Sermons on Challenge:

The Promotion: From The Pit To The Palace Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 12, 2010

Waiting is one of our greatest challenges. Our timetable is usually not the same as God's. God has a lot to teach us during our waiting periods. Let's see how God used the waiting period to grow Joseph.

Introduction: A. The story is told of a man who went shopping with his wife at a local department store. 1. They purchased a piece of luggage and a cooler. 2. As the man was waiting for his wife to finish the rest of her shopping he dragged the luggage and cooler with him to the shoe department ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 41:1-43

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Vision 2010

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Dec 16, 2009

In this New Year (2010) will we take the challenge to be humble, open to the Holy Spirit, have a repentant heart, a genuine hunger and thirst for God, pursue holiness, stay continually anointed and be of one mind and spirit within the Body of Christ.

Introduction: Something’s happening ... This last week I began reading a book by James Rutz. James wrote this book to make the Christian church aware that God is moving all across the world. His observations are a wake-up call to the American Christian and churches in America. Listen to some of his ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Devotional Life Built On Bible Study Series

Contributed by Greg Addison on Jan 27, 2010

A christian must have a consistent, daily time of bible study. Scripture is the ksy foundation for our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus Christ. Why is this so? Paul effectively challenges Timothy to continue in the scriptures and teaches him

Devotional Life built on Bible Study II Timothy 3:10-16 A christian’s Devotional Life is made up of these 3 disciplines: Bible Study Prayer Meditation Any effective devotional life must include a consistent habit and pattern of studying the Word of God. Why must my devotional life ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is The God Of Elijah?

Contributed by Stephen Wright on Apr 9, 2011

Elisha returned alone after Elijah was caught up to heaven. As he approached the Jordan River he cried out "Where is the God of Elijah?" As we face challenges and obstructions today we may ask the same question.

Where is the God of Elijah? Elisha was called by Elijah from what appears to have been a fairly affluent home 1Ki 19:19. He followed Elijah faithfully and humbly to the last. He had a firsthand view of Elijah’s later miracles and no doubt he heard graphic descriptions of the earlier ones. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Excuses Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 2, 2010

We all have excuses for not responding to Jesus' call to follow him. Life is hectic, complicated and filled with items that claim our attention. We have one reason, though, to respond to Jesus' challenge--his love and grace.

Luke 9:51-62 “Excuses” INTRODUCTION One of the most memorable illustrations that I’ve ever seen involved a glass container similar to what I have here and rocks of various sizes. Using the rocks the demonstrator underscored and important lesson in life. Just when we thought ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

Denomination: Lutheran

Never Give Up Series

Contributed by Rev. Reynaldo Bechayda on Nov 7, 2010

When it comes to overcoming challenges in life Daniel will always display his total submission to God. He knows God very well… Death threat will not stop him from spending regular and intimate time with God.

“Never Give Up” Dan 6:10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 6:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Let's Turn The World Over To Mothers

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 15, 2008

Dated 1988. Part dialogue, part conversation, between the preacher and his wife. Pain is caused by absenting ourselves from those against whom we have a grievance. Mothers understand compassion and challenge the rest of us to reconcile.

It is very appropriate that Margaret join me in bringing the message today… appropriate not only because she is a mother, but also because today’s message was inspired by both of our mothers … both hers and mine. Several years ago my mother was sitting in her living room reading the newspaper with ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 14:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Expecting The Best Series

Contributed by Randy Hamel on Sep 8, 2008

Sermon looks at faith and challenges the church to expect God to be faithful because God is faithful. The church will memorize one verse each week and seek God in faith for changes in their lives. Acknowledgement: Series originally developed by Rick W

EXPECTING THE BEST 50 Days of Faith - Part 1 of 8 – Sept. 7th, 2008 We’re beginning a new series today called 50 Days of Faith. Have you ever thought ‘how do I get God’s approval?’ Is it by being more good than bad? No. By keeping the Ten Commandments? No. By being religious and going to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:29

Lust And Envy Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

We are taught to cover up. We use Tide Sticks, plastic surgery, and White-Out. However, God always seems to call our dirt into the light! This revealing series challenges us to expose the filth in our lives.

“Dirt” Part 2 – Lust & Envy I. Introduction How did your homework go? I have heard some say that it was painful. Just shows us that the dirt is there and that it doesn’t want to go away easily. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons predicts: • 17% of Americans will have had cosmetic surgery ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Gluttony, Sloth, And Anger Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

We are taught to cover up. We use Tide Sticks, plastic surgery, and White-Out. However, God always seems to call our dirt into the light! This revealing series challenges us to expose the filth in our lives.

“Dirt” Part 3 – Gluttony, Sloth, and Anger I. Introduction How did your homework go? Did you count your blessings? Did you build safeguards for lust? We have been discussing the fact that we don’t like to have our dirt exposed. Now, I must admit that we don’t mind everyone else’s dirt ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:3-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Pride And Greed Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

We are taught to cover up. We use Tide Sticks, plastic surgery, and White-Out. However, God always seems to call our dirt into the light! This revealing series challenges us to expose the filth in our lives.

“Dirt” Part 1 – Pride and Greed I. Introduction We are taught to hide dirt. It begins innocently enough. Haven’t you pushed stuff in the closet or under the bed when guests are coming over? Haven’t you dusted around the vase rather than move it? Have you ever only ironed the front of the ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 21:21-23

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Secret Of Breakthrough Faith

Contributed by Angel Caballero on Jun 6, 2009

If you think your faith is not enough for a miracle, see Jesus on the cross for you, and faith you need to face any situation or challenge s will come into your life. Just look too Jesus! The author and finisher of faith.

Introduction : We will study faith today through the binacular of GRACE and finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through the years of being a Christian we heard teachings about faith which is not filtered by the finished work of Christ. Maybe some of us heard that in order to receive ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:25-34

Denomination: Church Of God

Lessons For Modern-Day Sowers Of The Word

Contributed by Ray Pritchard on Jul 3, 2007

Most messages on this parable discuss it from the standpoint of the four soils. I want to look at it in terms of what it teaches us about doing ministry today. I find at least eight principles that both challenge and encourage us.

Lessons for Modern-Day Sowers of the Word Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23 The last few days I have been meditating on the famous parable of the seed and the sower. It is obviously important because is found in three different places in the gospels (with Jesus’ explanation in parenthesis): Matthew 13:3-9 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Hero, The Knight And The Good Samaritan: There's One Big Difference

Contributed by Philip Gill on Jul 13, 2007

From time to time we hear of many heroic actions of those who risk themselves to help others. These people are often called ’Good Samaritans’. This sermon explores Jesus’ challenge to act positively in the lives of the despised and rejected.

The hero, the knight, and the Good Samaritan: There’s one big difference. As our Gospel this morning we have heard a story that has seared its characters onto the consciousness of countless generations. Only recently we have had cause to use the term “Good Samaritan” in relation to the events of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Anglican

Are We Following Jesus Or Not?

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Oct 4, 2006

Jesus was on the road to the cross with all that came with it - rejection and suffering. His call to follow him is absolute and he calls us to 100% commitment. This short sermon challenges us to follow him in everything we do, all of the time.

Luke 9: 57-62 Have you ever been quoted out of context? Have you ever been misunderstood? Jesus was often misunderstood, and when we hear these shocking words from the life of Jesus we are reminded that following him requires us to always follow, and not to dip in and out of following him. If I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

Denomination: Anglican