This sermon emphasizes the reality of trials, tribulations, and persecution that believers may face, contrary to the false teachings of prosperity and guaranteed healing. It highlights the refining process through suffering, the necessity of enduring hardships for spiritual growth, and the misconception that coming to Jesus guarantees a life free of struggles. The speaker shares personal experiences of intense trials and the need to trust God's sovereignty even in the midst of overwhelming challenges.

This sermon emphasizes the call to embrace suffering for the sake of Christ, highlighting the need to endure persecution and hardships in order to display the glory of God's grace. It challenges listeners to follow Jesus on the path of sacrifice and missionary sacrifice, rather than seeking comfort or prosperity. The message underscores the importance of rejoicing in sufferings, completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions through personal sacrifices, and being willing to endure hardships for the sake of spreading the gospel.

In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the theme of triumph in the history of the church in Philippi. He highlights how the church faced adversity and suffering but emerged victorious. The speaker emphasizes the importance of applying the principle of surrendering to God and being willing to suffer for His sake. He uses the example of a jealous wife who learns to let go and surrender her desires to God. The speaker also references the apostle Paul and how he was able to count all things as loss for the sake of Christ. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to trust in God's sovereignty and to be willing to surrender and suffer for His glory.

In this video, Dr. K.P. Johannon, the founder and president of Gospel for Asia, shares stories of persecution faced by Christians in unreached mission fields. He recounts the tragic incidents of a missionary witnessing the poisoning of a young believer and the acid attack on a girl who refused to deny her faith. Dr. Johannon emphasizes the suffering, starvation, and physical abuse experienced by thousands of believers in South Asia. He also reminds viewers of Jesus' words in Matthew 10, where he warned his followers about the persecution they would face for their faith.

This sermon emphasizes the need for personal revival and genuine passion in preaching the Gospel. It explores the example of Paul's humility and dependence on God's grace, highlighting the paradox of finding strength in weakness and taking pleasure in difficulties for the sake of Christ. The message encourages believers to live out the principles of the Kingdom of God on earth and be willing to suffer for the name of Christ.

This sermon emphasizes the profound meaning behind Jesus' call to 'take up the cross and follow me,' going beyond mere expectations of persecution to embodying Christ's example of sacrificial love and forgiveness. It challenges believers to live out the message of the cross by forgiving others as they have been forgiven, highlighting the importance of mercy and compassion in receiving God's forgiveness. The sermon also delves into the consequences of unforgiveness and the need to align our actions with the teachings of Christ, especially in extending forgiveness to others.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of inviting Jesus into our lives, acknowledging our unworthiness, and the need for collective obedience to fulfill the Great Commission. It calls for a return to the simplicity of abiding in Jesus, advancing together to plant churches where the gospel is not yet preached, and embracing suffering and persecution for Jesus' sake as a normal reality.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the concept of the Kingdom of God as highlighted in the New Testament. It delves into the significance of suffering, both in the flesh and externally, as a means to enter God's Kingdom. The message challenges believers to endure tribulations, follow the example of Jesus in suffering unjustly, and seek righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit as the essence of the Kingdom of God.

In this sermon, Pastor John Piper discusses the topic of suffering and how it should not cause us to view God as a horrendous God. He emphasizes the magnitude of the ugliness of pride, unbelief, indifference, and scorn, which will be experienced in hell for eternity. Despite the suffering in the world, God has not left himself without a witness and has shown his goodness by providing rain and fruitful seasons. The sermon concludes with the encouragement to trust in God and rely on his spirit and power, as he will provide what is needed in times of difficulty.

This sermon focuses on the importance of discerning between what is precious and what is vile, particularly in the context of understanding the revelation of the cross of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the need for the church to recognize false doctrines and practices, offering a solution for restoration. The message highlights the presence of 'spiritual orphans' in the church, calling for leaders who are willing to embrace the challenging yet rewarding Christian life, which includes suffering for the sake of Christ.

This sermon delves into the theme of conflict as seen in Matthew 12, highlighting the opposition faced by Jesus from the Pharisees and the promise of conflict for believers. It emphasizes finding epiphany and peace in the midst of unresolved conflict, drawing from biblical passages that speak of suffering for Christ and loving one's enemies. The sermon underscores the importance of responding to conflict with gentleness, sensitivity, and a focus on carrying out God's mission, even in the face of opposition and persecution.

In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process that a tree goes through before it can be transformed into writing paper. He compares this process to the transformation that believers in Christ must undergo. The first step is to reckon ourselves dead to sin, meaning we must eliminate sin from our lives in order to be useful to God. The speaker emphasizes that surrendering to God will often lead to suffering, which is something believers tend to shy away from. However, the speaker encourages listeners to embrace suffering for the sake of Christ and to be willing to die to sin in order to become a representation of Jesus Christ to others.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking action and using all of our faculties to help those in need. He highlights how the disciples in the Bible used their legs, eyes, ears, hands, and voices to minister to others. The speaker shares a powerful story of a man who was healed and able to walk, run, and work after receiving help from believers. He also discusses the impact of persecution and how it can actually lead to the spread of the gospel. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about a family who loved their son and the importance of showing kindness to others.

In this sermon, K.P. Yohannan discusses the persecution faced by Christians around the world. He shares personal experiences of believers being rejected by their own families and communities. Yohannan emphasizes that suffering for the sake of Christ is a privilege and a part of the normal Christian life. He highlights the story of Christians in Orissa whose homes were destroyed, and shares the testimony of a missionary who spent eight years in prison for leading people to Christ. Yohannan calls for believers to not only pray for the persecuted church, but also to be willing to enter into their suffering and support them.

Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of betrayal in God's end-time plan, highlighting how it serves as a catalyst for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. He explains that betrayal, particularly within the church, is a painful yet transformative experience that can lead believers to a greater understanding of Jesus' leadership and love. Bickle warns that many will face betrayal, fueled by offense, but encourages the church to respond with grace and compassion, reflecting the love of Christ even towards those who betray them. He draws parallels with the life of David, illustrating how betrayal can lead to spiritual maturity and a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, Bickle calls for the church to prepare for these challenges, ensuring that they remain anchored in faith and love amidst the trials of the end times.

Shane Idleman addresses the reality of persecution in the Christian life, challenging the notion that God guarantees a comfortable and carefree existence. He emphasizes that true faith often leads to trials and tribulations, as seen in the early church and the lives of martyrs. Idleman urges believers to redefine what a 'wonderful plan' means, focusing on God's presence during hardships rather than the absence of suffering. He encourages Christians to prepare for spiritual battles and to strengthen their relationship with God through prayer and reliance on His power. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of faith that embraces both the blessings and challenges of following Christ.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound sympathy of Christ for believers, illustrating that their afflictions are part of God's sovereign plan to refine and discipline them. He explains that believers are often chosen in the furnace of affliction, which serves to deepen their faith and reliance on God. Winslow encourages believers to view their trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and to recognize that Christ, having shared in human suffering, intimately understands their pain. He reassures that through these experiences, believers can find comfort in the unwavering love and sympathy of Jesus, who bears their burdens alongside them. Ultimately, Winslow calls for a response of trust and submission to God's will in the midst of trials.

George Fox emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith, equipped with the spiritual armor provided by Christ. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God, even amidst persecution and suffering, drawing inspiration from the faith of biblical figures and martyrs throughout history. Fox reminds the faithful that their struggles are shared and that they should find joy in their perseverance, as it is a gift from God. He calls for unity in worship and the proclamation of Christ's name, assuring that victory belongs to the Lamb. Ultimately, he urges believers to hold fast to their hope in Christ, who is the anchor for their souls.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that believers should expect tribulation as part of their Christian journey, reminding them to look upward to God, who is pure and holy, and to recognize the need for refining through affliction. He urges Christians to be aware of the spiritual battles they face, as Satan will relentlessly pursue them, and to understand that the world is not their friend but an enemy territory. Spurgeon also highlights the internal struggles with sin that every believer faces, asserting that even without external foes, the heart can be a source of trouble. However, he reassures believers that God is present to provide help and strength in times of trouble.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound connection between oneness with God and sharing in His passion, particularly through suffering. He draws parallels between Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac and God's sacrifice of His own Son, illustrating that true fellowship with God is found in embracing His sufferings. Sparks highlights that while suffering may seem daunting, it leads to blessings not only for ourselves but also for others, as seen in God's promise to Abraham. He encourages believers to accept the cup of Christ's sufferings, which ultimately brings joy and fulfillment. The message is one of hope, revealing that through trials, we can experience the fullness of God's blessings.

H.J. Vine preaches about the believer's desire to always be overflowing with joy and gladness, emphasizing that through Christ, we have received unspeakable gladness and eternal joy in God's glory. While we are called to rejoice in the Lord always, we must also be prepared for suffering and trials in this world. It is essential to seek joy in the right way, focusing not only on our own joy but also on promoting the joy of others and the joy of the Lord.

Samuel Rutherford humbly acknowledges his unworthiness and the presence of inner struggles and temptations, finding solace in the shower of free grace bestowed upon him. He expresses his deep joy in suffering for Christ, considering it a privilege to bear witness to the truth and carry the marks of his great King. Rutherford anticipates heavier trials but remains steadfast in his faith, ready to face any challenge with the strength of God's grace, knowing that his Master will ultimately triumph. Despite being laid low by the tempter, he holds fast to his unchangeable love for the Lord, trusting in the unwavering faith that carries him through.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of living under the watchful eye of God, who tenderly invites us to return to Him despite our wanderings. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, especially in times of affliction, as it is through trials that our faith is strengthened and our spiritual lives revived. Winslow reminds us that the ultimate hope lies in the promise of eternal glory, where all sorrow and sin will cease, and we will be fully satisfied in God's likeness. He calls for self-examination and a commitment to spiritual growth, urging believers to rely on God's grace and the power of prayer in their daily walk with Him.

John Chrysostom delivers a sermon addressing the Prefect's role in pacifying the people amidst rumors of danger, emphasizing the need for courage and faith in the face of adversity. He urges the congregation to avoid oaths and highlights the importance of enduring tribulations with patience and hope in God's deliverance. Chrysostom encourages the listeners to imitate Paul's example of finding joy and glory in suffering for Christ, showcasing the power of faith and perseverance. He concludes by exhorting the congregation to use the Lenten season as a time for spiritual growth, focusing on genuine repentance and good works that endure beyond the fasting period.

Samuel Rutherford delivers a letter of encouragement to the Presbyterian Church of Ireland during a time of great distress, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith despite persecutions and the loss of their ministers. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to the cause for which they are suffering, reminding them that the way they are enduring reproach for is the only saving way to heaven. Rutherford encourages them to hold fast to Christ, even in the face of trials and temptations, and assures them that Christ will ultimately be victorious.