Sermons on Challenge:

Take Courage

Contributed by David Mcnally on Jul 15, 2012

We all have to face opposition, 'winds blowing against us', but with faith in Jesus and the courage that only the Holy Spirit can give, we can endure and come through the challenges victorious.

Title: Take Courage! Text: Mark 6:45-52 The context is important here. Immediately before this section of Mark 6 we have verses 30-44 which record the time when Jesus fed 5000 men with only 5 loaves and 2 fish. The disciples had witnessed a great miracle, so why were they terrified ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:45-52

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Chameleon Christianity Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Mar 1, 2012

The concept of changing colors for the sake of adapting is unfortunately the trend of modern Christianity. Paul was writing to a church that had a numerous amount of challenges similar to those that the church in America is dealing with today. We are t

One of my memorable pets growing up was a Chameleon. I loved the idea that it would change colors to adapt to the environment that it was in. It eventually died but the concept of changing colors for the sake of adapting is unfortunately the trend of modern Christianity. • Paul was writing ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:11-18

I Want To Be #1

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Sep 13, 2018

This message is about how Jesus handled the conversation about greatness - ambition, power and control. Jesus challenges His Disciples - 1. Focus on Others 2. Focus on Service 3. Focus on Acceptance

Scripture: Mark 9: 30 - 37 Theme: Pathway to Excellence Title: I want to Be #1 This message is about how Jesus handled the conversation about greatness. Jesus challenges His Disciples - 1. Focus on Others 2. Focus on Service 3. Focus on Acceptance INTRO: Grace and peace from God our ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:30-37

Denomination: Nazarene

The Greatest Homecoming Of All

Contributed by Thomas Andrufski on Oct 2, 2025

Celebrate the joy of reunion and the hope of heaven! This inspiring message points us to Christ’s promise of an eternal homecoming and challenges us to be ready with our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

The Greatest Homecoming of All Text: Revelation 21:27 (KJV) And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Introduction – Earthly Homecomings Point to a Greater ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:27, John 14:2-3, Revelation 7:9

Denomination: Church Of God

Zechariah's Song Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Dec 19, 2020

Zechariah’s Song challenges us to expect God to work even in the middle of our present difficult circumstances. We do this by looking back at the actions of God, and then looking forward to the promises of God.

Message Zechariah’s Song Luke 1:57-80 We are working our way through a series which looks at the Advent Songs. Today we are going to have a look at Zechariah’s Song. So that we can be reminded of the context of the song let’s start by reading Luke 1:57-66 (read just verse 57) Hopefully you are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:57-80

Denomination: Baptist

Apostles In The Church

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Oct 24, 2019

Does it ever feel like the church is timid, afraid to take on new challenges? When we have those feelings, it may be because we are missing an important ministry of the church: the ministry of apostle.

Does it ever feel like the church never changes, or at least that if it does change, then the wheels of change turn very, very slowly? Does it ever feel like the church is timid, afraid to take on new challenges? Does it ever feel like the church is so busy just holding its own, surviving, that ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7, Ephesians 4:11-16

Paul’s Harsh Advice On Who To Marry Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 28, 2018

This is a challenging passage. Paul repeatedly emphasizes the vast difference between Christians and non-Christians that makes marriage a non-starter. Why does Paul think that Christians should not marry non-Christians?

OVERKILL? Why does Paul make such a big deal about this? - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. - Paul here argues that Christians should not marry non-Christians. That strikes many people as overkill. Is it really that big a deal? Is it really worth the repetition that Paul makes here? This is the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Denomination: Baptist

This Year Choose To Be Resolute

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Dec 30, 2018

I have a challenge for you this year, instead of making resolutions this year why not choose to be resolute about a few of the most important things you know you should be doing with your time.

Wow, here we are but once again celebrating New Years. How many kept their resolutions this year? How many said; “this year no matter what, we’re going to do this and that” and somehow everything but this and that, once again has managed to get accomplished! I have a challenge for you this year, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew 24:30-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Queen Esther Sermon I: In The Right Place At The Right Time Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Jun 24, 2020

In times of turmoil, women of inner strength rise to the challenge of making their world a better place in which to live by devoting themselves to righteous causes that build moral character and promote peace and good will.

QUEEN ESTHER: A WOMAN OF INNER STRENGTH AND COURAGE IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME AFTER BEING IN THE WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME As a woman of inner strength and ...read more

Scripture: Esther 2:5-18

Emotional Growth In Marriage Series

Contributed by Vince Miller on Oct 3, 2019

Marriage can be a great blessing and a great challenge all at the same time. Problems often arise because we men do not invest the time we should in an emotional connection with our wives.

Marriage Is Emotionally Challenging Marriage can be a great blessing and a great challenge all at the same time. Problems often arise because we men do not invest the time we should in an emotional connection with our wives. But for most women, and I would suggest men too, the emotional connection ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:24

Denomination: Baptist

What Faith Looks Like Series

Contributed by James Wallace on May 11, 2021

This is a reality check. When you're surprised by the challenges of the Christian life and even tempted to quit, consider how the people who are part of Faith's Hall of Fame lived.

This past week we all heard about another horrific tragedy on the border. Three people died and 25 were injured as smugglers attempted to bring dozens of illegal immigrants into the U.S. via boat along the California Coast. The 40-foot boat broke up on a reef just west of Point Loma off the San ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-16, Romans 1:18-20, Matthew 6:33

Denomination: Bible Church

Are You Jaded With The Church? How To Resist Jadedness In Ministry

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 23, 2021

Any individual working in the many fields of ministry will face the challenge of disillusionment. When I first got into ministry work I had some naïve notions about it.

Any individual working in the many fields of ministry will face the challenge of disillusionment. When I first got into ministry work I had some naïve notions about it. I was hoping to find a burgeoning vibrant Christianity rallying unified, as one, carrying the gospel like intrepid ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:37-43, Matthew 13:24-30, 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Denomination: Salvation Army

Harmony In The Home

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jan 15, 2020

Continuing with his call for submission to the Lord, Peter challenged believers to submit to God's given design for the home. Their submission to honor one another would provide honor unto the Lord.

Harmony in the Home 1 Peter 3: 1-7 Our text today deals with the relationships within the home. On the surface it may appear that Peter has taken a different perspective, but the overall theme he sought to convey in the latter part of chapter two continues. He dealt much with our submission to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Walking Through The Valley Of Death With The Good Shepherd

Contributed by Revd Dr Ruwan Palapathwala on Dec 14, 2024

The Valley of Death is a real place and also metaphoric for describing life's trials and daring challenges. Fearlessly, we can walk through any Valley of Death with Jesus, the Good Shephard

The readings you/we have just read are among my most loved passages from God's Word. I know that you love them the most, too. Psalm 23, which we love so much, is, without any doubt, the song of our souls as we live this life as Christians. Even if only we were made to recite and memorise ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:19-25

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

We Do Not Know What We Should Pray For As We Ought Series

Contributed by Revd Dr Ruwan Palapathwala on Dec 23, 2024

Like all Christians, St. Paul was left wondering how to pray in many challenging situations and trials during his ministry as an Apostle of the Lord. Then, he found how to pray best.

The words of St Paul, “We do not know what we should pray for as we ought,” I know, ring a bell with all of us Christians. When we are faced with situations that are beyond our grasp and capacity to control, we find ourselves without knowing what we should pray for as we ought. I remember my ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-39, 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican