Sermons on Challenge The Dark:

When There Is No One To Stand In The Gap Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 18, 2024

God makes a stunning statement here: there is no one left to stand in the gap on behalf of Israel. What does this passage tell us about the specific shortcomings of the people of God and the prophets of God in that day? And can this text encourage us today to stand strong amid a dark hour?

OFF-TRACK: The American church is far from what we should be. - I think this is largely beyond dispute, so I won’t belabor the point. - Let me simply share one proof that I think is instructive. - When you look at the early chapters of Acts, there are many people who are coming to know Jesus. The ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 22:17-31

Denomination: Baptist

Wrestling In Prayer Series

Contributed by Alan Mccann on Sep 13, 2004

We all need to learn that satan wants to stop us praying (ephesians 6) and that we need to wrestle against that. added to this we need to be challenged to persevere in prayer - like the men and women of faith in scripture

WRESTLING IN PRAYER Isn’t it amazing how quick the pace of life is? Are you not astounded that every 18 months or so the speed of a computer doubles? We all use to think the www was quick with a dial up connection but now we have broadband and isdn lines. We have instant everything. You can go ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-12

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

If I Had Just Looked Up

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Feb 6, 2023

The imagery of this Psalm is meant to give a sense of the comprehensive care of God for those who look to him. I must admit the most challenging times of my life, happened when I failed to “Just Look Up.”

TITLE: IF I HAD JUST LOOKED UP SCRIPTURE: PSALM 121 This morning we’re going to look at a Psalm about looking up. Charles Spurgeon called this A Psalm Of The Eyes. Psalm 121 is written to speak to the heart, the simple, poetic formula is meant to hit home in a memorable way. The imagery of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Honesty - Silence Is Not Always Golden

Contributed by Jeff Riedel on Jul 2, 2014

Seeking God and having the ultimate relationship with Him requires complete honesty. Covering our faults and failures is no good to anyone. This message challenges the hearer to examine how honest he/she is with the Lord, himself and others.

SERMON: The next person, after hearing this message, who tells a lie, no matter how big or small.....will fall over immediately and die. Ok maybe not, but hey, It could happen you know. Wait, it did happen.... Wait....it does happen......Wait.....it happens all the time. More on that in a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-10, Psalm 15:1-2, Psalm 32:1-5, Proverbs 28:13, Genesis 3:13, 1 John 1:5-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian Church

A Greater Kindness Series

Contributed by Tim Diack on Mar 18, 2013

Sacrificial love is willing to lay down its life, and do the hard things that love demands, on behalf of another. This is the love that we experience in Christ and this is the love that we are challenged to live out with each other.

A Greater Kindness - Ruth 3:10-18 - March 17, 2013 Series: From Heartache to Hope – The Redemption of Ruth - #8 Let me ask you a question as we start this morning: How many decisions do you figure you make in an average day? A hundred? A thousand? Ten thousand? Any ideas? Any ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 3:10-18

Denomination: *other

Creation Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Sep 21, 2022

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (Gen. 1:1) This is one of the most profound statements ever made, and yet we find that it is a statement that is certainly challenged in this hour in which we live.

OUTLINE 1. Entrance of Sin on Earth, Ch. 1-11 A. Creation, Ch. 1-2 1. Heaven and Earth, 1.1 2. Earth Became Waste and Void, 1.2 3. Re-creation, 1.3-2.25 (a) First Day – Light 1:3-5 (b) Second Day – Air Spaces (Firmament), 1:6-8 (c) Third Day – Dry Land Appears and Plant Life, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

The Lamp Of The Body

Contributed by John Foster on Apr 11, 2001

This sermon explores a bible passage from Lukes Gospel and shows that people everywhere are looking for a light to follow. It challenges the audience on their Christian stand on various issues and gives the reassurance that God’s love and blessing falls on each true believer.

Our subject for today’s sermon is “The Lamp of the Body” I have a question for you. Is anyone here frightened of the dark? [acknowledge the responders] Or does anyone have children or grandchildren who are frightened of the dark? My 10 year old daughter insists on going to sleep with the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:33-36

Denomination: Methodist

Hurricanes, Prayer And Faith

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Sep 16, 2017

Many of us prayed against Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Jose. But they still happened. Why? Is it because none of us p had faith or too little faith? I believe the answer, from scripture, will be a surprise and an encouragement.

Hurricane’s Harvey, Irma and Jose. Many people, especially Christians, believe they are God’s judgment on the US because of sin. Predictably, the sins most Christians identify are same sex marriage, the homosexual lifestyle and abortion. None of these behaviors are the reasons why our country is ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-5, Romans 8:18-22, Matthew 24:3-8, Mark 13:3-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Persecuted? Rejoice And Be Glad!!!

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Jul 10, 2021

Why would a person who hungers and thirsts for righteousness, a person who is merciful and has a pure heart, why would a person who is a peacemaker be persecuted? Because the evil one hates the Righteous One!

Persecuted? Rejoice and Be Glad! Please stand with me as we go over our current memory Scripture: Matthew 5:6-8 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:40-42, John 3:19-20, John 15:18-19, John 7:2-7, John 15:18, John 7:7, Galatians 5:22-23, Acts 7:54-60, Matthew 23:35, Jeremiah 26:20-23, 1 Kings 22:23-27, Amos 7:13, Jeremiah 36:23, Jeremiah 20:7, 1 Peter 3:15, Matthew 5:1-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

Persecuted: Why? Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on May 1, 2023

The Beatitudes are a beautiful picture of the character of Christ and of consecrated Christians. Why would such a lifestyle depicted in the first seven beatitudes provoke persecution rather than admiration and esteem?

Intro In our study of the Beatitudes, we come to the eighth beatitude. It is recorded in Matthew 5:10: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”i The reward declared in this final beatitude is the same as declared in the first ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, John 10:1-32, Ephesians 6:12, Proverbs 29:27, Luke 4:1-34, Ephesians 5:1-6, Acts 3:12-19, Acts 2:1-20, Acts 4:1-12, Matthew 10:32-36, 2 Corinthians 5:1-20, Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28:11-20, Matthew 5:13-16, John 15:1-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Part 31: Wise Ways To Pray Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 12, 2025

1. Praise the Lord! (vs. 1-18)... For His unique understanding For His perfect presence For forming us and fashioning our days For the treasure of His thoughts toward us 2. Take a strong stand for our Savior (vs. 19-22). 3. Pray for God to keep searching and steering our lives (vs. 23-24).

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 31: Wise Ways to Pray Psalm 139:1-24 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared September 12, 2025) BACKGROUND: *Anyone who has read much of the Bible knows that the LORD included many of His servant's prayers. The Dake Annotated Reference Bible lists 222 ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Discerning The Spirit Between Demonic Manifestation Vs. Holy Spirit Manifestation. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 18, 2025

The following content may be disturbing to some readers. As believers, we are called to discern the spirits and test every manifestation to ensure it aligns with the will and character of God (1 John 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:21).

As believers, we are called to discern the spirits and test every manifestation to ensure it aligns with the will and character of God (1 John 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:21). The Bible warns us about the schemes of the devil and his attempts to deceive and lead us astray (2 Corinthians 11:14, Ephesians ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:4, Luke 8:26-39, Mark 16:17

The Silence/Absence Of God

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Nov 30, 2005

We’ve all experienced what’s been called “the dark night of the soul.” Our desolation deals with the absence of God. We trust God is near, and that He cares about us, but there are unsettling times when He seems quite distant. Just because God is somet

“The Absence/Silence of God” Psalm 13 -Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts “Where was God when tragedy struck?” “Why don’t I sense God with me more?” “How can I pray when I hear no answer? Am I just talking to myself?” These are troubling questions many ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-6

Denomination: Congregational

Footsteps Of Jesus - Who Are You Following?

Contributed by David Parks on Nov 28, 2020

As we look forward to the unique challenges COVID-19 presented to the church universal and the Surprise church specifically I would like to set the theme going forward , Where He Leads I will Follow – Faithful discipleship in a pandemic

THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS 1 WHO ARE YOU FOLLOWING? 1 Peter 2:21-25 1 Peter 2:21-25 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Living In Pain Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Oct 30, 2001

This is the 2nd sermon in the series "Life Challenges". This sermon is about being able to keep serving God even when you don’t feel like it.

Sunday Evening November 4, 2001 Bel Aire Baptist Church, Hobbs, NM Series: Life’s Challenges [#2] LIVING IN PAIN Job 2 Introduction: For some of us, like myself, when we are sick or injured we carry on about for days and weeks and months; but there are people in this church that have to live ...read more

Scripture: Job 2:1-13

Denomination: Baptist