Sermons on The Enigma Of Suffering:

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

Letting Go To Move Forward: Trusting God's Way

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Apr 6, 2025

This is a message about overcoming the suffering and hardships of life by following God's path as we see in today's passage.

April 6, 2025 Sermon - “Letting Go to Move Forward: Trusting God's Way" - Isaiah 43:16-21 Today, we’re diving into this powerful passage from Isaiah 43:16-21 because, let’s face it, life can be challenging. The journey from captivity to freedom is never easy. We all experience seasons ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 77:11, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Search Me: Escaping The Trap Of Hidden Sin - Psalm 139:23-24 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 30, 2025

Early detection is essential for recovering from some forms of cancer. It’s essential for all forms of sin. Evil can be hidden so deep in our hearts that it cannot be detected apart from divine exposure, which often requires trials.

Psalm 139:1 O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. 5 You hem me ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24

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

When You Feel Abandoned

Contributed by David Dunn on Jan 5, 2026

Psalm 22 reveals that honest lament is not faithlessness but faithful endurance, culminating in Christ’s cry from the cross. Because Jesus entered abandonment for us, silence is never absence, and suffering is never the end of the story.

Have you ever felt that God has left you? Not in a theoretical sense. Not the kind of question that shows up in a classroom discussion or a late-night debate about faith and reason. I mean something much more personal than that—something that settles into your chest and refuses to leave. Have you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:35-46, Hebrews 13:5, Isaiah 53:3-6

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Punishment Pays For Sin (Exodus 32:15-35, Isaiah 53:1-6) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Feb 10, 2023

Sometimes, God is unwilling to "carry" sin; it has to be paid for through punishment. This idea, supported by Isaiah 40, unlocks the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53. Jesus atoned, by taking the punishment of our sin.

Let's start today by rereading last week's passage Exodus 32:1-14: (1) and the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain, and the people gathered/assembled before Aaron, and they said to him, "Rise up. Make for us elohim who shall walk/go before ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:15-35, Isaiah 40:1-2, Isaiah 53:1-6, Numbers 25:1-13

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

A Tested Faith Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Dec 5, 2022

Faith produces worth & approval in those who undergo severe afflictions, adversity & trials. Faithfulness in suffering produces character & virtue, & ultimately it produces a better resurrection

HEBREWS 11:35-40 A TESTED FAITH [LEAVING A LEGACY SERIES] [Romans 8:35-38] Many have been the triumphs faith has obtained against incredible odds and many have been the times when the faithful suffered because they chose to remain faithful. This section deals with many unknown men and women who ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:35-40

Denomination: Baptist

How To Conduct Yourself As A Christian

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Jun 7, 2025

Series on Philippians

Title: “How to Conduct Yourself as a Christian” Script: Phil. 1:27-30 Type: Series Where: GNBC 6-8-25 Intro: The last year and a half has seen far too many scandals in the American Evangelical church. Names such as Steve Lawson, Tony Evans Oak Cliff Bible, Josh Buice G3, Robert Morris Gateway ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

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

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

We Must Through Many Tribulations...

Contributed by Joel Sanabria on Jun 12, 2005

Understanding how to obtain the blessings of suffering as Christians.

WE MUST THROUGH MANY TRIBULATIONS... What is tribulation, but that very influence that brings us nearer to the heart of God than prayers or hymns? I think sorrows usually bring us closer to God than joys do, but sorrow, to be of use, must be endured, as Christ’s were, victoriously, carrying with ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:19-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational