Sermons on Refining The Body:

Count My Trials And Struggles All Joy?

Contributed by Robert Coats on May 29, 2006

The Apostle James dropped a bombshell in his letter to Christians

Count my trials and struggles all joy? James 1:2-4 Are you going through any trials, temptations, tribulations, testings, or struggles? Then my brothers and sisters…count it all joy. Pastor what are you saying? How can I find joy in my struggles? You do not know what I am going through? Well ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Church Of God

Good News About Trouble Series

Contributed by Ray Waldo on Apr 9, 2008

We are blessed with the "Spirit of Glory and of God" that rests on us when we suffer for Christ. This is a message of encouragement to the Child of God who is going through trials.

Well, we have all had days when it seemed everything went wrong! But I have “Good news about trouble.” - At least for the Child of God. In 1 Peter 4:12-19 we read that trouble is not aways such a bad thing. Peter says that we may be “overjoyed” as a result of our “painful trial.” I recently ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Church Of God

I Won't Complain

Contributed by Lacy Scott on Oct 27, 2007

Stop complaining.

I WON’T COMPLAIN Exodus 15:22-25/Exodus 16:2-4 Brothers and sisters as I attended my sister-in-law’s funeral yesterday everyone seemed to have the same thing to say about her. Everyone remembered her as a loving soul that never had anything negative to say about anybody and even through all her ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is God When Disaster Strikes?

Contributed by Warren Lamb on Oct 28, 2007

In the midst of the emotional shock wave that has swept across our nation due to the still-burning fires in Southern California throughout this past week, finding that place where the Providence and grace of God merges with massive devastation and extreme

Can we trust and rely on God all the time, in every circumstance? What about when disaster strikes? Is He really there? Is He really listening? Does He really care and answer? In the midst of the emotional shock wave that has swept across our nation due to the still-burning fires in Southern ...read more

Scripture: John 16:33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To React To Persecution Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jan 31, 2007

Exposition of 1 Peter 3:13-17

Text: 1 Peter 3:13-17 Title: How to React to Persecution Date/Place: LSCC, 11/27/05, AM I. INTRODUCTION A. Opening illustration: the persecution of the insurance companies, the suffering of the bricklayer—ill file B. Background to passage: Peter again takes up the subject of Christians being ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Hardest Thing In The World

Contributed by Scott Carmer on Feb 5, 2007

The hardest thing in the world is to consider suffering and trials a gift from God.

The Hardest Thing in the World James 1:1-4 February 4, 2007 Have you ever felt like you’d been body slammed by life? I remember Christmas vacation of my sophomore year in high school. For some reason, the wrestling coach decided that we needed to practice. We practiced for 3 or 4 days of that ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: Methodist

"Fly High" - Acts Part 24 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Feb 6, 2007

Paul knew that life was not fair and that men were corrupt but he also knew that God was good and He was always faithful. So Paul stayed committed to the faith even through unjust trials and unfair situations. It’s a lesson that the American Christian nee

Fly High Acts part 24 – Book of Acts Video Illustration: From Sermon Spice – Conspiracy Thesis: Paul knew that life was not fair and that men were corrupt but he also knew that God was good and He was always faithful. So Paul stayed committed to the faith even through unjust trials and unfair ...read more

Scripture: Acts 25:1-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Rejoicing Always

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Oct 25, 2006

Trials and persecutions notwithstanding, Paul keeps the focus on rejoicing both in his life and in the church.

REJOICING ALWAYS “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul referred to “rejoice”, “rejoiced” or “rejoicing” ten times. The church had much that tended to discourage it. It was not an affluent congregation. It was ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4

Denomination: Baptist

On Eagle's Wings

Contributed by David Hicks on Nov 15, 2006

We live in a society that is plagued with a lack of sleep, low energy, discouragement, rampant depression, and a loss of joy. But hope waits for those who learn to wait upon the Lord.

ON EAGLE’S WINGS Isaiah 40:27-31 Ask for a show of hands – keep them up! Who is tired today? How many are weary? Who is discouraged? Who has had a rough week? Who is facing a difficulty or trial that seems insurmountable? Who feels burdened today with a concern or question? Welcome to the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:27-31

Denomination: Holiness

How Long O Lord

Contributed by Lee Henry on Nov 15, 2006

This psalm shows us how we can overcome our despair through faith in God.

How Long O Lord Psalm 13 “How long O Lord?” Four times in this brief psalm, David makes this plaintive cry. “How long O Lord?” This psalm was, no doubt, written during a low point in David’s life. Possibly during the time when Saul is pursuing David to try to kill him. This story is told in ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are We Having Fun Yet?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jun 9, 2007

Some look for great joy when they reach their final destination. GOD’S PLAN IS TO LOVE THE JOURNEY AS WE GO. IF WE LOVE THE JOURNEY WE WILL LOVE THE DESTINATION. You don’t need a change of position, you need a change of heart, a change of attitudes to fin

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I do this in two parts. Your life can become so mundane that it seems like an endless trap. If you have lost the joy in your family and home, hard times lie ahead. We must search God’s word and see the value of joy and seek God’s ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 30:5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Out Of The Whirlwind

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Oct 24, 2006

We all want to know why we suffer.

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind: "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who ...read more

Scripture: Job 38:1-7

Denomination: United Methodist

Faith And Miracles

Contributed by Jose R. Hernandez on Jul 10, 2007

Many believers do not trust God completely. Many believers are not convinced that God can, and will resolve any situation in their favor.

Last week we studied about the importance of listening to the voice of God, and moving towards His will. We learned that when we are willing to listen and do His will, we will receive the blessings that He has stored for us. We learned that we must trust Him in all things, and that we must not ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Learning To Be Content Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jul 16, 2007

Paul shows that being content for a believer is different from the worldly definition. Are you Content in Your circumstance?

INTRODUCTION A. This past week has been confusing to say the least. 1. Heart – not THIS week! 2. Here I am – needing to prepare 2 sermons – and this! a. How do you prepare for Saturday when you don’t know the response b. How do you prepare for Sunday for same reason 3. Then the Question: How do ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

It's A Wonderful Life In The Face Of Trouble Series

Contributed by Randall Bergsma on Dec 19, 2006

Life is difficult. Christmas can bring crisis for many. But it can still be wonderful because God came in Jesus to be with me.

Intro: Have you ever felt you might be better off dead than alive? The struggles of life seem to surmount the beauties of life and you begin to wonder “what’s the point?” That’s what happened to Geoge Bailey in the classic film It’s a wonderful Life. In this scene your about to see, George, who ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:1-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed