Sermons on Trial By Fire:

‘grace On Trial’ Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Jan 30, 2022

‘Grace on trial’ - Acts chapter 15 verses 1-41 - sermon by Gordon Curley (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: (1). The Problem (vs 1&5) (2). The Solution (vs 6-18) (3). The outcome (vs 19-35) (4). The spoiler (vs 36-41) SERMON BODY: Ill: • The story is told about a preacher who got up into the pulpit, • He smiled and then apologized for the plaster (Band-Aid) on his face. • He ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-41

Denomination: Brethren

The Trial Of A Nation Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Nov 27, 2024

This is the 6th Sermon in the Series from the Book of Amos, "Social Justice".

Series: Social Justice [#6] THE TRIAL OF A NATION Amos 4:1-13 Introduction: Karen has been on Jury Duty. In most States, it does not last that long; but in NM, it is 2 months. Karen has to call in almost daily to see if she has to go to Court in Lovington. So far, she has not been on any ...read more

Scripture: Amos 4:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Trial Begins Series

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Oct 12, 2023

In the shadow of suffering, we gather today to explore a timeless tale of faith, friendship, and divine mysteries. Join us in uncovering the story of Job.

Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters. Today, we find ourselves continuing our journey through the profound story of Job, a man whose life has become a profound testament to the unfolding drama of divine justice in the face of unimaginable suffering. As we delve into the second chapter of the ...read more

Scripture: Job 2:1-10, Job 2:1-3, 1 Peter 5:8-9, Ephesians 6:12, Job 2:7-8, Psalm 22:1-2, Psalm 42:11, Job 2:9-10, Hebrews 11:6, James 5:11, Job 2:11-13, Proverbs 17:17, Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 8:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus On Trial Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 3, 2021

Today, the civil phase begins. The story of Jesus’ trek between Gethsemane and Golgotha is known as the Passion. You really cannot truly understand the cross until you understand how Jesus got there and what took place on the day He was crucified.

Johnnie Cochran was the famous defense attorney of OJ Simpson. Many of you will remember his closing arguments in that case, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” He was once asked whom he would have liked to defense. Cochran’s answer is telling: “Jesus is the person I would like to have defended. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus On Trial

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Mar 25, 2021

Jesus stepped into a maelstrom and was brought before a court that was losing some of its power and was uncertain about its future given Rome’s growing power and the increasing fear and rising tension amongst the Jewish people.

I love the Gospel of Mark … well, I love all the gospels … but Mark reminds me of Joe Friday from the 1950s TV series “Dragnet.” Some of us older folks remember Sargent Friday’s famous signature line: “Just the facts.” Mark’s gospel is terse and to the point. He gives us “just the facts” and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:53-65

Denomination: United Methodist

Joy In Trials?!

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Feb 18, 2022

The idea that we could find joy in trials seems very strange. But it makes sense - and it could radically change the way we respond to the trials that inevitably come.

We’ve now reached the last in our series of ‘Messages of Encouragement’. And we’ve come to a very difficult piece of teaching! ‘James’ – whoever James may be – tells us TO CONSIDER IT PURE JOY WHENEVER WE FACE TRIALS OF MANY KINDS! Wow! That sounds crazy! How can we understand it? The general ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Baptist

Trials And Temptations

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 25, 2024

God tested the Israelites in the desert to know what was in their hearts, and tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac. God allows external hardships or difficult situations produce good qualities in us.

Opening illustration: Illustrate the difference between Temptation and Trial. Introduction: In the New Testament, the same Greek word (peirazo) is used for trial, test, and temptation. The basic meaning of peirazo is to test something to determine its response, value, or character. When peirazo is ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Trial Of A Preacher Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Sep 20, 2025

Acts 22:30-23:11 shows us that believers can face hostile adversaries.

Introduction Have you ever faced a hostile crowd? I am not talking about your children who suddenly turned on you when you told them that it was time to go to bed. No, I am talking about facing a hostile crowd that wants to hurt you. I have faced such a hostile crowd. It happened during my ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Holy Fire - Unholy Fire Series

Contributed by Wes Richard on Mar 18, 2003

Throughout the priesthood of Aaron we learn about obedience to a holy God.

Holy Fire – Unholy Fire The tragic house fire that took the lives of three children caught the attention of many people, not only in our community, but also in places far away. My wife received a phone call from Alaska from someone wanting to help; the man said it was on national news there. He ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

Fire Of Glory, Fire Of Drought

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 8, 2003

We have experienced the warm glow of God’s blessings, but the fire of judgment is also at hand, for worship becomes ritual, there is a critical spirit, and pessimism spreads. Diligence and integrity bring vitality in worship.

In all the annals of human history, there is one item which has held out more hope and yet offered more terror than any other. Wherever human beings gathered, in the infancy of our race, there this one item, this one element, both attracted them and repelled them; it drew them close and yet it ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Pentecostal Fire Or Hell Fire

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on May 20, 2015

The Bible shares with us two different fires - the Fire of the Holy Spirit and the Fire of Hell. This sermon shares four different ways they are both similar and yet vastly different. It is a way to use the metaphor of fire in a sermon on Pentecost.

Scripture: Acts 1:1-13 and Luke 16:19-31 Theme: Pentecostal Fire or Hell Fire? INTRO: Good morning! A few years ago, the story goes that a certain pastor asked his congregation as rather particular question on Pentecost Sunday. He asked all those sitting in the sanctuary, “How ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-13

Denomination: Nazarene

Perspectives On Fire

Contributed by Reylourd Reyes on Jan 21, 2013

A Sermon on Daniel.

Reylourd P. Reyes OTST 571 The Book of Daniel 1st Sermon on the Book of Daniel Perspectives on Fire Daniel 3:1-30 INTRODUCTION "Perspective" Defined “The appearance of objects in depth as perceived by normal binocular vision” “A way of regarding situations, facts, etc., and ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:1-30

Denomination: Adventist

Refiners Fire

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Jan 27, 2014

The Woman asked the silver smith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy when I see my image in it." This day, I want to speak of the Refiners Fire. Updated February 2025.

For those not familiar with an Anglican Service there are four Scripture Readings prior to the message. Today's readings are: Malachi 3:1-5; Psalm 126; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21 and Luke 3:1-6 Let us pray... O' Heavenly Father. You are the refiner of our souls. May we have confidence in your ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:1-4, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:29, Romans 8:18, Ephesians 1:22, Titus 2:14, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Philippians 1:6, 1 Peter 4:12-13, 1 John 1:9, Romans 12:1-2, Nehemiah 8:10, James 1:2-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

The Refiner's Fire

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Aug 18, 2017

The prophet Malachi wrote that the Lord would send his messenger of the covenant, and asks, "who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap." What is the answer to Malachi's question?

THE REFINER’S FIRE Malachi 3:1-6 I. Introduction – Malachi says that at his appearing Jesus will be like a refiner’s fire, or launderer’s soap. The Israelites had a question, not unlike a question we might ask. Our main text is in answer to a question from the Israelites: Mal 2:17 - You have ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:1-6, Isaiah 45:7, Isaiah 43:2, Job 23:10, Job 13:15, Proverbs 3:5-6, Hebrews 12:14, Hebrews 12:5-10, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Hebrews 5:8, Isaiah 53:3, Philippians 2:8, Romans 15:13, John 16:33, John 14:27, Psalm 90:10, 2 Corinthians 5:1-4, Matthew 3:11, Malachi 2:17, Deuteronomy 32:39, 1 Corinthians 10:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Refining Fire

Contributed by Dr. Casey Adams on Oct 9, 2018

This message is to encourage the believer that even though we go through trails and hardships, we will not be utterly destroyed but we will be purified by the Refiners Fire.

I. "HE SHALL SIT AS A REFINER AND PURIFIER OF SILVER" A. This is a beautiful and not uncommon figure of speech in Scripture: 1. The Psalmist, the wise men, and the prophets have all made use of it 2. The simile used in our text indicates that God is at work to purify the lives of His people, even ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:3, Job 13:15, 1 Peter 4:12-13

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist