Sermons on Challenges Are Positive:

Knowing God, Life's Ultimate Pursuit

Contributed by Steve Malone on Apr 5, 2004

My goal today is; 1st to challenge us to honestly reflect on our personal knowledge of God and 2nd to send all of us on a fast pursuit to know God better. (I kings - pt 5)

"KNOWING GOD, LIFE’S ULTIMATE PURSUIT" TEXT: 1 KINGS 18 INTRODUCTION One of the most powerful scenes in the bible is the prophet Elijah going 1 on 450 -- against the prophets of the false god Baal. 1 KINGS 18:22-29 Elijah prepares his altar - soaks it down 3 times, and then prays to God -- ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:22-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who Wants To Live Forever?

Contributed by David Petticrew on Mar 16, 2004

A look at what the Bible says about resurrection and immortality and whether this is a good or a bad thing for us.

Introduction Immortality. For many it is the ultimate goal. To live for ever and never die. Woody Allen said “I don’t want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve immortality through not dying.” In many works of fiction immortality is on offer, probably, the most famous of which ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 12:1-4, Genesis 3:1-24

Denomination: Holiness

The Sights Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 8, 2021

The challenge for all of us is to go into this Christmas season determined to see in the sights of Christmas that which makes us praise God and want to be part of His light in this dark world. Let your prayer be, open my eyes Lord, I want to see Jesus.

Hal Bowser said, "the most exciting gift I've ever received was the microscope my parents gave me for Christmas when I was eleven." The first thing he did on that Christmas day was to go out in the back yard and get some water from a rain puddle. He put a drop under his microscope ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

How To Hate Sin And Love Sinners Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Jun 7, 2007

#24 in series. Christians in today’s sexually permissive society often face the challenge of how to deal with those accused of a sexual sin. It feels as if we are given the choice of either being too hard on sinners or too soft on sin.

A Study of the Book of John “That You May Believe” Sermon # 24 “How To Hate Sin and Love Sinners” John 8:1-11 Our story begins early one morning when a crowd had gathered in the temple courts to hear Jesus teach (8:2). “Now ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

How To Prepare For Life's Changes

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Change is inevitable but how we prepare to respond to it is a lifelong challenge. Let us learn how to make the most of life’s undulating cycles by learning all we can from the life of Joseph and Jacob. These two men experienced numerous ups and downs yet

1. Change is inevitable but how we prepare to respond to it is a lifelong challenge. Let us learn how to make the most of life’s undulating cycles by learning all we can from the life of Joseph and Jacob. These two men experienced numerous ups and downs yet finished victoriously. Theme: Stephen ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:8-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The God Who Promises

Contributed by Michael Pahls on May 2, 2001

An exposition of Abraham’s (then Abram’s) travels into Egypt reveals the persistant faithfulness of God in spite of out faithlessness and forms the foundation to challenge us to believe the promises made to us in Jesus Christ.

10 Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. 11 As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "I know what a beautiful woman you are. 12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, `This is his wife.’ Then ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:10-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Alpha Male Or Child Of God

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Aug 19, 2002

Many times winning at all costs is the mantra that we live by. But Jesus challenges us to become like a child - what does that mean, really, and how does it help God rescue us?

Why is it that we always measure everything by who the best at it or who’s the richest or most popular or highest ranking or most powerful? Every year we have lists and competitions and contests to determine these things – the Super Bowl, the NBA playoffs, the Forbes list of the richest Americans, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-14

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Prayer Of Agur Part 3 Series

Contributed by Jack Warford on Nov 8, 2001

The prayer of Agur (aw-goor) continues more and more to challenge me each week to ask myself what two requests must I make of God today to gain a closer fellowship with Him.

The prayer of Agur (aw-goor) continues more and more to challenge me each week to ask myself what two requests must I make of God today to gain a closer fellowship with Him. Today we remember all of our Veterans and thank them for their service to our Nation. We as Christians must also remember ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 30:7-9, Titus 3:8-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Overcoming Setbacks In Life

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jul 18, 2003

Naaman overcame his setback in life when he was challenged to put his faith in God. We overcome life’s problem by seeking God, submitting to His way and trusting Him completely.

2 Kings 5:1-14 Overcoming Setbacks In Life Imagine this: You graduated from the University with honours. You are intelligent and were soon employed by a big and famous company. You did well and were promoted a few times. Now a CEO of the company, and business continues to expand to the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Real Presence Of Christ Series

Contributed by Michael Pahls on Jun 6, 2001

An exposition of the events of Pentecost. This sermon challenges believers to awaken to the high calling of Jesus to be used as an instrument of God for the salvation of the world while encouraging them that the Spirit of Christ is present to work in and through us to this purpose.

The Real Presence of Christ -or- A Humble Challenge to Save the World Part #2 For Ascension and Pentecost 2001 Acts 2:1-21 1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Parable Of The Ten Minas

Contributed by Thomas H on Oct 13, 2003

This sermon, in expounding Jesus’ Parable of the Ten Minas, challenges us to faithful stewardship with the things God has given us ( time, resources, abilities) - are we using these things for ourselves or for the benefit of His kingdom?

The other day, while driving, I was listening to Family Radio. A sponsorship slot came on advertising a mortgage broker. This advertisement was advertising how if you refinanced your mortgage using their services, you’d be able to save thousands of dollars! That’s right, thousands of dollars! ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27

Denomination: Baptist

New Years Day: God Is Working His Purpose Out!

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Jan 1, 2006

A sermon given on New Years Day, encouraging and challenging the church to know our Bible better this year, to work together, to listen to God in the tough decisions, and to learn from the character of Joseph - a righteous man.

Have you ever looked back at a chain of events and been amazed? 14 years ago I was involved with Camberley Youth for Christ. In faith we booked a band called ‘Triumph’ to come and spend a few days in a local school. We needed £650 to run the event; we had about £50 available. The band came, had ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Anglican

Building An Altar Of Worship Series

Contributed by Stuart Blount on Aug 10, 2005

God is looking for a people who will build an altar of worship. It is that concept that some captured my attention. In particular the place that the altar plays in Old Testament worship, and it’s accompanying challenge to you and I.

Egypt is synonymous of our world and it’s accompanying bondage. God’s desire for Israel was that they would be free from Egypt to worship him without constrain, that’s the story of Exodus. The first 2 commandments – EXODUS 20:1-6 Worship is that central affirmation of God in our lives, above ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:7-12, Exodus 3:7-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Doing What God Asks Us To Do!

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Jul 9, 2006

God gave Saul an instruction but Saul only half-carried it out. This short homily is a challenge to us: Let’s do all that God asks us to do; nothing more AND nothing less!

In these days of terrorism this Bible event is hard for us to understand; and I know of one or two people who have rejected God because of it. The irony is of course that the story is primarily kept for us as a warning not to reject God’s instructions! Hundreds of years ago, stories such as this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-31

Denomination: Anglican

Tri-God Series

Contributed by John Braland on Oct 12, 2006

Christians claim to believe in one God yet worship three. How can this be? This message will challenge your thinking on who God is and ask you to consider what you believe about the trinity.

What is God like? If you were to describe God, what would you describe him like? Someone once said: God is little like General Electric. He brings good things to life. God is a little like a Visa Card. He’s everywhere you want to be. God is like Scotch Tape. You can’t see Him, but you know He’s ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:7-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational