Sermons on Trial By Fire:

Persistence Always Pays Off Afterwhile Series

Contributed by Spencer Miller on May 26, 2013

When we pray persistently to the Lord it does not mean we are lacking in faith or doubting that He would ever answer us because we are doing what we are called to do.

Introduction Michael Jordan is probably the greatest basketball player in the history of the game, and at one time he was asked about the so-called secret of his success. And Mr. Jordan answered by saying; “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Why Doesn't God Prevent Evil? Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jul 12, 2013

How can a good God allow human suffering to continue? The story of Joseph provides a powerful illustration that suffering has a purpose, even when we can't see it at the present time.

“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:15-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

He Dipped His Hands In Honey

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Jul 30, 2013

A lion suddenly roared at Samson, but God turned it into a marvelous testimony. Samson's sharing of the honey with his parents shows that the trials God causes us to pass thru become blessings for ourselves and others.

He dipped his hands in Honey (Note to pastor's: spurgeon has an excellent message upon this text. It is, "Hands full of Honey," no. 1703, dated January 28th, 1883. He being dead yet speaketh!) I have included at the end of this text some thoughts I collected from around the web that helped me with ...read more

Scripture: Judges 14:5-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

One Last Chance Series

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Aug 8, 2013

God through Pilate gives Israel one last chance before consigning the nation to perpetual judgment. Their abject rejection meant the loss of the nation ethnically and opened the door to all who will believe to become God's chosen people.

One Last Chance John 19:8–16 Introduction Last week we saw Pilate pronounce three times that he found no guilt in Jesus and tried to get Jesus released. First he tried to get the crowd to choose Barabbas. Then he tried the sympathy approach by having Jesus beaten up a bit and mocked by ...read more

Scripture: John 19:8-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

When God Sends A "Great Storm" Into Your Life Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 11, 2013

A look at why God sends storms our way.

WHY WOULD GOD DELIBERATELY SEND A "GREAT STORM" INTO YOUR LIFE? The two most likely reasons are pruning or discipline. - Jonah 1:4; John 15:1-8. WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF OUR DISOBEDIENCE? The two biggest are a bad witness for God and bad results for us. WHY WON'T GOD LET US WALK AWAY? Because ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:4

Denomination: Baptist

Our Ever Present Help In Time Of Trouble

Contributed by Philip Beals on Sep 22, 2013

Just when we think all is lost, we can count on God to be there to help, and carry us through the storms of life.

I want to begin this morning by taking you to two other passages of Scripture. The first is found in Isaiah 41 and verse 10, which reads as follows: “Fear thou not; for I am with you. Be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; I will uphold you with the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-10

Denomination: Baptist

Is Anything Too Hard For The Lord

Contributed by David Radcliff on Mar 12, 2016

Here you have the all-important question and the thrilling-certain answer from the Word of God.

IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR THE LORD Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17 The question, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" is found in Genesis 18:14. The answer to this most important question is found in Jeremiah 32:17, "There is nothing too hard for thee." Here you have the all-important question and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:14

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming Wise Guys And Wise Gals Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jun 14, 2021

In this section of James we learn that trials require wisdom, wisdom requires prayer, and prayer requires faith.

A. One day a man was driving down a country road when his car sputtered to a complete stop near a field with a few cows in it. 1. The driver got out of his car and lifted the hood to see what was the matter. 2. Then he noticed that one of the cows had come over to the fence nearby, and suddenly ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5-8, Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 14:1, Proverbs 4:7, Proverbs 2:6, Colossians 2:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Joseph Son Of Jacob

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 19, 2022

Joseph was treated with favoritism and bad relations with his brothers festered. He spent 13 years of suffering. Yet, he was a man of faith. What can we learn from his life?

Joseph was treated with favoritism and at age 17, informed on his brothers’ misdeeds. Telling his brothers of a dream that they would bow down to him, made matters even worse, and bad relations between them festered. “Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 39:11-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Testing Scheme Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Nov 18, 2021

Satan’s onslaught against the Word of God is constant. He is always twisting and manipulating, trying to get us to doubt what the Lord has said. In addition to attacking the Word, the devil will bombard us with testing and trials.

Every temptation is a kind of test . . . from the Evil One. A temptation is a trial posed by Satan, with the wicked hope that we will fail. - Philip Ryken(1) Satan’s onslaught against the Word of God is constant. He’s always twisting and manipulating, trying to get us to doubt what the Lord’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Christian Confidence

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 16, 2023

Can we have confidence and joy in the midst of severe trials? Paul addresses that in Philippians 1.

Intro Paul and Timothy, probably as stenographer, wrote to help the saints in Philippi to find confidence and joy in the midst of persecution. It was an established church, mature enough to have the oversight of a team of elders. In those days the terms bishop or overseer, pastor or shepherd, and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

When Trouble Comes

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 17, 2022

God is always there to assist, offering safety, peace, and refuge. God's power is unending, and He will triumph in the end. Those who love Him will always be saved by Him.

In verses 1-3: The dread of mountains and urban communities out of nowhere disintegrating into the ocean because of an atomic impact frequents numerous individuals today. Yet, the psalmist says that regardless of whether the world ceases, we need not dread. Notwithstanding utter annihilation, he ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Indecisive Compromise Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Nov 27, 2024

Our scene flows along with Pilate moving back and forth to Jesus and to His accusers or the people. Eight times in this passage Pilate moves back and forth, showing how indecisive he was in this matter.

Our scene flows along with Pilate moving back and forth to Jesus and to His accusers or the people. Eight times in this passage Pilate moves back and forth, showing how indecisive he was in this matter. READ 18:28. Last time, we saw how Jesus was arrested in the garden, taken to Annas behind ...read more

Scripture: John 18:28-40, John 19:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Endurance Series

Contributed by Louis Mare on Feb 5, 2023

trials and difficulties can be opportunities for growth in our faith. As we endure them, we become more like Christ and grow closer to God. So, let us consider it all joy and trust in God's strength as we face the trials in our lives. May the Lord bless you and keep you

I want to look at James 1 verses 2-4 which says: "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4, Job 1:20-22, Hebrews 11:8-10, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Job-Like Season

Contributed by Bruce Lee on May 15, 2023

Whatever trial, struggle, bad thing, brokenness, you are going thru is not permanent Whatever trial, struggle, bad thing, brokenness, you are going thru is not permanent. You are just in a Job-like Season. And seasons pass.

Job-like Season “If my misery could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales, 3 they would outweigh all the sands of the sea.” Job 6:2-3 Intro: In a village called Uz on the east side of Canaan…, there was a child born named Job. Directly east of Canaan was the land of Edom…, which is the ...read more

Scripture: Job 6:2-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational