Sermons on Difficulties:

The Widow's Oil

Contributed by Scott Ridout on Jul 2, 2009

This sermon focuses on the story of the Widow’s Oil from 2 Kings 4 and answers the questions: "Why do bad things happen to good people, where is God when they do, and what do we do when it happens to us?" Part of a series entitled "Seven".

We’re in a series called "Seven" learning unforgettable lessons from forgotten lives of the Old Testament. This week we are going to take a look at a woman who is having a very difficult time in her life. In fact I’m not sure things can get worse. If you have a Bible, turn to the passage in 2 ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Grief Leads To Joy, Change Leads To Blessings.

Contributed by Sean Harder on Jul 8, 2009

We can’t avoid grief or change in this lifetime, fortunately both can lead to a better life.

Grief Leads to Joy, Change Leads to Blessings. John 16:16-22 and Acts 2:42-47 I would like to start today with a story you may be familiar with. “I was out fishing one day with my brother and we had been talking recently about a buzz down the river about this guy who was baptizing people and ...read more

Scripture: John 16:16-22

Economic Empowerment Part 1: Attack Your Lack Series

Contributed by Ken Hubbard on Feb 2, 2010

This sermon addresses an attitude of "lack" in relation to financial situation and how to combat it.

INTRO  He was a man that feared the Lord  Just because you love God doesn’t mean you won’t have lack  Pay your debt  Live on the rest  It’s always a challenge to deal with finances o Whenever I deal with it while I am trying to help ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Economic Empowerment Part 3: Kingdom Builders Series

Contributed by Ken Hubbard on Feb 2, 2010

This third sermon in a series on finances discusses money's role in a godly person's life.

* My Disclaimer : If you are one of those people whose heart skips a beat when the church talks about money, you might want to take your heart medication! * Part of my pastoral responsibility is to bring people out of curse and into blessing ƒ{ There are Christians that still don't understand ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:12-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Economic Empowerment Part 2: Prosperity With A Purpose Series

Contributed by Ken Hubbard on Feb 2, 2010

This is the second in a series of messages on godly finances, specifically how people move past a poverty mindset to a prosperity mindset.

 I realize that this series makes people nervous  I’ve preached ____ messages and need to bring a balanced diet  I realize these are not heaven or hell issues  But, I want to see you prosper in all ways • You don’t do yourself any favors if you ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Economic Empowerment Part 4: No Empty Hands Series

Contributed by Ken Hubbard on Feb 2, 2010

This is the fourth sermon in a series of messages on godly finances focusing on debt relief.

EXODUS = departure or exit  I want to use this story as a metaphor to journey out of financial slavery  I want to see the people of God depart & exit from financial bondage  Egypt = limited – narrow place  Exit out of stinking thinking o Not asset / ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Economic Empowerment Part 5: Kings & Priests Series

Contributed by Ken Hubbard on Feb 2, 2010

This is the final message in a series of sermons on handling finances in a godly way. This message addresses the difference between vision and provision, and how both are important for proper stewardship and feeling fulfilled.

VISION - PRIESTS PROVISION - KINGS * You will function as one or the other * All the time (private life) * But only in the office of one (church) ƒ{ If you are not receiving a paycheck for full-time employment from your church, then you are a king. o I would love to be a king -- here's ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Don’t Go Over The Hedge Series

Contributed by Ken Hubbard on Feb 3, 2010

A message on God’s "hedge" of protection around us in our times of trial and struggle.

INTRO ƒ{ This is part 2 of our Survivor Series ƒ{ It is my attempt to give you principles of survival. ƒ{ Remember the children’s movie; "Over the Hedge" ƒ{ When the characters went over the hedge they got into all kinds of trouble ƒ{ God has a place for us to live ƒ{ If we are going to ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:6-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You Can’t Curse Your Crisis Series

Contributed by Ken Hubbard on Feb 3, 2010

A sermon on persevering through crises and trials.

INTRO ƒ{ Paul is the ultimate survivor ƒ{ He has been through everything o Stoned o Beaten o Locked up o Lied at, to, on o Shipwrecked o Bitten by snake o Even his conversation was a bit on the rough side ƒ{ Yet I never saw him complain or curse his crisis ƒ{ Instead he has learned to be ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:27-44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Batman, The Dark Knight: Endure Series

Contributed by Ken Hubbard on Feb 11, 2010

A sermon about how the hero people need can be found in Jesus Christ, and we can endure in the face of evil and trials.

INTRO: Video * The Dark Knight is now the 2nd highest money maker grossing over 500 million * Just beating the previous record holder Spider Man 3 * Perhaps there is such a draw (in an uncertain time. * Because everyone really does want a hero * And perhaps all of them deal with their own ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Be A Hopeful Person Series

Contributed by Brian Atwood on Feb 22, 2010

How to live in hope rather than despair, depression or discouragement.

We begin a new series today - "Does God Care?" We're going to utilize the New Testament book of Hebrews because it was initially written to a group of people pondering the care of God. Times were hard for the Jewish Christ followers in the First Century of the church. They faced persecution and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:11-20

Denomination: Baptist

Hard Lessons From Wisdom Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Feb 26, 2010

What we learn from our suffering sometimes is difficult for us to understand and accept, but God is faithful and will bring us thru...

Sermon Brief Date Written: January 16, 2010 Date Preached: January 17, 2010 Where Preached: Oak Park (AM) Sermon Details: Sermon Series: A Series on Job Sermon Title: Hard Lessons from Wisdom Sermon Text: Job 28 [HCSB] 20 Where then does wisdom come from, and where is ...read more

Scripture: Job 28:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

School For The Performing Arts Part 2 Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jan 13, 2010

A study of chapter 2 verses 9 through 17

Ezekiel 4: 9 – 17 ‘School for the performing arts’ Part 2 9 “Also take for yourself wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt; put them into one vessel, and make bread of them for yourself. During the number of days that you lie on your side, three hundred and ninety ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 4:9-17

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Understanding Trials And Temptations Series

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Jan 15, 2010

There is a difference between a trial and a temptation. there is a difference in the way that we approach our trials. God has to be in charge.

Faith that Works; Understanding trials of Life James 1:1-18 Introduction: We are starting a new series this week called Faith that works. We will be studying the book of James. Possible other lessons; Listening and living the Word of God. Taming you tongue. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-18

Denomination: Nazarene

Overcoming Adversity Is As Easy As Pie! Series

Contributed by C Jordan on Jan 16, 2010

God wants us to dream big, but every dreamer will experience troubles and trials. Overcoming adversity is as easy as P.I.E: Providence, Integrity and Endurance.

EXTRAORDINARY DREAMS #2: OVERCOMING ADVERSITY IS AS EASY AS P.I.E. KEY TEXT: “God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or dream, according to His power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20). • God has placed within our heart hopes and dreams that He wants to fulfill for ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 39:1-22

Denomination: *other