Sermons on tragic loss:

Tears In A Bottle

Contributed by Brian Buriff on Oct 18, 2006

Funeral sermon can be adapted to any funeral, but particularly for a sudden, tragic death. "When you can’t bottle it up inside anymore," God says, "let me put your tears in my bottle."

I. TODAY IS A DAY FOR TEARS A. Young Man Struck Down Suddenly & Senselessly 1. Senselessly – makes no sense 2. Accident that shouldn’t have happened B. Young Man 1. Who had plans & dreams 2. Good guy who was there for you 3. Who leaves behind a huge family 4. Who leaves behind a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 56:8

Denomination: Church Of God

The Walk Of Witness Series

Contributed by Larry Thompson on Jul 4, 2003

The witness of every Christian is critical. Few realize that all Christians DO have a witness to our world. Tragically the witness of some does more damage to the Kingdom than good.

THE FORWARD WALK ¡V PART FOUR ¡§THE WALK OF WITNESS¡¨ JOSHUA 22:9-34 (NIV) ¡§So the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh left the Israelites at Shiloh in Canaan to return to Gilead, their own land, which they had acquired in accordance with the command of the Lord through ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 22:9-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Stone Of Destiny Series

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Apr 7, 2014

Sometimes what we think is so very tragic actually sets in motions things that moves our lives towards a greater purpose in God. This is the eighth message in the David series.

DAVID—A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART 08—THE STONE OF DESTINY TEXT: 1 Samuel 20:18-22 1 Samuel 20:18-22 KJV Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. [19] And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:18-22

Denomination: Pentecostal

Scam Protection

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Nov 17, 2018

As long as the internet is the key tool used to communicate and there is world-wide awareness of tragic events, there will be that continued threat of ministries and outreaches taking advantage of people who have generous hearts.

Scam Protection Who Do You Partner With In Meeting Needs The word of God holds a simple truth in the midst of Scripture which can protect us from life’s trap and snares. It seems like as long as the internet is the key tool used to communicate and there is world-wide awareness of tragic events, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

House Arrest

Contributed by Chris Thron on Oct 18, 2000

How may we deal constructively with our loss of "freedom" as we grow older and become saddled with more and more family responsibilities?

"Jesus said to Peter, ’When you were young you were free to get up and go wherever and whenever you wanted: but when you get older, others will take you and lead you where they want and not where you want.’"(John 21:18) Tradition says the apostle Peter was crucified in Rome, several years ...read more

Scripture: John 21:15-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Necessity Of Forgetfulness

Contributed by Steven Shubert on Aug 5, 2004

Loss of memory has been often been looked at as a weakness, a failure; however, in our walk with Christ, forgetfulness is often an absolute necessity.

The Necessity of Forgetfulness Phil. 3:13 Luke 9:62 1) Introduction a) We have often maligned forgetfulness, as being a weakness, a problem area, and it is true that, often, being unable to remember can be a frustration to us. However, there is a time when forgetfulness becomes an absolute ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Funeral For Elderly Christian Woman

Contributed by Steve Keeler on May 9, 2010

While we can't prevent the losses in our life, we are able to find the strength in the Lord to get us through them.

Good evening, we've come together this evening to praise God, to be a witness of our Christian faith, and to celebrate and honor the life of ________________. Scripture: Psalm 23: A Psalm of David. "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Plans Go Awry Series

Contributed by James Hays on Apr 28, 2020

we all have plans for life and a sense of direction lain out in our minds. Sometimes life laughs. We suffer loss.

This time has disrupted most –if not all – of our plans. The seniors had plans of finishing their senior year and graduating with celebrations, now what? Many had plans of getting married with parties and celebrations, now what? Many had plans of having jobs, income, and insurance, but now what? ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 20:24, Jeremiah 10:23-24, Hebrews 2:14-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Growing Old Gracefully Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jun 22, 2017

Pass the tests of life when you revel in your losses, receive Christ into your heart, and take responsibility for your own sin.

Richard S. Halverson, the former U.S. Senate Chaplain, used to challenge people with the following image: You're going to meet an old man [or woman] someday down the road – ten, thirty, fifty years from now – waiting there for you. You'll be catching up with him [or her]. What kind of old man [or ...read more

Scripture: James 1:9-16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Funeral Sermon: The Christian's Hope In Death Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 5, 2025

In the midst of sorrow and loss, we take comfort in the assurance that for the Christian, death is not a defeat, but a victory. It is a gateway to a new and better life in the presence of the Lord.

FUNERAL SERMON: THE CHRISTIAN'S HOPE IN DEATH By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Philippians 1:21 (KJV) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. INTRODUCTION: Death is a subject that brings both fear and sorrow to many, yet for the Christian, death is not something to fear. The ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:21

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Lost Son PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 31, 2023

Explores the story of the Prodigal Son, emphasizing themes of loss, redemption, faith, forgiveness, and God's boundless love despite human failings. Key

Good morning, brothers and sisters. I greet you all with warmth and love in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We gather here today, not as individuals, but as a family united by faith. We are here to share in the word of God, to seek His wisdom, and to find comfort in His promises. Opening ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24

Topics: Lost, Found

Thoughts From A Mourning Father

Contributed by Arthur Miller on May 22, 2023

This sermon is my thoughts after the death of my twelve year old son to an allergic reaction. May this lesson give people hope to those who are in grief. This is a tribute to my son Jaron Miller January 17, 2011 to March 12, 2023.

All Bible passages are from Bible Gateway. [Background Information to give context] Friday March 10, 2023 I was working in my office towards the end of the day thinking about what I wanted to get done on the weekend when my phone rang from my son-in-law. "Dad, Jaron is in cardiac arrest and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14, Ecclesiastes 7:1-4, James 4:9-10, Romans 5:1-11, 1 Peter 1:3-9, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Philippians 1:21-23, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 21:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Magnificent Obsession Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 6, 2018

Most people have experienced bizarre or inappropriate thoughts and have engaged in repetitive behaviors at times. However, people with obsessive-compulsive disorder find that their disturbing thoughts and behaviors consume large amounts of time . . . . .

7-1-04 Title: A Magnificent Obsession Text: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Bible Reading: Philippians 1:21; 3:7-11 Introduction: The title of today’s lesson is “A Magnificent Obsession.” So let’s begin by answering the question, “What is an obsession?” I ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"grief (Part 2): Biblical Response To Kubler-Ross's Stages Of Grief" Series

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Aug 9, 2021

Death separates us from someone we love and oftentimes causes pain of grief! This sermon helps us understand Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's stages of grief and biblical's response to them.

Last week we learned that grief is a normal response to the loss of any significant person, object, or opportunity. The Bible tells us that many people of faith, even Jesus, grieved. So, it is okay to grieve and cry. But do not grieve like the unbelievers who don't have hope. Do not dwell in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:19-23, Matthew 11:28, Isaiah 66:13, 2 Kings 20:1-6, Numbers 30:2, Job 1:21, Job 2:3, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Job 1:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

On Eagle's Wings

Contributed by David Hicks on Nov 15, 2006

We live in a society that is plagued with a lack of sleep, low energy, discouragement, rampant depression, and a loss of joy. But hope waits for those who learn to wait upon the Lord.

ON EAGLE’S WINGS Isaiah 40:27-31 Ask for a show of hands – keep them up! Who is tired today? How many are weary? Who is discouraged? Who has had a rough week? Who is facing a difficulty or trial that seems insurmountable? Who feels burdened today with a concern or question? Welcome to the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:27-31

Denomination: Holiness