Sermons on Overwhelming Odds:

Christmas Gifts: The Gift Of Fellowship Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 9, 2002

Leviticus 3 would seem an odd Christmas text, but there is much to be found about a little known Old Testament sacrifice that can help us understand more about what God would want from us in this season of Christmas.

OPEN: Joe had ordered an expensive suit for a banquet, and the tailor finished alterations just in time. But as Joe left the shop, a sudden rainstorm doused the jacket & shrank one of the sleeves. "We can’t do anything about it today," the tailor told Joe when he returned to the shop. "Just ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 3:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who Are You At The Foot Of The Cross?

Contributed by Jay Winters on Dec 30, 2007

This was the last Sunday of the church year, Christ the King Sunday. And the reading seemed to be odd. Instead of a reading about the glorious majesty of Christ, we see Christ at His lowest point, the cross. It ends up, that since the glory of Christ is t

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Three In One who brings us into Paradise. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Throughout the history of the church, devoted men and women of God have experienced visions and dreams that have given them what felt like a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:33-43

Denomination: Lutheran

Positively Peculiar

Contributed by Thomas Donelan on Jun 3, 2010

When we think of the word peculiar, we usually think of it in the adjective form: odd, different, distinctive but it is not about how we dress, act, or speak (although these things should be different). But the word translated from the Greek means somethi

Introduction 1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Gentle Restoration

Contributed by Ron Hietsch on Jul 1, 2016

The object of all admonition is the restoration of a person at odds with God because of persistent, intentional, defiant, high handed sin. We would warn someone about a physical danger. We also need to warn about spiritual danger.l

Pentecost 7 Year C July 3, 2016 Text Galatians 6:1 Brothers, ( And Sisters ) if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Gluttony certainly is not spoken highly of in the Bible. Proverbs 23:2 ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1

Denomination: Lutheran

Mighty Is The God Of The One Who Struggles With God. Series

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Jun 16, 2024

Jacob and Esau had been at odds their whole lives. Jacob was living in fear of the brother he had deceived out of his inheritance. He didn't have a deep relationship with the God of is father and grandfather. That was all to change.

Mighty is the God of the one who struggles with God. Last week we looked at Jacob and an encounter that he had with God where he wrestled all night, he received a blessing, a new name and an injured hip. He realised that he had been wrestling with God, had survived and as such named the place ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:14-15, Genesis 32:9-12, Matthew 3:11-12, Genesis 28:14-15, Hebrews 11:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Salvation Army

A Thousand To One, And He Won! Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Apr 19, 2020

Samson was bound with ropes and handed over to his Philistine enemies. He faced odds against him of 1000 to 1 or more that he would survive, yet he did! And guess what he used to attack his enemies. . . .

Introduction: Samson had taken revenge on the Philistines twice after his return to Timnath (Judges 15:1-8). Once he found out his father-in-law had given his bride to the “companion” or best man, as we would say these days, Samson caught 300 “foxes”. He then tied them tail-to-tail, placed a torch ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:9-20

Denomination: Baptist

Fire Of The Contentious

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Aug 27, 2022

A contentious spirit is like fire which burns up all that is good, and puts families, friends and co-workers at odds. This spirit finds a small fire of strife, kindles it and keeps feeding the issues which cause distrust, hatred or malice.

Fire Of the Contentious The Negative Influences of a Person Who Seeks Strife The King James Bible tells us “As coals are to burning coals, and wood to a fire; So is a contentious man to kindle strife.” (Proverbs 26:21) “Contentious” (?????? ma?ôn) means to be argumentative, a person who is ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 26:21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Goddess Of Reason

Contributed by Sylvester Fergusson on Sep 8, 2006

So often we rely on reason to explain and give us hope but faith moves beyond reason

INTRODUCTION On July 18th 586 B. C. Nebuchadnezzar breached the walls of Jerusalem and totally devastated the city, the temple and everything therein. When they left the city, it laid in ruins. The beautiful temple that Solomon built was no more. The icon of the Jewish religion was gone, totally ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-10, Numbers 11:21-23, Isaiah 55:11, Psalm 33:9, 1 Corinthians 15:55, Matthew 14:17-19, Joshua 6:1-27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Adventist

Now Is Not The End

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Nov 26, 2021

This teaching looks at the life of Joseph and how circumstances did not prevent God from being with him and working through him.

We’re going to look at Joseph, who was Jacob’s second youngest son. Remember how his father had given him the coat of many colors? It was a coat that set him apart from his brothers in terms of authority and rank in the family. Remember how his brothers were none too happy with him having that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:36, Genesis 39:1-2, Genesis 37:23, Genesis 37:20-27, Hebrews 13:5-6, Genesis 45:1-7, Genesis 41:37-40, Genesis 41:1, Genesis 39:3-5, Genesis 39:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Enemy's Hail Mary Play Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 23, 2007

When you are really maturing in your Christian walk the enemy still has tricks up his sleeve: overwhelming numbers and your greatest fear. Learn how God overcomes both.

Joshua 11 recounts the final battles as Israel takes the northern cities. Do you know what a Hail Mary play is? It’s a thing in football where nothing else is working so the quarter back just tells everyone to go long and he lofts up the ball along with a "hail Mary" and hopes someone catches it. ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 11:1-23

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

God's Calm

Contributed by Rhonda Feurtado on Jun 23, 2009

Storms of various kinds come our way in life, some threatening to overwhelm us or capsize our boat, but Jesus wants us to know that he is there and we can trust in in the midst of the storm.

GOD’S CALM From the beginning, the primordial waters and sea were given great respect. The earth was at one point covered with waters, according to genesis and scientists. God tamed the chaos of the sea somewhat when land was created. God made a boundary for the seas with the land. Still, the seas ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Methodist

Triumph And Tragedy Series

Contributed by Jon Rohr on Mar 18, 2008

Where do I fit in to the Triumph and tragedy of Passion week? Am I celebrating the presence of Jesus or critical of Him? Am I overwhelmed by Him, or contemptuous of those who follow Him?

Sermon: Triumph and Tragedy or Where Do I Fit? Series: Easter Season 2008 Text: John 12:1-11 March 16, 2008 AM John 12:1-11 (NIV) Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 "Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Teaches The Lawyers Neighbor Hood Skills

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Jul 10, 2016

In the aftermath of violent deaths this week in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Dallas, Texas, we speak to a nation that is overwhelmed with anger, grief, frustration, and despair. We have to address these issues.

Jesus Teaches the Lawyers Neighbor Hood Skills Scripture Lesson Luke 10:30-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan) This parable is packed with invisible truths of our lives. Jesus Teaches the Lawyers Neighbor Hood Skills Scripture Lesson Luke 10:30-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan) This ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: United Methodist

Mental Health In The Psalms: 46 Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Jun 8, 2024

God is our fortress and our river and only by looking to Him and keeping our eyes on Him do any of us have any hope of navigating life when it is an overwhelming dumpster fire.

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE PSALMS: 46 PSALM 46:1-11 #mentalhealth INTRODUCTION… Poor Bishop Hooper… youtube.com/watch?v=ZiHHtjwJJKQ [5:48] READ PSALM 46 (ESV) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Triumph Over Trials Sermon Vi: Take Refuge In The Comfort Of God Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on May 13, 2020

In times like these, when troubles overwhelm and even Christians find themselves at their wits' end, mature Christians decide to look upon their extremity as an opportunity to renew their trust in the Lord as their refuge.

WHEN TROUBLES OVERWHELM, CHRISTIANS TAKE REFUGE IN THE COMFORT OF GOD Perhaps you’ve heard it said, or you yourself have said, “I’m at my wits’ end”! In other words: “I’m so exhausted trying to figure out how to deal with problems and difficult situations that I don’t ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11