Sermons on Smyrna Means Suffering:

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

The Eyes Of The Bride

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on May 14, 2012

There is great value in the suffering of the godly.

Revelation 19:7-9 KJV Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. [8] And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. [9] And ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 19:7-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

Healed By His Wounds Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Mar 31, 2021

A look at Jesus through Isaiah 53 as a part of a Christmas series

Several have commented to me how it has been interesting to look through baby pictures of Jesus. I’ve enjoyed it and I hope you’ve taken away some good, practical things to do about it. Baby pictures are a look back. They’re kind of fun, looking back at how things were and remembering what used ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

The Door Of The Sheep Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jul 15, 2018

Jesus declared He is the door of the sheep, the only means of entrance into the sheepfold. Through Him there is access to the fold, along with peace and security the Shepherd provides.

The Door of the Sheep John 10: 7-10 In the opening verses of this chapter, Jesus discussed the benefits associated with being in the sheepfold. While inside the fold, the sheep enjoyed rest, peace, and security. The shepherd watched over and cared for the sheep within the fold. He was familiar ...read more

Scripture: John 10:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

Where Do We Find True Meaning In Life?

Contributed by Martin Wiles on May 6, 2002

Life’s true meaning can only be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTION The question we ask this morning is indeed a thought-provoking question. Have you ever really thought where true meaning in life is found? I mean, what do we have to do to find this meaning? Do we have to have a special type of spouse or parents? Do our children have to fit some bill? ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

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 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

Take Up Your Cross, And Follow Him

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jul 27, 2017

"They just decided, 'We're going to leave the cross and take Jesus.'"

22A In August of 2003 - the Church of the Holy Cross in Midtown Manhattan, New York City was broken into twice. In the first break-in, thieves stole a moneybox that was situated near a votive candle rack. Three weeks later, the church was burglarized a second time. But this time, the thieves ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-27

Denomination: Catholic

Perfect Substitute: Jesus As The Suffering Servant (Week 3) Series

Contributed by John Romeo Verastigue Etis on Aug 19, 2015

The significance of God’s sovereign plan of salvation as revealed in the Old Testament, which is fulfilled by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. In this lesson, we will learn who Jesus is, as a Perfect Substitute who became the Suffering Servant.

4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:3-6

Denomination: Christian Church

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

Why Life Is So Tough

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Bob Aquino on Apr 6, 2011

Many of us would like a personal ministry, but we don’t know where to begin. This passage suggests that our personal ministry begins as we share with others what God has shared with us.

INTRO: In May 2008 Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman's five year old daughter Maria was run over and killed on the family property. Her teen-aged brother did not see her playing in the driveway before she was struck. It was a tragedy of unspeakable sadness. I remember that my first thought ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Of Philadelphia (A Loving Church)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Aug 8, 2025

The church of Philadelphia and Smyrna were two churches that the Lord Jesus did not have any words of condemnation for.

Does this mean they were perfect? Absolutely not! For example, the Bible tells us that Job was perfect and upright man. Does that mean Job was perfect and sinless? No, the only perfect sinless man to walk on this earth was the Lord Jesus. Let me explain how the word PERFECT IS USED IN THE ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

Ephesians 3 What Did Paul Suffer For?

Contributed by Jonathan Newlon on May 15, 2020

Paul suffered selflessly over the course of his ministry. Let's see how he suffered, what he suffered for, and ask ourselves if we are willing to do the same.

Jonathan Newlon Uniontown Church of Christ 15 May 2020 What did Paul suffer for? Introduction In Ephesians 3, Paul mentions his suffering for the Lord, but more importantly, why he was willing to undergo that suffering. He was suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Over his ministry, he was beaten, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:13-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Shall I Not Drink The Cup The Father Has Given Me?

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Sep 26, 2013

Jesus faced his cup of suffering willingly. God had a plan and Jesus, as difficult as it was, was willing to carry it out. Jesus needed to teach this lesson to Peter and it's a good lesson for us as well. Are we willing to 'drink our cup'?

“SHALL I NOT DRINK THE CUP THE FATHER HAS GIVEN ME?” John 18:1-14 1) Agony in the garden (vs. 1). John’s gospel doesn’t mention anything about the events that took place in the Garden of Gethsemane before Judas showed up. It’s important to look at what Jesus dealt ...read more

Scripture: John 18:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ