Sermons on Times Of Testing:

The Refiner’s Fire

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 13, 2022

In this passage, Ezekiel described the Babylonian exile as being the crucible in which Israel was melted down, and the godly (the silver) were separated from the unrighteous (the dross). The purpose of the refiner's fire is spiritual purification.

I wish to begin our message with an illustration: There was a dedicated Christian woman who once visited a tourist attraction, which happened to be a working replica of a pioneer village; and one of the manned displays she observed was a silversmith shop. The woman watched the silversmith as he ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 22:17-22

Denomination: Baptist

Following Jesus, Even Through Trials And Tests Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Oct 28, 2022

James, the half-brother of the Lord Jesus, knew about trials and tests. His words to believers of his day are just as true for us of these days, too. In a sentence, he'd say "Endure the test and receive a reward".

Full disclosure: this is edited from a message preached at First Baptist Church, Chamois, MO in August 2022 Introduction: Many of us think following Jesus is going to be a walk in the park, so to speak, but that isn’t always true. Certainly, as He promised, He’s there with us, but trials and tests ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Baptist

Let Jesus Show You How To Face Temptation Lesson 2 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 12, 2023

Your best defense against temptation is quoting the written Word of God. Therefore, learn the Bible, memorized the Bible, and use the Bible.

“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil … fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards … hungry. The tempter said ‘if you are the Son of God … stones become bread. Jesus … ‘It is written man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word … mouth of God.’ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

It’s Up To You

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jan 29, 2018

A study in the book of Genesis 22: 1 - 24

Genesis 22: 1 - 24 It’s up to you 22 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

21. David Hunted In The Wilderness Of Ziph (1 Samuel 23) Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Aug 27, 2025

But God… Oh, don’t you love those two words? They change everything, especially in Scripture. All throughout Scripture, when the story seemed finished, those two words rewrote the ending.

David Hunted in the Wilderness of Ziph August 20, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 23:15-29 Introduction: When the Walls Close In Life has a way of pressing us into corners where the walls seem to close in and the options run out. Maybe you’ve felt it financially, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 23:15-29

Denomination: Brethren

20. David Saves Keilah (1 Samuel 23) Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Aug 27, 2025

“Why?” That tiny word rolls off our tongues with tears and trembling. Why the cancer? Why the betrayal? Why the silence of heaven when our world collapses? If you’ve ever whispered it in the dark night of the soul, you’re not alone—and you’re not unbiblical.

David Saves Keilah August 6, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 23:1-17 Introduction: Why Suffering? “Why?” That tiny word rolls off our tongues with tears and trembling. Why the cancer? Why the betrayal? Why the silence of heaven when our world collapses? If you’ve ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 23:1-17

Denomination: Brethren

Trouble In The House

Contributed by Rodney Rapp on Jun 15, 2021

One thing for certain if you are alive trouble will find you We live in a fallen world Chaos all around Being a Christian is not the absence of problems but the assurance of Victory. Question is why do these problems come in?

Trouble in the House Matthew 7:24-27 One thing for certain if you are alive trouble will find you We live in a fallen world Chaos all around Being a Christian is not the absence of problems but the assurance of Victory. Question is why do these problems come in? 1) Sometimes we hear God’s word but ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27, Jeremiah 17:13, 1 Peter 1:7, Luke 22:31, Jeremiah 17:14, Matthew 5:45  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Leftovers

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Oct 3, 2013

Why did Jesus send his disciples around after everyone was full to gather up the fragments that remained? It is interesting that we are not told what Jesus had done with the leftover fragments.

TITLE: LEFTOVERS SCRIPTURE: ST. JOHN 6:5-14 What an exciting passage of Scripture that should stir us every time we read it. It has always interest me that this particular Miracle is one of a select few recorded in all four Gospel Narratives. It therefore has significance in its teaching to us ...read more

Scripture: John 6:5-14

Denomination: Baptist

"Storms; ‘oh, It’s Just You!’” Series

Contributed by Bubot Parago on Mar 2, 2019

life changes that it is possible from day 1 Full of blessings to day 2 full of problems! It is that our life would would shift to vibrant ecstasy to a sudden depression and questions. A change may begin. Be like Jesus!

Let us be blessed by this story and be refreshed and reminded of the infallibility of the Scriptures and the lessons of life it would brings to us. Sea of Galilee has many names, most New Testament readers recognize "the Sea of Galilee" as its common designation. It is also called the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Pentecostal

1 John 4:1-6 Series

Contributed by Zak Saenz on Apr 3, 2025

1 John 4:1-6

1 John 4:1-6 1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. Before we get started with this verse I just want to remind you about two verses we read last week that I think go well with verse 1 ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Bible Church

Faith Principles To Build And Influence Lesson 2 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jun 29, 2023

Faith is learned in the crisis of a dark midnight experience when the leader is shut up to God only.

1. Faith’s Crucible Principle: Crucible-Faith is learned in the crisis of a dark midnight experience when the leader is shut up to God only, and surrenders sin and selfishness to totally depend on God and find His direction, and discover His power. a. “These trials will show that your faith is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:7, James 1:12

Denomination: Baptist

Passing God’s Mid-Term Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Apr 9, 2013

This is the ninth message in a series over the life of Moses that shows being God's man is never easy.

The word “test” or “exam” causes most people to get an uneasy feeling in the pit of their stomachs. However, tests are a normal part of our lives. We take tests in school, to get our driver license and often they are given to determine the best candidate for a job. The ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Prayer Of Courage (Part 1)

Contributed by Jimmy Dillon on Jun 27, 2018

David's plea for God to SEARCH, KNOW, TEST, and LEAD him

As I was reading the word this week, I came across a passage that I have seen several times but didn’t really jump out This time, as I read the words, the thought that God brought to my heart is that this is A PRAYER OF COURAGE Whenever we read this passage you will hopefully see what I’m talking ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Greater Blessing - Genesis 15 Series

Contributed by Brian Williams on Jun 4, 2024

Life is filled with choices and opportunities. How do we know which choices to make and what opportunities are from God or not?

Last week we studied the passage in Genesis 13:3-18 where we saw that Abram and Lot were prospering, so much so that they needed to expand their territory and go their separate ways. Throughout this transition, Abram stayed close to God and learned to settle things God’s way. Lot on other hand ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 14:17-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Tested By The Death Of A Loved One: Lesson 16

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Sep 4, 2013

God tests us by deaths of people we love

A. WHEN FACED WITH THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE: GENESIS 23:1-20 1. Death visits all: sometimes a loved one, eventually ourselves. 2. Some think we should not show grief because a believer goes to be with the Lord. a. True, they are better off. b. We miss them because they were part of our ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 23:1-20

Denomination: Baptist