Sermons on Surprised By Suffering:

Some Ask, "Why Does God Allow Evil And Suffering In The World?"

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Dec 28, 2002

God is so great that nothing happens without His permission, and in that permission His ultimate plan unfolds. In His plan He is able to use for good what man intends for evil. God is in control

Illustration:As C.S. Lewis wrote, "The greatest evil is not done in those sordid ’dens of crime’ that Dickens loved to paint...it is conceived and...moved, seconded, carried, and minuted...in clean, carpeted, warmed, and well-lighted offices, by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Of Suffering: How We Can Experience God In Struggle And Pain Series

Contributed by Charles Wallis on Jan 31, 2009

The effects of persecution and struggle caused the church to grow and experience more of God’s power. We can experience God in struggle and pain because He is found in suffering and walks with us through it.

The God of Suffering: How we can experience God in struggle, pain, and suffering. Intro: How do you feel about struggle, suffering, and pain? Explanation: Acts 10-11 1. Peters has a vision for all people…(“all nations”) 2. Everyone is not happy… 3. A new church is born out of struggle Text: ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-30

Denomination: Pentecostal

God's Sovereignty In The Midst Of Christian Suffering (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 9, 2010

A sermon examining God's plan and purpose in times of suffering.

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IN THE MIDST OF CHRISTIAN SUFFERING (Part 2) Acts 4:23-28 (Antioch Baptist Church: Wednesday, August 27th, 2025) Many unbelievers have a common misconception that “if our God is real”, and “if He is all powerful”, and “if we are His children”, and “if He loves us”, then we ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-28

Denomination: Baptist

Triumph Over Trials Sermon Iii: View Suffering As Inevitable But Redeemable Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on May 13, 2020

In times like these, when awareness of the inevitability of suffering gives rise to questions and doubts, mature Christians rely on the Word of God and reflect upon personal experiences of trusting God in and through it all.

MATURE CHRISTIANS VIEW SUFFERING AS INEVITABLE BUT REDEEMABLE Talking to myself this past week, a question posed by many kept surfacing in my mind: “Why am I Suffering”? The answer I gave to myself was, “I am not suffering”. My motto could very well be ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-5, Job 11:13-16, Job 23:8-12

Apostle's Creed: Born, Suffered, Died, Rose For Us Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Aug 14, 2019

Jesus entered the flow of history, to bring a pure stream of life into the flow.

APOSTLES’ CREED: Born, Suffered, Died, Arose for Us I want you to imagine with me a dream. In your dream, you are floating down a river, on an inflatable tube. The river is the flow of life, and you are in it. If the river is like the world we live in, what is the river like? As you float down ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:9, Hebrews 2:10, Colossians 2:15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Suffering Servant. God's Plan For Redemption. Isaiah 53

Contributed by David Cramer on Dec 14, 2024

A message of hope in this dark for our future. Putting the past in the past and moving forward in life with the Lord being the center of it.

The Suffering servant. God's plan for redemption. Lift up your Bible and repeat after me. This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. Today I will learn how to be what it says I can be. Today I will learn more of the word of God. The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God. I ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Enduring Trials With Faith: Transformed By The Gift Of Suffering Philippians 1:29 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on May 3, 2024

Explore the profound truth that our suffering can be a means of transformation and deeper faith. Our passage from Philippians 1:29 reminds us of the gift of suffering in the life of a believer.

Enduring Trials with Faith: Transformed by the Gift of Suffering Philippians 1:29 Introduction: Today, we explore the profound truth that our suffering can be a means of transformation and deeper faith. Our passage from Philippians 1:29 reminds us of the gift of suffering in the life of a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-2, Philippians 1:29, Hebrews 11:6, 2 Timothy 3:12, James 1:2-4, Romans 8:17, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Why Innocent And Good People Suffer At The Hands Of Scammers And Evil People. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 8, 2024

In a world where evil and scams abound, it's natural to wonder why innocent and good people suffer at the hands of scammers and evil individuals.

In a world where evil and scams abound, it's natural to wonder why innocent and good people suffer at the hands of scammers and evil individuals. The Bible provides insight into this age-old question, offering guidance and hope for those affected. The Reality of Evil (Matthew 7:15-20) Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:1-22, James 1:2-4

"finding God's Presence In Your Suffering."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Sep 29, 2025

As we journey through life, we inevitably encounter moments of pain, heartbreak, and struggles. Yet, what if these experiences, far from being signs of God's absence, are actually evidence of His deep presence and transformative power, that can lead us to a brighter future.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (1 Peter 4:12-13) [12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-13, James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28

Denomination: Pentecostal

Transformed By Truth: Suffering For Doing Good 1 Peter 2:19 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jun 18, 2024

1 Peter 2:19 encourages us to endure suffering for doing good, revealing the depth of our faith and commitment to Christ.

Transformed by Truth: Suffering for Doing Good 1 Peter 2:19 Introduction Today, we are diving into a challenging yet profoundly transformative truth found in 1 Peter 2:19. This verse encourages us to endure suffering for doing good, revealing the depth of our faith and commitment to Christ. 1 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:19, James 1:12, 1 Peter 2:21, Hebrews 12:3, Romans 5:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Here Comes Trouble! Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 16, 2013

God is always at work at we can trust Him, even when evil looks like it is taking over.

Introduction: A. The story is told of a man who had just undergone a very complicated operation on his intestines, but kept complaining about a bump on his head and a terrible headache. 1. Since his operation had been on his abdomen, he couldn’t figure out why he had such a headache, but he ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Three Parables, One Heart: The Father's Love

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Jun 16, 2025

This exposition of Luke chapter 15 begins with a very personal story, highlighting how God even uses human frailty as a means to His grace.

Once upon a time, in the summertime, there was a 16-year-old young man struggling to find his way. His father held a particular secular and materialistic philosophy about life and making meaning in the world—something the young man had tried to embrace, but it ultimately left him feeling empty. ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 6:6, Micah 6:6-8, Luke 15:1-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Paul's Concern For Teaching Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Oct 16, 2012

Paul was concerned about the spiritual maturity of these believers in Colossae...

Colossians 1:24-29 October 17, 2012 Oak Park Baptist Church – Wed Bible Study Series Colossians Bible Study Paul’s striving for the spiritual maturity of the church: Paul has been encouraging the members of the church in Colossae to remain faithful to the gospel that they 1st heard from ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

Anger Is A Threat To Self-Control

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Dec 2, 2022

Anger is dangerous is because it can hinder the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22 -23) if it is left unchecked. Paul warns us not to let the sun go down our anger in Ephesians 4:26.

ANGER IS A THREAT TO SELF-CONTROL Text: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 “A small girl was showing a friend the bathroom scale: "I don't know what it is . . . but my mom and dad use it every day. All I know is, when you stand on it, it makes you really mad!".” (Steve May. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32, Ephesians 5:1-2

Denomination: United Methodist

The Truth About The Gospel Of Judas

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jul 20, 2006

The rest of the story about the supposedly new gospel and why believers should not be shaken or surprised.

The Truth About the Gospel of Judas* 2 John 7-9 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Everyone has seen the headlines. It has been everywhere in the media. St. Louis and Hannibal papers carried the story. “A lost gospel has been found.” “Long-suppressed ...read more

Scripture: 2 John 1:7-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ