Sermons on Dire Circumstances:

Revival Follows Persecution

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 23, 2014

For centuries, Christians have been hated and viciously opposed in many nations. But persecution has not destroyed Christianity. Even under the direst circumstances, it has not only survived but thrived and revived the church.

Opening illustration: Did you know that if one of the arms of a starfish is severed, a new one will grow in its place? In fact, if a starfish is cut up, any piece that contains a part of the central disc will develop into a new starfish. Some oyster fishermen found that out, much to their dismay, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Happened To Chapter 29? Series

Contributed by James Lee on Nov 4, 2014

After praying for guidance God led me to Pastor Jerry Shirley's Acts series and the messages in this series has been revised to fit the circumstances we have been facing at EBC.

What Happened to Acts Chapter 29, pt. 1 Acts 1:1 Turn in your Bibles to Acts 29: 1 [no such chapter!] You’ll notice there are only 28 chapters…but I wonder if you have ever noticed how the book of Acts ends. READ Could this really be the end? Is there or should there be more? The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

Criticize Others Carefully Series

Contributed by Leslie Tarlton on Nov 19, 2014

We sometimes criticize others unfairly. We don't know all their circumstances, nor their motives. Only God, who is aware of all the facts, is able to judge people righteously.

The Letter to the Romans Chapter 2:1-11 “Criticize others Carefully” November 1, 2009 PRAY Heavenly Father, INTRODUCTION We sometimes criticize others unfairly. We don't know all their circumstances, nor their motives. Only God, who is aware of all the facts, is able to judge ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Persistent Prayer

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Feb 28, 2021

She had nowhere else to turn, she had no other resources, this is a wonderful reminder that in our circumstances, our situations, our troubles, we have nowhere else to turn but to God!

Luke 18:1-Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2-saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3-“Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4-“And he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Free Indeed

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Jul 26, 2020

Freedom according to the 13th amendment is iffy at best, based upon interpretation and circumstance, but the Bible says in John 8:36 “Whom the son hath set free is free indeed”

Free Indeed By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING:- According to Wikipedia Slavery is any system in which principles of property law are applied to people, allowing individuals to own, buy and sell other individuals, as a form of property. An enslaved person is unable to withdraw unilaterally ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-36

Denomination: Apostolic

The Prayer Of Thanksgiving Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 1, 2021

Paul demonstrated the power of a thankful heart to overcome enormous negative circumstances. Prayer is not the dark garment of despair. Prayer is a bright garment of praise that will dress up the soul even on the dreariest of days.

My earliest childhood memories of being in church are of the rope that I could ride. The thick rope hung down through the ceiling in the church entry way. I was so little that when the rope was pulled to ring the bell in the belfry, I could hang on to it and get a ride as it would pull me up off ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-6

Making Decisions Against Yourself—faith Verses Fear.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Dec 29, 2021

Faith is letting God get between you and your circumstances. Faith is simply ‘ones’ belief system. You either have a measure of faith, or you don’t. No grey zones.

Making Decisions Against Yourself—Faith Verses Fear. Hebrews 11:1-2TPT When it comes down to what’s holding you back it quite possibly could be, fear. Fear is this, Fear is letting your circumstances come between you and God. However, Faith is letting God get between you and your ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-2, Hebrews 11:6, Genesis 12:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Joy Stealers – Philippians 3:1-6 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Apr 2, 2022

We learned about “joy stealers.” It’s a concept to which all of us can relate, since life is frequently full of circumstances that conspire to bring us down emotionally.

You know, the biggest problem that parents report that their children have is not being able to handle disappointment well. How do I know that? Because I helped design what's called the Child Behavior Inventory. It's an inventory that measures nine different areas in a child's life that ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Real Meaning Of "i Can Do All Things"

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Aug 24, 2025

Often misunderstood as a guarantee for success, this sermon on Philippians 4:13 reveals the verse's true power: a divine strength from Christ to find contentment in every circumstance of life.

Introduction: A Familiar Promise This verse is arguably one of the most famous in all of Scripture. We see it on bumper stickers, t-shirts, and social media. It is quoted by athletes before a big game, by entrepreneurs before a big meeting, and by students before a final exam. On its own, the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:13

Denomination: Baptist

Advent: The Promise Of Joy Psalm 16:11; Luke 1:39-56 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 10, 2024

Joy is something our world often misunderstands. People search for joy in fleeting pleasures, possessions, or accomplishments. But as followers of Christ, we know that true joy is found in a person, not in possessions or circumstances.

Advent: The Promise of Joy Psalm 16:11; Luke 1:39-56 Theme: Jesus brings joy that goes beyond circumstances. Key Verse: Luke 1:47 – “How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!” Introduction Today, we continue our Advent series by exploring the beautiful truth of joy. Joy is something our world ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-56, Psalm 16:11, Isaiah 35:10, Psalm 51:12, Romans 10:15, Luke 2:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Tomorrow About This Time Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 17, 2025

This story reminds us that God can shift any situation overnight. His word is more powerful than the prevailing circumstance. When God speaks, the future bends to His voice.

TOMORROW ABOUT THIS TIME By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Kings 7:1-20 Supporting Texts: Psalm 30:5; Jeremiah 32:27; Isaiah 43:19; Romans 4:17-21; Joel 2:25-26 INTRODUCTION: The nation of Israel was in a desperate situation. A severe famine had struck Samaria, caused by a siege from the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 7:1-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Overcoming Doubt Through Faith

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 19, 2025

Doubt is one of the greatest obstacles to experiencing the fullness of God’s power and promises. True faith trusts God even when circumstances seem impossible or when our emotions waver.

OVERCOMING DOUBT THROUGH FAITH By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Mark 9:23-24 Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:1, James 1:6-8, Matthew 14:31, Romans 4:20-21, Psalm 56:3 INTRODUCTION: Doubt is one of the greatest obstacles to experiencing the fullness of God’s power and promises. It is a natural ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:23-24, Hebrews 11:1, James 1:6-8, Matthew 14:31

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Barriers That Were Meant To Be Broken

Contributed by Mark Mccool on Feb 4, 2005

Certain laws in our world are unbreakable, whether of mathmatics, physics, or natural science. Sin, circumstances, and life, often place barriers that seem impossible to break through, but to Christ, they are barriers meant to be broken.

“BARRIERS THAT WERE MEANT TO BE BROKEN” Mark McCool TEXT: John 5:19-20 19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20 For the ...read more

Scripture: John 5:19-20

Denomination: Pentecostal

Count It All Joy

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 10, 2005

We can’t always be "happy", for happiness is based on happenstance [circumstance], but we can always find joy in: The Scriptures, Salvation, Service, Sorrow, and Soulwinning. Free Powerpoint template at website.

Count It All Joy James 1:2 Powerpoint Template at: http://www.gbcdecatur.org/sermons/CountJoy.html James makes it sound so easy. "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations" (James 1:2). the "all" here means everything that could possibly come our way. Paul urged the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2

Denomination: Baptist

The Missionary Mandate To Love One Another!

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Dec 9, 2005

God used Peter to write these words to a church under pressure, persecuted by the local community. Whatever our circumstances, Jesus has issued us with a missionary mandate to love one another deeply ...

This piece of scripture was written by the apostle Peter to a church which was under pressure. Opposition from the local community was high. Violence and persecution towards the church was quite normal. It is a long way from my experience, but the call of God for the church to be Good News is as ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Denomination: Anglican