Sermons on Tragedies:

Katie - "Strong Enough"

Contributed by Brad Henry on Oct 24, 2011

In times of tragedy we think we have to be strong. This is just the opposite of what God desires. This lesson will hopefully you give you a new perspective on the storms of life.

Last Wednesday I received a text from a dear friend of mine in Phoenix. He said that his 15 year old daughter Katie was going in for some tests to determine the reasons for some health issues she was having. I went to bed without knowing the results. I woke up the next morning and I had a text from ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-3

Storms In Life

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Sep 26, 2017

As we see the destruction of another hurricane season and other catastrophic events our hearts are sensitized to the great need around the world. Can we find a comparison in the "storms" of our own personal lives?

(This is more of a mini-sermon with "thought" that will need to be fleshed out in your own words. I hope that it is not too muddled for you to follow. May the Lord fill you with grace and peace today! PTL!!) Please open your Bibles to Matthew 8:18-27 which we will read in a few minutes. There ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:18-27, Revelation 6:15-17

Denomination: Nazarene

Allowing Darkness In?

Contributed by Paul Clemente on Jul 23, 2012

Do we focus on godly things or do we allow darkness to creep into our lives?

Many of you know the tragedy that happened early Friday morning when a 24 year old man went on a shooting spree in a theater full of people watching the opening of the Batman movie. 12 innocent people were killed and many were injured including many children! We get shocked of course from these ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:33-36

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Where Was God? [sandy Hook School Shooting]

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 15, 2012

Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint template.

Where Was God? Psalm 46 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/wherewasgod.html Psalm 46:1-11 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Vs Eeyore Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 31, 2021

The same divine being who planned out and created the galaxies by an effortless command comes to those who are oppressed with healing, and to the oppressors with rebuke.

Fifth Sunday in Coarse 2021 There is nothing subtle about the first chapter of St. Mark’s Gospel. He introduces us to John the Baptist, then Jesus comes from Nazareth and is baptized. Immediately He is driven by the Spirit into the wilderness and is tempted. He goes to Galilee to begin preaching, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 147:1-6, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Job 7:1-7, Mark 1:29-39

Denomination: Catholic

Gird Yourselves And Lament

Contributed by Mike Bryant on Feb 22, 2021

As Joel addresses a nation brought to its knees by a locust plague, he leaves us with a plan for surviving overwhelming disaster in our own lives. Broad outline borrowed from "The Day of Disaster," a sermon by W. Maynard Pittendreigh.

I) In Joel 1:1-3, God through His prophet addresses a people faced with absolute calamity. A) He asks, “Has anything like this happened in your days, or even in the days of your fathers?” (NKJV). He says that the nation faces a crisis greater than any seen in generations (“or even in the days of ...read more

Scripture: John 11:35, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Philippians 4:6-7, Ecclesiastes 7:2-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Knocked Off Balance

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Apr 11, 2023

When you are knocked off your feet, blind with tears or pain or even a light like the one Paul saw, the first thing to do is seek God.

This has been a bad week. It started with one of the worst tragedies that has ever hit our country. Only wars, terrorist attacks and natural disasters have caused more anguish, more grief and suffering and loss, and more questions about providence and the presence - or absence - of God. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-5, Acts 9:8-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Where Was God On 9-11

Contributed by Travis Moore on Jun 25, 2002

A look at the Providence of God in the face of personal and National Tragedy.

Where Was God On 9-11-01? "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mat 27:46) {To introduce the message have one of your best Country Music singers sing Alan Jackson’s song, “Where Were You”. Or play the song while projecting images of the Disaster on a screen using PowerPoint. Images are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:46

Denomination: Baptist

A Strong Reminder

Contributed by Scottie Pitts on Sep 14, 2001

This is a meditation written in light of the Tragedy of September 11, 2001.

A Strong Reminder James 4:14, Matthew 3:1-2 Today, our nation sits in shock over the events that transpired on Tuesday. What looked like a scene from a movie, was in fact reality. Our lifestyles as Americans were threatened as we came to the realization that terrorism is a frightening ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-2, James 4:14

Denomination: Methodist

In The Midst Of Wickedness: It Happened On September 11th

Contributed by Troy Borst on Sep 17, 2001

A sermon reflecting on the national tragedy of September 11, 2001

IN THE MIDST OF WICKEDNESS: IT HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 11th PSALM 36:1-12 INTRODUCTION I got home from work on Tuesday and received a call from my mother to turn on the news and see what was going on. I flipped on CNN in time to see a building smoking and then a plan crashing into another. I ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 36:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why God? Series

Contributed by John Fruner on Aug 18, 2002

Why does God permit such tragedy to happen to a believer?

Tragedies smack us in the face too quickly and unexpectedly, even when we are trying our best to serve God. It just doesn’t seem fair! At some point we all find ourselves asking life’s most troubling questions, “Why?” and “Why would God permit this to happen to me?” We believe that not only did ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:11, Ecclesiastes 11:5, 1 Corinthians 2:11-12

Denomination: Catholic

Solomon.. Forgotten Wisdom

Contributed by Rick Hope on Jun 3, 2006

Solomon could have had it all...what a tragedy!

Solomon.. Forgotten Wisdom I once read a story about a man who was on a cruise. When it came time for meals, he could always be found sitting on the deck eating cheese and crackers and drinking water. Finally, a steward asked him why he was not enjoying some of the fine dining offered on the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 4:29-34

Denomination: Baptist

Mourning Life

Contributed by Samson Musyoki on Sep 24, 2007

WHAT YOU COULD HAVE DONE BEFORE THE TRAGEDY.

MOURNING LIFE 2 SAMUEL 12:19-20 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. “Is the child dead?” he asked. “Yes” they replied “he is dead.” Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:19-20

Denomination: Pentecostal

After This, Life

Contributed by William Wyne on May 15, 2012

Life does not cease at the period of pain, failure, and tragedy.

If there was any biblical character in scripture that had every reason and rationale to just resign from life and live forever in total resentment for the rest of their days, it was Job. Job’s saga and story is definitely an unfolding drama of unbelievable trouble and tragedy. It’s ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:16

Denomination: Baptist

The Holy Innocents As Witnesses To Christ Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 24, 2014

The massacre of the Holy Infants was a tragedy that God turned into a victory.

Holy Innocents Mass (December 28) Thirteen Days of Christmas Saint Matthew is the only evangelist who records what might be called the “Joseph Gospel.” He gives us the account of the angel appearing in a vision to Joseph, confirming Mary’s story that she was pregnant by the Holy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

Denomination: Catholic