Sermons on The Enigma Of Suffering:

Rejoice In Problems And Trials

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Jun 17, 2012

I. EXORDIUM: When do we rejoice? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To convince them to rejoice when problems and trials come IV. TEXT: Romans 5:3-4 (NLT) 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, f

I. EXORDIUM: When do we rejoice? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To convince them to rejoice when problems and trials come IV. TEXT: Romans 5:3-4 (NLT) 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Lord's Servant

Contributed by Chris Surber on Jun 17, 2010

Redemption was born in suffering, so is our peace.

The Lord’s Servant, Isaiah 52:13-53:6 Introduction “After a mission service, the preacher of the evening was hurrying away to a late train. He had just three minutes to catch it when he saw a man running after him. “Oh, sir,” he said breathlessly as he came up, “can ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church

Defining Trials Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 4, 2010

Trials are designed to teach us so that our conduct and character changes.

Defining Trials Hebrews 12:5-11 Rev. Brian Bill 7/4/10 About two weeks ago I received a phone call from someone who was in great distress. After recounting the details of what had happened, the following question was uttered in a loud, yet broken voice: “Pastor Brian, does God hate ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

When God Doesn’t Make Sense

Contributed by Kelly Benton on Mar 20, 2012

There are some Biblical realities that we need to come to grips that will help us answer the question of where is God when life hurts?

Last Sunday I received a phone call from a man wanting to test drive our 2002 Ford Excursion that we had for sell. It was parked in Augusta and I told the man that I could meet him in about 15 -20 minutes. I met the man and he seemed like a really nice fella that wanted to surprise his wife with ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10, Romans 7:6

Denomination: Other

Living In A Murphy's Law World Series

Contributed by John Sears on Jul 22, 2011

This is a message of encouragement to people who are facing struggles and trials. We live in a Murphy's Law world where trouble is always just around the corner. How do we deal with it when the troubles of life seem overwhelming?

Introduction: Murphy’s law suggests that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Some corollaries have been attached – they are true given the right circumstances: q At the most inopportune time q Because it is your fault q And Everyone will see it Every perceived solution only ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-39

Denomination: Christian Church

Trialful Joy

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 8, 2009

Trials and tests are no fun. James doesn’t tell us to consider it fun but to "consider it all joy." Trials and tests are gut wrenching and drawn out at times, but the one thing that we must know is that God is with us through the whole ordeal.

Opening illustration: After William Carey was well established in his pioneer missionary work in India, his supporters in England sent a printer to assist him. Soon the two men were turning out portions of the Bible for distribution. Carey had spent many years learning the language so that he could ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Scourged And Shamed Series

Contributed by Bob Marcaurelle on Mar 17, 2015

A message on the scourging of Jesus as a prelude to crucifixion showing how God was in control even then.

Looking at the Cross Sermon 1 Bob Marcaurelle Matt.27: 27-30 JESUS SCOURGED AND SHAMED “The Governor’s soldiers/ stripped off Jesus’ clothes and put a scarlet ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

Persecution - What's A Christian To Do?

Contributed by David Simpson on Aug 18, 2014

Persecution of Christians is occurring all around the world. Even in America, some Christians are being pressured and criticized. What is the Christian response to persecution?

Sermon Lanier Christian Church August 17, 2014 David Simpson Persecution - What's a Christian to do? Matthew 5:38-45/1 Peter 4:12-19 Christians have made the news this past week...not for recognizing their noble service...but for suffering...for persecution. Christians in northern ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Christian Church

An Eternal Weight Of Glory Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 18, 2011

We should be grateful for God’s earthly, physical blessings and protection, but we should be even more grateful for the eternal blessings he gives us.

An Eternal Weight of Glory (2 Corinthians 4:7-18 with Psalm 116) My view is that 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 is based on Psalm 116 (the 2 Cor. passage is a midrash). See if you agree. The “starting text,” Psalm 116:3-19 3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

50 Is The New 50

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 7, 2010

I'm oldner than dirt but I'm determined to live for the Lord in every way as He renews me day by day.

Life is going way too fast…I’m halfway to one hundred and am now officially “over the hill.” This year is my 25th college class reunion, Emily is graduating from college, Lydia is graduating from high school, Beth and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary this summer, and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 39:4-5

Denomination: Baptist

To Live Is Christ

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Sep 18, 2011

How do we balance our own pursuit of meaning and happiness with the call to live as Kingdom people? What role does suffering have in the Christian life and why in the world are we called not only to believe in Jesus but to suffer for him? A little bait an

This dates me, I know, but I can sometimes relate to Charlie Brown in the Peanuts cartoons. Like the one where Lucy is philosophizing and Charlie is listening. As usual, Lucy has the floor, delivering one of her lectures. She says, "Charlie Brown, life is a lot like a deck chair. Some place it so ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:21-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Moses In The School Of Hard Knocks Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 31, 2011

In this lesson we look at the incidents of Moses killing the Egyptian and running to Midian. What did Moses learn from this period in his life and the mistakes he made? We can learn a lot from the school of hard knocks.

Introduction: A. Has anyone here ever made a mistake? 1. Probably a better question for us is there anyone where who has never made a mistake. 2. Have you ever made a really foolish mistake? Like this boy sawing off the branch he was sitting on! That’s really dumb and painful! 3. Have you ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 2:11-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Grace At Work Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jun 3, 2011

If we want to find fulfillment and joy in our work then we must submit even to bosses who treat us infairly, for only in this do we experience grace and fulfill our calling.

David Roper’s 3-year-old grandson, Seth, in Judsonia, Arkansas, received a toy lawnmower for Christmas a few years ago, but he didn’t have the chance to use it until one hot July day when his father went out to mow the lawn and Seth volunteered to “help.” A few minutes ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18-25

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Shall I Not Drink The Cup The Father Has Given Me?

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Sep 26, 2013

Jesus faced his cup of suffering willingly. God had a plan and Jesus, as difficult as it was, was willing to carry it out. Jesus needed to teach this lesson to Peter and it's a good lesson for us as well. Are we willing to 'drink our cup'?

“SHALL I NOT DRINK THE CUP THE FATHER HAS GIVEN ME?” John 18:1-14 1) Agony in the garden (vs. 1). John’s gospel doesn’t mention anything about the events that took place in the Garden of Gethsemane before Judas showed up. It’s important to look at what Jesus dealt ...read more

Scripture: John 18:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Healed By His Wounds Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Mar 31, 2021

A look at Jesus through Isaiah 53 as a part of a Christmas series

Several have commented to me how it has been interesting to look through baby pictures of Jesus. I’ve enjoyed it and I hope you’ve taken away some good, practical things to do about it. Baby pictures are a look back. They’re kind of fun, looking back at how things were and remembering what used ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ