Sermons on Unjust Suffering:

Overcoming Fear

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Apr 13, 2020

Week 2 of not meeting and believing we will overcome by not letting fear destroy us.

March 29, 2020 Overcoming Fear Well, I started out with not too many notes today And I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not so good a thing for you. You see, the length of my message might = the length of my notes, which means we’re done sooner. But then again, I might get a little long ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:4-7, Romans 8:35-39

Denomination: Baptist

The Life Of Paul Part V Series

Contributed by Dan Carroll on Aug 26, 2016

Paul has many life struggles. He suffers many hardships, but in the end delights in his weakness because then he is strong.

INTRODUCTION • Last week we talked about how Paul was sent into nations. How much he traveled and how he trusted God in traveling. The hardships he faced and the miracles that followed him wherever he went. • Today I want to discuss the issue that causes so many to struggle - ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Behavior Becoming Of Citizens Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Oct 12, 2016

The church faced difficulty within a culture loyal to Rome. While they were subject to Roman authority, their primary responsibility was to the Sovereign Lord. We are citizens of two worlds, and our allegiance belongs to Christ. We must always honor Him.

Behavior becoming of Citizens Philippians 1: 27-30 As Paul sought to conclude the first thoughts of his gracious letter, apparently he was reminded of the intense struggle the church in Philippi faced. Bear in mind that he and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned there. Philippi being a Roman ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

Purpose: Unknown

Contributed by Adam James on Oct 31, 2016

It is a fact of life that we will go through times of trial, pain, and suffering. This is an encouraging sermon that reminds us that God has a plan for us, and that trials give us an opportunity to grow in faith, wisdom, and maturity.

You know, everything happens for a reason. Even before I was saved, I seemed to have the knowing that nothing in life was a coincidence. I just knew that we encounter experiences in life for a purpose, either to learn an important life lesson, or to grow in some way, but more importantly, to ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

My Struggles Are All About God Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jan 31, 2022

Do our struggles and suffering have a reason or a purpose? God can use our struggles and suffering to bring Him glory. But we must make our struggles all about God, and not about us.

A. As I meditated on suffering and struggles this week, these ideas came forth in my mind: Suffering is paradoxical. Suffering is bad and good. Suffering is painful and helpful. Suffering is confusing and enlightening. Suffering isolates and builds community. Suffering may lead to death or ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30, Psalm 50:15, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Philippians 1:12-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Does God Ever Withdraw His Favor?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Mar 15, 2022

There is a belief in the church that when a Born-Again Christian sins or walks in disobedience, God withdraws His favor and blessings to punish them.

This belief is rooted in the Old Testament, where a relationship with God was conditionally based upon behavior. The Hebrew words translated as ‘favor’ are ‘ratson’ and ‘ratsah.’ The word ‘ratson’ is translated as favor, goodwill, acceptance, desire, pleasure. It most often represents God ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:7-11, Romans 5:3-4, Ephesians 2:4-7, Matthew 7:16-18, James 4:4, 1 Peter 5:6-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Where Were You, God

Contributed by Les Buttolph on Sep 13, 2022

(9/11 was a day that shocked America. Despite the tragedy, God did not cause the catastrophe, nor was He indfferent to our suffering. He was there, helping us, suffering with us.

Today is a solemn day of remembrance of the day that’s become known as 9/11. A day when America, seemingly secure in the fact that no foreign enemy had attacked us on American soil since the War of 1812, when the White House was partially burned by the British. But as much of America was waking ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 52:4-17, John 11:17-37

Denomination: Methodist

Fifth Sunday Of Lent Year B; Grain Of Wheat

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Mar 18, 2021

We need the ground for all those negatives things to die.

And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” John 12:32 He draws us, not forces us. Jeremiah 31:3 “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’” Song of Songs 1:3, “Draw me after you.” He draws us by his suffering for ...read more

Scripture: John 12:32, John 12:24, John 12:25

Denomination: Catholic

Adoption

Contributed by Ed Sasnett on Oct 2, 2020

Christians are encouraged in this world of suffering because of our special privileges as God's adopted children.

Paul Tournier, the famous Swiss physician and counselor, reported his surprise in his book Creative Suffering upon reading an article entitled “Orphans Lead the World.” The article appeared in a respected medical journal and surveyed the lives of 300 leaders who had an impact on world history. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:14-27

Denomination: Baptist

Cana, The Town Where Jesus Turned Water Into Wine And Healed The Royal Official's Son

Contributed by Robert Irvine on May 10, 2024

In John chapter 2 we read that Jesus went to a wedding in Cana and he miraculously turned water into wine. Later, in John chapter 4, he returned to Cana and he healed a Royal official’s son.

In John chapter 2 we read that Jesus went to a wedding in Cana and he miraculously turned water into wine. Later, in John chapter 4, he returned to Cana and he healed a Royal official’s son. Today we will look at 2 things: The meaning of the name Cana and the historical significance and how it is ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-12, John 4:43-54

Denomination: Baptist

That I May Know Him (3) - The Fellowship Of Christ's Suffering Series

Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on May 27, 2024

Jesus suffered the ignominy of dying on the cross for the sin of mankind. The riches of the cross is laced with trials and persecutions. Every believer must carry his/her cross daily.

TEXT: Philippians 3:10 "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." CHRIST SUFFERED FOR YOU Suffering is not pleasant but sometimes necessary to ascend to the seat of glory. Christ had to suffer ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:8-11, 2 Timothy 3:12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Beatings

Contributed by Bala Samson on May 27, 2024

The gain outweighs the pain!

Proverbs 20:30"Lashes and wounds purge away evil, and beatings cleanse the innermost parts." I was led in the Spirit to write this devotion; nevertheless, it is tough to write on tough & hard subjects. Not many would want to hear about beatings, though, anybody listening? We find in ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 20:30

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Lord Is My Refuge

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Aug 18, 2024

In times of trouble we seek peace and safety. Where we seek it makes all the difference in the world.

It always seems that I get a request to preach form the Psalms. Today Psalm 11. The Psalms speak to us – we can almost hear ourselves in the Psalms – praising God – mourning our sin – questioning the world – seeking vengeance on our enemies. Before reading let’s introduce some aspects of the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

02 Joy In Adversity Series

Contributed by Seth Lawson on Feb 17, 2025

Bottom Line: Joy flourishes when Christ is exalted, even in the face of hardship.

Last week, we began a new series through Paul’s letter to the Church at Philippi. The Book of Philippians shows what it means to live with defiant joy. And here’s what I mean by that: “defiant joy” is a joy that stands firm regardless of what life throws our way. Even in his imprisonment, Paul ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-30

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Healthy Appetite Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

The proper response to mourning over the reality of suffering, and the key to meekness, is not conquering desire, but learning to desire the right things.

How many of you are planning to watch a football game today? How many of you are mourning the defeat of the Packers??? Anybody care about the fate of the Titans? Have you since switched your allegiance to the Rams or the Bengals? Now, who’s not going to watch anything? Who doesn’t much care one ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed