Sermons on Suffering Unfairly:

Sifted, Then Lifted Series

Contributed by James Jackson on Nov 16, 2023

Why did Jesus permit Peter to be sifted like wheat? How do we respond to our own seasons of sifting?

Good morning! Please open your Bibles to Luke 22. If you are a football fan, you may already know the answer to this question: which running back holds the record for career rushing yards? Correct. Emmitt Smith. Over the course of fifteen seasons, most of them with the Dallas Cowboys, Emmitt ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:31-62, 1 Peter 5:8

Denomination: Baptist

Famous Last Words On Witnessing Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Jun 3, 2024

1). We are to witness from God's Word. 2). Witness through hard suffering. 3). Witness with great urgency. (Material adapted from Matt Proctor's book called "Victorious", chapter 8 "Bear Witness Boldly")

HoHum: We are uncomfortable with the word witness- mainly because there is another group out there who has overtaken the word. They are the same group who claim to be the 144,000 talked about in chapter 7 of Revelation. Much of that group’s theology comes from misunderstandings of the end times, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 10:9-11, Revelation 11:3-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Can You Live However You Want, And Still End Up With Jesus? (Revelation 14:6-20) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Sep 13, 2023

Ch. 14 gives three pictures, rooted in OT thought, of what God's wrath is like. All are (arguably) symbolic, but all are something to be avoided. An encouragement to be faithful, and endure suffering.

Can you live however you want, once saved? (Revelation 14:1-20) One of the main themes in the book of Revelation that we've seen, especially in the last few weeks, is that the church will suffer on earth. Revelation has described this suffering using a number of different images, and symbols. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 14:1-20, Jeremiah 51:6-10, Genesis 19:24-29, Isaiah 63:1-6

The Best Is Yet To Come

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Sep 14, 2023

However, we may not even see a glimpse in this life. We may have to go through what seems like Hell on the way to Heaven.

Everyone likes to use the phrase the best is yet to come. If you are not a Christian the worst is yet to come. Your life may be golden here, but in the end your life will be Hell for eternity. Indeed, the best for a Christian is to be in Heaven so the best is yet to come. However, that does not ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 73:1-28, 2 Timothy 3:12, Philippians 1:29-30, Hebrews 11:35-40, 2 Corinthians 11:1-33  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Joy And Pain

Contributed by Joe Dan Vendelin on Feb 14, 2024

How are your current trials (pain) preparing you for not only what you need today (or tomorrow), but what others may need today (or tomorrow) as well? This is a quick devotional that will encourage believers to "reframe" their pain.

Joy and Pain What do the words joy and pain mean to us as believers? How is it that these words go together? James 1 is a place to start in considering these questions. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-3, Galatians 6:2, Romans 8:28

The Way Of The Cross

Contributed by Dawn Duryea on Mar 4, 2024

In today’s Gospel reading, Peter responds to Jesus’ announcement that the Messiah will have to suffer and die by denying the cross. Peter is in essence denying the truth of this teaching – that the Messiah must suffer and by extension, his disciples.

Last week we heard about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness right after his Baptism. That’s the way it feels sometimes – you just make a decision and then things happen that immediately bring your decision into question. This wilderness, of course, is metaphorical and now we find ourselves in ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: United Methodist

The Misunderstood Messiah Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Mar 18, 2023

Jesus is the misunderstood Messiah- how did that happen? (Title, outline and material adapted from Ray Pritchard at: https://www.keepbelieving.com/sermon/the-misunderstood-messiah/)

HoHum: Sir, have you ever been here before? For 38 years Teddy Kollek served as the mayor of Jerusalem. Enormously popular in his day, he often met with Christian leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest, especially those pertaining to Israel’s security and the chances of peace in the Middle ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-3, John 6:26, John 6:66-68, John 1:11, Romans 10:1, Matthew 13:55, 2 Corinthians 5:16, Isaiah 49:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Zophar's Rebuke (Job 20)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 26, 2025

Do we assume that suffering is for our personal sins?

Do we automatically assume that someone else’s suffering is the consequence of their own wickedness? What is the reality of this world? Let’s continue in Job 20. Does the argument continue with Zophar greatly disturbed by what Job has said? Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: “I must reply ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Pain And Hardships Series

Contributed by Eddie Snipes on May 5, 2002

Part 2 of a 3 part series on suffering.

Pain and hardships We have already looked at suffering with an eternal perspective. Now let’s dig in a little deeper into this subject. In the modern church, we have been led to believe that pain and hardships are symptoms of mistakes or a greater problem in our lives. This is a tragic ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Luke 13:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Persecution And Trouble Series

Contributed by Eddie Snipes on May 5, 2002

Part 3 of a 3 part series on suffering

Persecution and trouble Dealing with people will always be a difficult challenge. God has given us the responsibility to become the bridge builders. Human nature causes us to look at each situation from a selfish perspective. We will always feel wronged if we are in the short end of any given ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:14-15, Matthew 5:3-13

Denomination: Baptist

I Have Not Seen The Righteous Forsaken??

Contributed by Donny Tatimu on Oct 1, 2002

Does a righteous will not forsaken? Does the righteous will not suffer?

I Have Not Seen The Righteous Forsaken?? In Psalms 37:25-26, there are four great blessings for the righteous. There are: 1. I have not seen the righteous forsaken, 2. Nor his descendants begging bread, 3. He is ever merciful, and lends (it means we show mercy instead of begging for mercy); ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:23-26

Denomination: Charismatic

One Of The Hardest Things

Contributed by Troy Borst on Mar 22, 2005

Funeral for a believer who suffered a long illness

ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS This is certainly not an easy time to go through. The death many times takes us by surprise, but it also can be an expected outcome. For *****, it was the result of a long illness. But that does not take away the hurtfulness of this time. This time is full of hard ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Fills Our Hearts With Joy

Contributed by Efren V. Narido on Dec 29, 2006

Is it possible to experience great joy in the midst of sufferings?

"But the angel said to them, ’Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people’" (Luke 2:10, NIV). Is it possible for God’s people to experience great joy in the midst of difficulty and pain? We read in God’s Word, "Do not fear..." (Luke ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10

Denomination: Baptist

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

Contributed by Gene Gregory on Mar 17, 2006

A look at several biblical reasons for Christian suffering.

WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE? - Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 As we look at this passage, we wonder, "If God is in control, and He is; and if God is all powerful, and He is; why did He let all of this stuff happen to His man Paul? If God is in control, why do bad things happen to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33

Denomination: Baptist

Yes We Have A Future

Contributed by Norm Story on Feb 7, 2003

Focus on immediate suffering, or a longer-term perspective?

"Yes, You Do Have a Future" Isaiah 40:26-31 Romans 8:18-28 (Isaiah 40:26-31 NRSV) " Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. {27} Why do you ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-28, Isaiah 40:26-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed