Sermons on Challenges Are Positive:

This Is Us - Pt. 5 - Chillin' Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Apr 2, 2017

Do we know who we are? With all of our hang-ups, challenges, gifts, warts and all, “THIS IS US!” Understanding our identity is essential for our health.

This Is US! Pt. 5 - Chillin' I. Introduction “When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” That was the declaration of the Ralph Ellison who was the author of the Invisible Man. Do you know who you are? If you do not, then it isn't Jesus' fault because He climbs a mountain, sits down and takes ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-34

Denomination: Pentecostal

Peter Defends Himself Before The Jerusalem Church Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 10, 2017

It appears that when the church leaders in Jerusalem had heard of Peter’s experience in Joppa at the home of Cornelius, they challenged his action and recalled him to Jerusalem for the purpose of justifying it.

May 6, 2014 Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles By: Tom Lowe Lesson: III.D.7: Peter Defends Himself Before the Jerusalem Church (11:1-18) Scripture (Acts 11:1-18; KJV) 1 And the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Securing Our Future Series

Contributed by Alvin Hathaway, Sr. on May 21, 2011

We have the challenge to step out on faith and secure our future, by building on our legacy, by fulfilling our commitment, so that we may preserve our sacred space.

Sunday, October 19, 2008 “Securing Our Future” Hebrews 11: 6 – 10 As we are embarking on a multi-year campaign to “Preserve Our Sacred Space” it is important that every member share in this journey by committing to giving sacrificially. Every era, every generation ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6-10

Denomination: Baptist

Knowing Your Message And Knowing The Need Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Oct 19, 2011

This message is a challenge to knowing the message of the gospel in order to respond to the need of the people. Biblical truth is never just for information, but transformation. The simple truth conveyed in this message is -- IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO EXALT T

KNOWING YOUR MESSAGE AND KNOWING THE NEED INTRODUCTION: THIS PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE REVEAL THE MOVING OF THE EARLY CHURCH – SOME 120 PEOPLE INTO OVERDRIVE! THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME – JUST AS CHRIST PROMISED, THE PEOPLE HAVE ASSEMBLED AS A RESULT OF THE NOISE. ACCUSATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE, AND NOW ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:14-41

Denomination: Baptist

Upside Down Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 10, 2009

Jesus--the radical rebel that he is--continually turns our world upside down. He questions our assumptions and challenges our goals and our definitions of success.

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST NOVEMBER 8, 2009 Mark 12:38-44 “Upside Down” INTRODUCTION One of the questions that parents dread to hear asked them by their children is, “Why?’ This simple question challenges our assumptions and our preconceived ideas. If forces us to ask questions that ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Lutheran

God Is Love Series

Contributed by Allen James on Apr 6, 2010

The final message in a 7-Part Series, Shift - A New Way of Thinking. In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus challenges His disciples to follow His example and love their enemies.

God Is Love • Matthew 5:43-48 • Easter Weekend INTRODUCTION: God is not focused on MODIFYING BEHAVIOR by His laws. He wants to TRANSFORM LIVES by His love. This is the power of the resurrection! I. God loves without DISCRIMINATION. (v. 43-45a) Many read Jesus’ words here and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: Baptist

Romans, Part 39 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on May 15, 2011

Christians are commanded by God to obey the authorities placed over them, and to give their leaders Godly respect and submission. The challenge today is to examine ourselves and ask, "Are we doing that?"

Romans, Part 39 Romans 13:1-10 Introduction - We are called to live dedicated to Christ; fully and completely in all things From Wed night: - Spending time in this life fighting against evil with evil never gets us anywhere -- It never draws us closer to God but instead draws us closer to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Broken Or Flexing Spirit? Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 7, 2011

Serving the Lord is a privilege as we bring light to a dark world, but demoralizing as we are beaten down. Despite the challenges of being light in a dark world, we should not lose heart.

A Broken or Flexing Spirit? (2 Corinthians 4:1-6) 1. When Marylu and I lived in the Chicago area, we had the privilege of going to the top floor of both the Sears Tower (now called Willis Tower) and the Hancock Building. 2. As one rides up the high speed elevator to the hundred and something ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Repent From The Evil Of This Broken World Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on May 21, 2012

As the trumpets are sounded those who are evil in this earth are being challenged by God. Through these events God is saying; I am God - Have I got your attention yet.

You can listen to this message in full here:- http://www.nec.org.au/index.php/listen-to-a-sermon-series/revelation/ Message Revelation 8:2-9:21 Repent from the Idolatry of This Broken World. Let’s start by reading the passage we are going to focus on this morning. Read Revelation 8:2-9:21 Up til ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Perfect… You’re Not Perfect… ~ God

Contributed by Philip Foster on Jan 26, 2013

God doesn't perfect us... then bring us into the church and into church leadership. He perfects us through change, challenge and allows His will to be done through imperfect people.

Have you ever felt like life never goes the way you plan it? In my life, I had plans to do different things. When I was young, before even being a teen I wanted to be a professional football player. I used to play backyard football with all my friends and with my favorite cousin, Tim. We would win ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 38:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

Reversing Anxiety Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Feb 19, 2019

As we strive to live the life that God intends we will encounter many obstacles, difficulties and challenges… storms (winds and waves) that we will need to overcome. This message is about overcoming anxiety.

Reversing Anxiety Good morning MGCC! SO…. ARE YOU READY - to encounter the living God through His… Holy, Inspired and authoritative Word? ARE YOU READY – for God’s word (like the rain and snow that fall from the sky causing things to bud, grow and flourish) TO FALL ONTO – your heart and mind… ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:4-9, 1 Peter 5:5-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Judges 6-8 Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Nov 2, 2023

The story of Gideon is passionate and challenging. He lived a good life but set a bad example to the leaders. God exalted him but he built his own kingdom. Beware of the call.

Text: Judges 6-8, Theme: Gideon and Israel Part 1 Introduction of Gideon: We will do two studies out of the chapters 6-8. The first one is about the Call and ministry of Gideon, and the second is about the later part of Gideon’s life including his children and their end. His leadership is found ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

Stephen, A Man Of Faith And Tenacity Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Feb 28, 2024

Stephen is a model for how to remain faithful without fear of the unknown. What you and I are faced with today is considering: "How will we respond to life’s challenges?"

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 9 Stephen, a man of Faith and Tenacity Acts 6:8-15 Acts 7:1-60 Introduction - Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth” -- In 2023 we unpacked the beginning of all history (Creation/Fall/Promise) -- And we looked ahead, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15, Acts 7:1-60, Matthew 5:17, Exodus 34:29-30, Amos 5:25-27, Luke 23:34  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Are We Tight-Fisted Toward God? (Haggai 1:1-14) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Apr 14, 2022

God, through Haggai, challenges the people to look honestly at their lives-- their priorities, and how well that's worked out for them. God wants his house built.

Today, we start a new three week series on the book of Haggai. I should really start, by explaining something about the background of Haggai. Give you something to set it in the context of Israel's history. But I just don't want to. I'll just say this: Haggai prophesied to ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-14

Keys To Victory

Contributed by Paddick Van Zyl on Oct 5, 2020

Introduction When faced with a challenge or problem in life, what do we do? Do we ask God’s advice? Do we try and figure it out by ourselves?

Keys to Victory Pastor Paddick Van Zyl 05-10-2020 Sermon Outline Scripture Reference Joshua chapter 6:1 to 8:27 Key verse : 2 And the Lord said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. (Joshua 6:2 NKJV) Theme How to ensure we live a ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal