Sermons on Facing Criticism:

What Brings A Smile To God's Face?

Contributed by Richard Schwedes on Nov 8, 2018

A sermon in the character of an observer who was seeing the events that unfolded in Mark 12:38-44, where he see the difference between the religious rulers and the widow, and we explore not only what this means for us but what this story reveals about God.

I will never forget that day. I was sitting near the back waiting to worship and out of the corner of my eye I could the one everyone was talking about. This is the one who was challenging some of the religious authorities, not with violence but with love and something called grace. And there ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Lutheran

When Facing A Decision Lesson 5 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 20, 2023

Fasting will not make a decision for you, it gives you access to God. In His presence, you can find your answer.

“And he (Paul) was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” Acts 9:9 “Is this the fast that I (the Lord) have chosen … (so) your light (understanding) should break forth speedily.” Isaiah 58:6, 8 NKJV “We can make our plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.” Proverbs 16:9, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-19, Isaiah 58:6, Isaiah 58:8, Proverbs 16:9

Denomination: Baptist

Are We To Be Prepared To Face Doom Or Deliverance?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Feb 11, 2024

In this passage of Scripture, God is placing judgment on a sinful world. Assyria had been a powerful nation. They were proud of themselves at how they conquered the various lands and its people.

The Patience and Power of God: Like Jonah, Nahum was a prophet to the capital of the Assyrian Empire, Nineveh, and he prophesied somewhere in the range of 663 and 654 B.C. Jonah had seen the city atone a century sooner, however it had fallen once more into devilishness. Assyria was controlling the ...read more

Scripture: Nahum 1:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Unshaken: Standing Firm In The Face Of Persecution Series

Contributed by Sandeep Samson on Apr 8, 2025

As we head into the era of chaos where the the world is in crisis, with War and battle zones drawn, frequent natural disasters across nations, political upheavals and unrest, Injustice, pride, selfishness and Godlessness prevails. Christians face rampant persecution.

I. Stand Firm in Conviction Core Verse: Daniel 3:16-18 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What To Do When Facing Adversity

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Jun 10, 2024

Adversity hits all of us. St. Paul says it is what you do when adversity hits that is important.

What To Do When Facing Adversity 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz 13 But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, 14 knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

When I Am Faced With A Trial

Contributed by Bruce Lee on May 28, 2025

The story of Daniel in the bible starts out with him a 15 year-old boy.

When I Am Faced With a Trial “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 2:20-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Challenges That A Christian Home May Face Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Sep 9, 2025

A Christian home must stand firm on Christ as its foundation to overcome pressures, preserve godliness, and shine as a light in a dark world.

CHALLENGES THAT A CHRISTIAN HOME MAY FACE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Joshua 24:15 Key Verse: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15b) Supporting Texts: Romans 12:2, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 5:21–33, 2 Timothy 3:12 INTRODUCTION: The Christian home is the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Facing Adversity With The Eagle’s Anointing Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Sep 10, 2025

The eagle’s anointing empowers believers to face adversity with renewed strength, spiritual vision, and victorious endurance.

FACING ADVERSITY WITH THE EAGLE’S ANOINTING By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Isaiah 40:28-31 Key Verse: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:28-31

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Five Smooth Stones - God Gets The Glory Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon explores how God often chooses the unlikely and the weak to showcase His strength and faithfulness, using the story of David as an example.

Welcome back for another week of worship together! I’m thankful you decided to join us this morning. If you were here last week, you know we started a brand new sermon series called “5 Smooth Stones.” We looked at the story of David and Goliath. This is a well-known story about the Israelite army ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:12-28

Topics: Unlikely Heroes, Divine Plan, Facing Giants

Sermon Series: Five Smooth Stones

Encounter One. Facing Fear. (Includes Discussion Questions At The End) Series

Contributed by Paul Hardy on May 3, 2022

When you live in fear, it will often appear in a sense of seeking power and control. When you encounter Jesus, you will find peace!

INTRODUCTION: How will I introduce the message? When you live in fear, it will often appear in a sense of seeking power and control. When you encounter Jesus, you will find peace! There are four great impelling motives that move us to action: Fear, Hope, Faith, and Love —these four, but the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:4, Revelation 1:17, John 18:2-5

Denomination: Baptist

In The Crosshairs Series

Contributed by David Owens on Aug 26, 2011

Christians and leaders alike will be criticized and persecuted. Take a look at how Moses dealt with being in the crosshairs.

Introduction: A. The story is told of an elderly lady who came to church one Sunday. 1. An usher said to her “Where would you like to sit?” 2. She said “I would like to sit in the very front row.” 3. He said, “No, ma’am. You don’t want to do that. Our ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Please Build, Not Tear Down!

Contributed by David Simpson on Feb 15, 2018

Negativity and criticism permeates our society, workplace, churches and homes. Use the power of the tongue to build up, not tear down, because the consequences of negativity are severe.

Sermon Lanier Christian Church February 11, 2018 David Simpson Please Build, Not Tear Down! Numbers 13:30-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:11 I grew up in church; And part of my childhood involved learning countless children’s songs. One of the popular ones was: (VS 1) Oh, be careful little ears, ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 13:30-32

Denomination: Christian Church

Negativism Series

Contributed by Dr. Lewis W. Gregory on Jun 2, 2020

We live in a day of massive negativism. Everyone is a critic, and faultfinding is running rampant.

Are you emphasizing the positive or the negative? Are you a religion basher, or a Life dispenser? Are you a faultfinder, or a solution maker? Are you promoting lies and deception, or truth and light? NEGATIVISM - We live in a day of massive negativism. Everyone is a critic, and ...read more

Scripture: John 8:36, Philippians 4:8, 1 John 4:8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Our Attitude Toward The Wandering Sheep

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Sep 9, 2010

We can very easily get very judgmental of the wandering sheep. These people make bad choices and get into trouble. But let's see how the Great Shepherd views these wanderers.

Passage: Matthew 18:10-14 Intro: One of the amazing things about us is that we can take a vice and turn it into a virtue. 1. and we are especially good at this when it comes to attitudes. 2. read about love, forgiveness, grace and we believe it. 3. but we also read about discipline and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:10-14

Denomination: Evangelical Free

A Matter Of Timing Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jan 16, 2012

Moses shows us that sometimes following God is a matter of timing more than ability or training.

A preacher was invited to an area church to preach. When he began his sermon, there was enthusiasm. The more the congregation responded loud to his sermon, the longer he went on. Finally, he noticed that the host preacher had started responding to his sermon by saying "Amen, Pharaoh." After a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:17-44

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ