Sermons on Challenges Are Positive:

Merry Incarnation!

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Dec 21, 2020

This sermon challenges us to incarnate the gospel; the big idea is "The Word became flesh - and now flesh must become the word." Instead of saying "Merry Christmas" - to fellow Christians lets say, "Merry Incarnation"!

Title: “Merry Incarnation” Text: John 1:1-14 Idea: The Word Became Flesh And Now Flesh Becomes The Word. Purpose/problem to solve; ...that people really get the concept of incarnation (1) of God (2) of us. Introduction - Virtual Christmas fails to compare with in-the-flesh ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Exodus, Part 3 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Feb 21, 2018

First, we see a faithful woman who honors God and is rewarded; and we also see a carnal man who has decided to take control, and has serious challenges. Curious that these are mother and son … yet so very different in how they respond to God.

Exodus, Part 3 Exodus 2:1-25 Introduction - Exodus is an incredible study of God's faithfulness to man -- It is also a great encouragement to see man's ability to be faithful to God There are two stories in today's passage for us to explore " The first is about a mother " The second is about a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 2:1-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Valleys

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 26, 2017

God is the Creator of valleys because the Father knows best that we grow most in the green grass of low places in our lives. Take a deep drink of Psalm 23:4 as Dr. Larry Petton challenges us with the question: Can you trust the Shepherd?

Psalm 23 is the most popular chapter of the Bible. It has been shared at funerals, deathbeds, hospitals and in places of worship for over 2000 years. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of literature known to man. Harriet Ward Beecher once said, “Psalm 23 has charmed more griefs to rest than ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Go And Be Reconciled Series

Contributed by Dana Chau on Dec 15, 2022

What makes reconciling with someone difficult when you are offended or when you have offended others? Would it help for you to have the right motivation and approaches to restore a relationship? Prepare for a challenge that can be met with God’s grace and a reminder of His forgiveness!

(If you feel this sermon is helpful, you are welcome to visit https://danachau.thinkific.com/ for a free online course.) Go and Be Reconciled Luke 15:11-31, Matthew 5:21-26; 18:15-17 Do you ever wonder why the church needs to learn and practice peacemaking? The unchurched goes through ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-31, Matthew 5:21-26, Matthew 18:15-17

Denomination: *other

Witness: Confesses #4 Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Oct 24, 2019

our largest tool for sharing the gospel has been thwarted by our willingness to so assimilate into the culture we don’t look like any different or welcome the challenge of criticism or debate for what we believe. We’d prefer to live anonymously.

We began a conversation three weeks ago about what gives us meaning in this life and I suggested that the question is actually a mute point for those who call themselves Christian because if we believe that Christ came, died and rose again then we must also live out this reality. To live out this ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Come To The Other Side

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Sep 10, 2024

Two disciples were challenged to cross the sea of Galilee. It takes faith to cross over, and we must make the crossing if we ever hope to be in God's will. Crossing over is about moving from where we are to where Jesus is.

“Many years ago, it was decided to put a suspension bridge across a wide gorge. How could they build a bridge across such a wide space? If fact, how could they even start? They shot an arrow from one side to the other. The arrow carried across the gulf a tiny thread, and thus the connection was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

Hubris Or Humility Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 16, 2024

There are so many factors that come into play when we make plans, but how often does the Sovereign will of God affect our plan making? In this passage, James challenges us to avoid hubris and embrace humility by submitting to God’s sovereignty in making plans.

Mistakes along the way? In February of 1995, nearly 30 years ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in a clear way that has impacted the course of my life - and yet it has not been without mistakes and missteps. He urged me to go to the church the Danielle grew up at and help out with the youth ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17, Acts 16:6-10, Isaiah 55:8-9, Luke 22:42-44, Luke 12:16-21, Proverbs 16:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Prophetic Alignment Series

Contributed by Apostle Dr. Ruben L. Broadnax Jr. on Oct 24, 2024

Prophetic Alignment" is a call to the church to tune into God's voice, align with His heart, and act on His direction. This sermon challenges believers to hear clearly, live obediently, and impact the world through prophetic action that reflects God’s will.

Throughout history, God has always spoken to His people. He has never left His church without direction, guidance, or His voice. The Bible is filled with stories of how God aligned His people with His purposes by speaking to and through His prophets. In these moments, prophetic alignment was not ...read more

Scripture: Amos 3:7

Denomination: Other

"a Greater Than Solomon Is Here"

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Dec 23, 2024

The phrase, 'A greater than Solomon is here,' powerfully declares Jesus' identity and purpose. It challenges us to recognize that God's Son Jesus, in his divine nature, surpasses the wisdom and authority of Solomon, the wisest man in history.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Luke 11:31) "The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:31, Matthew 12:42

Denomination: Pentecostal

False Start Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Feb 13, 2025

Moses had not wanted this assignment, but after some convincing, he had gone before Pharaoh and thrown down the gauntlet, but instead of crumbling, Pharaoh had taken up the challenge and thrown the first punch, apparently unafraid of the insignificant shepherd and his desert God.

February 15, 2025 Last week, when the Children of Israel were told that Yahweh had seen their misery and was concerned about them: “They believed and bowed down and worshiped” It was a great 1st start. Now all Moses and Aaron had to do was convince Pharaoh. I am not sure what they were ...read more

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Forced Cross Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Oct 8, 2023

The call to serve God becomes a forced cross when the going gets tough. We love smooth running of life. But through challenges we meet God’s power and miracle working hand. Let’s keep fighting for God with his help.

Compelled to bear his cross: Matthew 27:32. “And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.” Cyrene was a city of Libya, in north Africa, lying west of Egypt. Cyrene had a large Jewish population, and Simon was very likely in Jerusalem for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:32

Denomination: Methodist

Love Your Enemies: Embracing God's Transformative Love Matthew 5:43-45 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 8, 2024

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus delivers teachings that challenge the status quo and redefine the principles of God's kingdom. Among these teachings is the command to love our enemies—a call that transcends human understanding and reflects the transformative nature of God's love.

Love Your Enemies: Embracing God's Transformative Love Introduction: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus delivers teachings that challenge the status quo and redefine the principles of God's kingdom. Among these revolutionary teachings is the command to love our enemies—a call that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-45, Luke 6:27

Denomination: Pentecostal

Are You Committed? Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Nov 21, 2021

Nehemiah is great study of leadership, but also challenges us on Godly obedience. However, obedience to God’s calling is one of our greatest hurdles in today’s world. Nehemiah established a covenant with the people that is still in effect today, if we are willing to be faithful to God!

Introduction - Nehemiah is great study of leadership, but also challenges us on Godly obedience -- Obedience to God’s calling is one of our greatest hurdles in today’s world - Last week we saw the people’s need to worship God and why: 1. He is completely Sovereign 2. He is always ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18, Genesis 2:2, Exodus 23:12, Leviticus 6:13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Flower Garden Sermon Iii: The Red Rose - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Sep 24, 2019

Sacrificial Love is that True Love God demonstrated to the world when He sent His One and Only Son to save us from our sins. What a challenge to us - repentant sinners saved by God's grace - to love one another!

GOD’S FLOWER GARDEN III: THE RED ROSE LOVE DIVINE, ALL LOVE’S EXCELLING Song of Solomon 2:1 God’s ...read more

Scripture: Song of Songs 2:1

All That You Need Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 4, 2023

God can use what you already have to help you overcome challenges, just like David used five smooth stones to defeat Goliath. By understanding David's approach, we can learn how to conquer the giants in our own lives.

Today, we're diving into the epic showdown between David and Goliath. We're gonna focus on those five smooth stones David used to take down Goliath and see how God can use what we've got. Object Lesson: Bring out a sling and five smooth stones. Demonstrate how David might have used them. [Read 1 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:32-40, Matthew 14:13-21

Topics: Resilience, Resourcefulness, Adaptability, Problem-Solving