Sermons on Tough Circumstances:

Revival Follows Persecution

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 23, 2014

For centuries, Christians have been hated and viciously opposed in many nations. But persecution has not destroyed Christianity. Even under the direst circumstances, it has not only survived but thrived and revived the church.

Opening illustration: Did you know that if one of the arms of a starfish is severed, a new one will grow in its place? In fact, if a starfish is cut up, any piece that contains a part of the central disc will develop into a new starfish. Some oyster fishermen found that out, much to their dismay, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Happened To Chapter 29? Series

Contributed by James Lee on Nov 4, 2014

After praying for guidance God led me to Pastor Jerry Shirley's Acts series and the messages in this series has been revised to fit the circumstances we have been facing at EBC.

What Happened to Acts Chapter 29, pt. 1 Acts 1:1 Turn in your Bibles to Acts 29: 1 [no such chapter!] You’ll notice there are only 28 chapters…but I wonder if you have ever noticed how the book of Acts ends. READ Could this really be the end? Is there or should there be more? The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

Criticize Others Carefully Series

Contributed by Leslie Tarlton on Nov 19, 2014

We sometimes criticize others unfairly. We don't know all their circumstances, nor their motives. Only God, who is aware of all the facts, is able to judge people righteously.

The Letter to the Romans Chapter 2:1-11 “Criticize others Carefully” November 1, 2009 PRAY Heavenly Father, INTRODUCTION We sometimes criticize others unfairly. We don't know all their circumstances, nor their motives. Only God, who is aware of all the facts, is able to judge ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Your Lying Eyes Series

Contributed by Delwyn Campbell on Dec 20, 2019

Our current circumstances do not set the parameters for God’s faithfulness. His Word, as He engages our ears with His exceeding great and precious promises, is the measure of His faithfulness.

Your Lying Eyes Rev. Delwyn Campbell / General / Advent / Kingdom of God; Trial; Criticism; John the Baptist; The coming of the kingdom and the Son of Man / Matthew 11:2–15 16 April 1963 My Dear Fellow Clergymen: While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-15

Denomination: Lutheran

The Two Thieves

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Oct 6, 2019

The following sermon is going to examine the testimony of the two thieves on the cross to illustrate first no one or is beyond redemption and second that faith is not to be dependent on circumstances but on belief that God is sovereign and can do the impossible!

The Two Thieves Luke 23:32-43 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 Should not those whom have God’s holy Word and His Spirit living inside of them have such a great faith ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:32-43, Hebrews 11:1, Matthew 17:20, John 13:15

Denomination: Baptist

Free Indeed

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Jul 26, 2020

Freedom according to the 13th amendment is iffy at best, based upon interpretation and circumstance, but the Bible says in John 8:36 “Whom the son hath set free is free indeed”

Free Indeed By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING:- According to Wikipedia Slavery is any system in which principles of property law are applied to people, allowing individuals to own, buy and sell other individuals, as a form of property. An enslaved person is unable to withdraw unilaterally ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-36

Denomination: Apostolic

Redeemed By Love Divine Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Aug 19, 2020

Ruth had encountered much since her devastating circumstances in Moab. No doubt, Bethlehem had exceeded her wildest dreams. On this Boaz was in town among the elders, securing her redemption.

Redeemed by Love Divine Ruth 4: 1-12 Ruth had experienced a miraculous chain of events in her life. Not too long ago she was in Moab, a widow without hope for the future. Unaware of what lay ahead she made the decision to follow Naomi to Bethlehem. This would turn out to be the most important ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 4:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

I Will Wait Series

Contributed by Rob Yanok on Oct 5, 2013

"Everything that is done in the world is done by hope."
- Martin Luther Cultural Hope is merely an optimistic desire that something will be fulfilled. This hope is not a guaranteed hope because it is subject to changeable people and circumstances.

I Will Wait Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:28-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Persistent Prayer

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Feb 28, 2021

She had nowhere else to turn, she had no other resources, this is a wonderful reminder that in our circumstances, our situations, our troubles, we have nowhere else to turn but to God!

Luke 18:1-Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2-saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3-“Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4-“And he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Prayer Of Thanksgiving Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 1, 2021

Paul demonstrated the power of a thankful heart to overcome enormous negative circumstances. Prayer is not the dark garment of despair. Prayer is a bright garment of praise that will dress up the soul even on the dreariest of days.

My earliest childhood memories of being in church are of the rope that I could ride. The thick rope hung down through the ceiling in the church entry way. I was so little that when the rope was pulled to ring the bell in the belfry, I could hang on to it and get a ride as it would pull me up off ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-6

Making Decisions Against Yourself—faith Verses Fear.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Dec 29, 2021

Faith is letting God get between you and your circumstances. Faith is simply ‘ones’ belief system. You either have a measure of faith, or you don’t. No grey zones.

Making Decisions Against Yourself—Faith Verses Fear. Hebrews 11:1-2TPT When it comes down to what’s holding you back it quite possibly could be, fear. Fear is this, Fear is letting your circumstances come between you and God. However, Faith is letting God get between you and your ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-2, Hebrews 11:6, Genesis 12:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Overcoming Doubt Through Faith

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 19, 2025

Doubt is one of the greatest obstacles to experiencing the fullness of God’s power and promises. True faith trusts God even when circumstances seem impossible or when our emotions waver.

OVERCOMING DOUBT THROUGH FAITH By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Mark 9:23-24 Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:1, James 1:6-8, Matthew 14:31, Romans 4:20-21, Psalm 56:3 INTRODUCTION: Doubt is one of the greatest obstacles to experiencing the fullness of God’s power and promises. It is a natural ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:23-24, Hebrews 11:1, James 1:6-8, Matthew 14:31

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Faith In Action: Isaac's Hundredfold Harvest Series

Contributed by Antonio Manaytay on Aug 31, 2024

This sermon delves into the story of Isaac in Genesis 26 exploring the profound insights into how we can exercise faith, obedience, and trust in God, even when our circumstances seem dire.

Introduction: In times of difficulty and uncertainty, it is easy to lose hope and retreat from action. But the story of Isaac in Genesis 26 teaches us a powerful lesson about faith in the face of adversity. Isaac’s decision to plant during a drought—when the conditions were unfavorable—resulted ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:1-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Joy Stealers – Philippians 3:1-6 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Apr 2, 2022

We learned about “joy stealers.” It’s a concept to which all of us can relate, since life is frequently full of circumstances that conspire to bring us down emotionally.

You know, the biggest problem that parents report that their children have is not being able to handle disappointment well. How do I know that? Because I helped design what's called the Child Behavior Inventory. It's an inventory that measures nine different areas in a child's life that ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Tomorrow About This Time Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 16, 2025

This story reminds us that God can shift any situation overnight. His word is more powerful than the prevailing circumstance. When God speaks, the future bends to His voice.

TOMORROW ABOUT THIS TIME By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Kings 7:1-20 Supporting Texts: Psalm 30:5; Jeremiah 32:27; Isaiah 43:19; Romans 4:17-21; Joel 2:25-26 INTRODUCTION: The nation of Israel was in a desperate situation. A severe famine had struck Samaria, caused by a siege from the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 7:1-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God