Sermons on Challenges To God:

Which Branch Do You Want To Be?

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Apr 28, 2021

As we think about Jesus being The Vine, this sermon challenges us to think about our relationship with Christ and how we move into closer relationship through our lives.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. One thing that I am not is green-fingered, I know how to mow a lawn, and how to pull up weeds, although if I’m being honest they are more likely to be flowers, and I know that roses should be pruned. I don’t know why this is the case, I just ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Anglican

Sermon On The First Snowdrops Of Winter

Contributed by William Meakin on Nov 19, 2025

In the midst of a surrounding dormant landscape, the first snowdrops are widely considered to conquer the harshness of life.

William Wordsworth, an English poet once remarked: “Lone Flower, hemmed in with snows and white as they But hardier far, once more I see thee bend Thy forehead, as if fearful to offend, Like an unbidden guest. Though, day by day, Storms, sallying from the mountain-tops, waylay The rising sun, and ...read more

Scripture: Job 38:28-30, Psalm 147:16-18, Isaiah 55:10, Proverbs 31:21

Sermon On A Holding Pen

Contributed by William Meakin on Nov 12, 2024

A Holding Pen is defined as a temporary enclosure for confining livestock or pets, but it can also appertain to life.

Henry Miller, an American novelist and short story writer once remarked: “The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 13:21, Zephaniah 2:14, Job 30:7, Jeremiah 33:12

What Is Your Calling? (Part 10) Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Mar 10, 2016

The life of our Lord is a constant testimony to His desire to please the Father, more than anyone else. Thus, His actions and His words are always governed by the will of the Father. Think about what did Christ’s calling mean? THE CROSS ... Are you ready?

Opening Illustration: A missionary couple who had been gone from the US for years on end were finally coming home. They had faithfully served God and ministered among the poor, and had seen many lives brought into the kingdom of God. When they got off the airplane, there was a crowd of people ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:16-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Blind Beggars Get Healed

Contributed by Donavon Hill on Jul 17, 2017

A practical challenge to trust Jesus. You don't have to have all the answers and the crowd around Jesus may be a little goofy, but perhaps He really can do what He says He can do. Cry out to Him!

How Blind Beggars Get Healed Shall we stand for the reading of the Word . . . Mark 10 (NKJV) . . . 46 Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. 47 And when he heard that it was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Denomination: Pentecostal

Let Your Light Shine

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Apr 15, 2021

A look at how the disciples encountered Christ post resurrection, and how this speaks into the present day filled with hopelessness and apathy, and how as modern disciples the torch has passed to us to continue the work

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. As we continue to journey through our Easter Season, the Gospel continues to speak to us about the impact that the Resurrection had upon the disciples. Last week, the Gospel focussed on Thomas and his disbelief, and this week, we continue by ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-48

Denomination: Anglican

A House Divided?

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Jun 2, 2021

A look at the challenges that Jesus lays down in this passage, and how it speaks to us here and now, and how we need to stay strong and united for the road ahead

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. At the end of a busy day, after we have had tea, and Mikki has gone to bed, I will often crash on the sofa and watch a film, but more often than not it has to be a film that grabs me straight away otherwise I can get bored if it takes too long ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-35

Denomination: Anglican

Love: The Greatest Characteristic Series

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Dec 5, 2018

Love is the greatest characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ. This messages focuses on the meaning of love in the life of a disciple.

All You Need is Love Love: The Greatest Characteristic 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a, 13 Whoever thought love could be such a lucrative business? Retailers, that’s who! According to the National Retail Federation, the average amount spent on Valentine’s Day is $134/person in 2014, with a total spent ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

Denomination: Methodist

Are You Ready To Bear Your Cross

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Sep 8, 2021

This sermon provokes us into thinking about how we bear our cross, and whether we live in the world or not of it, drawing on some of St Pauls teachings to the early churches

In the name of the Father, son and Holy Spirit. Amen. There is a story told of a man who was struggling to carry his cross, he complained and moaned at anyone that he came in contact with. Eventually the Lord heard his complaints and paid him a visit. My son, I have heard your pain, and I want ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Anglican

Time To Be Full Time Christians

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Mar 18, 2021

A sermon considering the price of discipleship, and challenging people to action. I borrowed the Illustration at the beginning of my sermon from Revd. Martin Dale sermon in 2006 with thanks :)

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. 26 Christians were crucified at Niz-hiz-aka Hill in Nagasaki, Japan on the 15 February 1597, amongst them was a young seventeen year old boy, Thomas Kosaki, who had been sentenced to die for his Christian witness - along with his father. He ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-33

Denomination: Anglican

Where's Lazerus

Contributed by John Gullick on Aug 12, 2018

A sermon about the poor man at the gate of the rich man.

Where’s Lazerus???????????? Luke 16:19 Where's Wally? is a British series of children's puzzle books created by English illustrator Martin Handford. The books consist of a series of detailed double-page spread illustrations depicting dozens or more people doing a variety of amusing things at a ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Will You Come And Follow Me?

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Jan 8, 2021

As we think about the calling of Nathaniel, we reflect on some of the symbology of the scripture, and think about how we are called to discipleship ourselves.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Hymns can be subjective, depending on who is listening to them, someone may think that a particular hymn is beautifully written, and someone else may feel that its dreadful. Choosing Hymns for worship is a minefield, will the congregation know ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51

Denomination: Anglican

Sermon On Blue-Sky Thinking

Contributed by William Meakin on Jan 15, 2024

A kite is defined as a light frame, often of quadrilateral design, with a thin material stretched over it, which is strategically flown in the air at the end of a long piece of string.

Börje Ekholm, a Swedish business executive once remarked: “I think we have challenges, but we have so many opportunities to get it right. I like it when we have a little bit of a headwind. The kite actually lifts when you have a headwind and doesn't when there is lift from the back.” James ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:13, Proverbs 3:4-6, James 1:12, Isaiah 31:5

The Cost Of The Cross.

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 24, 2010

The cost of the cross. (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Reading: Matthew chapter 16 verses 21-28. Ill: • A police sergeant was lecturing to a class of cadets; • He posed for them this situation: • ‘Imagine you’re on duty when two cars smash into each other. • You are just about to go to their aid; • When ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Denomination: Brethren

The Church On Earth: What's Wrong With The Church?

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 26, 2021

How many times have you listened to sermons, read articles, or read books which inevitably point to the "failings of the church?" It seems like a constant theme.

How many times have you listened to sermons, read articles, or read books which inevitably point to the "failings of the church?" It seems like a constant theme. The church isn't doing this, the church isn't doing that! The church is failing because of this; the church sucks ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:18

Denomination: Salvation Army