Sermons on Challenges Are Positive:

Your Grief Will Turn To Joy!

Contributed by Raphiel Manenge on Nov 17, 2005

In this world there a troubles and challenges.Just like labor pains they work for our good.If we stand in faith our grief turns into joy!

“I tell you the truth; you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. ...read more

Scripture: John 16:20-33

Denomination: Pentecostal

Stephen

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Dec 25, 2004

Stephen had rights - he could have walked away from the confrontation with the Jews - but as a Christian he had responsibilities. The challenge is how to balance these

Acts 7:51-60: Stephen Story: 26 Christians were executed at Nizhizaka Hill in Nagasaki, Japan on 15 February 1597. Amongst them was a young seventeen year old boy, Thomas Kosaki, who was to die for his Christian witness along with his father. He wrote a letter to his mother the evening before ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:51-60

Denomination: Anglican

Jesus Mission And Ours Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jun 14, 2005

Ultimate joy and fulfillment in the Christian life comes from passing the faith on to others. Our text challenges and equips us to do just that.

Jesus’ Mission and Yours Colossians 4:2-6 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Introduction: An old legend speculates about what might have happened when Jesus ascended to heaven after his crucifixion and resurrection. The angel Gabriel approached Him ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Coward Or Conqueror

Contributed by Oris Hubbard on Sep 13, 2002

A good sermon for New Year’s, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day or any day to challenge God’s people to move forward.

Cowards or Conquerors? Numbers 13:26-14:2 Introduction: This is the weekend that we Americans remember those who laid down their lives for their country. Technically, this is not Veteran’s Day, but it has come to be a time when we remember those who gave their lives in battle as well as those who ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

They Followed Jesus Series

Contributed by Timothy Mills on Sep 26, 2002

Exegetical; verse by verse exposition of John 1:35-51, The disciples decide to follow Jesus, with a challenge in the invitation for the audience to do so also.

INTRODUCTION: John 20:31 says “but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” 1) Day 3. “Again the next day,” ties these verses to the previous verses. John is still the focus, but not for long! · John ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-51, John 20:31

Rock: Perfect Motivation

Contributed by Robert Garrett on Aug 8, 2005

This message will encourage, challenge and confict God’s people in their motivations in life. To be all that God wants us to be we must experience "perfect motivation"

INTRO. For the past few weeks we have been looking at mainly one of the disciples of Jesus Christ and have been encouraged, challenged and convicted by his obedience and disobedience to the Lord’s commands. We like Rock are many times motivated to do things strictly that will benefit us as ...read more

Scripture: John 21:15-23

Denomination: Baptist

Divine Destiny - Part Six

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Sep 2, 2004

Some people leave their new-found faith as a result of having to face the challenge of God. This is not the fault of God, but it is how He chooses to deal with us.

THE TESTS FOR DESTINY The Word of God should be a challenge for us all. It is at it’s best when it becomes confrontational to our lives. I have seen some who seemed to have had a conversion experience, but for no apparent reason fall away from the Lord. They return to their old lifestyles and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

It Is The Lord's Purpose That Prevails

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Jun 26, 2008

Pentecost 5(B) - It is the Lord’s purpose that always prevails. As mankind is often challenged to understand, then our God diplays his mighty power.

“IT IS THE LORD’S PURPOSE THAT PREVAILS” (Outline) June 15, 2008 -- PENTECOST 5 -- Job 38:1-11 INTRO: The pride of man ruined God’s perfection created in the Garden of Eden. They took the fruit and they ate. They put themselves in the place of God. After thousands of years and ...read more

Scripture: Job 38:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Watch And Pray

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jul 23, 2008

Prayer gives us the strength to face the challenges of life in the last days. It is our reliance on God that grants the victory. We need that resolve today.

Let’s look at the theme verse for the last Retreat. • 1 Peter 4:7 says, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” • There is an end to this world. And we are now nearer its end than before. • And therefore, Peter says, there are some ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Extraordinary Strength Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jul 21, 2009

In life… the greater challenge proves to be not so much how to succeed… but how to last. The course we choose is critical… but so is the strength to stay that course.

(Note: Some of the structure and portions of this message drew upon ‘A Life Worth Living’ material by Nicky Gumbel and Alpha.) Bob W. Ireland crossed the finish line on Thursday, November 6, 1986, as the New York City marathon’s 19,413th and final finisher - the first person to run a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Resolutions 2009--Part 2

Contributed by Blake Inscore on Oct 6, 2009

In this second part to our focus on challenges for the New Year we look at three more spiritual resolutions we need to make and keep in 2009.

Resolutions for 2009--Part II Proverbs 3:1-10 Introduction: Well, we are now a full week into 2009 and I’m guessing we have begun to settle in, and with the exception of writing the wrong date on our checks, 2009 seems much like 2008. Even so, I would like to continue with our study in Proverbs ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-10

Denomination: Baptist

Giving To Church Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 20, 2009

Giving is a challenge and a privilege. God offers us a way to be among the blessed as we give in response to God’s grace through our congregation.

Acts 4:32-27 “Giving to Church” INTRODUCTION During the month of October, we are hearing stories of how our brothers and sisters in Christ have discovered the joy and blessings of giving. Shelley Krispin, Carol Baker and now Steve and Deb Weber have shared their journeys. They have seen ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:32-37

Denomination: Lutheran

"Stand Firm And Move Forward"

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Oct 19, 2008

Before we can move forward when facing fearful challenges in our life we first need to stand firm in the Word of the Lord.

Stand Firm and Move Forward Exodus 14:10-14 Remember the times you experienced fear? The times when your breath was taken away and your adrenalin shot way up? I experienced fear when I was eleven years old and we lived on a farm taking care of the farm for one summer. When a neighbor drove ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:10-14

Denomination: Free Methodist

Close Encounters Of The Jesus Kind

Contributed by Carl Greene on May 10, 2008

A sermon challenging each member of the congregation to answer Jesus’ question... "But what about you? Who do you say I am?"

A Close Encounter of the Jesus Kind Matthew 16: 13-16 —William Willimon, “Who do you say that I am?” August 22, 1999, Duke Chapel Web Site, chapel.duke.edu. A student came to me and asked me to explain to her the difference between Christianity and Judaism. She is in love with a student who is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-16

Denomination: Methodist

Great Commission

Contributed by Nate Herbst on Dec 27, 2008

An encouragement and challenge to believers to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission, the third greatest commandment, fighting this fight to win it, by faith and in His power!

Mt.28:18-20: Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational