Sermons on Overcoming Adversity:

The Bumps Are What You Climb On

Contributed by John Gaston on Feb 28, 2018

The bumps/trials of life seem like things that hinder us and stunt us, but in reality, the bumps are spiritually the only way we can advance the inner life upward. Jacob's frequent troubles enhanced the overcoming nature latent within him.

THE BUMPS ARE WHAT YOU CLIMB ON INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. Doug Scattergood told how he was deployed with the Navy in the Red Sea for several months. Finally he got the chance to go ashore in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. 2. He went to a pay-phone on the pier, produced all the change ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Lion's Den Series

Contributed by Gregg Barbour on Feb 8, 2010

Look Back at Daniel and the Lion's Den in this stirring sermon on perseverance in the face of adversity

We’re continuing our series on O.T. Old School, with stories you’ve learned since you were a kid. Last week, we talked about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the Fiery Furnace. Tonight, we’re going to look at their friend, Daniel. I was looking for a good illustration to ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 6:1-28

Denomination: *other

Blind Bart Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 11, 2010

If we dont’ want to become weakened or hardened in adversity, but change the world around us, we must throw aside our own efforts at self-betterment and trust Christ with our lives.

A daughter complained to her father about how hard things were for her. “As soon as I solve one problem,” she said, “another one comes up. I’m tired of struggling.” Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen where he filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Beyond Our Strength Series

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Jun 16, 2015

When you undergo afflictions, go over your convictions.

JOSEPH BAYLY ONCE SAID, “Never doubt in the dark what you learned in the light.” But we do, don’t we? When we go through times of trial, we lose sight of what we believe. We have a tendency to see only the bad our afflictions. For example, when the heat’s on, we may assume ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Working Through Conflict

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jan 9, 2014

Trying to answer the question, “Does a person have to accept the whole law before he can be saved?

JUL 21 2013 PM Working through Conflict Acts 15:5-22 Last Sunday we found ourselves in the middle of the Great Jerusalem Council. We saw that part one of the meetings was Paul and Barnabas reporting all the good things God had done on the first mission trip. The second meeting involved trying ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:5-22

Denomination: Baptist

Devoted Living In Difficult Days Series

Contributed by Donald Mcculley on Dec 21, 2010

Don’t lose your ambition in the midst of difficult days.

DEVOTED LIVING IN DIFFICULT DAYS JEREMIAH 24-29 INTRODUCTION: Robert J. Morgan said, “We must never forget that the word persevere comes from the prefix ‘per’, meaning through, coupled with the word ‘severe’. It means to keep pressing on, trusting God, looking up, doing our duty – even through ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How To Handle The Storm Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 19, 2011

Using the physical and literal storm Paul faced on his way to Rome, this message gives insight into how we can handle the "storms of life" that come our way

INTRODUCTION * Paul, the main figure in the past 14 chapters of Acts, has faced much adversity, but has realized all that God has done for him during that time * One of Satan’s goals from the beginning of the church has been to oppose it in such a way as to try to stop it (Acts 1 = the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:1-44

Denomination: Baptist

Leadership That Just Won't Quit

Contributed by Jon Sullivan on Mar 18, 2010

These lessons from the life of Nehemiah will show leaders how to respond in the face of adversity.

Leadership That Just Won't Quit I) When opposition struck, Nehemiah prayed Nehemiah 4:4-5 (NIV) 4 Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. 5 Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:4-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Is Your Calling? (Part 10) Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Mar 10, 2016

The life of our Lord is a constant testimony to His desire to please the Father, more than anyone else. Thus, His actions and His words are always governed by the will of the Father. Think about what did Christ’s calling mean? THE CROSS ... Are you ready?

Opening Illustration: A missionary couple who had been gone from the US for years on end were finally coming home. They had faithfully served God and ministered among the poor, and had seen many lives brought into the kingdom of God. When they got off the airplane, there was a crowd of people ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:16-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living In An Upside Down World Series

Contributed by Paul Sterrett on Apr 4, 2013

Introductory Message to a series on 1 Thessalonians focusing on the foundation of our faith despite the uncertain times in which we live.

LIVING IN AN UPSIDE DOWN WORLD 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Acts 17:1-9 INTRODUCTION How does a person live for Jesus Christ in a society where his faith is constantly under attack—where he can be ostracized or blacklisted for openly professing that he is a Christian?...How can you raise children ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Conditioned To Serve Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Aug 4, 2019

Prior to sending the disciples out in ministry, Jesus sought to prepare them for the task ahead. He did not promise it would be easy, but He did promise to provide for them. We share the same promises. Service isn't always easy, but the Lord is faithful to provide.

Conditioned to Serve Matthew 10: 9-15 As we continue to examine the instructions Jesus gave the disciples prior to sending them out to share their faith, we discover additional benefit for our lives and witness as well. While these were sent solely to the house of Israel, prior to Jesus’ death and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:9-15

Denomination: Baptist

Things Happen

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Mar 16, 2023

Bad things happen to us. The way in which we handle them demonstrates to the world the relationship we have with Christ Jesus.

Things Happen – John 9: 1 - 12 Intro: Some of us have enjoyed the benefits of cataract surgery. With this simple operation usually done in less than fifteen minutes per eye, doctors can remove the clouded lens of the eye and replace it with a clear, artificial lens. ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Trouble Is Brewing Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Mar 31, 2021

Mordecai, Esther, and the Jewish population in Persia may have been excited that a Jew had been selected as the new queen, but their excitement would not last. Trouble is brewing within the kingdom - a situation that will affect every Jew in the Persian Empire.

Trouble is Brewing Esther 3: 1-7 It is likely that Mordecai and the Jews within Persia were feeling confident about their current situation. Although they remained a captive people within the land, one of their own had been crowned queen over the kingdom. This surely increased their outlook for ...read more

Scripture: Esther 3:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Weather The Storm Series

Contributed by Terry Hovey on Feb 13, 2023

Jesus is making His final appeal. Many of those who were listening to Him believed, but many didn't. When adversity comes our way, is your foundation built on the solid rock or sand?

The Sermon on the Mount 25 Weather the Storm Mat 7:24-27 Guess what folks? We’re at the end of the Sermon on the Mount! Jesus originally preached this message to willing and anxious ears. They sat quietly through His sermon which even though it may have taken Him only an hour or two, we have been ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27

Denomination: Methodist

Attitude Of Gratitude Series

Contributed by Dr. Lewis W. Gregory on Nov 17, 2025

People typically associate Thanksgiving with a holiday in the USA. Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to count their blessings and give thanks to God.

GIVE THANKS - Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to count their blessings and give thanks to God. Although it is good to have a holiday, thanksgiving should always be in season! Why? Giving thanks is God’s will and it’s good for you! Thankfulness can help to release God’s ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational