Sermons on Struggle:

Down But Not Out

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Oct 1, 2006

Many are going through difficult times and struggling with major issues: health, or finances, besetting sins, family matters, or a myriad of other battles. There’s hope - don’t lose heart.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Denomination: Baptist

Learnings From Peter: Rewards And Suffering

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Jun 2, 2021

The issue of pain and suffering is much known. Yet, we struggle to make sense of it or react to it the right way. Let us learn from Peter on how not to, and how to, address this issue.

Learnings from Peter : Rewards and Suffering Past 15 or so months have been a series of struggles for many of us. It all started with the Wuhan virus and then it went through the cycle of restrictions to complete lockdowns to partial opening up to elections to the second wave to the complete ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20, Matthew 16:21-22, 1 Peter 1:6-7, 1 Peter 2:20-22, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 4:12-14, 1 Peter 5:9, 1 Peter 5:10-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

G Vs. E And We Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Jan 21, 2020

In John 1:4-5, the Apostle John is speaking about the tension and struggle and conflict of light and life verses darkness and death. We must choose what side we are on and there is no middle ground.

G VS. E AND WE JOHN 1:4-5 #John1 OPENING ILLUSTRATION… Samurai Jack (p) en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Samurai_Jack Samurai Jack is an American animated action-fantasy science-fiction television series created by animator Genndy Tartakovsky that aired on Cartoon Network from 2001 until 2004. This is one ...read more

Scripture: John 1:4-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Full Disclosure Of The Mystery Of God Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Feb 21, 2017

Paul's deep struggle concerning false teachers and false doctrines is one that continues today. We see some of the characteristics of false religions and cults and how the Church can be guarded against them.

Full Disclosure of the Mystery of God Colossians 2:1-5 We begin Chapter 2 of Paul’s letter to ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Love And Unity In The Community

Contributed by Mark Engler on Jan 2, 2015

The first century Christians at Rome struggled with unity in their Christian community, the church of today does too. If are to accomplish the mission of Christ, Christians must work together in unity as one mind, one heart.

Love and Unity in the Community Romans 14:1-15:13 INTRO: A man said: I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. I immediately ran over and said, “Stop! Don’t jump!” “Why shouldn’t I?” he said. I said, ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Early Bird Gets The Worm

Contributed by David Roth on Mar 10, 2015

Proper 20 (A). We toil and struggle against sin, to live righteously, But it does not give us life. Christ gives to us freely and aboundantly, all we need for this life and the next.

J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. “The early bird gets the worm” In our text today, Jesus tells His disciples another parable about the Kingdom of Heaven. You will recall that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Lutheran

Your Enemy Is Going Down

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017

In Psalm 18 David recounts some of his struggles and celebrates the victories God gave him over his adversary. This Psalm is full of encouragement for the child of God and full of assurance that we win!

Psalm 18 6/5/16 In Psalm 18 David gives testimony of God’s faithfulness in his life. He talks about some hard times that he went through. He was not exempted from those. But in the midst of that trouble, he found God to be a very present help the moment he called on Him. The title of this Psalm, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 18:1-50, Jeremiah 33:3, Zechariah 2:8

Denomination: Charismatic

In Christ, I Am...working For God Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Aug 27, 2018

Make God your Boss! At work, making God your boss will keep you out of unhealthy power struggles, make work more rewarding, and help you treat others with respect.

IN CHRIST, I AM…WORKING FOR GOD Ephesians 6:5-9 On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the atmosphere where you work? Is everyone treated with respect? Are workers valued not only for what they do, but also as people whose lives matter? Are employees fully engaged in their work, giving their ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:5-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Wedding Feast Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jun 6, 2019

How do I know if I’m a Pharisee? 1. If I struggle to enjoy the party. 2. If I get distracted by other parties. 3. If I’m not trying to populate the party

Wedding Feast Matthew 22:1-14 How do I know if I’m a Pharisee? 1. If I struggle to enjoy the party. Vv.1-4 2. If I get distracted by other parties. Vv.5-7 3. If I’m not trying to populate the party vv.8-14 Opening illustration Turn with me to Matthew 22:1-14 Begin a new ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Good Friday Introduction Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Apr 6, 2020

On Maundy Thursday night, Jesus was struggling with his beloved trainees, disciples and followers to make them understand their purpose of life on earth; and the importance of Advent of Jesus Christ to this world. But disciples not upto the mark.

Good Friday Hebrews 6:4-6 “Events Leading to Crucifixion of Christ in Personal Life” Introduction: God is Good and His love endures forever. Today is Good Friday. Next 2-3 hours going to be a great time for us to sit at the feet of God, and be listening to the Meditation on the seven words of ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:4-6

Denomination: Methodist

God Is Always Near Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 20, 2015

If you have ever felt like you are alone in this world, if you ever struggle to sense God’s presence, my prayer is that you will be encouraged by God’s Word.

Supernatural Stream of God’s Presence If i am honest, even as a Pentecostal Minister, who loves and serves Jesus with my whole heart, sometimes I can question whether or not God is near. It’s usually struggles or chaos that seem to hide His presence in my life. But just because i ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:18

Denomination: Pentecostal

In Step With The Spirit Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 27, 2014

We live in opposition to the world, and we're engaged in an internal struggle between the old and new natures, a clash of opposites described as the fruit of 2 trees--the works of the flesh & the fruit of the Spirit.

Introduction: How’s your walk with the Lord? God doesn’t demand perfection, but He does expect some progress. If we’re walking in step with the Spirit, our lives will demonstrate an on-going devotion to God, His word, His church, and His people. Liberty or License, 16-18: ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26

Denomination: Congregational

The Battle Within Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Sep 18, 2021

Paul shared the reality of his struggle with sin to prepare his readers for Romans 8, the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our lives. It will not be our ability or willpower that enables us to obey God.

Paul affirms in the previous section that the Law is not useless. It is not sinful or bad. • No doubt the Law can only point out our weakness and makes us conscious of our sin; it is powerless to save us but it is not useless. • It shows us the will of God, the righteous standards of God for our ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:14-25, Proverbs 4:23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Personal Encounter Sparks Servanthood

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Oct 8, 2023

I share my story about a time I faced pancreatic issues, marital struggles, and contemplating suicide. As with the Psalmist, I cried out to God and he heard and that began a lifetime of service.

Early august, 2022, I had the privilege of doing a presentation in Denver at the Rocky Mountain Symposium on Addictive Disorders, the Integration of Spirituality and Psychotherapy. The dialogue it stimulated was exciting, especially with the wide range of professionals attending. One counselor ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 116:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Leah And Rachel Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Jan 25, 2024

It’s very passionating to know the life history of great women in Israel. Leah and Rachel are sisters with different structure and different spiritual qualities. To know their real struggle please browse this sermon.

Theme: Leah and Rachel Text: Genesis 29:16-29   Greetings: The Lord is good and His love endures forever! Introduction: We are meditating the Biblical leaders with a call to remember, to consider, and to imitate them. Today we are looking into two important characters of the early history of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 29:16-29

Denomination: Methodist