, Or Storm Stopper?

Contributed by John Gaston on Jun 26, 2016

Christians & the Church are destined for storms. Storms give us the opportunity to grow and to partner with God for a miracle. We can be water bailers, or storm stoppers! Regardless, we have Jesus as our resource. Lean on Him!

WATER BAILERS OR STORM STOPPERS? Mark 4:35-41 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: VINNIE’S BEALTED FATHER’S DAY GIFT 1. An old Italian man lived alone outside the city of Chicago. He wanted to dig his tomato garden, but it was too hard of work for him. 2. His only son, Vinnie, who used to help ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Yay, My Life Stinks!" Series

Contributed by Ryan Akers on Nov 13, 2008

Part 3 of our Fracture Series looks at how God uses trials to build our faith.

Fracture Part 3- Yay, My Life Stinks! Pastor Ryan Akers Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Wesleyan

Get Off Your Ash

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

Marked by pain. Residue of rejection. Disfigured by depression. Ashy! There comes a day when it is time to Get Off Your Ash.

"Get Off Your Ash" I. Introduction They call for you. You hear your name and week after week, month after month you strap on the armor and go out to do battle. You walk out and worship, do drama, witness, serve, work and labor. But you do so while you are wounded, mortally wounded. You put ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 113:7-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

The God Of My Refuge Is Here

Contributed by Stephen Smarowsky on Oct 10, 2008

Let us look at several principles of getting help in times of our personal troubles.

The God of My Refuge is Here: Psalm 91 Introduction: Everyone from one time to another will face troubles in their life. Someone once said, “You’re either in a trial, just came out of one, or you’re about to enter into one.” As morbid as that sounds, I believe that there is some truth in this ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

"How To Weather The Storm”

Contributed by Nakia Smith on May 9, 2008

Everyone goes through trials and tribulations; however, those who remain steadfast in God’s Word have the advantage of patiently enduring knowing that God gives them victory every time.

Everyone goes through trials and tribulations; however, those who remain steadfast in God’s Word have the advantage of patiently enduring knowing that God gives them victory every time. (Isaiah 40:31) Weather- to undergo or endure the action of the elements A. Know what to do when the storms ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:13-20

Denomination: Methodist

When Trials Come, We Remember Our Good & Great Shepherd – Part 1 Series

Contributed by Ed Taylor on Dec 22, 2008

Every single circumstance that comes to us is first sifted through the hand of the One who loves us.

1. Well, the most common question I ask, & I hear in the midst of trials is WHY! -- Why this? Now? Me? Why him? WHY LORD?!!?! • But I’ve noticed that God doesn’t always answer that question. • He doesn’t always reveal the WHY, or explain the details. • He simply calls us to trust… cling… hold on to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Trials Come, We Remember Our Good & Great Shepherd – Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ed Taylor on Dec 22, 2008

Every single circumstance that comes to us is first sifted through the hand of the One who loves us.

1. Paul has taught us to ‘glory in our tribulations’ & James said: James 1:2-3 (NKJV) 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 2. We have a serious problem with that don’t we? • It definitely doesn’t make a lot ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In This You Greatly Rejoice

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jan 19, 2009

1- We rejoice in spite of trials 2- We rejoice in honor of Christ 3- We rejoice in hope of salvation

INTRO.- ILL.- Bobby McFerrin sang the song, "Don’t Worry, Be Happy," which came out in 1988. Here is a little song I wrote You might want to sing it note for note Don’t worry be happy In every life we have some trouble When you worry you make it double Don’t worry, be happy...... Ain’t got no ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ