Sermons on Suffering And Joy:

The Hope That Transforms: A Sermon For The First Sunday In Advent

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Nov 27, 2023

We look at this season as one in which we hope. What do we hope for, and how does this effect the way we live?

The Hope that Transforms: A Sermon for the First Sunday in Advent 1 John 3:1-3 It’s Advent time again. The American celebration of Thanksgiving is past. Now all eyes turn upon celebrating Christmas. In fact, this is what many Christians make of Advent, if they have even heard of it. The reality is ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-3

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Don't Be Afraid

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Apr 13, 2009

One of the joys of Easter are Christ’s words, "Do not be afraid."

Title SlideMatthew 28:1-10 Easter Worship April 12, 2009 BlankHave you ever had to endure a period of life where everything seemed to be going your way? I know, it’s hard to take while it’s happening, isn’t it? On the one hand, you’re thrilled with the way things are going, but at the same ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Rejoicing As We Reassemble

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Jun 13, 2020

A message examining the joy of reassembling as a church after the Coronavirus pandemic.

REJOICING AS WE REASSEMBLE Psalm 122:1-9 For approximately 2 months we were unable to assemble together and worship as a church family. For the last 3 weeks we have had the glorious opportunity to reassemble and worship our Lord and Savior. I don’t know about you, but for me the new has not even ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 122:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Seeing God - Psalm 63:2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 7, 2025

Three kinds of worship: Joy in seeing God, longing for that joy, or repentance over indifference. But what does "seeing God" really mean?

Review Last time we took a brief look at v.2, where David spoke of his experience in the sanctuary. We found the focus was not on what he offered God, but what he received from God. 2 Therefore I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 63:2

God Is For Us!

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Feb 15, 2021

An expository sermon based on Romans 8:31-39

Title: “You are Loved” Big Idea: “God is for us” Romans 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39, Philippians 3:10, 2 Corinthians 11:23-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Stays On The Road To His Death

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Apr 4, 2021

Jesus didn’t sit on Death Row. Yet his life was always moving toward that certain and terrible end: He’d be killed on the cross. He knew this, because the Scriptures pointed to it. He knew this, and He predicted it himself more than once during his ministry.

In some prisons in America there is an area known as Death Row. It’s where those who have been sentenced to die go to wait for the time of their execution. Every day on Death Row is a day closer to death. So for a prisoner, after five or ten years, there might be only 30 days left. Then only 20. ...read more

Scripture: John 12:27-33

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Stay In The Ship

Contributed by Alex Shepherd on Dec 26, 2003

This life challenges us with a myriad of trials and suffering. This sermon is offered as encouragement to stay with the Lord.

“Stay in the Ship” Acts 27:9-11, ,31,-44 Introduction: A few months ago my brother-in law invited me on a deep sea fishing trip along with some of his co- workers. At 4 o’clock that morning we met with his co-workers for breakfast at a local Mexican restaurant before meeting the boat that would ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:9-11, Acts 27:31-44

Denomination: Baptist

Fear Not!

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Dec 27, 2014

What are you afraid of? Fears attack the most precious parts of our life and keep us from living the life meant for us. God wants to help us overcome our darkest fears as we learn to Fear Not.

Opening illustration: (Our fearless covert evangelism in the Middle-East even when we had fear at the back of our minds of being found out and possibly face dire consequences) Introduction: We are fragile mortals, given to fears of every sort. We have a built-in insecurity that no amount of ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The First Miracle Series

Contributed by Jonathan Mcleod on Feb 12, 2008

Jesus can quench our thirst for real, lasting joy.

In every wedding ceremony, there is always at least one mistake. A young couple, very much in love, was getting married. Marilyn, the wife to be, was very nervous about the big occasion and so the pastor chose a Scripture verse that he felt would be a great encouragement to her. The verse was 1 ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Building Godly Character

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Nov 1, 2025

Our culture often tells us to avoid suffering at any cost, to seek pleasure and ease above all else. Paul declares with the authority of heavenly insight that suffering is not without purpose. In God's kingdom, character is currency.

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: There is a story told among the Cherokee Indians… One evening an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 wolves. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Intercessory Prayer Series

Contributed by John Raulerson on Oct 26, 2005

Paul understood that nothing brings deeper joy than praying for others.

Philippians: Secrets to Abundant Joy INTERCESSORY PRAYER Philippians 1:3-12 Prayer is the greatest privilege we have from God and one of the greatest gifts of our salvation. Yet, prayer is so neglected in even most who call themselves Christians. Does this offend you? When I speak of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Riding Out The Storm Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jun 1, 2009

What should a person do you do when the consequences for their sin begins to catch up with them. Let’s learn from the example of David how to ride out the storm of heartache and trouble in the wake of his sin.

Introduction: A. The story is told of a man who lay sprawled across three entire seats in this posh theater. 1. When the usher came by and noticed this, he whispered to the man, “Sorry, sir, but you’re only allowed one seat.” 2. The man groaned but didn’t budge. The usher became ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Can God Be Trusted?

Contributed by Sean Harder on Aug 5, 2011

God allows us to do things for which he holds himself responsible. God trusts us, can you believe that? And he lets us blame him for things that we are responsible for. I wonder if we can be trusted by him, can he be trusted by us? And will we show that t

Let me start today with some words from Christopher Columbus who we attribute with finding North America, but not many of us know that apparently he was quite a theologian too. He said, “It was the Lord who put into my mind the fact that it would be possible to sail from here (Spain) to the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 55:16-23

Through The Promises Of God Pt 4 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Dec 19, 2019

Joy is found in believing the Promises of God especially the big 3: 1. God is with Us! 2. God is in Us! 3. God is for Us!

Movie Illustration: The Missing Jesus – Skit Guys Series: Find Joy in the Journey in 2019 Thesis of series: Joy needs to be experienced in the journey of life! But Joy, like any other attitude, can come and go. It is not guaranteed simply because we are born again believers. We must put ourselves ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-4, Isaiah 7:13-14, Isaiah 9:2-7, Matthew 1:23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Words Of Truth And Healing

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Job's friend Elihu gives invaluable insights in how to minister to those who are suffering.

Introductory Considerations 1. I could not believe it had happened. One minute everything seemed alright and the next minute everything had changed. They had just been married a year before. I had the joy of performing the wedding. Just a few months ago they had found out that she was expecting. ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed