Sermons on Challenge:

Faith In Action Series

Contributed by Timothy Enns on Nov 12, 2014

My wife Lindsay, who co-pastors with me preached this sermon in my series and took on this challenging passage about faith and works.James’ readers gave lip service to the faith and then went home and did as they pleased. Applicable for today's church.

Our passage today from James talks about this often controversial passage from James of faith and action. I would like to read it from Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase (The Message) this morning and then we will look at 3 sections individually from the NLT version. James 2:14-26The Message ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-26

Denomination: Nazarene

Love Keeps No Record Of Wrongs Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jan 24, 2020

Without a doubt the most difficult challenge that you will ever face as you strive to live out God’s kind of love… IS WHEN - somebody hurts you, when they do you wrong, when evil is done to you or to those we love.

Love Keeps No Record Of Wrongs If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Bastazo!

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Aug 30, 2019

Bastazo is the Greek verb meaning to "bear" or "to take up in order to carry." It can also mean to support or sustain. As Christians we are to help each other through all of life's many challenges.

A POWERFUL STATEMENT OF CHRISTIAN SOLIDARITY COMES IN ACTS 4:32, THAT PROCLAIMS, “ALL THE BELIEVERS WERE ONE IN HEART AND MIND. NO ONE CLAIMED THAT ANY OF THEIR POSSESSIONS WAS THEIR OWN, BUT THEY SHARED EVERYTHING THEY HAD…AND GOD’S GRACE WAS SO POWERFULLY AT WORK IN THEM ALL THAT THERE WERE NO ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:2-3, John 13:34-35, Acts 4:32, James 4:17

Denomination: Free Methodist

Going All Out Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Oct 8, 2017

Living into our calling in Christ challenges us to realize we are not who we hope to be, but neither are we what we used to be. So we press on, keeping the past in proper perspective, understanding who we will become is in the future.

Title: Going All Out Text: Philippians 3:12-16 Introduction Tom Toro is a noted cartoonist and writer. He lives in KS City, MO with his wife and family. But he was not always successful. At one point a few years ago he was so low he had to move back home to live with his parents. Depressed and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"What Do Son's Need From Their Fathers"?

Contributed by Eduardo Quintana on Sep 28, 2015

The work of fathering boys is both challenging and rewarding. "Does my son know that I love him?" "Does my son know that what he does is important to me?" "Does my son know how proud I am of him?"

Ephesians 6:4 ESV Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. I started manlytraining.com so we could communicate important aspects of manhood, Including fatherhood. In doing so, I came across quite a few fathers who told me that ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Made Of Different Material

Contributed by Bala Samson on Feb 15, 2024

Working in the midst of people who respect, admire, appreciate, like and love you is always great; however, the challenge is to survive and serve people who just don’t know you at all, who mock you, despise you and criticize you.

Made of different material Exodus 1:8 “Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.”(NIV) “New king, to whom Joseph meant nothing”, these words jolted me today! God calls you to work in the midst of people and do good for those who don’t care two hoots about you nor ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Worship In Heaven Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 24, 2023

At the throne, something incredible is happening … and it’s happening NOW! There is worship before God's throne, and John reveals it to us clearly in this passage. The challenge is, are we responding the same way when He is so deserving of our praise?

Alpha and Omega, Part 28, Revelation Part 5 Worship in Heaven Revelation 4:1-11 Introduction - Last week we concluded our study of the letters to the 7 churches -- We had several take-aways to consider, prayerfully you are still haunted by it -- Each church must examine it’s faithfulness to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 4:1-11, Isaiah 6:4, Exodus 24:10, Ezekiel 1:22, Hebrews 8:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Power Of God's Grace Series

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Aug 24, 2023

Life is filled with trials and challenges that can often leave us feeling defeated and overwhelmed. However, as believers, we have the assurance that even in the midst of our darkest moments, God's grace is sufficient to help us rise from defeat.

Title: Rising from Defeat: The Power of God's Grace Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to reflect upon the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. Life is filled with trials and challenges that can often leave us feeling defeated and overwhelmed. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, Romans 8:28, Philippians 4:13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Embracing A Spirit Of Power, Love, And Self-Discipline Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 4, 2023

We are not called to live in fear and timidity, but in the power, love, and self-discipline that God has given us. Let us face life's challenges with the confidence that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Embracing a Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-discipline Introduction: Begin with a warm welcome to the congregation and introduce the key verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Share a brief ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 16:14, Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Pentecostal

From Fishermen To Shepherds: Embracing Our Calling On The Right Side Of Easter Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 26, 2024

On the other side of Easter, we are challenged to live as transformed people, fully alive in Christ. As we delve into the Word, let's explore what it means to move from being fishermen to shepherds, from the wrong side to the right side of Easter.

From Fishermen to Shepherds: Embracing Our Calling on the Right Side of Easter John 21:1-6 Introduction: Two weeks ago, we rejoiced in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our faith. Today, we find ourselves on the other side of Easter, challenged to live as transformed beings, ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-6, John 21:15-17, Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 2:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Who Are The Pure In Heart?

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Apr 26, 2023

Have you ever wondered why people considered pure in heart often have an unwavering faith in God and seem at peace with themselves? In this study, we will explore why they believe that no matter their life challenges, God will ensure that everything works out for their benefit.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Matthew 5:8) "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Psalms 73:1) "Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart." (Psalms 51:10-12) (10) ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:8, James 4:8, Psalm 24:3-5, Ezekiel 36:26-27, 2 Timothy 2:22, Psalm 51:10-12, Isaiah 55:6, Hebrews 10:22, 1 Timothy 1:5, Psalm 73:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Here Is Our Invitation Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 22, 2025

Our invitation to follow God is simple: Come to Him, turn from our wicked ways, repent of our sin, and receive His invitation to come and be found faithful. The challenge of this world is, and always will be this: Will we continue to try to be the ones in charge?

Isaiah, Part 22 Here is Our Invitation Isaiah 55:1-9 Dismiss kids for Children’s Church and Nursery Introduction - Welcome to Seasons – intro – so glad you are here today - Last week, we saw the pain of a suffering servant; faithful to God alone (Jesus) - Today, see a critical invitation; ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 34:8, John 10:10, 1 Samuel 17:26, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 2:13-14, James 4:7, John 6:44, John 14:6, Hebrews 13:8, James 3:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The God Who Defends His Name Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 8, 2025

God is deeply concerned about His name because His name represents His character, His glory, and His reputation. Throughout Scripture, we see that God often acts to preserve and defend His holy name when it is challenged or dishonoured.

THE GOD WHO DEFENDS HIS NAME By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Ezekiel 36:21-23 (KJV) But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:21-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Go Forward: The Exodus Path Of The Christian Life

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Nov 29, 2025

The Exodus story holds a mirror up to us and reminds us that we all tend to default to our learned anxious reactivity when challenged. In the Exodus, God shows us that if we will trust him and move forward, we will inherit the promises of God.

Exodus 14:15, “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward.’” (CSB) Introduction: Breaking the Sound Barrier In 1947, test pilot Chuck Yeager prepared for another attempt at breaking the sound barrier. Most pilots believed it was impossible—planes ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:15

Denomination: Pentecostal

Are You Prepared To Fight Your Battles?

Contributed by Anitha Jabastion on Jan 12, 2026

What are the days of battle in our lives? Many times, we face days filled with challenges, hardship and difficulties. Some of these are internal like health issues or external like relationship, job, decision making and career decisions. Are we prepared to fight them?

Proverbs 21:31 - The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord. We can divide this verse into three parts: 1. Day of battle 2. Horse being made ready 3. Trusting the Lord for the victory 1. What is day of battle? Generally, battle refers to the specific day when ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 21:31, Jeremiah 29:11