Sermons on Bad Circumstances:

Freedom Without Escape

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Apr 3, 2001

Real freedom does not come from escaping your circumstances, or from being able to do whatever you want; real freedom is the power to live in obedience to God.

Do you feel free? Or do you sometimes feel trapped? No way out, all the exits boarded up? Ever feel that all your obligations and responsibilities have tied you down, that all you’re doing is marching to someone else’s music, responding to someone else’s demands, all the time doing what you have to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 6:22

Denomination: Baptist

Conviction Versus Preference Series

Contributed by Herson Gonzalez on Mar 20, 2006

There is a difference between a conviction and a preference. A preference is a very strong belief, held with great strength, but a belief that you will change under the right circumstances. A conviction is a belief that you will not change.

SEVEN AREAS WE NEED TO CHANGE IN ORDER TO CHANGE OUR LIVES CALVARY WORSHIP CENTER MARCH 19, 2006 Pastor Herson Gonzalez Without a plan for change, all we will do is talk about changing all our lives, but we will stay the same. All of the singing and the praying and the preaching and the ...read more

Scripture: John 21:15-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Why And How We Rejoice And Be Thankful Always?

Contributed by Barnabas Park on Apr 29, 2005

Why and how can and should we rejoice and give thanks in whatever circumstances. Why, because of the gospel. How, by, while holding to the gospel, keeping the new commandment

Why and how do we rejoice and give thanks? As I share the word of God with you, I pray that you and I may experience "being Spirit-filled." I am very confident that we would experience that as we pay all our attention to the word of God, which I am going to share. The bible says, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Habakkuk 3:17-18, 1 Corinthians 2:2, John 15:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

How God Works In Our Lives

Contributed by Jay Robison on Mar 22, 2005

Looking at when David first comes on the Biblical scene; we see God Works in our lives by Giving Us Spiritual Gifts, Natural Abilities and in our circumstances.

HOW GOD WORKS IN OUR LIVES March 10, 2005 Jay Robison 1 SAMUEL 16:13-23 David is one of the heroes of the OT, wrote many Psalms A great King, one who dropped Goliath in his tracks Great military man, wise leader, won many battles Before all of that though David was the youngest of 8 sons A ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

Destination Bethlehem: A Stable Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 27, 2015

God chose the most humble circumstances possible for the entrance of His Son into the world. He did this that we might know His love and receive Him as one of us.

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7, Isaiah 9:6

Denomination: Baptist

Refocusing!

Contributed by Victor Ramlall on Jan 28, 2013

It's essential in every situation and circumstance to deliberately refocus our attention solely on God who is able to keep us from falling and cause us to triumph in Christ.

Many times we become blindsided. We are caught without warning. We've been exposed to the unexpected ugliness of humanity which we did not care to see. We have uncertainty, doubts and fears. Many times we have wavered and slowed down and come to a standstill. We have looked around in uncertainty ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-23

Denomination: Pentecostal

Attentive To The Swirls

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Feb 26, 2013

Because God speaks in a variety of ways, it is important that we pay attention to the variety of ways that God is speaking to us through our life circumstances, scripture, prayer, etc.

Intro: In my experience, a significant part of living as a child of God is being attentive to life. It is in listening carefully and prayerfully to all the various sounds going on inside and around, to all the various voices and calls, to all the various situations and circumstances, to the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

Smyrna: Pain That Words Cannot Express Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Apr 8, 2013

This is the third message in this series that looks at the letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. This message examines the letter to the church at Smyrna. The message examines the extreme circumstances and poverty that the church at Smy

It has been said that love is a universal language. The same has been said of music. However, I believe that the same could be said of suffering. Each of these speaks a language that can only be heard in depths of our hearts. Only in our hearts can we find the language of unexplainable misery ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Michael Jackson's Elusive Joy

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Jul 2, 2009

What Is My Outlook For Life? 1. Life is not necessarily a life of comfort and ease. 2. Life is not dependent on outside circumstances. 3. Life is not glamorous, flashy or outwardly impressive.

Proverbs 12:15KJV 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: .....Proverbs 14:12KJV – Prov. 16:25 12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Romans 6:20-21KJV 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

What Is The Providence Of God? Series

Contributed by James Lee on Dec 9, 2016

God, in His wisdom, will guide us through every circumstance we face but we must surrender to His will. Thanks to Pastor Jason Jones for the original submission.

What is the Providence of God? Acts 25:1-12 Millard Erickson once said, “The providence of God means the continuing action of God in preserving His creation and guiding it toward his intended purposes” What this means is that we are able to live our lives knowing that God is present ...read more

Scripture: Acts 25:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

This Is A Test.... Series

Contributed by Dean O'bryan on Jun 19, 2006

Second in a series on the life of Joseph; emphasis here is that God uses circumstances to build and test our character. The character trait of Faithfulness is observable in Joseph’s experience here.

Trinity Baptist Church June 18, 2006 Character on Display: This is a test... Genesis 39:1-23 This US media reported to us this week that our government doled out as much as 1.4 billion dollars in bogus assistance to “victims” of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. FEMA was hoodwinked into ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 39:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Effective And Fervent Prayer

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Nov 27, 2006

No matter how difficult our circumstances may be… it is in this process of prayer and faith that will build us stronger and, in the end, make our lives more blessed and enjoyable.

EFFECTIVE AND FERVENT PRAYER Adapted from - LET THESE BE OUR PRAYERS Sermon Central – 09.17.06 2Thessalonians 1:11-12 San Raphael, Prieto Diaz Sorsogon <Power Point available upon request.> INTRODUCTION My wife and I were married in 1971 and there was a popular country song entitled “I never ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Reasons To Rejoice!

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Dec 15, 2010

If we will learn to focus on the Lord instead of our circumstances, we will find many reasons to rejoice! Mary recognized the character and faithfulness of God which prompted her praise.

Reasons to Rejoice! [Background to Mary’s Praise] Luke 1:26-45 26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-56

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The High Calling Of Prayer Series

Contributed by Rudolf E. Y. Mensah on Dec 11, 2023

He wants us to ask for His help, wisdom, and strength at all times and in all circumstances. He made this promise and He will never fail. Nothing is asked in vain!

Oasis WordBank Opening Passage Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24 (ESV) Title: The High Calling Of Prayer Columnist: Rudolf E. Y. Mensah, ©Oasis WordBank Reference: 00122309 Devotional This is an open call to ...read more

Scripture: John 16:24, Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 7:7

Denomination: Charismatic

How To Be Content With A Lot - Philippians 4:10-12 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 16, 2022

Contentment has nothing to do with your circumstances. Discontent fights against providence. This message how to enjoy God's love expressed through his blessings.

Philippians 4:10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-12