Sermons on Challenges Are Positive:

The Terms Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

There is a huge difference between an encounter and a Close Encounter. In this 4 part series, learn the ingredients that are necessary to have a Close Encounter with God. You will be challenged by this series.

“Close Encounters” Pt. 2 - The Terms Review – I want to spend just a moment in review so you will remember what we discussed last Sunday since it is the foundation of where we are going this morning. I remind you of the Passion Process – our mandate is simply to Encounter, Equip, and Engage. We ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 5:11-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Time Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

There is a huge difference between an encounter and a Close Encounter. In this 4 part series, learn the ingredients that are necessary to have a Close Encounter with God. You will be challenged by this series.

“Close Encounters” Pt. 3 - The Time Review – You are going to get sick of this, but I want to make sure that you not only know it by memory but you know it by heart. Our mandate is simply to Encounter, Equip, and Engage. We illustrate this by Hands Up, Hands Open, Hands Out. We will do nothing ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 5:11-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Power Of Pentecost

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on May 31, 2009

The Holy Spirit birthed the church on Pentecost. He is alive today and the Christian’s challenge to work out his/her calling in the light of the Resurrection and Pentecost.

Sermon for CATM – Pentecost Sunday – May 31, 2009 It had been the most intense experience of their lives. A Jewish carpenter and Rabbi had called each of them out from where they were. Some were fishermen - 5 of them actually; one was a tax collector; most were of unknown occupation; some were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who Is The Holy Spirit To You?

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Jun 3, 2009

Using the story of the transformation of Walter Lewis Wilson, this short sermon challenges people to want to be full of the Holy Spirit in order to impact our town for Jesus!

John 15: 26-27 and 16: 4b-15 Walter Lewis Wilson was an American doctor born towards the end of the 19th century. He was a faithful Christian who often hosted visiting missionaries to his church. One visitor from France didn’t mince words, asking him, “Who is the Holy Spirit to you?” Wilson’s ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

Break Up Your Fallow Ground

Contributed by Ron Theis on Jul 1, 2010

My first sermon at HBC. A message that will challenge you to give all your heart to God and see the results in will bring to your life and your church.

BREAK UP YOUR FALLOW GROUNDHosea 10:12IntroductionA.  What to say on the first day?1. Many will talk about vision.a. We already have one…it’s posted on the wall.b. I’ve had three weeks to come up with what I will share with you this morning.c. Only God waited until Monday night to ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 10:12

Denomination: Baptist

Faces In The Crowd: The Man Healed Series

Contributed by Michael R. Hodge on Apr 4, 2011

Responding to the example of the friends that brought their crippled friend to Jesus, we are challenged to invite others, to expect God to do amazing things, and to praise God in response.

“Faces in the Crowd” – Luke 5 This is the second message in our series entitled “Faces in the Crowd”. This series focuses on a number of characters found in the Gospels, whose names are briefly mentioned, typically appearing in one story and then we seldom read of their story again. In essence, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:17-26

Denomination: Baptist

Nehemiah 4 - Enemies Inside Series

Contributed by Stephen Sheane on Mar 3, 2010

Often our greatest challenges are not from outside but inside the church. When problems develop remember that we are family, remember the task and remenber others are watching.

ENEMIES INSIDE During the Gulf War more people died of friendly fire that from enemy fire. In other words, more people died from the hands of their friends than their foes. Unfortunately the church can sometimes be like that. Very often the greatest resistance we have to building up the church ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:1-11

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Advanced Training At Zarephath Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 16, 2012

Elijah is challenged to put his faith in God by what he faced at Zarephath. God used these experiences to further prepare Elijah for his future ministry.

Introduction: A. The story is told of a man who was walking across the road when he was hit by a car. 1. The impact knocked him on his head which caused him to be in a coma for a couple of days before he finally regained consciousness. 2. When he opened his eyes, his loving wife was there beside ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Conquering The Giants In Your Life

Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Nov 18, 2014

Every Christian has one giant or the other facing him or her. The giants must be confronted, challenged and conquered before the Christian can progress in life.

CONQUERING THE GIANTS IN YOUR LIFE Study Text: 1 Sam 17: 33 - 51 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine. 1Sa 17:33 And Saul said to David, You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him. For you are ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:33-51

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Matter Of Interpretation Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 5, 2014

In this sermon, we discuss the things we have to contend with that make interpreting the Bible challenging, then we discuss a method for interpretation, including the matter of the silence of Scripture.

Introduction: A. How many of you enjoyed Jay Leno’s “Headlines” segment on the Tonight Show? 1. Let’s begin with some actual headlines collected from local, national, and international newspapers that are rather ambiguous. a. It’s clear what the writer was trying to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Men Wake Up, We Are In A Fight

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Jul 4, 2016

This Message challenges men to stand firm in the midst of compromises being made all around them. This can be used as a Father's Day or Men's Day Message.

Men, Wake Up To The Fight 6/19/2016 Daniel 3:1-15 Romans 12:1-2 Happy Father’s Day to all of you men out there who have served well as fathers, grandfathers, uncles, cousins, sons, brothers, coaches, teachers, big brothers, mentors, and role models. I want you to know, somebody is ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:1-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Getting Along Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Oct 2, 2017

This sermon attempts to address the growing challenge of getting along in church given our differences due to culture wars, politics, personal opinions, prejudices, etc.

Title: Getting Along Text: Philippians 2:1-13 Thesis: When we have the same attitude as Christ, we will get along together and please God. Introduction: Our text was originally written to Christians living in Philippi which was a Roman Colony and as such they were citizens of the Roman Empire. ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dancing With The Holy Spirit

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on May 4, 2015

In Acts 10 - God loves to challenge our thinking, He confronts our "box thinking" and He leads us to new doors of opportunity and transformation.

Scripture: Acts 10:44-48 Acts 10:44-48English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles 44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:44-48

Denomination: Nazarene

Facing Your Giants (2) Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Apr 18, 2016

By God's grace and strength, we can overcome our challenges in life. Remember where your strength lies. Let the glory of God drives you

David was able to overcome Goliath even though he was smaller, younger, untrained and inexperience. He wasn’t terrified because he was not focusing on the giant. • We need to WATCH WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT because whatever we focus on affects us. We are easily overwhelmed because we ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:45-50

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Lifestyle Of A Christ Disciple Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Jan 18, 2020

Following Jesus Christ is a challenge on the earth with many struggles. But Christ the perfect role model will take us to the highest places if we surrender ourselves to him.

LIFESTYLE OF A CHRIST DISCIPLE Luke 9:56-62 Introduction: Some hundred years ago two team leaders adopted the same goal: Both sought to be the first to lead an expedition to the South Pole. Once made the decision presented with them countless choices. Selecting the cloth to wear, food to eat and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:56-62

Denomination: Methodist