Sermons on Challenge The Dark:

Take Heart: Victory In Christ! John 16:33 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 30, 2024

John 16:33 is a beacon of hope for believers facing the challenges of life. Jesus acknowledges the reality of trials but assures us of His victory and the peace we can find in Him.

Take Heart: Victory in Christ! John 16:33 Introduction Today, we gather around a powerful promise spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of John. In John 16:33, Jesus says: "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, ...read more

Scripture: John 16:33, 1 Peter 4:12, Philippians 4:6-7, Isaiah 26:3, 1 John 4:4, Romans 8:37, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Hope Is Already Ours! Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 27, 2010

Study of the book of Isaiah, Chapter 9. Because a Child has been given to us, we are to no longer fumble around in darkness; but rather give everything we have to following the One who gave it all for us. (Ref: Isaiah 9:1-7)

Hope is Already Ours! Isaiah 9:1-7 Introduction - This morning, we concluded Chapter 8 with hope and strength to follow - Because God has called us; because He stands WITH us; we have victory - We were challenged to examine who we listened too; whom we followed - And we examined the problem with ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

This Is Us - Pt. 2 - Square Pegs And Spotlights Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Mar 22, 2017

Do we know who we are? With all of our hang-ups, challenges, gifts, warts and all, “THIS IS US!” Understanding our identity is essential for our health.

This Is US! Pt. 2 - Square Pegs & Spotlights I. Introduction “When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” That was the declaration of the Ralph Ellison who was the author of the Invisible Man. Time and time again in Scripture we see folks who don't know who they are and they ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

God Of Wonders PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2025

Remembering God’s past faithfulness fuels our present hope and prayer, empowering us to trust Him and expect His power in today’s challenges.

Some nights feel noisier than others. The worries keep whispering, the clock keeps ticking, and our hearts keep wondering if morning will ever come. Have you been there? You grab your phone, scroll a few old photos, and a smile slips in where sighs used to sit. Memory does that. Memory can be a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 77:11

Topics: God, Wonders

Maintaining Focus Series

Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 29, 2008

Jesus demonstrated the source of His power in His time alone with the Father. Even Jesus faced the challenge of focus hijacking. This message deals with maintaining your focus in the face of others demands.

Maintaining Focus Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42-44 Mark 1:35 (HCSB) Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there. A Pattern to Follow * Very early in the morning • Before the demands of the day • Sacrificing ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:35-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Go Beyond The Faith Of Your Parents

Contributed by Davon Huss on Feb 19, 2013

A sermon to inform the whole congregation but to challenge young people (Much material taken from The NIV Application Commentary on Isaiah by John N. Oswalt, pgs. 504- 507)

HoHum: Two Catholic priests, in their religious uniforms, were fishing on the side of the road. They thoughtfully made a sign saying "The End is Near! Turn yourself around now before it's too late!," and showed it to each passing car. Well this one car that passed didn't appreciate the sign and ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 44:6-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fire From Heaven Series

Contributed by Chuck Gohn on Jul 16, 2022

This sermon focuses on Elijah's challenge to the 450 Prophets of Baal and the application to Christians who are wavering in their faith when it comes to facing the various Baals of culture.

Good morning. I hope you all had a great Easter. I know we did. Today, we are going to continue the series that we call The Story. As you know, the story we are talking about is God’s story that is found in the complete story of the Bible in the people, places, and events of the Bible. Where ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:20-40

Denomination: Christian Church

Who Ya Gonna Call? Series

Contributed by Johnny Wilson on Mar 30, 2009

Life offers many answers, but only one Answer. Hosea calls God’s people out for their lack of faithfulness to God’s Answer, and by implication, challenges us to faithfulness.

If you’re a fan of comedy movies like I am, the title of today’s sermon will ring a bell. The theme song of “Ghostbusters” went something like, “When there’s something weird in your neighborhood, who ya’ gonna’ call? Ghostbusters!” There was something about the idea of a S.W.A.T. team ready to deal ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 7:11-16

Denomination: *other

Have We Been Changed

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Dec 18, 2001

This New Year’s sermon ask the question if we have changed spiritually after 9/11/01. It is also a challenge to be different in 2002.

Sunday Morning December 30, 2001 New Year’s Sermon Bel Aire Baptist Church HAVE WE BEEN CHANGED? James 1 Introduction: [Play video clip “Now What?”] 1. As we begin to look at the end of year 2001 and toward 2002, I must ask the question, “Have We Been Changed?” 2. As I watched the news coverage ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-27

Denomination: Baptist

Ten Shekels And A Shirt

Contributed by Jonathan Lucas on Aug 14, 2001

How much is your salvation worth? How much is your ministry worth? This sermon challenges the listener to evaluate the cost of selling out to sin.

Ten Shekels and a Shirt Text: Judges 17:5-11 And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. And there was a young ...read more

Scripture: Judges 17:5-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Can Israel Survive In A Hostile World?

Contributed by Gordon Norman on May 8, 2002

This sermon gives biblical & historical insight into the right & assurance of Israel’s existence & challenges the church to raise its voice in support of the Jewish people.

“Can Israel Survive In A Hostile World?” (Ezekiel 37:1-14) Preached April 14th 2002 For the last 18 months we have all watched the turbulent events in the Middle East. We’ve witnessed the aguish resulting from the shootings, the suicide bombings & in the last couple of weeks we’ve seen the ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

They Followed Jesus Series

Contributed by Timothy Mills on Sep 26, 2002

Exegetical; verse by verse exposition of John 1:35-51, The disciples decide to follow Jesus, with a challenge in the invitation for the audience to do so also.

INTRODUCTION: John 20:31 says “but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” 1) Day 3. “Again the next day,” ties these verses to the previous verses. John is still the focus, but not for long! · John ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-51, John 20:31

What In Hell Do You Want?

Contributed by Jonathan Lucas on Jun 5, 2001

This sermon challenges the seeker to consider the reality of eternity in Hell, and presents a better place, Heaven. It also encourages the believer to stand strong within the Faith.

What In Hell Do You Want? (Making a Deal with the Devil) Text: Philemon 1:24, Matthew 16:24-26, 2 Timothy 4:10 Philemon 1:24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. Matthew 16:24-26 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:24, Matthew 16:24-26

Denomination: Pentecostal

Freedom

Contributed by Brent Williams on Jun 7, 2001

The Gospel of Christ gives us Freedom. A study of Christ’s Gospel proclaims 4 things: Self Realization, Upward Search, Challenge, and Hope.

“Freedom” John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Intro: In these two verses Jesus told us that we could be set free if we would hold to his teachings. ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-32

Denomination: Baptist

Divine Destiny - Part Six

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Sep 2, 2004

Some people leave their new-found faith as a result of having to face the challenge of God. This is not the fault of God, but it is how He chooses to deal with us.

THE TESTS FOR DESTINY The Word of God should be a challenge for us all. It is at it’s best when it becomes confrontational to our lives. I have seen some who seemed to have had a conversion experience, but for no apparent reason fall away from the Lord. They return to their old lifestyles and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God