Sermons on Suffering And Joy:

Finding A Place Of Safety

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 18, 2018

Jesus didn’t promise us a life without pain and suffering. In fact, it was just the opposite. He told his followers that they shouldn’t expect to get along in this world any better than He did.

4-27-04 Title: Finding a Place of Safety Text: “And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:9-12

Denomination: Baptist

How Shall We Live With The Blues

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Apr 15, 2024

Psalm 4 confronts the reality of existential weariness and challenges within the church and leadership, urging a return to the Blues sensibility that acknowledges suffering and seeks faith, peace, and hope in God's promises amid life's storms.

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B How Shall We Live With The Blues Easter is such a joyous, colorful, and vibrant celebration! Now in Eastertide, this second Sunday after Easter this third Sunday of Eastertide, Christ is still risen! The Creation is still waking up! This Sunday provides us with ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

God Reassures His People Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jul 30, 2012

The remedy for fear is trust in our Creator. Only when we trust the reality of God's presence, power, protection, and provision for our lives can we share the joy God intends for us.

ISAIAH 41: 10-14 GOD REASSURES HIS PEOPLE In his first INAUGURAL SPEECH in 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt, the newly elected president of the US, addressed a nation that was still reeling from the Great Depression. Hoping to ignite a more optimistic outlook regarding that economic crisis, he ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10-14

Denomination: Baptist

Fiery Trials

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Mar 7, 2021

‘Fiery Trials’ 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12-19 – sermon by Gordon Curley (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: Expect ordeals (vs 12) Rejoice in suffering (vs 13-14) Examine your life (vs 15-18) Commit yourself to God (vs 19) SERMON BODY: Ill: • Persecution of Christians around the world has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, • With many Christians being refused help and aid in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Brethren

Identity Shapers

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Jul 29, 2009

Our true identity results from changed behaviour.

Identity Shapers July 26, 2009 1 Peter 1:3-12 Intro: So, last Sunday I gave you some homework! Now it is time for me to check up on your homework! But don’t let that make you feel anxious, I won’t put anyone on the spot… I asked you to read 1 Peter, and I’m wondering if anyone who actually ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-12

Denomination: Baptist

Christ-Centered Life Sermon V: Slowing Down And Simply Living To Please God Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Aug 19, 2020

In our everyday lives, when it seems like everybody is in a hurry to get somewhere fast, mature Christians have learned the joy of slowing down to enjoy life by simply living to please God.

SLOW ME DOWN, LORD, THAT I MAY SIMPLY LIVE TO PLEASE YOU When our grand-daughter was four, we took her to the airport to see the planes and to ride the very fast underground Plane Train. Sitting at the very front of the lead car of the train, looking through ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-12

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 13, 2015

Jeremiah declared that Jesus would be a King, a righteous branch, and our righteousness. What do those titles mean to us and what is it about Jesus that would give us comfort and joy?

OPEN: http://www.sermoncentral.com/church-media-preaching-sermons/sermon-video-illustrations/light-of-christmas-worship-intro-5079-detail.asp What was the name of that song in the video? “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. Did you notice the power the video gave to that song? That ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Sweetness Of An Encouraging Tongue.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Sep 10, 2021

Do you feel abandoned? Feel as though you’ve been sold into slavery? The sufferings of Judah were the necessary result of sin, no certificate of divorce or sale to creditors occurred because Zions separation from the Lord was only temporary.

The Sweetness Of An Encouraging Tongue. Isaiah 50:1-4TPT. A mother who wanted to have the last word but couldn't handle the hassle that resulted whenever she said no to her young son. After an especially trying day, she finally flung up her hands and shouted, "All right, Billy, do ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 50:1-4, Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Cycles Of Loss And Victory Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Aug 19, 2023

Life is full of joy and sadness. It has victories and defeats. Everyone would like to move on with successes but the human errors ruin the life feats. The story of Judges is full of such real stories. Lessons for every generation.

Text: Judges 2, Theme: Cycles of Loss and Victory Introduction: This chapter gives, of their degeneracy and apostasy. Israel failed, tribe by tribe, to drive the Canaanites from the land as God had commanded them. Judges 2:6 re-introduces the storyline of this book. He provides a key to ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

Promises That This Too Shall Pass Series

Contributed by David Flowers on Sep 3, 2007

Last of the 4 part series Power for Living, based on Romans chapter 8. Last week’s message looked at statements that God put an end to suffering and struggling, this closing message contains promises and assurances that will happen.

Promises That This Too Will Pass Power for Living, part 4 Wildwind Community Church David K. Flowers August 19, 2007 People can’t live without hope. And they shouldn’t have to. People can’t live without hope. And they shouldn’t have to. One way we say that here at Wildwind is in the phrase, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-39

Denomination: Free Methodist

Jehovah Rapha Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Sep 27, 2020

The only way to go from Mar’ah to Elim is to turn to Jesus … who is Jehovah Rapha … the One who heals … the One who repairs.

The sign in the parking lot said: “Crystal Lake – 5 miles.” So you shoulder your pack and begin hiking to Crystal Lake. It’s fun at first … being in the woods … beautiful clear day … the fresh air … the sounds … seeing all the nature … but after a few hours your backpack starts to get a little ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 15:22-27, Psalm 22:1-2, Job 7:2-3, Exodus 15:1-2, Exodus 15:11, 1 Peter 2:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: United Methodist

10 Secrets To Success Found In The Book Of James

Contributed by John Putty on Apr 5, 2011

The Bible is our rule of faith and conduct for this life. Those who are wise enough to realize this and follow passionately the principles of success outlined within it will find true meaning, purpose, joy and fulfillment in this life.

10 SECRETS TO SUCCESS FOUND IN THE BOOK OF JAMES I. Pray until you know that you have become a “different person.” James 4:7-10(KJV) 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Certain End Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Feb 2, 2020

In the end of times, Israel can expect a huge battle and much suffering, but Christ will return to deliver them and rout the enemies, establishing His millennial kingdom of holiness. The glorious end is certain for Israel and the world. We trust Him.

We started the book of Zechariah in OCT last year and we’re ending it today. The last oracle (chapters 12-14) talks about the future of Israel. • Everything is uncertain to the returnees in Zechariah’s time (520BC) but the future is certain to God; He planned it. Remember how it starts - 12:1 ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 14:1-21, Romans 11:25-31, 2 Peter 3:10-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Becoming Like Christ : The Purpose Of God In Our Lives

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Oct 21, 2007

THIS SERMON IS ABOUT BECOMING LIKE CHRIST WHICH IS THE PURPOSE OF GOD IN OUR LIVES AND HIGHLIGHTS THE FOLLOWING 1. TRANSFORMATION 2. VICTORY 3. CONFIDENCE 4. PRAISE 5. HOLINESS 6. JOY 7. LOVE

BECOMING LIKE CHRIST : THE PURPOSE OF GOD IN OUR LIVES ************************************************************************ OUTLINE 1. TRANSFORMATION 2. VICTORY 3. CONFIDENCE 4. PRAISE 5. HOLINESS 6. JOY 7. LOVE THE MESSAGE BECOMING LIKE CHRIST : THE PURPOSE OF GOD IN OUR ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-29

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Refiner's Fire

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Aug 18, 2017

The prophet Malachi wrote that the Lord would send his messenger of the covenant, and asks, "who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap." What is the answer to Malachi's question?

THE REFINER’S FIRE Malachi 3:1-6 I. Introduction – Malachi says that at his appearing Jesus will be like a refiner’s fire, or launderer’s soap. The Israelites had a question, not unlike a question we might ask. Our main text is in answer to a question from the Israelites: Mal 2:17 - You have ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:1-6, Isaiah 45:7, Isaiah 43:2, Job 23:10, Job 13:15, Proverbs 3:5-6, Hebrews 12:14, Hebrews 12:5-10, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Hebrews 5:8, Isaiah 53:3, Philippians 2:8, Romans 15:13, John 16:33, John 14:27, Psalm 90:10, 2 Corinthians 5:1-4, Matthew 3:11, Malachi 2:17, Deuteronomy 32:39, 1 Corinthians 10:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ