Sermons on Unexpected Circumstances:

Focusing On Opportunities Instead Of Circumstantial Problems

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Why do so many people end up focusing more on their problems than the opportunities created by their circumstances? Perhaps, it has to do with the fact that our human nature tends to have a morbid sense of interest in tragedies. Even though the apostles c

1. Why do so many people end up focusing more on their problems than the opportunities created by their circumstances? Perhaps, it has to do with the fact that our human nature tends to have a morbid sense of interest in tragedies. Even though the apostles could have become discouraged by their ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:21-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Troubled But Not Distressed

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Dec 14, 2003

Too many people fall in to the trap of feeling like they are a victim of their circumstances. John Leo, in the Dec. 8th, 2003 edition of US News and World Report writes: "Expert victimologists estimate that 91.2% of people in North America and Europe now

Troubled but Not Distressed (2 Cor. 4:8-18) Paul reminds us that even though we may think we are at the end of our rope, we are never without hope. Paul faced all kinds of troubles, hardships and adversity for the sake of the Lord Jesus and His kingdom’s ministries. Regardless of the risks, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Life After Easter: Bewildered Or Bewondered?

Contributed by Ryan Sato on Apr 2, 2005

After the resurrection, the followers of Jesus were in a harried state. Some of them were on the run, others were simply trying to make sense of what had happened. In the midst of our life circumstances, how does the Resurrected Christ make himself real

Opener: I hope you had a bad Easter….I know you think I should be saying “I hope you had a good Easter”…but for today’s sermon, it might be better for you if you had a bad Easter. Because when you think back to the first Easter, the disciples weren’t gathering together early on Sunday, excited ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Baptist

Unwrap The Gift Of Joy This Christmas

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 24, 2006

The angel said, “I bring you good news.” Christ is our good news of great joy.. Regardless of the circumstances, the pain, or problems, we look to Jesus, He is our good news. In Christ we can face life with optimism and joy.

Un-wrap the Gift of Joy this Christmas Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The angel said, “I bring you good news.” Christ is our good news of great joy.. Regardless of the circumstances, the pain, or ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10, Luke 3:10-11

Denomination: Free Methodist

Praise God For Being The Great Planner

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Sep 1, 2003

It is a great relief to know that we are on course when the winds of circumstances press against us. The Lord’s plans are perfect and all of His ways are peaceful. However, too many people are trying to plan their own lives without constantly relying on t

Praise God for Being the Great Planner (Jer 29:11) It is a great relief to know that we are on course when the winds of circumstances press against us. The Lord’s plans are perfect and all of His ways are peaceful. However, too many people are trying to plan their own lives without constantly ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Going Where The Action Is--Perspectives On The Jabez Territory Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Mar 16, 2002

When Jabez cried out to God “enlarge my territory” he was looking at his present circumstance and concluding, “Surely I was born for more than this"--this message will help us to see where to go where the action is in the Jabez territory.

Today is part 4 of 6 of the challenges of the prayer of Jabez. Going where the action is and some perspectives on the Jabez territory. We are examining the prayer of Jabez. Some of you may have it memorized by now: “Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name ...read more

Scripture: John 4:35, 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Denomination: Methodist

Loaded - Pt. 4 - Benefit 4 Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Dec 25, 2014

We are instructed to give thanks. Some of us struggle to do that because we aren't sure that God has blessed us lately. Situations and circumstances cause us to wonder if God even deserves our thanks! The truth is that we are loaded!

Loaded Pt. 4 - Benefit 4 I. Introduction We have been commanded repeatedly to be thankful. Over and over again gratitude is commanded because God is worthy. Because life can be difficult and not everything is always as planned it is necessary to remind ourselves of the benefits that we have due to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Loaded - Pt. 5 - Benefit 5 Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Dec 25, 2014

We are instructed to give thanks. Some of us struggle to do that because we aren't sure that God has blessed us lately. Situations and circumstances cause us to wonder if God even deserves our thanks! The truth is that we are loaded!

Loaded Pt. 5 - Benefit 5 I. Introduction We have been commanded repeatedly to be thankful. Over and over again gratitude is commanded because God is worthy. Because life can be difficult and not everything is always as planned it is necessary to remind ourselves of the benefits that we have due to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Royal Wedding

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Apr 30, 2011

It is estimated that over 2 billion (yes, billion!) tuned in to watch the wedding ceremony of William and Kate in England today (4/29/11). Adjectives like ‘tremendous, beautiful, spectacular’ do not capture the grand scope of pomp and circumstance displa

It is estimated that over 2 billion (yes, billion!) tuned in to watch the wedding ceremony of William and Kate in England today (4/29/11). Adjectives like ‘tremendous, beautiful, spectacular’ do not capture the grand scope of pomp and circumstance displayed in the chapel, the palace, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-33

Denomination: Baptist

When You Can't, God Can Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 22, 2013

Probably all of us have faced times in our lives when we reach the end of our resources. Today I want to encourage you that the God’s help in your life is MOST RECOGNIZED when our circumstances are at the worst.

Complete the following phrases …I am ready to throw in the… (towel). …I am at the end of my…(rope). …I am just a bundle of…(nerves). …I am at my wits…(end). …I am in over my…(head). Rick Warren, The Power to Change Your Life, The ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 41:1-57

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Exodus 17 - What Has God Already Placed In Your Hands? So Use That! Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Dec 28, 2009

God can use an ordinary rod in Moses hands. What resources are in my hand? What will God use in my life to enable me to find the victory I need in the circumstances I face? Am I willing to support my leaders?

Exodus 17 - What’s that in your hand? Use that! 1. AM I WILLING TO BE TESTED IN YOUR FAITH? "Am I willing to trust in God when I face problems and crisis points in my life? Am I willing to go to Him in prayer for the answers I need on a daily basis?" In Exodus 17 God leads His people to a place ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Are You Ready For A Miracle? Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Oct 19, 2009

Ever been between a rock and a hard place? Ever seen the dark circumstances around you and been afraid and frustrated, doubting whether God might intervene? Many of us have experienced the uncertainty of these days and allowed fear to invade our hearts an

Are You Ready for a Miracle? Isaiah 7: 1-14 Two men made their way to the city’s edge one day. One was quite young, only 20 years old, but with an awesome responsibility on his shoulders.
The other was more mature. He’d been around for a while and seen a few things. As they walked, he tried ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:1-14

Denomination: Methodist

Honest Gabe Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 7, 2009

Gabriel communicated God’s message to different kinds of people in very different circumstances; although he may have explained the content at different levels, he did not change the content. God’s truth is God’s truth: It is to be believed and undertood!

Honest Gabe (topical) 1. Abraham Lincoln was often called "Honest Abe." His nickname was well-earned; his honesty was extreme. 2. Honesty and integrity are not only virtues of good people, they also characterize the holy angels, including the angel Gabriel. 3. But how do you do the biography of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:11-38

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God’s Glory Revealed Through Gideon

Contributed by Donnie Martin on May 29, 2010

Faith isn’t based on how the circumstances look, but on the faithful promises of Almighty God. God reduced Gideon and his men to the point that victory was contingent only upon their faith in God. In the extreme battles of life, only a firm faith in God w

God’s Glory Revealed Through Gideon Text: Judges 6:33-7:2 Intro: In First Corinthians 10:31, Paul exhorts us with these words: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” This familiar passage of scripture sums up the purpose of every Christian’s life: ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Faith That Leaps Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Apr 27, 2009

As Habakkuk accepts God’s righteous judgment he finds the incredible grace gift of faith that causes him to rejoice & rise to new places of faith & strength. In accepting the fearful, challenging Word of God, he found grace to soar above circumstances

HABAKKUK 3:18-19 A FAITH THAT LEAPS / The Leaping of Faith [Lamentations 3:20-26] Habakkuk has placed his faith in his God of Grace and Glory not only for the survival of his nation but for his personal existence and well being also. Judah was an agrarian economy. She derived most of her ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:18-19

Denomination: Baptist