Sermons on Why Suffering:

Jesus Wept - Part Three (Covid) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Oct 30, 2020

When Jesus wept in the Garden of Gethsemane, he left an example for those who wrestle with soul-crushing sorrow. By following his example, we can find hope and healing during life's hardships and heartaches.

Jesus Wept (3) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 9/27/2020 I vividly remember the 1991 NBA finals. After four hard fought years of disappointment, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pipen had just led the Chicago Bulls to their first ever NBA Championship over Magic Johnson and the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-39, Hebrews 5:7

Denomination: Christian Church

Fountains Of Joy Series

Contributed by Lonnie Erwin on Jan 23, 2015

Peter statement that our "hope" is not built upon the temporal, "not seeing" or the human senses are of the flesh but our love for Jesus exist in the spirit. the love the repentant heart has developed a love for Christ through the Spirit

Text: 1 Peter 1:8-12 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls. 10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:8-12

Denomination: Baptist

How To Handle A Shipwreck Series

Contributed by David Owens on Aug 29, 2016

In this sermon, we explore Paul's shipwreck and learn lessons for our life about the anchors God provides in the storms of life.

Introduction: A. When I was growing up, one of my favorite TV shows was the silly comedy “Gilligan’s Island.” 1. Every episode opened with the catchy theme song that introduced the plight of the group. 2. “Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, A tale of a fateful trip, ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Endure

Contributed by Robert Sickler on Dec 21, 2015

We can neither escape experiencing the evils of this world nor can we avoid God’s testing the quality of our devotion by letting us experience reality. It is important, however, that we do not let the hard times damage our faith and service to Christ.

Endurance Illustration: The Battered Bastards of Bastogne Most people recognize endurance to be our not quitting an endeavor; especially when we are experiencing an unpleasant, difficult, or dangerous situation. A perfect illustration of endurance was demonstrated by the 101st airborne division, in ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Christian Church

Three Calls Of St. Paul Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Aug 12, 2019

Apostle Paul confirms his calling to be an Apostle with great assurance and confidence. Though he equals himself with other Apostles who were with Christ. Yet he understood his calling was to be an apostle. He says Jesus was Son of man - Kata Sarxa and Son of God - Kata Pneuma.

Theme: Three Calls Text: Romans 01:01-07 CALL TO BE SENT - Apostolic call Romans 01:1-4 Wesley says: “While God calls, he makes what he calls. Jewish teachers disputed his claim to the apostolic office, with great propriety he asserts and overthrows their principles are entire”. Apostle is a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7

Denomination: Methodist

By His Stripes Were We Healed!

Contributed by Bruce Hadley on Sep 18, 2019

Most of us believe that God heals, but how many of us operate in the faith it requires to obtain the blessing of physical healing?

1 Pet. 2:23-25 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lesson 3: Their Reception Of The Gospel Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 30, 2018

Paul wants these fellow Christians to remember that he and his co-workers preached the Gospel to them, and they responded by believing and receiving that Gospel.

4/21/18 Tom Lowe Lesson 3: THEIR RECEPTION OF THE GOSPEL (1Th 1:5-7) Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7 (NIV) 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Glory We Share With The Father And Son

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 12, 2018

St. Gregory of Nyssa, and other Fathers of the Church, teach that the glory of the Father and the Son is the Holy Spirit, who is love. The glory we are given is the Holy Spirit who enables us to image Christ in our world.

Thursday of the 7th Week of Easter 2018 St. Paschal Baylon The prayer of Jesus we just heard from St. John is part of the High Priestly Prayer Our Lord offered at the Last Supper. If you look carefully at it, you might call it the first Eucharistic Prayer, and here you find Christ offering His ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20-26

Denomination: Catholic

Joy And Pain

Contributed by Joe Dan Vendelin on Feb 14, 2024

How are your current trials (pain) preparing you for not only what you need today (or tomorrow), but what others may need today (or tomorrow) as well? This is a quick devotional that will encourage believers to "reframe" their pain.

Joy and Pain What do the words joy and pain mean to us as believers? How is it that these words go together? James 1 is a place to start in considering these questions. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-3, Galatians 6:2, Romans 8:28

The Way Of The Cross

Contributed by Dawn Duryea on Mar 4, 2024

In today’s Gospel reading, Peter responds to Jesus’ announcement that the Messiah will have to suffer and die by denying the cross. Peter is in essence denying the truth of this teaching – that the Messiah must suffer and by extension, his disciples.

Last week we heard about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness right after his Baptism. That’s the way it feels sometimes – you just make a decision and then things happen that immediately bring your decision into question. This wilderness, of course, is metaphorical and now we find ourselves in ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: United Methodist

Letting Go To Move Forward: Trusting God's Way

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Apr 6, 2025

This is a message about overcoming the suffering and hardships of life by following God's path as we see in today's passage.

April 6, 2025 Sermon - “Letting Go to Move Forward: Trusting God's Way" - Isaiah 43:16-21 Today, we’re diving into this powerful passage from Isaiah 43:16-21 because, let’s face it, life can be challenging. The journey from captivity to freedom is never easy. We all experience seasons ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 77:11, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Zophar's Rebuke (Job 20)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 26, 2025

Do we assume that suffering is for our personal sins?

Do we automatically assume that someone else’s suffering is the consequence of their own wickedness? What is the reality of this world? Let’s continue in Job 20. Does the argument continue with Zophar greatly disturbed by what Job has said? Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: “I must reply ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Just Shall Live By Their Faith

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Nov 2, 2022

God gives an answer to struggle, sufferings, problems, and unfairness.

“The Just Live by Faith” Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 1. The Prophet has some trouble understanding the reasoning Israel is suffering • Habakkuk says,2How long, O LORD, must I call for help? Why do you tolerate the wrong? Its so bad it seems Justice never prevails. • The situation for Israel is ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-4

Denomination: Methodist

Making Your Life Matter Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

Christians are to display a willingness to be offended, disadvantaged, even abused without making a return, without requiring vengeance, without demanding an accounting – whether an apology, or punishment, or a repayment of some kind.

This is one of the most encouraging messages you’ll hear. Today’s Big Idea: God Works Diligently on Our Behalf. Over the next few minutes, I want to tell you God serves His children. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Persecution Series

Contributed by Stephen Smarowsky on Dec 11, 2007

The believer’s suffering is in the will of God. Do not be supprised and rejoice!

PREPERATION OUTLINE INTRODUCTION: If you would like to follow along with me, I will be reading a passage out of 1Peter 4:12-19. Before I do, I’d like to give a brief couple of facts about Peter’s life. Peter was a fisherman, businessman and an Apostle. The Apostle Peter became a disciple ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Baptist