Sermons on Redeeming Suffering:

Groaning In Hope Series

Contributed by Ed Taylor on Jan 29, 2009

Thank God that relief from suffering is coming through Jesus Christ!

1. Sin has done much more damage than we really realize. 2. We suffer in this world… because of sin. – Read 8:18 • We experience pains & problems in this world… because of sin. • Fears, anxieties, hurts & bitterness… because of sin. As we go back to the Garden of Eden. • Adam & Eve learned in an ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:19-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Pleading For God's Mercy Series

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Oct 30, 2022

What is the only basis for your prayer for mercy? When you’ve been emptied of all pride, when you’ve given up trying to earn the LORD’s favour or to fix your life, then your only hope really is this: God has made you his own in Jesus Christ.

In our text Isaiah is praying. Praying is a normal thing for us, but let’s appreciate what the prophet is doing here. In this book of prophecy, there’s all kinds of different styles of writing. In Isaiah there are speeches, parables, lamentations, hymns of praise, predictions of the future, ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Thanking God In Hard Times Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 9, 2017

1) A Communal Thanksgiving (Psalm 75:1), 2) A Careful Thanksgiving (Psalm 75:2-5), 3) A Contemplative Thanksgiving (Psalm 75:6-8), and finally 4) A Certain Thanksgiving (Psalm 57:9-10).

There are a lot of reasons why it seems odd to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Not only does it seem that we just finished summer, but also in regards to what is going on in our world. We have witnessed tropical storms, earthquakes, terrorist acts and so many instances of suffering. For those who ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 75:1-10

Denomination: Other

When Faith Takes Over

Contributed by Rick George on Jul 22, 2008

When storms come, where is your faith? In temporal things or the Everlasting God?

Please turn with me to the book of Habakkuk. Habakkuk is listed in the Bible as one of the Minor Prophets. The Minor Prophets are grouped together after the Major Prophets and located before the New Testament, after the book of Nahum and before Zephaniah. Today we will, in sum, examine the ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Very Many But Very Dry Series

Contributed by Pastor E. Jolly Erhunwmunse on Dec 10, 2008

When dryness occurs in any life it is a sad situation. It is a situation whereby things have becomes worst. It is only God that can help in that situation.

VERY MANY BUT VERY DRY” When dryness occurs in any life it is a sad situation. It is a situation whereby things have becomes worst. Our text: is taken from Ezekiel 37:1-14. “ The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

The God Of All Comfort Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jan 19, 2010

In this lesson, we learn that life is hard, God is faithful, and that God can use our suffering for good.

A. Last week’s sermon was the first lesson in a sermon series on 2 Corinthians that I’m calling – “Learning to Lean on God.” 1. Last week we introduced the city of Corinth and Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian congregation. 2. We discussed some of the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

To Live Is Christ

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Sep 18, 2011

How do we balance our own pursuit of meaning and happiness with the call to live as Kingdom people? What role does suffering have in the Christian life and why in the world are we called not only to believe in Jesus but to suffer for him? A little bait an

This dates me, I know, but I can sometimes relate to Charlie Brown in the Peanuts cartoons. Like the one where Lucy is philosophizing and Charlie is listening. As usual, Lucy has the floor, delivering one of her lectures. She says, "Charlie Brown, life is a lot like a deck chair. Some place it so ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:21-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Eternal Weight Of Glory Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 18, 2011

We should be grateful for God’s earthly, physical blessings and protection, but we should be even more grateful for the eternal blessings he gives us.

An Eternal Weight of Glory (2 Corinthians 4:7-18 with Psalm 116) My view is that 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 is based on Psalm 116 (the 2 Cor. passage is a midrash). See if you agree. The “starting text,” Psalm 116:3-19 3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

When God Doesn’t Make Sense

Contributed by Kelly Benton on Mar 20, 2012

There are some Biblical realities that we need to come to grips that will help us answer the question of where is God when life hurts?

Last Sunday I received a phone call from a man wanting to test drive our 2002 Ford Excursion that we had for sell. It was parked in Augusta and I told the man that I could meet him in about 15 -20 minutes. I met the man and he seemed like a really nice fella that wanted to surprise his wife with ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10, Romans 7:6

Denomination: Other

From Bitter And Better Ii Series

Contributed by Jeremy Poling on Apr 21, 2012

Troubles will make you better if you do not allow it to make you bitter.

Exodus 1:14 begins with the phrase, “And they made their lives bitter…” • According to the Strong’s Concordance the root word used for “bitter” can also mean “stronger.” • As a matter of fact, according to the Bible Reader’s ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:14

Denomination: Pentecostal

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 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

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

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

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