Sermons on Challenging:

True Reality - Extreme Makeover Series

Contributed by Lin Smalec on Oct 31, 2005

Given the popularity of reality TV shows, this series challenges Christians to consider God’s True Reality.

Rev. Lin Smalec Salem Church, Waynesboro, PA TRUE REALITY - EXTREME MAKEOVER 30 October 2005 Reality TV - ya gotta love it, right? There are no other shows on TV these days that include such drama, suspense, and comedy! And we can even say that reality TV is educational - I don’t know ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Prayer, Introduction, Part 1 Series

Contributed by Richard Laraviere on Sep 22, 2007

Introduction to this series on prayer. A challenge to the listeners, you will get out of prayer what you put into it.

Introduction to Prayer Part 1 Text: John 16:26-27 1. I will recommend several books for you to read. a. Some books I agree with everything the authors teach. With others I do not. I have learned to take what ministers to me and leave the rest. Sometimes it’s a matter of having ...read more

Scripture: John 16:26-27

Denomination: Mennonite

Let's Do Church Right Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 6, 2005

very church has failings and challenges, but good churches strive after excellence as God defines excellence.

Let’s Do Church Right (Philippians 1:1-11) 1. Paul and Timothy: The Apostle Paul wrote this letter in about 63 AD to his close friends, the Christians in Philippi, from his Roman house arrest described at the end of Acts (Acts 28:30-31), waiting for his court appearance before Caesar (around the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Thinking Outside The Box Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 23, 2007

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus challenges his followers to be creative in their neighborly love and to think outside the box.

Luke 10:28-37 “Thinking Outside the Box” INTRODUCTION [Enter to theme song of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, “It’s A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood.” Sit down, replace shoes with athletic shoes, and slip on a cardigan sweater] From the late 60’s to 2001, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood was a staple ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:28-37, Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Lutheran

Easter - Experience It!

Contributed by Brian Black on Apr 12, 2007

An Easter sermon challenging people to not just acknowledge and celebrate Easter, but to experience the life changing power of the resurrection.

Easter means different things to different people. For some it’s about bunnies and eggs – completely secular. For others, it’s about family get-togethers – represents comfort and the warmth of home. And to a few, it’s just another day – completely atheistic . . . God is not involved. But to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:5-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Impossible Joy

Contributed by Derek Melanson on Jan 16, 2007

Joy is a gift from God, is never experienced without challenges, and is something we are called upon to share.

“An Impossible Joy” Luke 1: 39 – 45 Introduction A few weeks ago I heard on the news that there were impossibly huge line-ups as the new Sony Play Station came into stores. Some people apparently waited in line for days, even missing work to do so. Can you imagine doing this for a video game? And ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-45

Denomination: Baptist

The Owner And His Managers

Contributed by Michael Trask on Jan 18, 2007

God is the owner of all things, we are his managers. Knowing this is not only a great comfort, but also a challenge.

What do we mean when we say that we own something? We mean that it is in our possession; that we have bought and paid for it; that it is ours to keep and ours to do with as we please; we are the owners; it belongs to us. We know what it means to own something. Of course, there’s ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 24:1

Denomination: Lutheran

Better Together Series

Contributed by Matthew Stoll on Feb 12, 2009

This adapted sermon of Rick Warren challenges us to participate in the 40 Days of Community and join a small group.

What on earth are WE here for? That’s really the question we are asking over these 40 Days of Community. God has placed us here on this earth, in this place, and at this time for a reason, for a purpose. We are not here by accident. We are part of God’s plan. God’s #1 reason for bringing us on ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:5

Denomination: Methodist

Have Ye Not Read? Series

Contributed by David Moore on Oct 31, 2008

This sermon challenges Christians to read their Bibles, showing how the Lord will hold us to account by His Word

Introduction: This evening I want to begin a little series that I have labeled “A Series of Queries.” It is really a brief look at some of the questions Jesus posed to His hearers throughout His earthly ministry. It was not unusual for Jesus to answer a question with a question, and this He did not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The State Of The Church - 2009 "The Year Of Joy"

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jan 9, 2009

In looking backward and forward this message challenge the congregation to put Jesus FIRST, Others Second, and Yourself last.

STATE OF THE CHURCH 2009- “The Year of Joy” Philippians 3:10-15 * Welcome to 2009. As most know, today’s message will be a little unique if not unusual. Today’s message has more of a collective than personal message. However, the last part of this message will be highly personal. * The year 2008 ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:10-15

Denomination: Baptist

Confront The Empty Presence Series

Contributed by Bruce Rzengota on Dec 28, 2009

IN A CHALLENGING YEAR, THE VOICE OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH CONFRONTS THE EMPTY PRESENCE OF HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS WITH THE PROMISE OF THE GREAT GIFT.

Crave More Presence Confront the Empty Presence Isaish 9:2, 6-7 11/29 There is a new gag gift that has become very popular. It preys on people desire for quick riches and the idea that a sudden windfall is the key to happiness. So people buy as presents fake lottery tickets. Ones that ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Finding Strength For The New Year

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 28, 2009

A message on finding strength during times of personal and national crisis and challenge. Given the last Sunday in 2009.

Finding Strength for the New Year Where do you find strength in times of personal and national challenges? Where do you find strength when a member of your family has a pre-mature death? How do you make it through hurtful experiences that are not justified? Last November I attended a church ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 22:1-5

Denomination: Free Methodist

Go Farther Together Series

Contributed by Allen James on Jan 3, 2010

This message is a challenge for the New Year for the church to be devoted to connecting, serving, and loving one another in Jesus’ Name.

Go Farther Together • 1 Peter 4:7-11 • JAN 3, 2010 OPENING: Recount work of God in our midst as a church throughout 2009. INTRODUCTION: This year we must STRETCH both personally and collectively as a church to CONNECT, SERVE, and LOVE others in the name of Jesus. WORSE-CASE SCENARIO: What ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Denomination: Baptist

Cultivating Connection Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jun 11, 2009

We’re focused on so many things outwardly that it’s a challenge for us to focus inwardly.

This past week my wife got me an amazing little device… you’ve probably heard of it… it’s called an iPhone. It’s remarkable. You can connect to anything… anywhere. There’s one button for email … another text… (one button connection with the thousand contacts I have on my phone.. … some I ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Origins Booklet #1: Creation Series

Contributed by C Jordan on Nov 18, 2010

Does science support the theory of evolution, or the Biblical account of Creation? A challenging and informative look at our origins

ORIGINS #1: CREATION THERE HAS TO BE MORE TO LIFE: It was September 1990, twenty years ago, and I had just graduated from high school. I was at an all-nighter drive-in with some of my friends. It was early in the morning, hours before the sun came up, when I turned to one of my friends and said, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-31

Denomination: *other