Sermons on Responding To Adversity:

Excuses Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 2, 2010

We all have excuses for not responding to Jesus' call to follow him. Life is hectic, complicated and filled with items that claim our attention. We have one reason, though, to respond to Jesus' challenge--his love and grace.

Luke 9:51-62 “Excuses” INTRODUCTION One of the most memorable illustrations that I’ve ever seen involved a glass container similar to what I have here and rocks of various sizes. Using the rocks the demonstrator underscored and important lesson in life. Just when we thought ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

Denomination: Lutheran

Boaz Accepts Ruth’s Offer – Ruth, Part 6 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Nov 21, 2022

If God would desire to remove our obstacle of sin through the death of Jesus … what more are you waiting for Him to do for you to respond? How much more like Ruth, responding to the unknown, can you be?

“Boaz accepts Ruth’s Offer” – Ruth, Part 6 Ruth Sermon Series, Part 6 Ruth 3:10-18 Introduction - So, let’s sum up this series: - “Sometimes when you abandon God, your life has disastrous consequences; but God is STILL faithful … even when we aren’t!” - The focus of the book is NOT the ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 3:10-18, Hosea 6:1-6, Deuteronomy 25:5-6, Isaiah 53:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

'christian, You've Got..', Check That.., 'you Are Mail.'

Contributed by Dan Chromy on Oct 22, 2000

God, through His Holy Spirit, has qualified each one of us to be effective witnesses for the gospel in spite of our apparent disqualifications.

Introduction With the beginning of a New Year coming upon on us this week, perhaps you have given some thought about a positive ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Encounter With An Adulterous Woman Series

Contributed by Jason Cole on Feb 23, 2004

Sometimes we respond to people’s sin and think we are responding the way that God would have. The best way to see how to deal with sin is to see how Jesus dealt with people’s sins during His life.

“Encounters with Jesus: An Adulterous Woman” Introduction: I heard a story of a girl and a guy who were dating; they were a very religious couple. They went to the local Christian church and were there every time the doors were open. They tried very hard to center their relationship around ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Restored Relationship With A Drowning Church

Contributed by David Wilson on Sep 12, 2003

Paul and his fellow servant Titus are excited that the Corinthians have responded to his letter with such a positive attitude. Paul knew how firm the letter had been, but was grateful that the church responded correctly to his disciplinary epistle - I Co

II Corinthians 7 - A Restored Relationship The majority of this chapter deals with Paul’s joy over the response of the Corinthians to the letter that he had sent with Titus. He had been apprehensive, but now was relieved that the Corinthians responded positively to his letter and treated Titus ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Fall - The Ultimate Guide To The Perfect Family Series

Contributed by Eduardo Quintana on Mar 10, 2020

We’re not going to rehearse all of the familiar details of Adam and Eve’s family flaws. What we’re going to look at is HOW GOD RESPONDED to their flaws. Because it is observing how God responded that gives us hope.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me ask you a question and be honest with yourself. Is your family perfect or flawed? If you are honest with me today, you will agree that your family has quite a few flaws. And so do you for that matter! The fact is that we are all flawed, but we’re not flawed beyond hope! ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:20-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Faithfulness PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 26, 2023

This sermon explores the concept of faithfulness, its importance in Christian life, and how to cultivate it as a reflection of God's steadfastness.

Good morning, beloved! It's a joy to be here with you today, to share in the fellowship of Christ, to be strengthened by His Word, and to be encouraged by the unity of our faith. We are gathered here today to learn, to grow, to be edified, and to be challenged. We are here to be reminded of the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1, Proverbs 28:20, Psalm 119:11, Galatians 5:22

Topics: Faithfulness, Walking

Think Good Thoughts Series

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Nov 2, 2008

Paul points the path to peace. It is in Jesus, of course. It is also to do with how we choose to use our minds. What have you done for your mind lately?

Sermon for CATM – November 2, 2008 – “Think Good Thoughts” – Philippians 4:1-8 Here you see a glass (use a glass as a visual). Is it half empty, or is it half full? It all depends on your perspective, on how you see the glass. Now my brother Craig, after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

It's Not What I Wanted

Contributed by Mark Winter on Nov 25, 2000

Nobody wants the gift of adversity under the Christmas tree--but sometimes we get it, anyway. Question is, what do we do when we get it?

Some of you may be wondering if the preacher is one episode shy of a mini-series by preaching from Job during the Christmas season. What does a suffering man have to do with the season of good cheer? Plenty. There’s a dark side to Christmas that most of us don’t like to admit. I knew a man who ...read more

Scripture: Job 3:20-26

Denomination: Methodist

Choosing The Best Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 27, 2013

Paul penned this letter to the Philippians from a prison. Yet he was overjoyed at how God was his adverse circumstances to advance the Gospel. Paul's joy was completely centered in His realtionship with Jesus.

Intro: An old dog was watching a young dog chase his tail. The young dog stopped to rest, and told the older dog, “I believe happiness is in my tail, and if I catch it, then I will have happiness!” The older, wiser dog said, “I caught mine once. . . and I found out that happiness ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Hope In God The Source Of All Comfort Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on May 21, 2018

God is meant to be the source of our comfort, the source of our strength in adversity or trouble. Is God your comforter in all things or have you built yourself your own comfort zone?

Hope in God The Source of all comfort We continue in our series on Hope Found Here and this month our focus is on Hope in the Comforter. Listen to the words of 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Don't Waste Anything Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 31, 2021

James says to Christians who are struggling with life's adversities-don't waste anything in life-not even your negative experiences, for they contain great potential.

Marcus Bach in his book The Power of Perception tells of how great worth is found in waste. An old lead and zinc mine had been abandoned for years. It appeared a worthless worn out pit with all its value exhausted. But when man developed a new need, a need for Tungsten, the waste deposits from ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Sermon On The Way To The Stars

Contributed by William Meakin on Aug 21, 2025

The idiom: "The Way To The Stars" is often used metaphorically, especially in contexts like the RAF motto "Per ardua ad astra" (Through adversity to the stars).

Norman Vincent Peale, an American author once remarked: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.” Genesis 1:14-18 reminds us: “And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:26, Psalm 8:3-4, 1 Corinthians 15:40-41, Amos 5:8

Revival: Stronger Than Ever - The Book That Changes Nations Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon introduction sets the stage for a study of the book of Chronicles, guided by the teachings of Ezra, to learn how a nation can recover from a crisis and become resilient, hopeful, and determined in the face of adversity.

Alright, let’s take out our Bibles and learn from God’s Word together today shall we? Pray this with me: Lord Jesus, speak to me. Amen! Our text these days is the book of Chronicles. Our teacher is the ancient and anointed Scribe, Ezra. He is walking us through lessons on how a nation can emerge ...read more

Topics: National Crisis, Resilience, Righteousness

Sermon Series: Revival: Stronger Than Ever

Focused On The Faith Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Nov 16, 2016

Paul exhorted the church to rejoice in the Lord, even though they faced adversity, and avoid false teaching. He also emphasized that works were not enough to secure salvation. If they remained focused on the faith, they could overcome in Christ.

Focused on the Faith Philippians 3: 1-6 As we begin to discuss the third chapter of Philippians, it appears that Paul is seeking to begin concluding his thoughts to the church. While this may have been the beginning of his conclusion, he has quite a bit more to share with them. Following the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist