Sermons on Suffering And Joy:

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

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

Handcrafted By God

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on May 17, 2012

Is God bending, shaping, or polishing me right now? What’s my attitude: Am I thanking and praising God, or am I complaining about the process? Trials are intended not to provoke us but to prove us. See the present from the perspective of the future. Look

Opening illustration: The Steinway piano has been preferred by keyboard masters such as Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, Cliburn, and Liszt—and for good reason. It is a skillfully crafted instrument that produces phenomenal sound. Steinway pianos are built today the same way they were 140 years ago when ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Peter's Description Of The Victorious Christian Life. Series

Contributed by Stuart M Guthrie on Aug 9, 2012

Today we talked about living the Victorious Christian life, by showing our desire for the Attitude of Jesus, showing our desire for Gods will and showing our desire for the eternal hope.

1 Peter 4:1-6 (Peter’s description of the victorious Christian Life) August 7, 2012 Introduction: Prayer: Well I hope that you all had a wonderful week and I hope that as we look at this passage this morning that you would be ever the better. We have been studying through 1 Peter now for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"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

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

"A Better Discipline" Series

Contributed by Rob Petersen on Jul 1, 2009

No matter the context, God’s discipline shows his Father’s heart for us.

DOMINANT THOUGHT: No matter the context, God’s discipline shows his Father’s heart for us. PURPOSE: - Head: For the people to understand that God cares for us as a father cares for his children. - Heart: For the people to have confidence and hope in God’s promises through tough times. - Hands: ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:4-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

Navigating The Surprises Of Life

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Aug 29, 2011

God can and will help us change so we can be better equipped to handle change. If we will go all in with God and give our lives to Him, He will help us learn to navigate the surprises of life in a way that brings Him honor and produces something good in o

Navigating the Surprises of Life Intro: How many of you enjoy surprises? I know, I know – it depends on what the surprise is. For example, your tax return comes back with $500 more than you expected – that is a good surprise! Or, back when we used VCR’s… one day you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Problem Of Pain

Contributed by David Dewitt on Sep 1, 2009

One of the ongoing challenges of the Christian life is the issue of pain

The Problem of Pain Mark 5:21-43 August 30, 2009 Morning Service Introduction Driving through Texas, a New Yorker collided with a truck carrying a horse. A few months later he tried to collect damages for his injuries. "How can you now claim to have all these injuries?" asked the insurance ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Church Of God

Cost Of Service Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Sep 20, 2009

The cost of serving Christ includes insult, rejection and death for some, but those who want to be powerfully used by Christ must pay the price.

Cost of Service (Mark 6:1-29) Linda, who teaches first grade in Dallas Texas, has an interesting job, especially when it comes to helping children adjust to their first whole day of school. Little Ryan was used to going home at noon in kindergarten; so when it was time to go to lunch with the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:1-29

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Sovereign Hand

Contributed by Chris Surber on Sep 25, 2009

God is worthy of trust and adoration!

The Sovereign Hand, Job 1:1; 2:1-10 Introduction In times of trials, heartache, despair, it is altogether too easy to believe that we are the only one with problems, isn’t it? When the trials come our way it is easy to lose sight of the sovereign provision and care of God. It is in the hard ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church

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

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