Sermons on Challenges Are Positive:

Meaningless Worship = Sins Unforgiven

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Aug 25, 2018

Sermon based on false Jewish traditions which they designed to "earn" God's blessings. Jesus challenges their theology of how to receive forgiveness. Includes a story about "team work in the ministry".

In Jesus Holy Name August 26, 2018 Text: Mark 7:5,7,21,23 Pentecost XIV “Meaningless Worship=Sins Unforgiven” Mark records for us today another encounter with the Pharisees. Jesus was constantly being challenged by the Pharisees. They challenged His authority to heal on the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Lutheran

Recovering A Fumble Series

Contributed by Jess Bousa on Jan 30, 2007

Our hearts are what direct us in life. They are our compass. If we fumble and our hearts go bad, then our behavior will follow suit, but if our heart is pure, then only positive behavior will follow. Learn how to recover a fumble and prevent a fumble.

Today, we are going to begin, the first part of a four part series, titled, “Full-Time Christianity.” Another way of saying it is Lifestyle-Worship. Imagine with me, you get your dream job. You start off with a high salary, full benefits, a retirement plan, and investment package. You get it ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Daniel—the Captive Prince

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Oct 1, 2020

Daniel was captured and taken from Jerusalem to Babylon. While there, he faced a number of challenges. How he faced these could well be an inspiration for us even today.

Daniel—the captive prince Introduction: Daniel is one of the most well-known people in the whole Bible. Phrases like “the writing on the wall” and “thrown to the lions” are based on events in Daniel’s life—and he actually lived through these events, and more. He had the chance to reject the God of ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?

Contributed by Tim Vamosi on Jan 4, 2011

You and I have a predetermined, particular amount of time – a personal amount of time. Understanding how to use it wisely is perhaps the greatest challenge we face on earth.

* Some points in this sermon have been gleamed from a message by Andy Stanley* OPEN: - start by collecting special offering - $1 dollar from every person. Have ushers collect it and bring the money up to the pulpit.(Don’t reveal the purpose of the money) OK so the way we are going to start ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Celebrate With Joseph & Mary Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Dec 11, 2023

Based on Matthew 1:18-25 - Challenges hearers to consider the ramifications of Joseph & Mary's obedience to the Lord & how that applies to our lives.

“CELEBRATE WITH JOSEPH & MARY” Matthew 1:18-25 FBCF – 12/10/23 Jon Daniels INTRO – 2012 movie –“A Christmas Miracle.” And there certainly are many things connected to the Christmas story that are miraculous. That’s why we are spending this month in this series entitled, “Come Celebrate ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

Experiencing The Power Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Feb 4, 2015

We all desire to be used to affect the world in a positive way, but we feel like we can barely make changes in our own life let alone in the world around us. Why is this and how can any of us experience the power to change the world?

Experiencing the Power Acts 1-2 Well, here we are at the beginning of another year. The beginning of the New Year can be an exciting time and a scary time as well. It can be exciting because the New Year offers an opportunity for a fresh start. People start diets, they start working out, they ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

He Is Lord Because Of Who He Is Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 8, 2003

In almost every church, someone eventually says "I am in Charge Here!" So - who is in charge in the church? Is it someone with a position of authority, or is it someone who has has a unique experience from God? Or could it be both?

OPEN: A young sentry was on guard duty for the 1st time, and he had orders not to admit any car unless it had a special identification seal on its bumper. About the middle of the night, an unmarked car approached his guard shack and the sentry stopped it. Inside, was a general and his driver. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's Politically Incorrect Promise

Contributed by David Beirne on Apr 29, 2004

Trying to see one of today’s great political standoff from a Biblical position, this message presents a look at the Abrahamic covenant and why this ancient promise has such great influence on world politics 3000+ years later.

God’s Politically Incorrect Promise Genesis 17:1-8 Introduction: Israeli vs. Palestinian. Christian vs. Muslim. Jew vs. Everybody in the Middle East. Why is a small country, whose population barely matches the combined populations of Dallas, Houston, Ft. Worth, and San Antonio (all in Texas, of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 17:1-8, Galatians 3:29

Denomination: Baptist

Living In The Favor Of The Lord

Contributed by Ray Searan on Feb 21, 2007

In order for us to live in the Favor of the Lord, we must position ourselves and align ourselves with Him in several areas of our lives. The Lord wants to bless and favor people who diligently and fervently seek after Him.

Text: Psalm 5:12 (NASB) Introduction: c I. Living in the Favor of the Lord Through Prayer A. A major key in maintaining a right relationship with God and to live in the Favor of the Lord is through prayer. B. Psalm 5:1-3 (NASB) 1Give ear to my words, O LORD, Consider my groaning. 2Heed the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 5:12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Stay The Course!

Contributed by Bruce Ferris on Aug 19, 2005

Be encouraged! Fight the good fight! Do not give up? Do not! You are not defeated! You are placed by God’s grace in the position of victory. God’s will for your life is sanctification and nothing can thwart the will of God.

Stay The Course! Be encouraged! Fight the good fight! Do not give up? Do not! You are not defeated! You are placed by God’s grace in the position of victory. God’s will for your life is sanctification and nothing can thwart the will of God. Over and over you read this is Scripture but ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:17-20

Denomination: Baptist

From Persecutor To Propagator- Paul (Saul) Meets The Christ! Series

Contributed by Victor Ramlall on Oct 11, 2011

We need to seriously examine whether we are in a position to hear God's voice and to obey His commands to us, and to understand that God is able to get our attention if necessary and it may not necessarily be a pleasant experience if we are not in a posi

Act 9:1-20 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-25

Denomination: Pentecostal

Memorial Day - A Great Cloud Of Witnesses!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jul 9, 2012

But remembering God’s goodness & blessings is not enough! It must also result in some positive actions. Let me suggest 3 things we can do as we remember the blessings & mercies of God.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2010) A. Tomorrow is officially designated as a holiday marked in many communities by a variety of solemn observances. All across the United States people will gather in ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1, Hebrews 11:32-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christ Is Superior To The Angels Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Mar 12, 2008

During the time that Jesus walked the earth, people placed angels in high position relative to the Lord. With Jesus Christ now being preached as the sole way to heaven, the author of Hebrews had to convince the people that Christ was superior.

Christ is Superior to the Angels Hebrews 1:4-14 Intro In this text we are going to be dealing with the meat of the Word, rather then the milk. Keep in mind that the book of Hebrews is written to both believing and non-believing Hebrews. Both groups are being pressed with the truth that the New ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:4-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Hand That Pulls The Strings: Godfather Trilogy Series

Contributed by J John on Dec 20, 2007

In 1972, a movie was released based on Mario Puzo’s novel, The Godfather. Thirty years on, Francis Ford Coppola’s film maintains its position as one of the most popular and critically acclaimed in cinematic history.

--note-- 1972, Paramount Director: Francis Ford Coppola Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro - - - - - In 1972, a movie was released based on Mario Puzo’s novel, The Godfather. Thirty years on, Francis Ford Coppola’s film maintains its position as one of the most popular and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 129:1

Denomination: *other

How To Escape The Power Of Prejudice Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 31, 2021

Psychologists tell us that all of us have our in-groups, and out-groups. All of belong to certain categories, and there are others outside of those categories, and so all of us are in a position to be prejudiced against out-groups.

Arturo Tosconini became famous in the world of music because of the power of prejudice. He was a young cellist with a touring opera company from Italy. In June of 1886 they were in the greatest opera house in Rio de Janerio in Brazil. The house was packed with shouting people, but what they were ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13