Sermons on Challenges Are Positive:

The Pastoral Challenge

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 24, 2022

Timothy was not technically a pastor; he was actually Paul’s “delegate.” Nonetheless, he approximated the pastoral role in that he was a shepherd. Timothy faced a number of challenges, as do modern pastors who are serious about the Word. Let’s look at a few of them.

The Pastoral Challenge (I Timothy 4:6-16) 1. At a recent pastor’s retreat each minister in attendance was asked the following question: “How many people does it take to replace a burnt out light bulb?” The answers were as follows. 2.A Reformed Pastor responded, “None. If God wants the bulb ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Challenge Of Change Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Mar 21, 2025

This is the 16th Sermon from the Gospel of Luke Series, "Jesus- Son Of Man".

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#16] THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE Luke 5:27-39 Introduction: Today, we are going to look at the challenge of change in our spiritual lives. We see Levi, a tax collector, who chose to leave his comfortable but corrupt life to follow Jesus. This decision highlights the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:27-39, Matthew 9:9-17, Mark 2:13-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge Of Change Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 22, 2021

Paul becomes an ideal subject for the study of a Christian in a world of change. He went through the most radical change of any of the Apostles in his conversion. He had the most radical change of career, and faced the most radical changes in theological commitment.

On a dark November day in 1884 the people of Chicago passing over the bridge near Clark street were surprised. Below them at the dock was a ship piled high with Christmas trees of all sizes. The news raced through the city, and soon there were reporters there sensing a story, and they ...read more

Scripture: Acts 22:1-21

The Contentment Challenge

Contributed by Todd Leupold on May 30, 2007

Preached to a church immediately preceeding the announcement of it’s Senior Pastor’s resignation over moral issues. It is only by knowing the true condition of my heart that I can be intentional and effective in aligning it with God’s heart!

THE CONTENTMENT CHALLENGE 1 Timothy 6:3-21 September 4, 2005 Motive Check: “Gone Nutty” – Intro. from the movie, Ice Age Have you ever been like that about something before? Something you so much desire to attain or keep that nothing, not even a catastrophe (or the onset of the Ice Age) will ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:3-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge Of Salvation

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jan 26, 2010

A GREAT CHALLENGE WE FACE WITH REGARDS TO SALVATION IS TO BELIEVE THAT GOD CAN LOVE US ENOUGH TO SAVE US. THIS MESSAGE DEALS WITH THIS ISSUE.

THE CHALLENGE OF SALVATION ACTS 4:1-11 INTRODUCTION: ONE SUNDAY MORNING A PREACHER WAS MAKING THE POINT THAT DEATH IS A NATURAL PART OF THE LIFE CYCLE. HE QUOTED GENESIS 3:19 SAYING THAT WE CAME FROM DUST AND TO DUST WE WILL RETURN. AFTER THE SERVICE A FIVE YEAR OLD BOY CAME RUNNING UP TO THE ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge To Warriors

Contributed by Bob Briggs on Jan 23, 2001

God created us as a warrior race and equips us to fight the good fight of faith.

How many of you want to be in control of everything you do? I think if we honestly look at ourselves we would admit that is the case. We all have this drive, this inborn desire to want to control. Just walk downstairs and spend some time in the nursery. Every child there has a desire to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:11-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Challenge Of Faith

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jan 13, 2010

AS CHRISTIANS WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGE TO OUR FAITH IN OUR WORLD TODAY. WE MUST MAKE A STAND FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE IN. THE CHALLENGE IS WHETHER OR NOT WE WILL.

THE CHALLENGE OF FAITH 1 KINGS 18:16-46 INTRODUCTION: THEY SAY IT’S GOOD FROM TIME TO TIME TO START A MESSAGE WITH A JOKE OR A FUNNY STORY. KNOWING MY SENSE OF HUMOR, THAT IS ALWAYS A SCARY UNDERTAKING, BUT I DID COME ACROSS A STORY THAT I FOUND FUNNY AND I HOPE YOU DO AS WELL IT APPEARS ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:16-46

Denomination: Baptist

Gideon - The Challenge Series

Contributed by Don Jones on Jan 13, 2009

How do you begin to rid a nation of Midianites? One small step of faith at a time.

Gideon - One Small Step Judges 6:22-27 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, “Ah, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!” Judges 6:22 The Lord had convinced Gideon was convinced that the LORD was giving the command. He was also ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:22-27

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge Of Grace

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jan 13, 2010

ONE OF THE GREAT CHALLENGES FOR US TO FACE TODAY IS THAT GOD CAN LOVE US AND BESTOW HIS GRACE UPON US.

EPHESIANS 2:1-10 INTRODUCTION: TWO COWS WERE GRAZING ALONGSIDE A HIGHWAY WHEN A TANK-TRUCK OF MILK ON ITS WAY TO THE DISTRIBUTOR HAPPENED TO PASS. ON ONE SIDE OF THE TRUCK IN BIG RED LETTERS WAS A SIGN THAT READ, “PASTEURIZED, HOMOGENIZED, STANDARDIZED, VITAMIN A ADDED.” ONE COW ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenges Of Freedom Series

Contributed by David Flowers on Dec 19, 2006

Jesus came to bring freedom. But there are two challenges God has in bringing spiritual freedom to human beings.

The Challenges of Freedom Jesus in Isaiah, part 2 Wildwind Community Church 12/17/06 David Flowers With the threat of global terrorism, we are focused on freedom in ways we never were before. There’s constant bantering in the media and among politicians about the issue of freedom vs. the issue ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Challenge Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Feb 18, 2008

John 3:16 is known to all. Other 3:16 passages in the New Testament teach us important things about Jesus as well. This is Revelation 3:16

(adapted from a sermon series by Tom Ellsworth) SERIES: “DISCOVERING JESUS: The Other 3:16’s” TEXT: REVELATION 3:14-22 TITLE: “THE CHALLENGE OF JESUS” OPEN: A. I’m a fan of the “Rocky” movies 1. As a former Golden Gloves boxer, I can tell you that the fight scenes are ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Challenged By Change

Contributed by Harold White on Jan 5, 2001

Changes will come, but God is in charge of the changes.

Challenged By Change! Hebrews 11:25; Malachi 3:6 Incredible changes have taken place in the past hundred years. We are experiencing more change than ever in history. The rate of change is so great that we barely catch our breath before another blast of change slams into us. Everything we’re ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:25, Malachi 3:6

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge Of The Cults

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Mar 10, 2002

We are called to earnestly stand against false doctrines.

THE CHALLENGE OF THE CULTS The world of apologetics and the confrontation with the false teachers of our times is not a popular theme in the church today. It was just as unpopular in the early days of the church. The twisting around of God’s Word by man has been going on about as long as man ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:3

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge Of Patience Series

Contributed by Tim Richards on Sep 15, 2004

A sermon on patience as one of the fruits of the Spirit. (Sermon 4 in the series)

Introduction: 1. Patience, just the word is enough to remind most of us that we haven’t arrived. I don’t care who you are, I know that you sometimes struggle with being patient. It doesn’t matter whether you are a kid or a senior adult, there are times when other people get to you. 2. I had to ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Baptist

Leadership Challenge

Contributed by J Spurling on Jun 6, 2003

A study of Christ’s leadership challenge to Peter in John 21:15–22 will motivate us to jump-start our participation in the church.

This morning we are going to be talking about Leadership. As a matter of fact I am going to challenge you this morning toward leadership. But, my definition of church leadership that I am challenging you toward might be a little different from what you think leadership within the body of Christ is ...read more

Scripture: John 21:15-22

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance