Sermons on Suffering:

Gethsemane

Contributed by Randy Croft on Dec 21, 2009

Reflections on Gethsemane

When have you been closest to death? ILLUS: I seem to come close every time I play softball with (name of parishioner)...especially when I’m on Third base and he lines a sharp foul ball...or playing paintball-- I remind everyone that I’m a noncombatant, but that doesn’t work either... ILLUS: I ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:32-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Facing Trials With Joy

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jan 16, 2012

Some people consider it pure joy when they escape trials. But James calls us to consider it pure joy when we face trials. This seems like an impossible thing to be able to do. What do we need to have if we are going to have joy in the midst of trials?

FACING TRIALS WITH JOY James 1:1-12 INTRODUCTION: Some people consider it pure joy when they escape trials. But James calls us to consider it pure joy when we face trials. This seems like an impossible thing to be able to do. What do we need to have if we are going to have joy in the midst of ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12, 1 Corinthians 6:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Does God Allow Pain? Series

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Jan 8, 2010

If God really is there and loves me, why do I still hurt?

Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Jeremiah 15:18a It’s always helpful at the start of a journey to know where you’re headed! Let me share some of the “roadmap” for our series on ‘WHY’ – the questions people ask. The well-known artist and songwriter Bill ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 15:18

Denomination: United Methodist

Did You Feel That?

Contributed by Kahala Bolton on Feb 17, 2009

So if you want God to order your steps, you must be ready for the shake up.

There is a word from the LORD from the book of Acts: Acts 16:26 (New King James Version) 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Intro: About a month ago, God began to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:26

Denomination: Christian Church

Calling In The Wilderness

Contributed by Michael Hopkins on Feb 17, 2013

A sermon for the first Sunday of Lent

Luke 4:1-13 Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Romans 10:9-13 I’m told that it’s impossible to be hungry in the desert because of the sand which is everywhere. Today our readings take us into the desert, or the wilderness if you prefer (the words are the same in the Greek and Hebrew). Why is this ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Serving God During Dark Times Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Feb 20, 2017

Elisha was in rough situations, but was still God’s man in the midst of it all. We, too, represent God during different but challenging times.

Serving God During Dark Times (2 Kings 6:24-7:20) 1. Today I am resuming the tradition of ethnic jokes I began a while ago. Many ethnicities make fun of their neighboring nations as not being too bright. 2. Two Belgians are driving a truck and arrive at a bridge with a warning sign: maximum ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What’s In A Difficult Week?

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Apr 10, 2017

Have you ever had a difficult week? Have you? I certainly have, Sometimes I’ll get like, “What’s the use!” No one will escape a difficult week in losing a loved one. Grief over-the-top, not seeing your way out. “We’ve all had difficult weeks.” Moreover, m

What’s In A Difficult Week? Luke 22:39-46NKJB Have you ever had a difficult week? Have you? I certainly have, Sometimes I’ll get like, “What’s the use!” No one will escape a difficult week in losing a loved one. Grief over-the-top, not seeing your way out. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:39-46

Denomination: Pentecostal

Boat Was Now In The Middle Of The Sea…

Contributed by Bala Samson on Nov 25, 2012

We need to know how to deal with unexpected scenarios!

Boat was now in the middle of the sea… Mathew 14:24”…the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.” We need to know how to deal with unexpected scenarios! "Who would expect to face a complex day? None of us! We expect smooth, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:20-32

Denomination: Pentecostal

Jesus Mocked/Beaten Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Mar 10, 2011

Jesus endured much for our sake... lest we NEVER forget!

Luke 22:63-71 [ESV] 63Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" 65And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him. 66When day came, the assembly of the elders ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:63-71

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus - Resurrection & The Life Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Apr 2, 2011

When hurt and grief come our way, Jesus is there for us, to hurt with us, to cry with us but also to point us toward healing... are you ready and willing to listen to Jesus and take the steps to healing He is calling you to take?

Sermon Brief Date Written: April 2, 2011 Date Preached: April 3, 2011 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Series Title: Falling in Love With Jesus Sermon Title: Jesus – Resurrection & Life Sermon Text: John 11:32-44 [ESV] John 11:38-44 32Now when Mary came to where Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 11:32-44

Denomination: Baptist

High Seas 4 - The Disciples Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Jul 24, 2011

Jesus has an agenda that is more important than our personal comfort and ease of life.

Dakota Community Church July 24, 2011 High Seas 4 – The Disciples Luke 6:46-49 46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:46-49

Denomination: Mennonite

Running With A Limp

Contributed by Ty Tamasaka on Sep 9, 2011

4 Points on learning how to deal with the "Wilderness Seasons" of our lives. 1. GOD WANTS TO DEVELOP A STEADFAST HEART WITHIN ME. 2. God leads us into seasons of growth and not gratification. 3. GOD WANTS TO DEVELOP THE COURAGE OF A WARRIOR. 4

Running with a Limp The Role of the Wilderness When Jesus comes into our lives, things sure do change don’t they? I recall when I was a new believer, I used to work out at the gym all the time, and there was one occasion when a I wanted to use a rowing machine and noticed a towel on the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 13:17-18

Denomination: Other

Caution: God Working Series

Contributed by John Sears on Sep 15, 2011

Is the idea that God is working just wishful thinking? What does that look like if he is?

(Introduction) (Other ideas might be the pains of road construction: and the signs that say, “Completed in 2011 as promised) The grief of my grandfather’s loss was still fresh. His wife, my step grandmother, had passed away unexpectedly. She was alive and well as they went to bed. He awoke ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-30

Denomination: Christian Church

High Seas 2 - Paul Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Jul 11, 2011

Because we live on a fallen planet with other fallen human beings it is possible to find ourselves in the midst of a life shattering storm through no fault of our own. The effects of the fall visit themselves randomly upon the creation.

Dakota Community Church July 10, 2011 High Seas 2 - Paul Luke 6:46-49 46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:9-44

Denomination: Mennonite

Groans To Glory

Contributed by Jason Bonnicksen on Jul 17, 2011

There’s times when we’re seemingly dealt one crummy hand after another. It’s in times like these when there’s really not much we can do but groan with deep frustration in prayer, and place our hope in in God that he’ll turn our groans to glory.

INTRO The other day I needed to take my mind off things, so I opened my computer and played a game of hearts. Now, for those of you who’ve never played hearts, the object of the game is to score as few points as possible. You do this by trying to pass all your hearts to your three ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-30

Denomination: Lutheran