Sermons on Challenges Are Positive:

Abimelech Series

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

After the death of Gideon, Abimelech craved to inherit his father's position of authority over Israel. But as the son of a concubine, he does not enjoy the privilege to succeed. So, Abimelech used money to hire rough, immoral men as paid goons to help him slaughter his brothers.

Text: Judges 9 Theme: Abimelech Introduction: After the death of Gideon, Abimelech craved to inherit his father's position of authority over Israel. But as the son of a concubine, he does not enjoy the privilege to succeed. So, Abimelech used money to hire rough, immoral men as paid goons to ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

What About His-Story?

Contributed by Tony Britt on Feb 6, 2002

This sermon is written in honor of Black History Month. Not only do we look at how important our history is, but we are also challenged to look at how we as black/African Americans have always been central to God’s story.

What About His-story? Back in the days of steam ships, only rich white people sailed at sea. One day while sailing, something suddenly happened to the ship and it was about to sink. Terrified, the white folks aboard didn’t know what to do. Someone suggested that they do what the black folks ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:8-14, Luke 26:23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Surrender And Live

Contributed by Jason Smith on Sep 25, 2013

Being told the only way you could survive a battle is to surrender would be challenging. This is what Jeremiah told the Jews before Jerusalem was destroyed, and God is telling the us the same today. Do you want to survive spiritual war? You must surrender

Jeremiah 38:2-6 Jeremiah's message and the reaction "Thus says the LORD: He who stays in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence, but he who goes out to the Chaldeans shall live. He shall have his life as a prize of war, and live. 3 Thus says the LORD: This city shall surely ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 38:2-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Love Without Limits

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Feb 19, 2017

Jesus challenges the common wisdom of his day, stating God doesn't want us to "love our neighbor and hate our enemy" but to love everyone, including our enemies. This is impossible without the love of God flowing through us.

Matthew 5:43-48 Love without Limits Did you know your body is not designed to carry anger for very long? Now don’t get me wrong: anger is a helpful emotion. It tells you something is terribly wrong. But God designed your body to resolve anger as quickly as possible and to move on. Resentment and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: Baptist

Wisdom Brings True Success Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Dec 8, 2011

Wisdom endows its seekers and their life with true wealth (CIT). In this passage the beauty and grace of wisdom are set forth with the understanding that it can never be achieved without the fear of the Lord.

PROVERBS 8: 12-21 WISDOM BRINGS TRUE SUCCESS [Isaiah 55] Having just stated that the worth of wisdom's instruction and knowledge is more valuable than all monetary achievements (8:10-11), Solomon now develops the proof. Wisdom endows its seekers and their life with true wealth (CIT). In ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 8:12-21

Denomination: Baptist

Caution: Winding Road Ahead

Contributed by George Alves on Apr 29, 2002

God’s promise is that His children never travel through life alone

CAUTION: WINDING ROAD AHEAD! I’ve been thinking about roads lately and the important role they play in our day to day living. Roads lead us to many places. When I was in grade 7 I entered an art contest. A local radio station asked children to submit a drawing. Every Friday, for 6 weeks, they ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Brethren

Great Faith Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Jun 26, 2015

AS WE CONTINUE OUR SERIES ON FACING YOUR FAITH – A CHALLENGE TO AUTHENTIC FAITH AS A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST, WE WANT TO SEE WHAT IT MEANS TO HAVE “GREAT FAITH”. THIS WAS A PHRASE THE LORD USED TO DESCRIBE TWO INDIVIDUALS, BOTH NOT JEWS,

FACING OUR FAITH IN 2015 GREAT FAITH MATTHEW 8:5-13 AND WHEN JESUS ENTERED CAPERNAUM, A CENTURION CAME TO HIM, IMPLORING HIM, 6  AND SAYING, "LORD, MY SERVANT IS LYING PARALYZED AT HOME, FEARFULLY TORMENTED." 7  JESUS *SAID TO HIM, "I WILL COME AND HEAL HIM." 8  BUT THE CENTURION SAID, "LORD, I AM ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:5-13

Denomination: Baptist

Handling Stress Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Oct 27, 2024

In today's sermon, we'll explore how placing our faith in God’s unchanging promises can transform these fears into peace, offering us true rest and security, no matter what challenges we face.

Worry, Anxiety and Stress Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/sermons As we face an uncertain future filled with endless possibilities, it's natural to imagine some of the scariest and darkest outcomes, often replaying them in our minds. These fearful projections, which are usually ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30, Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

"Becoming Psychically Conscious Of Our State Of Surrender."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Jun 10, 2002

June 16, 2002 -- FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -- Proper 6 Matthew 9:35--10:8 Color: Green Title: “Becoming psychically conscious of our state of surrender is a life-long challenge, a life-long discipline.”

June 16, 2002 -- FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -- Proper 6 Matthew 9:35--10:8 Color: Green Title: “Becoming psychically conscious of our state of surrender is a life-long challenge, a life-long discipline.” The Harvest Is Great, the Laborers Few 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

The Wealth Of Poverty Series

Contributed by Timothy Smith on Jun 24, 2006

1st sermon in an 8 part series on the Beatitudes. This series challenges us to "Shift" our thinking in what really brings true happiness. (*Refreshed with some rewrite in 8/08. PowerPoint and Video Clips available on request.)

SHIFT -WEEK 1 THE WEALTH OF POVERTY Matthew 5:1-3, Luke 18:18-23 INTRODUCTION TO SERIES: For the majority of people, Christian and non-Christian alike, the popular idea of finding happiness is based on having the right circumstances. It is what one preacher calls, "When & Then thinking." ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-3

Denomination: Christian Church

The Merits Of Meekness Series

Contributed by Timothy Smith on Jul 8, 2006

3rd sermon in an 8 part series on the Beatitudes. This series challenges us to "Shift" our thinking in what really brings true happiness. (*Refreshed with some rewrite in 8/08. PowerPoint and Video Clips available on request.)

THE MERITS OF MEEKNESS MATTHEW 5:5 INTRODUCTION: Maybe there is no other beatitude, spoken by Jesus, that is more confusing than the one we study today. “Blessed are the meek...” Why is it confusing? Because we don’t think of meekness as a desired attribute in our character. How many of you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:5

Denomination: Christian Church

The Parable Of The Rich Man Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Jul 16, 2025

This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The Bible studies teach foundational truth that are designed to challenge, encourage and, most importantly, flame the fire of hunger in the Christian who wants to learn more about who they have become in Christ Jesus.

The Parable of the Rich Man (Rev. Barry Johnson and Rev. Rodney Johnson) NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:36-38, Luke 12:16-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

21. The Kingdom Parables – The Sixth – The Pearl Of Greatest Price – Part 1 Of 4 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Nov 27, 2025

The Parable of the Pearl of Greatest Price is one of the most misunderstood of all parables. The conventional thinking is challenged because there is only one true interpretation for this parable. Some very lovely truths come out about the Lord and the Church, the Bride for whom He gave all.

21. The Kingdom Parables – The Sixth – The Pearl of Greatest Price – Part 1 of 4 We are working through the Kingdom Parables of Matthew 13, seven of them, and today we start the sixth one, which is about a pearl of the greatest value and perfection. In this study we look at the Parable itself, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:45-46, 1 Samuel 16:11-12, Ephesians 2:13-16, Ephesians 5:27-29, Romans 3:10-12, Isaiah 55:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Real Faith Series

Contributed by James Sankaran on Jul 11, 2022

As Christians, we have to live in faith. We have to project our faith in all the areas of our lives. Many times, in the midst of challenging situations we fail to display our faith. In this sermon we are going to see “What the real faith is?”

Real Faith Text: Daniel 3:17,18 As Christians, we have to live in faith. We have to project our faith in all the areas of our lives. Many times, in the midst of challenging situations we fail to display our faith. In this sermon we are going to see “What the real faith is?” 1. The challenge King ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:17-18

Denomination: Baptist

Job’s Final Defense, Part 1 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 25, 2017

Sometimes, life brings us challenges that seem unsurmountable. The simple fact is, life is not easy ... and life is not always fair or predictable. However, can’t we willingly serve a Holy God, holding our heads high because God is in charge?

Job’s Final Defense, Part 1 Job Sermon Series, Part 14 Introduction (Job Slide) - We are continuing to examine Job’s response to his friends -- What is important is that there are several phases to his response -- Mike covered the first last Sunday which was identifying Job’s focus - Job ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational