Sermons on Sad Stories:

Trials Of Faith: Biblical Stories Of Strength And Perseverance SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 7, 2023

This sermon explores seven powerful instances of testing in the Bible, demonstrating the strength and perseverance of those who kept their faith.

Today, we will explore seven examples of how people were tested in the Bible. The Scriptures teach us that life is a continuous test, where God examines our character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. Testing helps develop and reveal our true nature. In fact, all of life can be seen ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:8-10

Topics: Faith, Perseverance

Isaiah's Christmas Story Is Happier Than That Of Dr. Seuss

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Dec 10, 2004

Isaiah describes how the desert will bloom at the coming of divine retribution. A picturesque text with a wonderful message for us this Advent.

December 12, 2004 Isaiah 35:1-7 1 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-7

Denomination: Lutheran

More Undignified Than This!

Contributed by Joseph Neil Adams on Jan 17, 2008

The sad truth is that many never worship instead they watch.

2 Samuel 6:12-23 In the reading from 2 Samuel we see two contrasting positions that I think impact on how we worship God. We find David getting excited & passionate about God, his wife Michal the daughter of Saul watching & getting angry with her Husband. She tells him off in no uncertain terms ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:12-23

Denomination: Methodist

Reflecting On The Dark Passages Of Scripture Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 12, 2012

As in the story of Judas, there are dark passages in the Bible, but they can help us if we use an interpretation which enables their meaning to emerge in the light of the mystery of Christ.

Feast of St. Matthias 14 May 2012 Verbum Domini Today’s feast gives us an opportunity to reflect on one of the darkest moments in our salvation history. The crucifixion of Jesus was set up by a traitor, Judas “the Iscariot.” It also helps us to consider what the Holy Father and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:15-26

Denomination: Catholic

Comfort For The Brokenhearted

Contributed by Andrew Hoskins on Nov 15, 2025

The world hears that and thinks, “How can being sad be blessed?”

INTRODUCTION A pastor once asked children in Sunday School, “What do you think God does when you cry?” Some said, “He listens.” Some said, “He holds us.” One little boy said, “I think God cries too… but His tears heal people.” Church… there is more truth in that child’s words than many ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4, Psalm 34:18

Denomination: Baptist

The Rooster’s Call: A Story Of Denial, Repentance, And Transformation. Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Jun 20, 2025

Peter’s denial of Jesus caused tremendous heartache, but he confessed and left transformed.

INTRODUCTION OPENING SLIDE TITLE SLIDE • After dedicating our lives to Jesus, I firmly believe that the majority of individuals have the utmost desire to follow and live for Him. • The story of Peter punctuates this point. • Peter was one of the closest disciples of Jesus. • Peter was in the inner ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:54-62

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Acts Of The Apostles 22 Of 39

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 14, 2022

In chapter 15, we studied the sad separation of Paul and Barnabas.

Before this, in Acts 13:2, we read, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." God, the Holy Spirit, had called them unto this work, and they were being greatly blessed of the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Zeal Of The Lord

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Nov 4, 2005

There is much we can learn from the story of Christmas. I am convinced that each of the scriptures that pertain to the Christmas story have a prophetic implication and will feed our soul.

THE ZEAL OF THE LORD Text: Isaiah 9:6 & 7 Christmas time is about many things. Your love for God and His Son must certainly be a part of your holiday season. If there is a time of the year that your relatives and friends should see Jesus in you and all over you, it is during the Christmas ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Part Of The Christmas Story That Speaks To Sandy Hook Tragedy

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 18, 2012

A look at the slaughter of the innocents story in light of the recent tragedy in Conn.

Prop: put a skull and crossbones “ornament” on the sanctuary Christmas tree. Talk about how it doesn't fit with the image. There's a story in the Bible that's part of the Christmas story that creates a similar disconnect. In fact, the disparity between it and the way we want the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Running Away From God Series

Contributed by Peter Toy on Aug 28, 2018

The beginning of the story of Jonah

The day turned out bright and clear. The captain turned an admiring eye to the trim of his ship following the single main mast up toward the azure sky. His eyes turned downward and he surveyed the dock and saw his crew scurrying to load on cargo, bales of grain from Egypt, spices from Arabia and ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Can I Tell You Why I Am Thankful?

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Nov 19, 2021

An elderly couple was sad because they hardly ever saw their children.

A couple of days before Thanksgiving the husband called his son in New York and said to him, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; 45 years of misery is enough. We’re sick of each other, and so you call your sister in Chicago and tell ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Story: A Praying Mother, A Listening Prophet, And A Disobedient King

Contributed by N A on Dec 16, 2015

In the stories of Hannah, Samuel and Saul, we learn three important keys to prayer: Never give up, listen to God’s voice, and walk in obedience.

THE STORY #10: A PRAYING MOTHER, A LISTENING PROPHET AND A DISOBEDIENT KING INTRO TO TOPIC: First Samuel takes place right after the story of the Judges and Ruth. • Samuel was the final judge, but he also served as a priest and a prophet. • This was the transition to the time of the kings. THE ...read more

Denomination: *other

Sin In The Church

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Apr 28, 2025

Every one of us needs to understand that we’re all susceptible to sin. But also everyone of us also needs to know that there is hope if we leave that sin – because we can be restored.

Alba 4-27-2025 SIN IN THE CHURCH I Corinthians 5:1-13 There was a flock of wild ducks headed south for the winter. One of the ducks looked down and sees domesticated ducks in a barnyard and the easy life that they have. He decides to leave the wild ducks to spend some time with the domesticated ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A "Two-Sided"Story:living Between Two Mountains Series

Contributed by Luciano Lombardi on Mar 2, 2001

Objective: The two sides of the story of our life rise up to remind us that life is always best when lived with God rather than without God.

“A Two-Sided Story” Subject: Relationship with God Theme: The Two sides to our relationship with God Text: Joshua 23:14-16 Time: Sunday Evening March 4, 2001 Question: What are the results of the choices we make? Introduction: In the story “A River Runs Through It” - two sons of a ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 23:14-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

Prospering From The Prisons Of Life Series

Contributed by Kevin Burden on Sep 21, 2008

The life of Joseph is a remarkable story. His life is a mixture of surprise, sadness and splendor. Joseph’s life contains many lessons from which believers can learn. One of those lessons is found in this passage.

PROSPERING FROM THE PRISONS OF LIFE Pastor Kevin W. Burden Carter Creek Baptist Church Sunday AM, September 21, 2008 Genesis 39:20-23 “And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. 21 But the LORD was with ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 39:20-23

Denomination: Baptist