Sermons on Tough Circumstances:

Joy For The Journey Series

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 16, 2017

We can rejoice no matter what is going on around us or to us. Paul demonstrates this in the book of Philippians. This sermon is the introduction to a series on the letter to the Philippians.

A. I heard about a waitress who couldn’t get a smile out of her customer no matter how hard she tried. 1. The sad old woman sat there looking miserable, depressed and dejected all through dinner. 2. As the lady paid her bill and was leaving, the waitress warmly said, “Have a nice day!” 3. The ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Making My Living Hope Real Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Aug 8, 2016

Living hope is a matter of looking ahead rather than looking around

ENGAGE/TENSION In general, I tend to be a pretty optimistic person. But I’ve got to admit that it is getting harder and harder to be hopeful about life here on earth in the 21st century. Let’s face it, 2016 didn’t exactly get off to a great start: • This week, the stock ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-12

Denomination: Baptist

When Life Seems Scattered Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Aug 22, 2012

Navigating life's difficult circumstances.

When Life Seems Scattered Series: BREAKOUT – God on the Move through the Book of Acts Brad Bailey – April 29, 2012 Intro One thing we each have in our lives… is circumstances… things outside ourselves that effect the context we are in. Some circumstances we welcome… ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Ring Your Bells Of Joy

Contributed by Judy Austin on Jan 5, 2023

Joy doesn’t come from what happens to us but rather how we respond to the things that happen to us.

2 CORINTHIANS 11:23-28 Apostle Paul wrote . . . “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

Brought To Life; Brought Together

Contributed by David Taylor on Sep 3, 2024

Today’s message, The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

We are back in our series, Brought to Life; Brought Together, based upon the New Testament letter of Ephesians. Today’s message, The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed, is from 3:1-6. If you have a bible turn to Ephesians 3:1-6 as we read the passage together. The passage can be divided into three ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Brought To Life; Brought Together Walking Worthy: Spirit Filled Gratitude Series

Contributed by David Taylor on Jan 21, 2025

Spirit Filled people are grateful people.

We are continuing our series in Ephesians, Brought to Life; Brought Together. As we have said, Ephesians can be divided into two sections, chapters one through three describe what God has done in us through Christ while chapters four through six call us to live out what God has done in us. We are ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18-21, John 6:63, 2 Corinthians 6:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Hang On In There When The Going Gets Tough

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Aug 15, 2001

The Christian life is like a race. It has three focal points, the start, the second wind and the finishing line

Group Service Binham 19-08-01 Hang on in there when the going gets tough Story: In spring of 1867, a young American shoe salesman came to Bristol and one day was invited to a prayer meeting in a private home. During the meeting, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Anglican

Tough Times Ahead -- Part 1 Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Jul 10, 2001

THE FAITHFUL MINISTER MUST BE PREPARED TO STAND AGAINST THE INCREASINGLY BLATANT DISPLAY OF DEPRAVITY UNLEASHED BY APOSTATE HYPOCRITES

BIG IDEA: THE FAITHFUL MINISTER MUST BE PREPARED TO STAND AGAINST THE INCREASINGLY BLATANT DISPLAY OF DEPRAVITY UNLEASHED BY APOSTATE HYPOCRITES (3:1) INTRODUCTION: WAKEUP CALL = STATEMENT OF THE DANGER LURKING AROUND THE CORNER “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Tough Times Ahead -- Part 2 Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Jul 10, 2001

THE EXAMPLE OF GODLY MENTORS AND THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE WORD OF GOD EQUIPS THE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL TO PERSEVERE IN THE FACE OF PERSECUTION AND GROWING DECEPTION

BIG IDEA: THE EXAMPLE OF GODLY MENTORS AND THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE WORD OF GOD EQUIPS THE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL TO PERSEVERE IN THE FACE OF PERSECUTION AND GROWING DECEPTION I. (:10-14) THE EXAMPLE OF GODLY MENTORS EQUIPS THE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL TO PERSEVERE A good model can make a tremendous ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Staying True To Jesus Is Tough But Doable

Contributed by Todd Riley on Oct 27, 2005

An exposition of Psalm 73 with a focus on v.1-2

Islington Baptist Church October 16, 2005 Psalm 73 Scripture reading: 1Peter 1, Romans 8:31-39 Staying true to Jesus is tough but doable In Matthew 7:13-14 our Lord and Savior is quoted as saying "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 73:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

Facing Your Giants: Tough Promises Series

Contributed by Max Lucado on Nov 1, 2006

These sermons served as the foundation for Max’s newest book, Facing Your Giants. Our Lord is a covenant-maker and covenant-keeper.

“Tough Promises” 2 Samuel 9:1-7 These sermons served as the foundation for Max’s newest book, Facing Your Giants. THEME: Our Lord is a covenant-maker and covenant-keeper. Introduction: I enjoy western movies. I grew up watching Roy and Gene ride across the silver screen on Saturday ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-7

Denomination: Christian Church

Jesus – An Example Of Tough Love

Contributed by Robert Sickler on Sep 20, 2011

The heart of the gospel message is love but the bulk of the gospel message contains instructions for serving Christ.

JESUS – An Example of Tough Love Illustration “Living in this house is like living in hell,” screamed the young girl as she stamped her feet on the way upstairs to her room. The mother stood looking at her daughter, a hint of tears forming in her eyes. She wanted to run up the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:1-10

Denomination: Christian Church

3 Keys To Surviving Tough Times Series

Contributed by Terry Blankenship on Mar 5, 2013

There are no shortcuts in living a committed Christian life. God doesn't offer shortcuts in growing your character. Trials, tests, and temptations will shape who you are and how you behave. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.

James: A Faith that Works James 1:19-21 3 Keys to Surviving Tough Times Introduction – Sailors Perished Due to Faulty Rescue Equipment In August 2000, 118 Russian sailors perished when the Kursk nuclear submarine suffered an underwater explosion and became disabled in the depths of the icy ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-21

Denomination: Baptist

A Messiah Who Asks The Tough Questions Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Mar 25, 2011

Jesus is calling us to radical discipleship.

A Messiah Who Asks Tough Questions Text: Matt. 19:16-30 Introduction 1. Illustration: Video of a Father answering tough questions from his little girl. www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYUXLO1j_sw 2. Just as we have children who ask us tough questions, we also have a messiah who asks us tough ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Methodist

It's Tough To Be A Mom!

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on May 4, 2023

Rizpah is the picture of strength, patience, fortitude and courage. She is an amazing woman who helped a nation return to God.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:1-14 Theme: Rizpah Title: It’s Tough to Be a Mom Rizpah is the picture of strength, patience, fortitude and courage. She is an amazing woman who helped a nation return to God. INTRO: Grace and peace from God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Happy Mother’s Day! ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:1-14

Denomination: Nazarene