Sermons on Challenges Are Positive:

Barbarians, Sythians And Other Dead People (Or "Get Over Yourself")

Contributed by Matthew Bushnell on Nov 29, 2006

A sermon based on Colossians 3:5-10 challengeing personal agendas. (Preached as a very first sermon at the commencement of a new church ministry).

Barbarians, Sythians, and other dead People Personal Intro – Thank you for the welcome my family and I have received from many of you. I have had opportunity to meet a lot of people and learn names. That will take some time and I thank you for your patience as we get to know each ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:5-10

Denomination: Baptist

If You Love Me Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

The sermon explores the challenge of obeying Jesus' commands of love, forgiveness, and mercy, and the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live out these commands.

I think we can all admit here today that obedience is difficult. It’s difficult to learn, difficult to teach, and it’s a difficult process to watch play out in the lives of others around us. It’s not something we’re good at, hard wired for, or frankly… enjoy. Once upon a time, there was a young ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Topics: Obedience, Holy Spirit, Sacrificial Love

Nineteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time- How To Walk On Water.

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jul 5, 2023

To walk on water means to perform a task where the challenge greatly exceeds one’s level of skills without becoming anxious and stressed.

How to walk on water. I saw a cartoon that showed a lady walking on some cases of bottled water and the caption read, “Walking on water”! Another person said, “I walk on water every time it rains. Thin water, but water just the same. [And] just so you know, I drive on water too.” To walk on ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Catholic

Reality Check: Making A Difference PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Encourage believers to live out their faith with conviction and courage, standing out for Christ and making a difference in the world, even when it's challenging.

Good morning, family. I'm glad to see you all here today, ready to delve into God's word and learn more about how we can live out our faith in our everyday lives. Today's sermon is all about standing out for Christ and having the courage to make a difference. We'll be diving into Luke 19:13 and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:13

Topics: Standing Out

Lessons From Jeremiah – Part 5 – Injustice Against God; Treachery And Demonism Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 9, 2024

Jeremiah preached to an unjust and wicked nation facing judgement. Headship in marriage, injustice, and wimps in churches, charlatans in church positions are covered. Israel/Judah changed its God for idols and all in leadership they were corrupt.

LESSONS FROM JEREMIAH – PART 5 – INJUSTICE AGAINST GOD; TREACHERY AND DEMONISM PART 5 - Jeremiah 2:4-12 CHAPTER 2 [A]. THE ADDRESS TO THE NATION; THE LORD PLEADING WITH THEM {{Jeremiah 2:4-8 Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. Jeremiah ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:4-8, 1 Samuel 15:22-23, Jeremiah 2:9-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Cross Part 1: The Paradox Series

Contributed by Rob Culler on May 1, 2007

Jesus set an example and challenged us with the idea that we must die to live and we must lose our life to save it.

The Paradox of the Cross I. Introduction Today, we will begin a series of messages concerning a topic that is absolutely critical to our faith. It is a topic that is sometimes a source of confusion and disbelief as well as comfort and inspiration. To some this topic is no big deal while ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Step Of Faith Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon explores the concept of faith in Christianity, the challenge of overcoming fear, and the significant rewards and impacts that come from living a faith-filled life.

The French author Voltaire said, “Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.” The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “we walk by faith, not by sight.” And Martin Luther King Jr. preached, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Topics: Faith, Overcoming Fear, Spiritual Rewards

Mighty God Sermon I: May His Will Be Done On Earth As In Heaven Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Jun 17, 2020

The reality that not everyone believes in Christ presents quite a challenge to Christians as we seek to live out our identity with Christ our Lord in a hostile environment.

WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE! MAY HIS WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN! When James B. Sullivan was pastor of the First Baptist Church at Pascagoula, Mississippi, he told about three ladies who traveled to New Orleans to attend a concert featuring a world renowned ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-6, Romans 12:1-2

False - Christians, Short And Sweet 3 Series

Contributed by Brian Harvison on Sep 30, 2008

This can be a dangerous sermon to preach. It calls sin, sin and challenges Christians to examine their relationship with Jesus. Does Jesus know you?!?

False - Christians Jude The year was 2003 “When officials announced the vote tally on June 8, thunderous applause showered the crowd at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Concord, N.H The occasion: Episcopalians in the diocese of New Hampshire had just elected the first openly homosexual bishop As ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Nine Marks Of Worldiness - I John 2:15,16

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 31, 2002

Nine Marks of Worldliness - I John 2:15,16 (Preoccupations that are wrong, pride, pleasures, possession focused, popularity, power obsession, position oriented, people pleasing, and privileges seen as self-centered rights)

Nine Marks of Worldliness - I John 2:15,16 (Preoccupations that are wrong, pride, pleasures, possessions, popularity, power obsession, position oriented, people pleasing, and privilege for selfish reasons) Illustration: That evening, the assassin John Wilks Booth stopped in a saloon near the Ford ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:15-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

His Passion For His People

Contributed by Steve Malone on Apr 20, 2004

In this message we will see Christ’s passion for his people (his church) and we will be challenged to go nuts!

His Passion For His People The Passion Of The Christ – part 4 SHOW – the DVD of the passion… The Passion of the Christ. I don’t know about you BUT – I never grow tired of seeing, hearing or reflecting about Christ’s passion… Without any doubt whatsoever… Jesus Christ was the most passionate ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Gideon: Learning To Trust God

Contributed by Darrell Tucker on May 18, 2004

A sermon to Challenge the listener to trust the Lord and be a willing servant, even when we are not sure of our own abilities.

I. Gideon: Learning to Trust God a. Judges 6:1-8:3 – Kodak moment: girl at the pool w/dad, trusting dad to catch her. II. GIDEON THE COWARD 6:1-24 a. Israel is in bondage to the Midianites b. They are fearful and trapped in the mountain caves 1-10 c. God sends the Angel of the Lord (v.13) d. But ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Real Thing

Contributed by Stephen Rice on Jun 28, 2002

A challenge to live the Real Thing! Not this fake, go to church, get excited after youth camp sort of faith.

We all know the story of Abraham and Isaac, how God told him to the mountain and sacrifice his son. Abraham proceeded as told and took Isaac up, having been asked by his son Where the lamb for the offering was, Abraham just could say that God would provide. As they reached the top, Abraham bound ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:17-18, James 2:14-25

Denomination: Baptist

What Is God Like - Part 1

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jul 9, 2002

Jesus reveals His true character – one which you will find at once comforting and challenging – part 1

A kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew. She would occasionally walk around to see each child’s artwork. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, "I’m drawing God." The teacher paused and said, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-27

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

What Is God Like - Part 2

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jul 9, 2002

Jesus reveals His true character – one which you will find at once comforting and challenging – part 2

Today we conclude a study that we began last Sunday in Matthew 11 – answering the question: "What is God like"? If you missed it, pick up the tape. But to bring us up to speed – John the Baptist, having baptized Jesus as the Messiah, has some doubts and sends his disciples to ask the question: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Calvary Chapel