Sermons on Suffering:

Take Up Your Cross

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 23, 2021

As people run headlong into a world going nowhere, escaping reality in their hedonistic lifestyles, are we ashamed of Jesus and His words? Are we ashamed of suffering as Christians? Let’s look at Jesus’ countercultural instructions in Mark 8:31-38.

Prelude As people run headlong into a world going nowhere, escaping reality in their hedonistic lifestyles, are we ashamed of Jesus and His words? Are we ashamed of suffering as Christians? Purpose Let’s see the value of taking up our cross and denying ourselves. Plan Let’s look at Jesus’ ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Baptist

A Survey Of My Grief Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 22, 2024

Lamentations speaks on behalf of those suffering as he reminds the Lord of how great is the grief experienced. He confesses that the judgement is deserved. In this, he provides a warning to those living in this present culture that they must not presume against the goodness of God.

Grief touches each of us eventually. [1] Though we know we will experience grief as individuals, we sometimes need to be reminded that grief will consume the nation that turns from righteousness while embracing wickedness. Some might suppose that Christians will gloat when judgement at last comes ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 1:1-22

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

The Eyes Of The Lord

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on May 12, 2024

THE EYES OF THE LORD OUTLINE 1. GRACE 2. THE APPLE OF HIS EYE 3. GUIDES 4. RIGHTEOUS 5. SUFFERING 6. WICKED 7. GIVING 8. GRATITUDE 9. SINS 10. HEART 11.CHURCH 12.NATION

THE EYES OF THE LORD OUTLINE 1. WE FIND GRACE IN THE THE EYES OF THE LORD 2. THE LORD KEEPS US AS THE APPLE OF HIS EYE 3. THE LORD GUIDES US WITH HIS EYE 4. THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE UPON THE RIGHTEOUS 5. THE EYES OF THE LORD SEE OUR SUFFERING 6. THE EYES OF THE LORD SEE THE WICKED 7. THE ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 6:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

It Is Well With My Soul Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 8, 2020

Among all the conquering heroes of Hebrews 11, God introduces us to those who suffered, struggled and died for their faith. Why would God tell us the stories of those who didn't "succeed"?

OPEN: I love a good action movie - the kind they used to make. Movies where good overcomes evil; the boy gets the girl; righteousness triumphs and the hero rides off into the sunset. Those are “feel good” movies because everything works out the way it should. One website talked about the movies ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-4, Hebrews 11:35-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Resurrection Power: Celebrating Easter Sunday By Pastor Joseph Ondu

Contributed by Joseph Ondu on Mar 27, 2024

As we fellowship with Christ in His sufferings, we also share in the power of His resurrection. It is through the crucible of trials and tribulations that our faith is refined and strengthened, leading to a greater revelation of Christ's resurrection power in our lives.

Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather in joyful celebration to commemorate the most significant event in Christian history – the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday is not merely a time for bunnies and chocolate eggs, but a time to reflect ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-7, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Philippians 3:10-11, Romans 6:4

Denomination: Pentecostal

God’s Wisdom To The Wicked Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 7, 2025

The words of Isaiah offer hope because it shows us that we don’t have to suffer sin’s consequences! However, God is prepared to judge if we are unwilling to repent and come to Him, through Jesus, for the forgiveness of our sins.

Isaiah, Part 24 God’s Wisdom to the Wicked Isaiah 59:1-21 - Welcome to Seasons – intro – we are so glad you’ve come to worship today - Last week, we saw Isaiah amplify that obedience to God brings God’s blessings -- God was so serious about His commitment to humanity He provided rescue -- ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 59:1-21, Psalm 66:18, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sermon – El Roi, The God Who Sees Me

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Sep 18, 2025

God responded to her suffering, not her prayer, revealing Himself to her and giving her the assurance that He had seen her affliction. This encounter provided Hagar with strength and the knowledge that she was not alone, but rather seen, known, and understood by God.

Sermon – El Roi, The God Who Sees Me Scripture - Genesis 16:1-11 “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “The Lord has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-11, Job 14:1, Job 5:7

Denomination: Methodist

God Is Stability In This Unstable World

Contributed by Thomas Andrufski on Oct 2, 2024

With the news filled with stories of turmoil, suffering, With the devastating floods that hit our area by hurricane Helen and the ever-looming fear of war in the middle East. Praying for the peace of Israel and that God will protect them it is easy for us to feel very overwhelmed.

God is Stability in This Unstable World **Introduction:** Beloved, as we gather today, we find ourselves in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain. With the news filled with stories of turmoil, suffering, With the devastating floods that hit our area by hurricane Helen and the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:6, John 14:27, Malachi 3:6, Psalm 29:11, Psalm 37:11, Hebrews 10:23, Matthew 10:13, Psalm 120:7, Philippians 4:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

"the Life-Changing Power Of The Resurrection."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Dec 12, 2025

The resurrection assures believers that suffering is not the end, and pain will give way to eternal joy. This truth can fill your heart with hope and confidence, knowing that Christ's victory guarantees a future in which all tears are wiped away.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Philippians 3:8-9) (8) “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:8-9, Philippians 3:10, Romans 8:18, James 1:2-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Source Of Significance Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 8, 2018

If you want to find any real significance in life, trust Christ with your life who lowered Himself to lift you up.

In The Last Days Newsletter, Leonard Ravenhill tells about a group of tourists visiting a scenic little village. They walked by an old man sitting beside a fence and asked him, “Were any great men born in this village?” “Nope,” said the old man, “only babies.” (Leonard Ravenhill, The Last Days ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:5-18

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Trilogy Psalms (22.23.24) Psalm 22 – The Depths Behind Calvary – The Suffering Servant – What Calvary Meant To Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Sep 8, 2022

Today in heaven, all that the Lord has from this earth, are scars – in His hands, feet, side and head. He also has a glorified human body. We leave this earth with nothing, not a thing. We too will have a glorified human body, like unto His. The only scars in heaven are the scars of redemption.

TRILOGY PSALMS (22.23.24) PSALM 22 – THE DEPTHS BEHIND CALVARY – THE SUFFERING SERVANT – WHAT CALVARY MEANT TO JESUS CHRIST A Bible Study in Three Psalms – the Trilogy Psalms 22, 23, 24. Today we do only one of those – Psalm 22 INTRODUCTION - THE PSALM TRILOGY Psalms 22, 23, and 24 are ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 22:1-31, Philippians 2:7-8, Isaiah 53:3-7, Psalm 69:7-9, Psalm 40:7-8, Matthew 27:39-42, Hebrews 12:2, Isaiah 52:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Did Jesus Die? Series

Contributed by Rick Duncan on Mar 24, 2004

Since we need to talk about the Passion film with our friends, we have to be prepared to answer their questions. It’s a mystery to non-believers: Why did Christ have to suffer so? Why did He have to die?

Sarcastic reviews. Late night jokes. Hateful criticism. Promises to ban him from work in Hollywood. Mel Gibson has faced all that and more over the last year. All because of the making of The Passion of the Christ. Why all the controversy? The brutality? R-rated slasher movies come out ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:21, Psalm 22:6-18

Denomination: Baptist

Pressing Onward And Upward

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 19, 2003

Remember how God used affliction in the lives of the Godly prophets. James writes, "Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persever

Pressing Onward and Upward (James 5:10-12) Press onward for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus... (Phil. 3:8-10) Know that the Lord allows adversity to make you stronger, better and not bitter or discouraged. Illustration: I’ll say this for adversity: people seem to be able to stand it, ...read more

Scripture: James 5:10-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What To Do With Your Elihu

Contributed by Paul Fritz on May 29, 2006

Many people are hurt by modern day Elihus who freely offer others their mis-guided advice. Elihu accused Job of not listening to God but he was wrong. Elihu wrongly assumed that a right response to suffering always brings immediate deliverance.

What to Do With Your Elihu (Job 33:1-33) Many people are hurt by modern day Elihus who freely offer others their mis-guided advice. Elihu accused Job of not listening to God but he was wrong. Elihu wrongly assumed that a right response to suffering always brings immediate deliverance. Even ...read more

Scripture: Job 33:1-33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational