Sermons on Challenge:

Why Are We Offended? - Sermon For Proper 15 - Year A

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Aug 13, 2020

Looking at why the Pharisees were offended, and how the woman who was likened to a dog wasn't. Then thinking about why we are offended by the things of the world.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy spirit. Amen. Over the past few weeks we have spoken about the positive aspects of being sown and planting seed within life, and as I read this week’s Gospel, I wanted to just think about one other aspect, one which perhaps we don’t often like to consider, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:10-28

Denomination: Anglican

How To Be A Saint

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jun 23, 2019

THIS IS A NEW YEAR'S DAY MESSAGE AND A COMMUNION SERVICE MESSAGE. IT LAYS DOWN A CHALLENGE FOR THE NEW YEAR.

HOW TO BE A SAINT PHILIPPIANS 1:1-11 TODAY IS THE FIRST SERVICE FOR 2019 AND IT IS FITTING THAT IT INVOLVES A COMMUNION SERVICE. A QUESTION THAT IS OFTEN ASKED THOUGH IS WHO CAN TAKE PART IN IT? NOT ALL BAPTISTS HAVE THE SAME STANDARDS AS TO WHO MAY TAKE PART IN COMMUNION. SOME FOLLOW WHAT IS ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Christ And His Teachings Never Change

Contributed by Byron Perrine on Jul 9, 2019

We face troubling times, not the least of which is the challenge of raising our children as Christians in a world crazed by hedonism, secularism and lack of moral and ethical moorings. There is stability to be found in Jesus.

(If you have found this sermon helpful, please visit us at www.HeritageRestorationProject.org or www.ChristianWisdom.info) In Hebrews 13:8, we read, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” This is one of the most powerful verses in all the Scriptures, and one that most ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:8

Denomination: United Methodist

Will You Come And Follow Me?

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Jan 8, 2021

As we think about the calling of Nathaniel, we reflect on some of the symbology of the scripture, and think about how we are called to discipleship ourselves.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Hymns can be subjective, depending on who is listening to them, someone may think that a particular hymn is beautifully written, and someone else may feel that its dreadful. Choosing Hymns for worship is a minefield, will the congregation know ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51

Denomination: Anglican

Time To Be Full Time Christians

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Mar 18, 2021

A sermon considering the price of discipleship, and challenging people to action. I borrowed the Illustration at the beginning of my sermon from Revd. Martin Dale sermon in 2006 with thanks :)

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. 26 Christians were crucified at Niz-hiz-aka Hill in Nagasaki, Japan on the 15 February 1597, amongst them was a young seventeen year old boy, Thomas Kosaki, who had been sentenced to die for his Christian witness - along with his father. He ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-33

Denomination: Anglican

The Mountain Within

Contributed by Jesse Crooks on Feb 26, 2019

The success or failure of life depends to a very large degree on how we deal with these mountains. I want to talk with you about three different ways people deal with their mountains.

The Mountain Within (Matthew 17: 20-21) Introduction: While Linda and I were working at the Baptist Children Home, decades ago, they made a documentary film called “The Mountain Within.”. It was on an old 35mm. reel. In fact, some of you old timers may have seen the movie. It was shown in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:20-21

Go Church!

Contributed by Greg Nance on May 30, 2015

We have a job to do as God's people. Today we face challenges that remind us that this is serious business.

Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus promised to build His church. He promised that the gates of Hades would not be able to stand against His church. He built His church on rock. Ray Vanderlaan’s video series: That The World May Know, has an section on this passage in Matthew 16 where he gathers with ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Being Tested

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Mar 30, 2022

Life will always test us. We can't escape it. But in all of our tests in life we have to include the testing of our faith. In order for our faith to be strengthened it has to be stretched.

When I was a teenager, I used to deer hunt on a lease in Leakey, Texas. These are not mountains by any chance. But even in the Hill Country of Texas it can be challenging to get to a hunting spot on the side of one of those hills. I got the notion one time to climb to the top of the hill. What ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14, James 1:2-4

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is The Lord God Of Elijah (1 Of 2)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Apr 4, 2022

As I read through this passage, it appears that Elijah is testing Elisha.

Look at verse 2. He said to Elisha, “...Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el...” But notice Elisha’s response in that same verse, “...As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee...” Then look at verse 4. Elijah seems to test Elisha again. He ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Amazed

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jun 30, 2021

You might be astonished and amazed at what God has done in your life.

Amazed – Mark 6: 1 - 13 Intro: Any person who has been a public speaker or a public-school teacher knows about how people “listen.” Actually, there are types or degrees of non-listeners: wide-eyed, staring-into-space / looking at the floor / arms crossed and head down / close-minded / no-clue ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Let Your Light Shine

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Apr 15, 2021

A look at how the disciples encountered Christ post resurrection, and how this speaks into the present day filled with hopelessness and apathy, and how as modern disciples the torch has passed to us to continue the work

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. As we continue to journey through our Easter Season, the Gospel continues to speak to us about the impact that the Resurrection had upon the disciples. Last week, the Gospel focussed on Thomas and his disbelief, and this week, we continue by ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-48

Denomination: Anglican

The Church On Earth: What's Wrong With The Church?

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 26, 2021

How many times have you listened to sermons, read articles, or read books which inevitably point to the "failings of the church?" It seems like a constant theme.

How many times have you listened to sermons, read articles, or read books which inevitably point to the "failings of the church?" It seems like a constant theme. The church isn't doing this, the church isn't doing that! The church is failing because of this; the church sucks ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:18

Denomination: Salvation Army

Which Branch Do You Want To Be?

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Apr 28, 2021

As we think about Jesus being The Vine, this sermon challenges us to think about our relationship with Christ and how we move into closer relationship through our lives.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. One thing that I am not is green-fingered, I know how to mow a lawn, and how to pull up weeds, although if I’m being honest they are more likely to be flowers, and I know that roses should be pruned. I don’t know why this is the case, I just ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Anglican

Are You Ready To Bear Your Cross

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Sep 8, 2021

This sermon provokes us into thinking about how we bear our cross, and whether we live in the world or not of it, drawing on some of St Pauls teachings to the early churches

In the name of the Father, son and Holy Spirit. Amen. There is a story told of a man who was struggling to carry his cross, he complained and moaned at anyone that he came in contact with. Eventually the Lord heard his complaints and paid him a visit. My son, I have heard your pain, and I want ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Anglican

Rediscovering The Awe And Wonder - Proper 22 - Year B

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Sep 21, 2021

How do we rekindle our childlike faith of wonder and awe. Dare we be bold and love others and work to be the church that God wants.

In the name of the father, son and Holy Spirit. Amen. The Gospel today is certainly a fiery one, how do you preach on a subject such as divorce, where there are so many issues about what can bring about a divorce in present day society. However, as I sat contemplating the words of the Gospel, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:2-16

Denomination: Anglican