Sermons on Suffering And Joy:

Preparing For The Best Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jan 31, 2011

In this lesson, we cover the principles for living for Christ, so that we may received the best blessings, even in the worst of persecution.

Introduction: A. I like this picture – Don’t you know that that car never saw it coming! 1. In some respects life is unpredictable and we need to learn to expect the unexpected. 2. When it comes to the Christian life, there is not much that is unexpected. 3. Jesus tried to prepare us ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Will The Real "Super-Apostle" Please Stand Up Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 10, 2010

In this lesson we will be challenged and convicted by Paul's sufferings in service to the Lord. How much are we willing to suffer and sacrifice?

Introduction: A. Today is Mother’s Day, so we want to take a moment to honor the mothers among us. 1. William Goldsmith Brown wrote: “The sweetest sounds to mortals given, Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven.” 2. Thank God for moms – the good ones and the not so good ones ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:1-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Our Response To Persecution

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on May 27, 2010

Jesus promised us persecution, though we have not experience a great deal in the US. But those days will change. How should we respond?

Passage: Matthew 10:17-33 Intro: Wartime is different than peacetime. 1. war has it’s rules, but when the purpose is killing the enemy, the rules only limit the how. PP Geneva Convention 2. terrorism has introduced a whole new element of modern warfare. 3. use of civilians as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:17-33

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Jesus Followers Guide

Contributed by Terry Cavanaugh on Aug 28, 2010

An honest look at following Jesus

Good morning Calvary, are you ready for the word of God. We will be looking at Ephesians 3:1-13 today. As you find this passage in your Bibles I want to confess to you when I began my ministry over 28 years ago, I was clueless. I had no idea what ministry involved. I did not really know all ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Denomination: United Methodist

Faithful To The End Series

Contributed by David Welch on Mar 30, 2009

Fourth in the Revelation series focusing on the church at Smyrna-- the Suffering Church

REVIEW I.PROLOGUE 1:1-20 II.Messages to the Seven churches 2-3 (Things with are) A. The Message to the church in Ephesus 2:1-7 The passionless church 1. Characteristic The one who guards the leadership in each church as He walks among them. 2. Commendation Jesus commended their ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Getting Along With Others Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Oct 4, 2009

Sermon for International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We’re to bless and not blast those who persecute us.

Getting Along With Others Romans 12:14 Rev. Brian Bill 10/4/09 Have I ever mentioned to you that there’s a lot of persecution for Packer fans here in Illinois? I’ve told my dad this many times but I’m not sure he really believed me until last Sunday afternoon when my parents came down from ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:14

Denomination: Baptist

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 10, 2010

Celebrates the literary insights of James Baldwin, who had died shortly before; the privilege of redemptive suffering on the part of a person or a people participates in the suffering of Christ and of His victory. Includes readings from Baldwin’s writing

Nothing is more full of mystery than this – that the suffering of .a few who are oppressed and injured acts to redeem the many, including the oppressors. And yet nothing is more true than this – that from time to time a person, a people, a race receives the awesome privilege of suffering in such ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Crushed Expectations

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Mar 8, 2009

Here’s a word that will help the body deal with pain, sufferring, and disappointment. A big blessing to our church!

Crushed Expectations Text: Psalm 6:1-7 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure. 2 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.3 My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O LORD—how long? 4 ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 6:1-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

"We Are Just Passing Through"

Contributed by Brad Henry on Nov 11, 2011

How to be patient and joyful in pain and trials.

I want to thank everyone for all the e mails yesterday. Over the past 13 years of writing I have lived my life out through what God has enabled me to write. My doctor’s appointment went well. My depression is severe but all I can tell you is that 1. God does not make mistakes 2. God has ...read more

Scripture: Job 2:10

"I Want This Pain Over"

Contributed by Brad Henry on Nov 11, 2011

How to be patient in affliction and faithful in prayer

1 Peter 4:12 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” I have a doctor’s appointment this morning to see what is going on. I am tried all the time, can hardly move with pain and a host of other ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12

Glory In Persecution [rated - R]

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Nov 6, 2009

The time is coming when Christians will be persecuted right here. How do I know it? I have already traveled that road before. How will you deal with it? Let us not try to run and find a way to escape persecution but face it like Jesus did.

Opening illustration: Video clip of persecuted Christians worldwide. Let us turn to 1 Peter 4 and check out what to expect while being persecuted for Christ. Introduction: In the nature of things persecution must have been a much more daunting experience for Gentiles than it was for the Jews. The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Persecution Makes Perfect Series

Contributed by James Jack on Jan 8, 2010

Like Paul, we must be prepared to suffer to present others perfect in Christ

Colossians 1:24 – 2:5 Richard Wurmbrand was a Christian pastor in Romania in the middle of the communist era. In 1945 there was great conference run by the communists where one by one the church leaders of Romania got up and pledged allegiance to Stalin and the communist system. Although ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

What Christmas Did Not Do

Contributed by Ed Sasnett on Jan 21, 2013

Christmas did not eliminate evil and suffering, but it gives us the hope that one day God will eliminate evil and suffering.

Title: What Christmas Did Not Do Text: Matthew 2:13-23 Truth: Christmas did not eliminate evil and suffering, but it gives us the hope that one day God will eliminate evil and suffering. Aim: hope and encouragement (Outline: lifeway.com, Jeff Griffis) INTRODUCTION Christmas Sunday the pastor ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

A Hope-Filled Heart Series

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 15, 2011

In this sermon based on a chapter from Max Lucado's book Just Like Jesus, we learn how to have a hope-filled heart like Jesus.

Introduction: A. Peter Robinson, former speech writer for Ronald Reagan, wrote a book titled How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life. 1. Robinson relates a lunch meeting he held with Edwin Meese, who had served in many official capacities within the Reagan administration, including Attorney ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

To Bring You To God

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Feb 23, 2012

Sermon for the first Sunday in Lent, Year B

I Peter 3: 18 – 22 / To Bring You To God Intro: 2 inexperienced hunters went hunting in the woods. The game warden had warning them that they might get lost said that if the got lost to shoot 3 shots in rapid succession. They did get lost. One said to the other, “You’d ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed