Sermons on Challenges Are Positive:

"Looking Good Is Not Enough”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Aug 26, 2021

Jesus challenged the Pharisees..... religion is useless and worthless, ineffective when it substitutes a human plan of salvation for God's plan of redemption; when it rests upon man's works. (Illus. Pharisee robes and rules.) (Illus. what people do to look better)

In Jesus Holy Name Pentecost XIV August 29, 2021 Text: Mark 7:1-14 “Looking Good Is Not Enough” Recently “People” magazine selected the 50 most beautiful people in the world, I wasn't on the list. It was quite a blow. Years ago Cindy Crawford was a heartthrob for many men and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-14, Matthew 15:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

Psalm 120 Series

Contributed by Chuck Gohn on Sep 3, 2021

This sermon relates Psalm 120 to the Christian's challenge of living in a fallen world. It suggest that although we may have trouble in this world, and we are reminded in the New Testament, we can live as people of peace because of the one who was our peace, Jesus Christ.

Good morning. Today, we are starting a series that is going to take us at least three or four weeks into September. It is called The Psalms of Ascents. If you are not familiar with The Psalms of Ascents, they can be found in the book of Psalms, and they are comprised of 15 Psalms, those from ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church

The Week That Changed The World: The Day Jesus Conquered His Critics Series

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jul 3, 2021

In His final week of public ministry, Jesus confronted a series of challenging questions His enemies attempted to use as traps. One question dealt with the issue of paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus' surprising answer would settle the issues of loyalty and obligation to both God and Caesar.

Jesus had spent the first days of His final week shaking up the status quo concerning the worship of the LORD, the reverence due to the House of God, and to recall its purpose. He exposed the moneymaking schemes of the religious leaders, rebuked their practices, and drove out the merchants who ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17, Luke 20:20-26

Denomination: Baptist

Esteeming God's Word Series

Contributed by Newman Enyidede on May 4, 2019

The value and preciousness of God's Word in the lives and lips of God's people have been facing challenges. Some things seem to be contesting with God's word daily in our lives. Many of them are not mere bad things, but good things.

*_"And the Word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. " 1 Samuel 3:1_* Open visions are good and helpful in order to facilitate and speed up certain things in the realms of the Spirit. But open visions have challenges. One of the greatest challenges, is the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1

Peter Denies Christ Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 27, 2022

All four Gospels record an episode of the Apostle Peter denying Jesus three times on the night of Christ's betrayal in the high priest's courtyard. In each account, his first denial is in response to the challenge of a servant girl, Immediately following the third denial.

Peter Denies Christ Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. Moreover, when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:33-35

Denomination: Baptist

Salvation Comes From The Lord Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on May 16, 2022

Just like Jehoshaphat, one of the first emotions that grip us in the midst of any sort of crisis is fear. If you are being challenged with those huge problems that seem to overwhelm you and are wondering as to how you will overcome them, I pray that this word from the Lord will encourage you.

We read in Psalm 91:16, “With long life will I satisfy him, and make Him to behold My salvation.” (JPS) The last three verses in Psalm 91 are the very words of God. Our God is one who speaks to us. God promises that the one who trusts Him totally, will be completely satisfied in this life and God ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:16

Denomination: Other

We Are Not Ignorant Of Satan’s Devices Or Schemes – Part 12 - The Final One Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 14, 2023

We close this whole series with a poem that suits the subject very well. It is a poem about Satan’s evil and activity. The poem may prove difficult for some but take it as a challenge. There are footnotes to aid in the understanding of the themes. I hope you can slowly work through it.

WE ARE NOT IGNORANT OF SATAN’S DEVICES OR SCHEMES – PART 12 - THE FINAL ONE This is the closing Part of this study on not being ignorant of Satan’s devices and it is a difficult article. It might only appeal to those who like poems and like to inquire into things. The poem is fairly difficult. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 14:12, Genesis 10:8-10, 2 Chronicles 11:15, Isaiah 34:14, Matthew 13:33, Mark 8:15, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, Galatians 5:7-9, 1 Peter 5:8, Revelation 12:10, 2 John 1:7, John 8:44, Revelation 9:1-11, Revelation 20:1-3, Ephesians 6:16, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 John 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:13, 2 Timothy 3:1, Matthew 13:39, 1 Timothy 5:14, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, Revelation 11:15, Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 6:12, James 1:13-15, 2 Corinthians 11:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Problems Come

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on May 2, 2023

Problems come. It's part of life. What are some general principles we need to follow when they do? We look at one of the greatest problems / difficulties / challenges in the history of God's people - the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians and the exile - for lessons.

Everyone faces problems from time to time. Churches also face problems. For example, a church might unexpectedly lose its pastor and some other key members of its leadership at around the same time. If that happened, how would you view it? Perhaps some of you would say that it’s a CHALLENGE, ...read more

Scripture: Amos 4:7-8, Daniel 9:5, Nehemiah 1:7, Ezra 9:6

Denomination: Baptist

Wind The Clock Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Feb 15, 2025

As we reflect on the gift of time, today's message challenges us to "wind the clock" by aligning our hearts with God's eternal purpose—living each moment with faith, perseverance, and an awareness that our time is best redeemed in obedience to Him.

Wind the Clock Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/sermons/ Time is a gift that each of us experiences differently. The historian David McCullough once observed, “The digital watch is a perfect symbol of an imbalance in outlook in our day.” His words capture the tension we often ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 14:7, Joshua 14:11, Proverbs 16:31, 2 Corinthians 4:16

Denomination: Baptist

An Anchor For The Soul Series

Contributed by Rudolf E. Y. Mensah on Jun 23, 2024

"Anchored in hope, we gather to explore unshakable truths." Just as an anchor keeps a ship steady during storms, our faith anchors us amidst life's challenges, reminding us of the unchanging nature of God and our firm foundation in Him.

ACORNS OASIS INTERNATIONAL CHURCH Sunday Service Speaker: Rev. (Pro) Rudolf E. Y. Mensah Title: "An Anchor for the Soul" Introduction: The **anchor** holds profound significance in Christianity as a symbol of hope and steadfastness. In the Bible, it's used metaphorically for the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:19, Joshua 1:9

Denomination: Charismatic

It’s Time For A Spiritual Audit – Philippians 3:7-10 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Apr 2, 2022

What do we value? What do we strive for, day to day? And the interesting challenge here is that even when we value good things (e.g., loving our family, helping others), they don’t come close to who Jesus is.

A couple of weeks ago I was looking at my credit card balance, and it was much higher than I expected it to be. So I knew I needed to do a little audit there myself. I checked it out and realized that some of these charges aren't even mine. So I called the credit card company and we together ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Overcoming The Giant Of Worry Series

Contributed by Terry Cavanaugh on Jul 5, 2025

Friends, we live in a world filled with uncertainties and challenges. It’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed by worry. Yet Jesus offers us a path to peace. In Matthew 6:25-27, He gently invites us to trust God over our anxious thoughts.

Overcoming the Giant of Worry Terry Cavanaugh Overcoming Your Giants / Matthew 6:25–27 SERMON SUBTITLE: “Winning Over Worry” Matthew 6:25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-27, Matthew 10:29-31

Denomination: United Methodist

The God Who Never Loses A Battle Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 7, 2025

The God who never loses a battle is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His record of victory is flawless, and His commitment to His children is unwavering. When you face challenges, remember that you serve a God whose word cannot fail and whose power cannot be defeated.

THE GOD WHO NEVER LOSES A BATTLE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Chronicles 20:15 – “And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:15, Exodus 14:14, Psalm 24:8, Romans 8:31, Isaiah 54:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

You’re Not Alone Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 4, 2023

No matter what we're going through, we can have peace knowing that Jesus is with us. We can trust that he will never leave us or forsake us. And with Jesus by our side, we can face any fear or challenge that comes our way.

Do you remember the story of Joshua? Dude was chosen to lead a whole nation into a new land. No pressure, right? But God was like, 'Hey, I've got your back. I was with Moses, and I'll be with you. So be brave, don't freak out.' God was telling Joshua he wasn't alone. Now, let's fast forward to the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:20, Joshua 1:1-9, John 16:33

Topics: Faith, Divine Presence, Fear Management, Spiritual Strength

The Power Of Partnership SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 8, 2023

The Power of Partnership is an exploration of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. It highlights four reasons why partnership is powerful: (1) Partnership enhances productivity; (2) Partnership provides support during challenging times; (3) Partnership offers warmth and comfort; (4) Partnership strengthens one's defense.

The book of Ecclesiastes serves as a somber follow-up to the book of Proverbs. While Proverbs imparts wisdom for godly living, Ecclesiastes laments the author's failure to heed his own advice. It emphasizes the importance of living a meaningful life, valuing relationships over possessions, and ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Topics: Friendship, Teamwork