Sermons on Thrive In The Test:

Dwelling In The Land Of Desperation

Contributed by Donald Cantrell on Feb 21, 2014

Jairus was thrust into the land of desperation and every ounce of faith that he had was to be tested.

Title: “Dwelling in the Land of Desperation” Theme: “Jairus dwelled in desperation, but he didn’t die there” Text: “Luke 8: 41 – 56” I – Desperation and its Dreadful Appearance A) Its Appearance can be Random and Unexpected B) Its ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:41-56

Denomination: Baptist

A Prayer Of Courage (Part 2)

Contributed by Jimmy Dillon on Jun 27, 2018

Part 2 of David's plea to God to SEARCH, KNOW, TEST, and LEAD him

A few weeks ago we began looking at David’s Prayer of Courage Whenever we pray this prayer, we are opening ourselves up for God to examine every part and do whatever He feels is necessary to make me like Jesus First, we saw David say SEARCH ME – examine me, look at every part, even the ones I’m ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

Building On The Rock Or On The Sand

Contributed by Grant Adams on Jun 10, 2022

The first step in building a building, is to test the soil to see if the ground will support the weight.

Jesus concludes his sermon on the mount with a spiritual soil sample. You and I are slowly fashioning a character that will never die. We are building a life that will last forever. If we build our life on Jesus’ teaching, our life will stand the tests of time and eternity. If we build it on ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-29, Luke 6:47-49

Denomination: Baptist

When Life Doesn't Turn Out SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Oct 26, 2023

In hard times, God is teaching us, but in good times, God is testing us.

Good morning, beloved family in Christ. As we gather here today, we find ourselves standing at the crossroads of life, where the path is often winding and the journey unpredictable. We are here to seek solace, to find answers, and to understand the divine will of our Heavenly Father. Today, we are ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 143:1-12

Topics: Learning God's Will

Hardness Of Heart Or True Friendship

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 24, 2025

Tested friends are the most valuable ones, sturdy shelters against future adversity.

Friday of the Seventh Week in Course 2025 Jeshua ben Sira was an Alexandrian Jew who spoke both Hebrew and Greek. About two hundred years before Jesus Christ his family gave us a compilation of his writings, which we call the Book of Sirach. It was used so often in the early Church that it ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 19:20, Mark 10:1-12

Denomination: Catholic

Good And Perfect Gifts - James 1:16-18 Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Aug 12, 2015

These verses follow teaching on testing and trials. Is it possible that testing and trials could be considered good and perfect gifts from the Father of the heavenly lights? It all depends if you're walking with Him or away from Him.

(Pastor Steve starts the first section - co-preaching with Pastor Karenlee) The Scripture that we’ll be taking a look at today is … James 1:15-18 “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:16-18

Denomination: Nazarene

Check Your Attitude - Genesis 40-41 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 25, 2021

We're going to start with an attitude test. Everybody takes this test. Put your thumbs out. Show me your thumbs. Everybody, I want to see your thumbs. Okay, good.

We're going to start with an attitude test. Everybody takes this test. Put your thumbs out. Show me your thumbs. Everybody, I want to see your thumbs. Okay, good. If you have a positive attitude, you put your thumb up. If you have a negative attitude to the word I'm going to say, you put ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God Is In Control Series

Contributed by Stuart Blount on Jan 4, 2008

Though in captivity Daniel’s story is a clarion call to us to THRIVE in the challenges of our cultural setting, and in so doing draw attention to our sovereign God.

Daniel is an inspiring book that brings both a challenge and hope to all those who recognize that we are living in an environment that is alien to the lives we have been called to. This was Daniel’s experience. The book records the experiences of 4 Hebrew men taken into captivity by an evil ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Sand And The Stone

Contributed by Jerry Mckee on Jan 8, 2008

What is the foundation of your Spiritual Life built upon? We can only thrive as Christian when our lives are built upon the Rock of Jesus Christ.

The Sand and the Stone Scripture: Luke 6:47-49 Big Idea: We must build our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ in order to survive Satan’s storms 47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man which built an house, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:47-49

Denomination: *other

#15 Love Understands Life Is Full Of Interruptions

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Mar 30, 2016

This is #15 in understanding love, but the lesson can stand alone. We must learn to thrive when life is interrupted --- There may be great value in the challenges of daily interruptions.

#15 LOVE UNDERSTANDS LIFE IS FULL OF INTERRUPTIONS THERE MAY BE GREAT VALUE IN THE CHALLENGE OF DAILY INTERRUPTIONS. By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I have with me a pair of binoculars. LOVE UNDERSTAND THAT LIFE NEVER GOES AS PLANNED... SOMETIMES INTERRUPTIONS ARE THE ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:33-34

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The God Who Brings Light Out Of Darkness Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 7, 2025

Throughout scripture, God’s light represents His presence, truth, guidance, and deliverance. The enemy thrives in darkness, but he has no power over the light of God.

THE GOD WHO BRINGS LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Genesis 1:1-3 Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 4:6, Psalm 18:28, John 8:12, Micah 7:8 INTRODUCTION: Life often presents seasons that feel like deep darkness — times of confusion, pain, uncertainty, or spiritual battles. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-3

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Daniel 1: Living In A Strange Land Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Sep 3, 2020

How can we thrive in an ungodly environment? 1) Stand up for who we are, 2) Excel in what we do. In exile, Daniel was excelled, without losing his identity.

LIVING IN A STRANGE LAND—Daniel 1, 1 Peter 2:9-12 Read Daniel 1:1-20. ***My first days in a college dorm were a rude awakening, for a guy who had led a pretty sheltered life. Bob Dylan was blasting out, “Lay, Lady, Lay” on the stereo down the hall. (Yes, I am ancient!) The Beatles were singing ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-21, 1 Peter 2:9-12, Philippians 2:14-16

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Don't Quit, Learn To Play Hurt.

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Apr 3, 2024

Kindergarten teaches us live is not fair. Hurt is part of life and we must learn to thrive when hurt brings us pain and disappointments.. GOD HAS A PLAN AND PURPOSE FOR YOU.

DON'T QUIT! LEARNING TO PLAY HURT By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com. (YouTube: Wade Hughes) Butterflies do not fly in the rain. Their wings are so fragile. The droplets of water would destroy their wings. Sometimes the best thing we can do during a storm is find a safe place and ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:4, Acts 9:16, Job 14:1

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Revival Follows Persecution

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 23, 2014

For centuries, Christians have been hated and viciously opposed in many nations. But persecution has not destroyed Christianity. Even under the direst circumstances, it has not only survived but thrived and revived the church.

Opening illustration: Did you know that if one of the arms of a starfish is severed, a new one will grow in its place? In fact, if a starfish is cut up, any piece that contains a part of the central disc will develop into a new starfish. Some oyster fishermen found that out, much to their dismay, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Giving With Grace Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 24, 2003

God not only required a tithe in the Old Testament, He challenged His people to respond to Him when He says, “Test me in this.” This is the only time in the Bible when God tells us to test Him.

Giving With Grace That drama really captures the different attitudes that people have about giving. Some feel pressured or guilty, while others of us find a lot of joy when we give ­ if we remember to bring our wallets! That reminds me of a man and his son who went to church together. On their ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1, Malachi 3:10

Denomination: Baptist