Sermons on Unexpected Circumstances:

Lessons From The Manger

Contributed by John Raulerson on Dec 12, 2007

One can learn many lessons meditating on the circumstances of Christ’s birth

LESSONS FROM THE MANGER (Luke 2:7) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. THE MANGER TEACHES US: 1) THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST --He stepped off the Exhaulted Throne, and into a Lowly ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Being Prepared To Be Prepared Series

Contributed by James Kirkland on Jan 28, 2009

God has a plan and He has prepared the people and the circumstances for it to come to pass.

Being Prepared to be Prepared When you think about John the Baptist, what do you see in your minds eye? 1. Wild looking man out in the dessert calling people to repent and baptizing them in the Jordan River. 2. A man with a camel hair garment with a leather belt. Can you smell the wet dirty ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-11

Denomination: Nazarene

Why Be Thankful?

Contributed by Rick Sunstrom on Dec 7, 2005

Discover why we should be thankful to God, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Why Be Thankful? In recognition of the holiday before us, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about being thankful. I’d like to begin with a story. In regions of Mexico hot springs and cold springs are found side by side, and because of the convenience of this natural phenomenon the women ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Can't Handle This... Exhibiting Our Pain

Contributed by Jeff Poor on Feb 5, 2018

God might be using your circumstances to exhibit to others how to navigate pain

Title: God Can’t Handle… Exhibit Text: Philippians 1:12-14 and Matthew 26:36-38 Bottom Line: God might be using your circumstances to exhibit to others how to navigate pain Date: 2/4/18 Intro Who I am... Something about the day.... So great to be here with you this morning… Tension So ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-14, Matthew 26:36-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Coffin, Choir, Christ

Contributed by J Richison on Aug 10, 2017

When our focus is on Christ as it should be we can worship in any circumstance

The Coffin, The Choir, and The Christ Isaiah 6: 1-9 The prosperity of King Uzziah's reign seems to have weakened the national character. Deep seated degeneracy was eating out the vitals of the nation. The unbroken summer of fifty years with its prosperity and wealth had induced a moral decay ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Abundant Life Can Be Yours Today" Series

Contributed by Brad Henry on Aug 19, 2014

How to live a life of joy no matter what our circumstances in life are.

The Ultimate Decision August 19. 2014 When I was in 8th grade I loved to daydream. I should say when did I stop? I can remember being in a far away place and the students starting to laugh. Then I realized that the teacher had asked me a question and only then did I leave my far away place to ...read more

Scripture: John 5:30

Three Strikes Don't Always Mean Your Out

Contributed by Joe Mack Cherry on Sep 16, 2015

God provides a way for us to get throughout the ballgame of life in hopeless circumstances.

Three Strikes Don’t Always Mean You’re Out By: Joe Mack Cherry I. Introduction A. Illustration – Game 4 of the 1941 Baseball World Series 1. NY Yankees vs. Brooklyn Dodgers a. A rivalry so fierce it continued when the Dodgers left Brooklyn and moved to LA and continues to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

New Beginnings; Old Themes

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Feb 26, 2013

It is difficult but essential to put the Greatest Commandment into practice when life's circumstances are difficult.

I am very pleased to report that we had a great family vacation, and I hope you will be pleased to hear that I am back at work ready to tackle a new season of ministry together. In many ways it does feel like a new season, and I want to talk about that a little more in a few moments. But first I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-39

Denomination: Baptist

Everyday Heroes

Contributed by Mike Bryant on Feb 17, 2021

God calls us to be heroes not only in extraordinary circumstances, but in our daily lives.

I) Let’s talk a bit about heroes. A) I love to read adventure thrillers. One of the authors that I used to read a lot (while he was living) was Robert Ludlum. His stories were frequently built around an average citizen who sees or hears something that he should not have. He then becomes caught up ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:8, Luke 14:25-33, 1 Kings 19:18, Romans 12:1-2, Mark 12:41-44, Matthew 6:19-34, Acts 9:36-39, Galatians 6:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Living With Eternal Purpose Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Oct 29, 2019

How do we keep on living on purpose for God regardless of our circumstance?

“Life is short; eternity is long. It is only reasonable that this short life be lived in light of eternity.” - Charles Spurgeon James refers to the two extremes of human existence and illustrates why thinking in terms of eternity is beneficial for the Christian. 1. It will keep us from despair - ...read more

Scripture: James 1:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

Power Of Worship Series

Contributed by Edward Hardee on Aug 2, 2025

It is important to understand that when we worship the atmosphere and circumstances around us changes.

Title: Power of Worship Theme: To show that when we worship the atmosphere changes. Text: Psalms 34:1 - 10 Opening Scripture Psalms 34:1-10 A Psalm of David When He Pretended Madness Before Abimelech, Who Drove Him Away, and He Departed. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:1-10

Denomination: Church Of God

The Gospel Cannot Be Bound Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Nov 2, 2025

The Word of God cannot be imprisoned or silenced by any circumstance, opposition, or human limitation.

THE GOSPEL CANNOT BE BOUND By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Acts 28:30-31 Key Verse: “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” — Acts 28:31 Supporting Texts: 2 Timothy 2:9; Philippians 1:12-14; ...read more

Scripture: Acts 28:30-31

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Christmas Uncluttered "Uncluttered Joy: Choosing Joy When Life Gets Crowded” Series

Contributed by Kelly Benton on Dec 11, 2025

To teach that true joy comes from Christ, not circumstances, and must be chosen intentionally.

You ever notice how December has some of the most ridiculous emotional swings of the whole year? One minute you’re sipping peppermint mocha feeling festive… next minute you’re one burned batch of cookies away from throwing the whole tree in the yard. Everybody talks about Christmas joy like it’s ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:15-20

Denomination: Other

I Am Ready For This Year PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 20, 2023

Explores the power of rejoicing, praying, and trusting in God's peace during all circumstances.

Good morning, beloved family of God. As we gather together today, we are reminded of the profound truth that we are not alone in our struggles, our questions, or our victories. We are bound together by a shared faith, a shared hope, and a shared love that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, we ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7

Topics: Exalting, Name, Lord

You Have Not Been This Way Before

Contributed by J Bernard Taylor on Jan 31, 2006

God gives us opportunities for new choices in the new year,sustains us in circumstances, and promises never to change.

It isn’t very often that New Year’s day falls on a Sunday. It is significant that we start out the new year in church. There is no better place to face the new year than in church. With all due respect for those who like to greet the new year with lavish parties, frolicking get-togethers and ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed