Sermons on Challenging:

Built To Last Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 7, 2021

Church congregations need to withstand storms: changes in membership, changes in leadership, differing political situations, changes in culture, and a host of potential challenges. Church congregations need to be strengthened and reinforced.

Built to Last (Romans 16:1-27) Intro 1. My kids just got a puppy that is scared of every appliance in the house, but one in particular. I suggested they name the dog, “Nature.” Because nature abhors a vacuum. 2. Appliances are not what they used to be. Old appliances were built to last. 3. We had ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:1-27

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Controversy And Confrontation That Jesus’ Kingdom Brings Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 14, 2021

A look at the three closing promises Simeon makes - all of them challenging. What do we learn from these and where do we see these happening in Jesus' ministry?

SAFE AND HARMLESS? Is Jesus’ Kingdom like “no more tears” shampoo? - Have a bottle of Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo and talk about the old “no more tears” promise. It was safe and harmless. A PIERCING SWORD: Simeon speaks of a Kingdom that is less happy and harmless and more controversial ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-35

Denomination: Baptist

No Matter What

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Mar 1, 2010

Lent 2C - A look at Psalm 27 & Philippians 3:17-4:1. With a reminder that God loves us no matter what. And a challenge to be examples of Christ, no matter what.

No Matter What Philippians 3:17-4:1 & Psalm 27 (Lent 2C - 2010) Rev. Beth Garrod-Logsdon Wilmore Presbyterian Church On Thursday, I took the opportunity to go to Asbury Seminary’s chapel service to experience the preaching of one of the top preachers of our time. Dr. Tom Long is Professor ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Upside Down Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 10, 2009

Jesus--the radical rebel that he is--continually turns our world upside down. He questions our assumptions and challenges our goals and our definitions of success.

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST NOVEMBER 8, 2009 Mark 12:38-44 “Upside Down” INTRODUCTION One of the questions that parents dread to hear asked them by their children is, “Why?’ This simple question challenges our assumptions and our preconceived ideas. If forces us to ask questions that ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Lutheran

The Cure For Conflict (Pt. 2) Series

Contributed by David Owens on Mar 2, 2020

In the second half of Romans 14, Paul challenges the Christians at Rome to not put any stumbling blocks in front of other believers, but to do only what leads to building others up.

A. The story is told of a rabbi was at odds with his congregation. 1. The president of the synagogue said, “Rabbi, we must have a conference to settle this dispute once and for all.” 2. So the rabbi, the president and the ten elders met together to discuss the issue, but the rabbi soon discovered ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:13-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Did The Affliction Of Naomi Cause Ruth To Become Active?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Oct 5, 2023

The book of Ruth shows how God used three people to achieve his purpose. It also tells the story of how God’s grace was given during a challenging time.

THE AFFLICTION OF NAOMI Ruth 1:1-22, (16) The book of Ruth shows how God used three people to achieve his purpose. These three people had character and were true to God. It also tells the story of how God’s grace was given during a challenging time. We can see that Naomi used her life as a ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22, Ruth 2:1-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Judges 6-8 Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Nov 2, 2023

The story of Gideon is passionate and challenging. He lived a good life but set a bad example to the leaders. God exalted him but he built his own kingdom. Beware of the call.

Text: Judges 6-8, Theme: Gideon and Israel Part 1 Introduction of Gideon: We will do two studies out of the chapters 6-8. The first one is about the Call and ministry of Gideon, and the second is about the later part of Gideon’s life including his children and their end. His leadership is found ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

Striving For Excellence While Navigating Change Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Aug 24, 2023

Daniel learned to navigate change in a healthy way that fosters growth and resilience. He remained open, accessible and available to be used again. This maybe the most challenging as we pursue execellence.

Sermon – Striving for Excellence While Navigating Change Scripture – Daniel 5:13-26 “So Daniel was brought in before the king. The king asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles brought from Judah by my predecessor, King Nebuchadnezzar? I have heard that you have the spirit of the gods within ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 5:13-30, Isaiah 21:9, Daniel 2:21

Denomination: Methodist

Wwjd

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Aug 31, 2023

Based on 1 John 2:1-11 - Challenges hearers to consider the why Jesus died & how that should impact the way we live our lives for Him.

“WWJD” 1 John 2:1-11 FBCF – 8/30/23 REFRESH Jon Daniels INTRO – WWJD – Very popular at one time, especially among teenagers. Thousands of bracelets sold in Christian bookstores everywhere. Asked an employee at Lifeway bookstore back when it was open if they had ever seen anything as popular. Said ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-11, Romans 8:34, 1 Timothy 2:5, John 8:28-29, John 12:49-50, John 14:31, John 15:10, John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Stephen, A Man Of Faith And Tenacity Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Feb 28, 2024

Stephen is a model for how to remain faithful without fear of the unknown. What you and I are faced with today is considering: "How will we respond to life’s challenges?"

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 9 Stephen, a man of Faith and Tenacity Acts 6:8-15 Acts 7:1-60 Introduction - Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth” -- In 2023 we unpacked the beginning of all history (Creation/Fall/Promise) -- And we looked ahead, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15, Acts 7:1-60, Matthew 5:17, Exodus 34:29-30, Amos 5:25-27, Luke 23:34  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Are You Saved? Are You Sure?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2023

Jesus warns that there exists people who appear to be serving Him, though they are lost. Therefore, He challenges each person to ensure that He has been born from above.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Baptist

A New Year’s Message For Church Fellowships - 2023 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 24, 2022

2023 is upon us and it will be a challenging year. There is such diversity in our church fellowships but not always harmony. This message examines Peter, James, and John to gain truths for our churches in the new year.

MESSAGE FOR THE NEW YEAR 2023 – REVIEW OF WHAT IS ESSENTIAL DIFFERING PERSONALITIES IN A CHURCH FELLOWSHIP We have begun 2023. I don’t believe in new year resolutions, but always we should assess ourselves with the Scriptures as the standard. We have no other benchmark other than the bible, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 1:22-23, 1 Peter 2:20, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 4:8-10, Galatians 2:11-15, James 1:19, James 2:5, James 2:18, James 3:13, James 4:1, James 4:4, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:6, 1 John 2:10, 1 John 2:15, 1 John 2:21, 1 John 3:1, 2 John 1:7-9, 2 Timothy 3:12-13, 1 Peter 4:8, James 2:1, 3 John 1:4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Joy In Life's Twists And Turns

Contributed by Justin Dietel on Jul 12, 2024

Today, as we gather in worship, I want to share with you a reflection on the journey of life—its challenges, its uncertainties, and the profound lessons it teaches us about trust and faith.

Good morning, beloved congregation. Today, as we gather in worship, I want to share with you a reflection on the journey of life—its challenges, its uncertainties, and the profound lessons it teaches us about trust and faith. As many of you may be aware, I'm still relatively new to the Zion ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:2-4

Joshua 24: 1-15, The Last Words Of Joshua Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jul 24, 2024

This last message in this series looks at Joshua's final or farewell address to Israel. The challenge in verses 14 and 15 are just as real for us today as for Israel in those days.

Introduction: Joshua had been part of Israel’s past and present for many years. He had been faithful to Moses, Israel, and the LORD all of his life and had led Israel’s conquest of Canaan. Now he calls Israel together to give them one final message before his earthly journey was done. Full ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Immeasurably More!

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Sep 23, 2024

Based on Ephesians 3:20-21 - Challenges hearers to consider what it means to know that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.

“IMMEASURABLY MORE!” Ephesians 3:20-21 FBCF – 9/22/24 Jon Daniels INTRO – Title of this message taken from Ephesians 3:20 – that our God is able to do: - “immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine” (NIV) - “far more abundantly than all we ask or think” (ESV, NASB) - “above & beyond all ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21

Denomination: Baptist