Testing
In the Bible, the concept of testing often refers to a divine examination of faith, character, or obedience. Testing can take various forms, including trials, challenges, and temptations, and serves to reveal a person's true nature or fidelity to God. For instance, in the Old Testament, God tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2). This act was not only a profound personal trial for Abraham but also a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative that showcased his unwavering faith and obedience to God.In the New Testament, the idea of testing takes on a more nuanced meaning. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to consider it pure joy when facing trials because these tests produce perseverance, leading to spiritual maturity. Similarly, in 1 Peter 1:6-7, the apostle Peter describes trials as a means of refining faith, likening it to gold that is tested by fire. Furthermore, the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) illustrates the distinction between testing and temptation, where Jesus was tested by Satan but remained sinless. Thus, biblical testing is ultimately seen as a tool used by God to strengthen, purify, and affirm the faith of believers.
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Why God Tests Our Faith
By Don Currin1.1K44:00PSA 66:10MAT 6:33ROM 5:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reasons why God tests our faith. The first reason is to free us from the things that bind us. The speaker uses the example of the three Hebrew children who were thrown into the fire but were not harmed because the only thing they lost was what bound them. The second reason is to reveal Jesus in our lives, as others can see Him in us when we go through difficult times. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reflecting and demonstrating the character of Christ when faced with pressure or challenges.
God's Testing
By Manley Beasley1.1K49:291CO 10:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses four distinct points related to the children of Israel. The first point is redemption, highlighting the significance of God's redemption of the Israelites. The second point is identification, emphasizing the importance of believers embracing their identity in Christ. The third point is temptation or testing, emphasizing the purpose of testing in proving one's faith. The fourth point is the failure of the Israelites to pass the test they were prepared for, drawing parallels to believers facing their final test. The preacher also mentions a personal story of a young lady seeking the glory of God and the purpose of testing in turning to Him. The sermon concludes with a plea for listeners to actively engage with the tape ministry and to pray for those who receive the tapes.
The Hour of Testing
By Phil Beach Jr.321:17:32PSA 139:23Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the need for believers to draw closer to God, confessing their pride and self-righteousness while recognizing the splendor of His beauty. He calls for a heartfelt prayer for God to search our hearts and reveal our true state, urging the church to abandon a distant walk with God and instead seek a deeper relationship. The sermon highlights that true healing and understanding of our depravity come from seeing Jesus clearly, which leads to genuine repentance and a desire for more of Him in our lives. Beach Jr. stresses that the greatest gift from God is the revelation of our faithlessness, which ultimately draws us closer to Him and ignites a passion for prayer and devotion.
Testing and Trials
By Erlo Stegen61754:12DEU 10:122CH 32:31MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving all honor, praise, and glory to God. He encourages the listeners to have a heart filled with gratitude and thanks to God, even in times of testing and trials. The preacher shares a parable about a tortoise who wanted to migrate and hitched a ride with geese by holding onto a rope with his mouth. As people marveled at the sight of a flying tortoise, the tortoise took credit for the idea, highlighting the danger of becoming conceited. The sermon concludes with a reference to 2 Chronicles 32:31, where God tested Hezekiah by allowing envoys from Babylon to inquire about a miraculous sign, revealing what was in his heart.
Tried & Proven
By Phil Beach Jr.261:10:48LUK 24:13Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for the Lord through the testing of our faith, as illustrated by the stories of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Philip's encounter with Jesus, and Elisha's commitment to Elijah. He highlights that God tests us not to lead us astray but to awaken a desire for Him within us, prompting us to cry out for His presence and guidance. The sermon encourages believers to endure trials with faith, knowing that true blessing comes from remaining steadfast in our commitment to God. Ultimately, the message calls for a heartfelt response to God's call, demonstrating love through obedience and trust in His ways.
Your Big Test
By George Verwer1.0K52:06JAS 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving and understanding the word of God. They mention their extensive experience in preaching and the need to approach scripture with seriousness and openness. The speaker highlights the call for holiness in 1 Peter 1:13-15 and encourages believers to see beyond difficult circumstances, trusting in God's purpose. They also reference James 1:2-8, which teaches that trials can lead to maturity and the importance of seeking wisdom from God in faith.
Testing God
By Jim Cymbala60620:12EXO 14:21PSA 95:7HEB 3:8HEB 3:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the callousness that can come upon people when they take for granted the blessings and faithfulness of God. He highlights the incredible miracles that God performed for the Israelites, such as the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of their needs. Despite witnessing these miracles, the Israelites still rebelled and tested God, leading to God's anger and their inability to enter His rest. The speaker warns Christians not to have a sinful and unbelieving heart that turns away from God, but instead encourages them to daily encourage one another and remain steadfast in their faith.
The Stones of Testing
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K18:54JOS 4:1JOS 4:24JOS 5:13MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a concrete testimony to the power of God's resurrection and victory over death. He uses the story of Joshua and the crossing of the Jordan River as an example. The speaker highlights the significance of the twelve stones that were placed in the river as a symbol of God's triumph. He emphasizes that this testimony should not just be a theory or teaching, but something that is real and manifested in the lives of believers. The speaker also mentions how this testimony can impact not only believers but also the enemies of the Lord, causing them to lose heart.
A Time of Testing
By Phil Beach Jr.1955:37MAT 11:28ROM 8:282CO 4:12CO 5:17EPH 4:28PHP 4:132TI 1:7HEB 12:5JAS 1:21PE 1:6Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's sovereignty during times of testing, urging believers to embrace their struggles as opportunities for spiritual growth. He highlights that the challenges we face are not punishments but rather divine training meant to reveal Christ's power within us. The sermon calls for a shift from a man-centered perspective to a Christ-centered one, encouraging the congregation to renounce dishonesty and self-sufficiency. Beach Jr. reassures that through God's discipline, believers can experience transformation and ultimately reflect the beauty of Christ in their lives. He concludes by inviting the congregation to submit to God's work in their hearts, trusting in His purpose and grace.
Genesis #14 Ch. 16-18 Test of Abraham
By Chuck Missler4.0K1:27:07GEN 12:3GAL 4:41TH 4:18In this sermon, Chuck Misler focuses on Genesis chapters sixteen and seventeen. He begins with a prayer, asking for understanding and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Misler emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible without being limited by chapter divisions, as they can sometimes disrupt the flow of the message. He also highlights the supernatural basis for God's promises and the freedom from bondage that comes through Jesus Christ. Throughout the sermon, Misler references various Bible verses, including Galatians 4:4 and 1 Corinthians 13, to support his teachings.
An Invitation - Part 3 - Testing - the Door to an Open Heaven
By Phil Beach Jr.351:04:52MAT 5:10Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of testing in the Christian life, drawing parallels from the book of Daniel. He explains that tests of purity, worship, and compromise are essential for believers to experience an open heaven and divine revelation. By remaining faithful through trials, Christians can gain a heavenly perspective and deeper intimacy with God. The sermon encourages believers to embrace their trials as opportunities for growth and to seek a heart devoted to God amidst worldly distractions. Ultimately, the message calls for a commitment to spiritual integrity and reliance on God's grace.
The Lord Tests the Righteous
By Zac Poonen2.3K1:01:07JER 36:6JHN 6:66REV 3:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of losing his sermon transcript and how he believes God allowed it to happen because the words were not strong enough. He then references the story of Jeremiah and how God instructed him to rewrite the scroll with even stronger words of judgment. The speaker also mentions another incident where Jesus' disciples were offended by his teachings and many of them withdrew. He compares this to the sifting of wheat and emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need for strong words of judgment in preaching the word of God.
The Great Shaking - Jesus Is Testing You Right Now
By Phil Beach Jr.341:12:22JHN 6:5Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that Jesus is currently testing each of us, revealing the truth about our hearts and our dependence on Him. He encourages the congregation to seek the truth from God rather than the comforting lies of the world, urging them to confront their weaknesses and idols. The sermon highlights the importance of prayer and humility in the face of trials, as well as the necessity of a personal encounter with Jesus to truly understand our spiritual condition. Beach Jr. calls for a commitment to pursue the blesser over the blessings, reminding us that true joy comes from surrendering to God's will, even in times of testing.