Sermons on Challenges Are Positive:

Minding God's Business

Contributed by Philip Gill on Jan 13, 2003

We are called to go about the business given to us by God and while we may be challenged by the parable of the sheep and goats we should not be fearful, having faith that as we love our Lord, he even more deeply loves us.

Going about God’s Business "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. {32}All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, {33}and he ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46, 1 Samuel 17:34-36

Denomination: Anglican

Revived In God's Love: Revisioning

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Oct 20, 2002

Post-revival sermon, calling us to see in our midst the possibilities of the new Jerusalem -- a church/community built on the basis of the old one, where all persons of all backgrounds are invited by our people and where those with challenges are given he

My mother had the habit of walking with her eyes fixed on the ground. Wherever we would go, my father and my brother and I would be looking all around, enjoying what there was to see, but mother would be plodding along behind us, looking at the ground. We used to tell her, “You’re missing ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:9-27

Denomination: Baptist

I Am Crossing Over To The Other Side 1 Of 7! Series

Contributed by Raphiel Manenge on Sep 3, 2005

A life transforming and a challenge to fruitfullness in the Kingdom of God and life.An eye opener that in Christian walk there are many things that can limit us,things that we regard as normal.These include time,tradition,age and so forth.Break them!

“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.” mark 4:35 Going beyond natural & common barriers! You are crossing over to the other side of your life. It was good that you have been on this side. You have seen and done all. It’s time ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Pentecostal

Choose Life

Contributed by Frank Lay on Jan 27, 2005

Moses had come to the end of his life and in the book of Deuteronomy he is preaching to the people and preparing them for entrance into the Promised Land. In his farewell address, he challenges them to accept God’s offer of life. The choice he gives is

CHOOSE LIFE Deut. 30:14-20 We make choices every day. Some choices really don’t matter very much. What we shall eat, or wear. What car shall I buy? What team shall I support? It really doesn’t matter whether I drive a Ford or Chevrolet, a Toyota or Honda, or even a Mercury or Buick. As a ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:14-20

Denomination: Baptist

Last Words Before The Big Game

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jul 20, 2006

Those words have become the classic example of a final challenge designed to inspire a team as they head into the big game. That’s the kind of scene you need to picture as we read the last words of the last book before the Book of Revelation.

Through the New Testament 2006 Last Words Before The Big Game Jude 24-25 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:24-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lost - But Not A Total Loss Part 2 Series

Contributed by Terry Jones on Nov 8, 2008

In Prime Time Christianity, Pastor Terry will look at our impact for Christ in the world around us with some help from this seasons more popular prime time Television Series. In this second message of the series Pastor Terry will challenge the Body to se

(We will consider selected text throughout the 27th and 28th chapters of Acts) ABC will run the third season of their prime time drama of 48 plane crash survivors who find themselves marooned on a remote Pacific island. They don’t know where they are and worse yet, it seems no one else does ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Able To Accomplish Abundantly Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 13, 2004

God intends for the church to be the instrument of redemption, full-faceted, and intends for us, though we may think we are inadequate, to be its agents. Challenge your imaginations as to what the church might be able to do by letting God do what He is a

If you were to ask the average person, out on the street, what he thinks of the church, what answers might you get? What do people think about churches? I’m sure I don’t know the half of it. But I know some of the things they say: They say that church is all talk. Ceaseless talk. Noisy gongs and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:7-21

Denomination: Baptist

Our Disappointed God

Contributed by Rev Ken Shedenhelm on Aug 18, 2013

From the moment that he discovered that Adam and Eve were hiding in their nakedness to the moment that he hung on his cross, God has been disappointed in our choosing death over life. This magnifies his grace, even as it challenges our discipleship.

I came one day to this vineyard of mine; hoping, expecting that it would all be fine. The soil was rich, the corner... divine; I loved it, for sure- this vineyard of mine. The water was plenty, the sun warm and bright; I worked it by day and watched it by night. The hedge was protective, the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 5:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Sheep Among Wolves

Contributed by David Mcnally on Jun 26, 2011

Jesus did not call us to an easy, comfortable life, but one of challenge and opposition, and possibly even suffering and death. He gives us forgiveness of sin and eternal life, but requires us to take up our cross as we follow him.

Jesus would have fallen foul of the Health and Safety laws if he had been around today, and I imagine it would have been hard for him to advertise on TV. Just imagine someone saying today: ‘Come and follow me, and the chances are you will be spat upon, thumped, sworn at, and maybe ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Praise: Raising Stones Of Remembrance Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 3, 2011

The preists always led the children of Israel in praise of the living Lord. In chapter 4 they lead in praise to His glory. We are called and challenged to set up memorial stones so that children, and others will ask what does this mean in your life.

Intro: It was always the priests who led in Praise to the living God of Israel. In chapter 3 the priests were the first to step foot into the turbulent waters of Jordan. What do the waters of the Jordan represent to the followers of Joshua or Jesus? It is apparent as God commands Joshua and ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 4:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Your Most-Overlooked Strength

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Jan 5, 2012

Pretending is easy, that's why so many people overlook their most powerful asset: their weakness. We tend to classify weaknesses with failures in the 'con' list, but I challenge you to move it across the page. It's definitely a plus. Authenticity, transpa

Pretending is easy, that's why so many people overlook their most powerful asset: their weakness. We tend to classify weaknesses with failures in the 'con' list, but I challenge you to move it across the page. It's definitely a plus. Authenticity, transparency, and genuineness are not necessarily ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Harlot

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on May 12, 2014

Satan uses a beautiful and appealing woman to attract men and women to himself. Since she appears to be so lovely and innocent the world will falsely believe she must be from “god". Our challenge today is: "Do not be deceived by her!"

The Great Harlot Revelation Part 27, Revelation 17:1-4 INTRODUCTION - Admittedly, not traditional Mother's Day message - God challenges us to draw closer to Him - Chapter 17 shows us some very unique perspectives from all of history -- If you ever wanted a quick look at Satan’s work, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 17:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Spirit-Controlled Life Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 27, 2013

In this section, the Apostle Paul challenges the Galatians to walk in the Spirit, and reminds them of what the Spirit can help us do. I am especially indebted to Warren Wiersbe and have used many of his points from his commentary in this lesson.

Introduction: A. This morning I want to begin by showing you something amazing – did you know that I own a magic glove? 1. Here is my magic glove – it is amazing because it can pick things up. a. When I drop something, all I have to do is tell it to pick it up and it does it. b. Do ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Making Hard Choices

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 1, 2009

Today’s world is filled with energy-saving devices that make life easier, but there is something to be said for embracing life’s challenges. The apostle Paul found serving Christ hard, but he didn’t see it as a cause of discouragement. The goal was worth

Opening illustration: On September 12th, 1962, President JF Kennedy delivered a speech at Rice University in Houston, TX, about the difficult challenges facing the nation. He also shared his passion for the US to place a man on the moon. In balancing the needs of his people with the desire to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

We Have Freedom! What Is Our Response? Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 4, 2010

Study of the book of Isaiah, Chapter 9. On Independence Day 2010, we compare the issues Isaiah had in the people he was living amongst, and how America is seeing the very same challenges. Our response, as believers of Christ, must be to follow the Lord

We Have Freedom! What is Our Response? (Independence Day, 2010) Isaiah 9:13-21 Introduction - Today, we celebrate our nation’s birth; as well as look forward … - Title: We Have Freedom! (So, What is America’s Response?) - God is calling us to respond; and His people we must ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:13-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational