Sermons on Surprised By Suffering:

We're Expecting

Contributed by Aaron Kilbourn on Jul 1, 2008

We are patiently waiting for and expecting the day for when our pain and suffering is taken away and we truly become one of God’s children.

Romans 8:18 – 25 reads, “For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

It Is Who You Know Series

Contributed by Paul Decker on Jul 12, 2008

Personally know and follow Jesus.

IT IS WHO YOU KNOW Philippians 3.1-11 S: Jesus C: Salvation Th: Toward the Goal Pr: Personally know and follow Jesus. CV: “We will passionately pursue full devotion to Jesus Christ.” Type: Inductive I. REJOICE (1) II. WATCH OUT (2-3) III. PROFIT (4-6) IV. LOSS (7-8) V. FOUND (9) VI. KNOW ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Agony In The Garden Series

Contributed by Tim Huie on May 6, 2009

As Jesus looked toward the cross, He agonized over what was to happen. What made His look at the cross with such fear and dread?

The Glory of the Cross Series Agony in the Garden Luke 22:39-44 1. Illus. of dads ring • Dad gave it to me after his stroke, when he realized his days were numbered. • His father gave it to him when he went to military. • Not very valuable... but I wouldn’t sell it for a million ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:39-44

Denomination: Baptist

Why Have You Forsaken Me? Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jun 12, 2009

A message about one of the last phrases spoken by Christ; "Why have you forsaken me?"

Why Have You Forsaken Me Series: The Last Words of Christ Brad Bailey – February 24th, 2008 Last words can often hold special significance. We can think of the last words spoken at the end of any conversation. They tend to define what lies between the two parties. The last words between a child ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:35-46

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Satan's War Against God's Followers Series

Contributed by David Scudder on Mar 8, 2009

The American church has been mostly exempt from persecution for more than 200 years. Could it be that we too have become lazy along the way? The fifth seal talks about those who have died for the Lord rather than live for the world. If you were given th

Revelation 6:9-11; 12:10-17 Purpose: To describe how and why martyrs die. Aim: I want the listener to accept persecution as a privilege. INTRODUCTION: The early church suffered much persecution. But from the death of Severus in 211 until the reign of Decius in 240, about 30 years, the church ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:9-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Bitterness Of Smyrna Series

Contributed by Martin Holland on Oct 18, 2012

Smyrna was a Church that was under great persecution and uses this ti encourage us to endure sufferings.

The Bitterness of Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11 The Church of Ephesus represents the end of the apostolic age and was indicted for losing their love they once had for our Lord. Reference: Rev. 2:7 Tree of life Genesis 2:9 in the mist of the garden Then: Genesis 3:22-24 Guarded by the Cherubims as man ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

"How Do You View Death"

Contributed by Brad Henry on Sep 15, 2011

David Platt in his book radical talks about “Your life is free to be radical when you see death as your reward.” This sermon will help to show that when we can conquer our fear of death we will be bale to be free to live the life God intended us to live.

When we are young a lot of us are afraid of something. Usually kids are afraid when they go to sleep of something being under the bed or hiding in the closet. Irrational fears are just that “Irrational”. A lot of us are afraid of the economy and just remembering 9/11 causes us to think ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:37

Do You Love Him? Series

Contributed by Tim White on Apr 2, 2012

Jesus teaches His disciples that they must 1) be willing to suffer loss to follow His will, 2) be willing to suffer from the others to accomplish soul-care and 3) be willing to be a servant in order to achieve lasting results in His kingdom.

Do You Love Him? Mark 10:32-45 • We live in a society that values ambition. • Those who are most respected in our society are driven by ambition to reach higher goals than those who fail to achieve notoriety. • This past week, citizens of 42 states and the District of Columbia ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-45

Denomination: Baptist

Faith On The Frontlines Series

Contributed by Tim Diack on Dec 12, 2011

We are told in God's word that anyone who seeks to follow Christ should expect persecution. In can come in different shapes and forms but the truth of it is that brothers and sisters around the world are suffering for their faith. What should we expect?

Faith on the Frontlines - Acts 5:12-42 - November 13, 2011 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Hoa Lo prison was constructed by the French in the late 1800’s during the time when Vietnam was still a part of French Indochina. Translated, the name of the prison means, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:12-42

Denomination: *other

Circumcised N My Thirdy's

Contributed by Darren Sirmans on Oct 31, 2011

The skin has been seperated in relationship by a given degree. Time is pouring out on the earth.

I Peter 4: 1 through 2…. 12, 13 On our bending knees the devil hates, because we dance not for him. This is a good position, and is where we extent over any situation that is not the will of God where we’re standing. Don’t you want to be possessive over your position in God, I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Solitude Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 21, 2010

1) The Straining from a lack of Solitude (1 Kings 19:1-4), 2) The Strengthening from Solitude (1 Kings 19:5-8), 3) The Searching from Solitude (1 Kings 19:9-14), &, 4) The Sending from Solitude (1 Kings 19:15-18)

With the conclusion of the Olympics and Paralympics, one of the most trying adjustments that athletes and spectators alike claim is an emptiness after the games. With such preparation and excitement, it really means a change of gears for people. Likewise, the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19 was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Other

Paul Kept Surrendered So He Could Graduate! Series

Contributed by Dennis Selfridge on May 22, 2010

Paul passed many tests to graduate.

Paul kept surrendered so he could graduate! 2 COR 4:7-12, 16-18 A father was filling out an application form for his daughter, who was seeking entrance to a very exclusive college. He came to the question on the form which asked whether the applicant was a leader. In honesty, he wrote, "No, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

Denomination: Wesleyan

Unto The Church In Smyrna, Write Series

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Sep 13, 2013

The church made perfect by suffering

Unto the Church in Smyrna, Write Revelation 2:8-11 Introduction Last week, we examined the letter the Lord directed John to send to Ephesus. This week we will examine the letter sent to Smyrna. As we will see, the situation in Smyrna was quite different than that of Ephesus. Jesus addresses ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God Will Not Give You More Than You Can Handle Series

Contributed by Bret Hammond on Aug 5, 2014

People who are going through difficult times are often told by others not to worry because, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” The words are said with the best of intentions but unfortunately no such promise exists in the Bible.

INTRODUCTION A. I first introduced you to Saeed Abedini several months ago – many heard name on news 1. American citizen –Iranian descent – pastor – has been in Iranian prison since 2012 2. His crime – preaching about Jesus – for that -8 years –worst ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

Denomination: Christian Church

Anxious To Matter Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Aug 13, 2013

If you want to live a life that matters, sacrifice, suffer, submit and serve. These are 4 words we don't like very much, because they seem like steps down to obscurity, but in God's Kingdom they are steps up to true greatness.

The movie, Pearl Harbor, tells the story of two friends, Rafe and Danny, who survive the attack on Pearl Harbor and enter World War II as fighter pilots. In training before the war, Rafe McCawley is one of America's top fighter pilots. When America initially holds back from entering the war, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-45

Denomination: Evangelical Free