Sermons on Responding To Adversity:

The Shepherds Returned

Contributed by Robert Walderman on Jan 2, 2026

When Jesus is revealed, we, like the shepherds, need to respond appropriately.

“The Shepherds Returned.” Lk.2: 15-20 (Dec.28, 2025) Opening Illustration: Christmas is over, but not the CELEBRATION! Wrapping paper is tossed Directions finally read Pine needles - Swept, ornaments removed and packed, tree tossed. Yet, Today, We must hear the truth about Jesus' birth to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:15-20

Denomination: Baptist

Putting Our Faith On Display

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Sep 10, 2017

The early church faced great adversity, but also enjoyed a tremendous opportunity to share the Gospel. We too must seek out opportunities to be an effective witness, putting our faith on display.

Putting our Faith on Display 1 Peter 3: 8-11 As we continue our series in 1 Peter, we need to be reminded of the volatile environment in which the believers existed. Sever persecution had forced many of them from their homes in and around Jerusalem. They were scattered throughout various regions ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Faith That Feeds On Crumbs Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 25, 2018

We don't always recognize when God is testing us. Most of the time the tests are disguised as trouble, trials, and adversity. A discussion of the four characteristics of great faith.

INTRODUCTION This year we’ve been going through the Gospel According to Mark and we’re picking up where we left off before we started our emphasis on Missions and Christmas. This message is entitled, “Faith That Feeds on Crumbs.” When I first read this passage, I was in for a big surprise. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-30

Denomination: Baptist

How Far Will You Go To Find Life

Contributed by James Sawyer on Dec 5, 2007

This Message looks at the journey of the wise men and their encounters on the way to see Jesus. Each person in the story had to make a decision about how they would respond to Jesus. How will the hearer respond today

How Far Will You Go To Find Life? Introduction. Life for the Jewish people in Roman control was not as they wanted it. They had been in exile and under foreign control for some time and it was no secret that they desired to have their sovereignty again. They spoke regularly of the messiah and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon # 4 - Called To Do Good For Evil Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jan 31, 2024

How do we respond to the good and evil that is done to us? There are many ways we can respond, but God’s word teaches us the right way, and it is the way Jesus exemplified for us.

We read in Numbers 22:12, And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. (KJV) God told Balaam that he was not to accompany the men of Moab who had approached him, and he was not to curse the people of Israel because they were a people ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 22:12, Deuteronomy 28:2-5, Deuteronomy 28:15, Acts 5:1-3, 2 Samuel 14:1, 2 Samuel 14:21, 2 Samuel 14:25, 2 Samuel 14:28-30, 2 Samuel 18:9, Proverbs 17:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

The Extra Mile

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Jul 28, 2025

The world tells us to respond with the same attitude in which we are treated; Jesus calls us to respond with love, grace, and sacrificial service—even to those who don’t deserve it.

The Extra Mile July 27, 2025 Morning Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: The world tells us to respond with the same attitude in which we are treated; Jesus calls us to respond with love, grace, and sacrificial service—even to those who don’t deserve it. Focus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Baptist

The Characteristic Of Wisdom Series

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Aug 11, 2004

Wisdom – is the action that results from or the ability to respond to knowledge and understanding. Wisdom puts truth into action.

Developing Christian Character: The Characteristic of Wisdom. Character: - is defined as the pattern of behavior or personality found in an individual or group; it is wisdom, humbleness, purity, reverence, moral constitution, moral firmness, self control, integrity, truthfulness, honesty, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-31

Denomination: Apostolic

When The Spirit Moves Series

Contributed by A. Todd Coget on Apr 25, 2002

This sermon describes the predictable attacks of Satan when the Spirit moves in a church or a person’s life and how we should respond to those attacks.

When The Spirit Moves Acts 8:1-8 April 28, 2002 Intro: A. [illustration: From the sermon, "Spreading Power through Persecution" by John Piper, senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota] On January 9, 1985, a Congregational pastor in Bulgaria named Christo Kuleczef, was ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Esther- "Such A Time As This."

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Apr 26, 2001

Esther became a hero because she responded to the call on her life to become an intermediary for the people of Israel.

Esther - Such a time as this! Thesis: Esther became a hero because she responded to the call on her life to become an intermediary for the people of Israel. Video Clip of Simon Birch in pastor’s office. Point: “God made each of us special. He didn’t do that to show off, but because he has a ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Killer Instinct (Anger) Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 7, 2005

Anger is a powerful sin that destroys relationships and adversely affects our relationshipo with God. God invites us not only to control our anger, but to be transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 29:11, James 1:19-21 “Killer Instinct” (Anger) INTRODUCTION Many of the seven deadly sins appear to be harmless at first glance. Pride can be downgraded to simply having an “attitude.” Envy is such a common “sin,” that can’t be all that bad, besides it is what fuels our economy. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Spiritual Warfare: Helm And Hilt

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jun 12, 2009

It is in the kiln of spiritual battle and adversity that the character of Christ is hardened in us. Our enemy is effective so we must be completely prepared with the whole, holy armor of God.

Intro: "In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder, bloodshed; they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland they had brotherly love, five hundred years of democracy and peace, and what did they produce? The cuckoo clock" It is ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:17

Denomination: Baptist

He's Preparing Me

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Sep 16, 2019

It was the great preacher - C H Spurgeon, the Baptist “Prince of Preachers” of the 1800’s who experienced many physical and spiritual trials, said that there is no education like adversity

TITLE: HE’S PREPARING ME SCRIPTURE: JOB 23:10 This morning I will present Part-Two from last week’s message. Last week we looked at John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. This morning I want to focus upon Jesus preparing the way for us. If you missed last week’s message, I encourage ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:10

Denomination: Baptist

Self-Esteem Or God Esteem - Lesson 5 / Conclusion - Your New Identity Found In Jesus Series

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Dec 10, 2020

IV. YOUR NEW IDENTITY FOUND IN JESUS A. The Law Of Life B. Christians Under Construction VII. CONCLUSION AND REVIEW

When we teach the subject of the Christian life, we offer the content of the life of Christ dwelling within us by the Holy Spirit. Any of the principles that I have been sharing with you regarding setting your mind on the things of Jesus, confessing His Word, and stirring up praise and ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 7:22, Philippians 4:11, Romans 5:3, Romans 8:4, Galatians 6:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Romans 1:4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Recognizing Jesus

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Sep 6, 2024

Did the world see Jesus in you this past week? If so, how did the world respond? If not, why not? Did you see Jesus in the world this week? How did you respond?

This week, I’d kinda gonna begin where we left off last week. This isn’t a second part of a series, simply a quick tie-in. John 21:9 “Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.” John 21:12 “Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” ...read more

Scripture: John 21:12, Psalm 51:10-12

Compelled By Love PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 29, 2024

Explores the compulsion to share the Gospel, the importance of contextualizing it for different audiences, and expressing love through our Christian witness.

Good morning, beloved family of God. Welcome to another beautiful day that the Lord has made, a day where we gather together to delve into the rich, nourishing depths of His word. Today, we are going to be focusing on a passage from the apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, specifically, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23

Topics: Witness, Love