Sermons on Suffering And Joy:

Sermon – Navigating Seasons Of Desperation

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Nov 12, 2024

When you and I feel like there is “no hope for a harvest” (Habakkuk 3:17), when desperation distracts us from God’s truth, and when our faith is shaken, what do we do? We can learn from sufferers like Habakkuk.

Sermon – Navigating Seasons of Desperation Scripture Lesson-Habakkuk 3:16-19 “I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror. I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us. Even though ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:16-19, Romans 8:28, Psalm 73:1-5

Denomination: Methodist

True Biblical Prosperity

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 9, 2022

Prosperity is not based on what we possess but on who we are inside, or who we are spiritually. Prosperity is not determined by a lack of hard times, but by how we handle tough situations; by whether or not we maintain our joy.

I have entitled our message this evening “True Biblical Prosperity.” If there is “true” biblical teaching on prosperity, then there must also be “false” teaching. Therefore, I am going to briefly address the false teaching that’s out there, and then point out what the Bible defines as true ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:2

Denomination: Baptist

Coming Down From The Mountain

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Feb 27, 2003

There are times in our lives when we are at the peak of joy when we do not want the moment to end. There are other times when we do not feel as though we will make to the journey’s end because of being on the verge of burning out.

COMING DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN Text: Mark 9: 2-9 One of my favorite places in all of the United States is at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. Any one who has ever been to Lake Junaluska will know what I am talking about. Many ministers dream of having a retirement home there. It is indeed ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:2-9

Denomination: United Methodist

The Lord, Our Ebenezer

Contributed by Tesh Njokanma on Mar 25, 2021

The Lord Ebenezer is such a beautiful name to call. There is a spiritual energy that infuses us, there is a quickening of our spirit and our faith, there is a joy that replaces sadness, weariness and discouragement, when we remember how far the Lord has helped us.

Introduction When a baby is born, the parents try to pick the perfect name for their child. In some cases and places, the grandparents as well as another close family member or family friend, gives the baby a name. That is how the baby gets his or her name. What about God? How does God come about ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:1-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

God Forsaking God

Contributed by David Scudder on Apr 7, 2012

What this fourth saying from the cross does is to give us a glimpse into the hellish pain and agony that Jesus suffered because of His separation from His Father. This agonizing question from the cross does have an answer and we find that answer in the P

Purpose: To explore the agony of Christ's suffering. Aim: I want the listener to worship Christ because He became a curse for them. INTRODUCTION: While the scorching heat of the Palestinian sun beat down on Christ as He hung on the Cross He spoke three different times between 9 am to 12 noon. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 22:1-31

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Disobedience And Defeat Series

Contributed by Jason Pettibone on Jun 1, 2005

Today’s message is one of warning. It is a cautionary lesson from the Bible that I pray you will listen to very carefully with a mind and heart that is open to God’s Spirit. Though this is not a message of joy, it is one of great consequence for your fu

Disobedience, Defeat, and Discipline Text: Joshua 7 Several weeks ago I began a study in Joshua’s conquest of Canaan, drawing lessons for our own advance into the place of abundant blessing in the presence of God! Are you taking your promised land, moving into a life that is filled with the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

When Darkness Invades Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Feb 19, 2012

Here's the problem with Christmas today: the Christmas we know is so very unlike the first Christmas was experienced by the holy family. The joy of the birth of the Christ child was soon dampened by evil. What we need to remember this Christmas is that we

A Scandalous Love Affair: When Darkness Invades Matthew 2:13-18 Fireman Edward Cushing tells the story of an old frame house burning on the southside of Chicago. He ordered the hoses to start fighting the fire and then dashed inside and pulled three people out. When the blaze was over, the Chief ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

Denomination: Methodist

Mothers Of The Bible

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 8, 2019

The Bible contains the experiences of many mothers down through human history. Let’s look at a few of them.

The Bible contains the experiences of many mothers down through human history. Let’s look at a few of them. Eve: The first mother was Eve. “the man called his wife’s name Eve [life], because she was the mother of all the living.” (Genesis 3:20) Eve was the first woman without a mother. Imagine her ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Extraordinary Vitality Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jul 21, 2009

Paul was able to really assess all he had put confidence in… concludes that knowing Christ who holds the power of eternal risen life… and even to share in his sufferings as part of knowing him… was the greatest purpose and pleasure life offered.

What is at the center of your life? Hard question to answer… some of us may be honestly divided … some of us may know what we believe should be… but the longer we reflect on the question…. The more we realize that we may not be as centered as we’d like to believe. Show me a centered life… and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Faith, Love, And Hope

Contributed by Terry Denis on Jul 13, 2021

Perhaps the best example on the exercise of the virtues of faith, love, and hope in the New Testament is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians, where the Christians, in the midst of severe trials, afflictions, and persecutions, persevered and put their faith, love, and hope into action by

Faith, Love, And Hope 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6 INTRODUCTION Perhaps the best example on the exercise of the virtues of faith, love, and hope in the New Testament is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians, where the Christians, in the midst of severe trials, afflictions, and persecutions, persevered ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Is Seeking Worshipers Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Oct 20, 2015

What an amazing passage. Jesus uses the most unlikely of persons to teach us and His disciples true worship. Come and learn what worship is and that God is seeking those that will bow and serve.

Intro: We come to John four and we find Jesus exhausted. The word translated worn out means to work until totally spent or exhausted. Jesus came in His worn out state to the woman at the well to teach us all what worship really is. A good question to ask ourselves is why this woman? Why this ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Accuser's Challenge Series

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Sep 21, 2023

Today, we examine Job's interaction with the Accuser to learn insights about spiritual struggles. The life of Job teaches us how to persevere in faith in the face of hardship.

The Case of Job: Divine Justice Revealed The Accuser's Challenge Job 1:6-12 Introduction: Dear friends and members of our congregation. Today, we embark on a journey into the book of Job, delving into a profound and timeless story that explores the complexities of human suffering, divine ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 Peter 5:8-9, Ephesians 6:10-18, Ephesians 6:12, James 1:2-4, Job 1:12, Job 1:20-22, Job 1:6-12, Job 1:8, Job 42:5, John 8:44, Revelation 12:10, Revelation 12:10-11, Zechariah 3:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Provisions For Survival Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Oct 14, 2008

A reminder to the family of God that as God’s elect, God has provided His provisions for survival. 4 Supplies for survival: A Living Hope, An Invaluable Inheritance, A Precious Faith, and An Inexpressible Joy. Provisions to carry us through life’s tria

Introduction I profess that I DO NOT like to watch the TV show, “Survivor”. I admit the concept, though with I’m sure some exaggerations, is pretty cool! It seems as 16 people are dumped out in the middle of nowhere with no food or water and have to figure out a way to survive on their own. But ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-12

Denomination: Baptist

Look Who's Coming! The Sacrificed Sacrificer

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Nov 8, 2009

Will the Last Day be a day of joy or terror for you? It all depends on your relationship with Jesus. Parts: A. He came to remove sin once and for all. B. He’s entered the heavenly sanctuary to return for you who wait.

Text: Hebrews 9:24-28 Theme: Look Who’s Coming! The Sacrificed Sacrificer A. He came to remove sin once and for all B. He’s entered the heavenly sanctuary to return for you who wait Season: End Times 2: Last Judgment Date: November 8, 2009 Web page: ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:24-28

Denomination: Lutheran

Transcending Tradition Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 6, 2009

While looking at the disciplines of fasting and Sabbath, this message encourages believers not to let any tradition steal their joy or their love. We can’t be so into church business that we forget what our business is, and that is to help people.

Transcending Tradition (Mark 2:18 – 3:6) Just this last week, I came across some odd laws that are still on the books around the country. I think you’ll find them quite amusing. For example, young girls are never allowed to walk a tightrope in Wheeler, Mississippi, unless it’s in a church. In ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical Free