Sermons on Challenging:

How Shall We Live With The Blues

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Apr 15, 2024

Psalm 4 confronts the reality of existential weariness and challenges within the church and leadership, urging a return to the Blues sensibility that acknowledges suffering and seeks faith, peace, and hope in God's promises amid life's storms.

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B How Shall We Live With The Blues Easter is such a joyous, colorful, and vibrant celebration! Now in Eastertide, this second Sunday after Easter this third Sunday of Eastertide, Christ is still risen! The Creation is still waking up! This Sunday provides us with ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

A Relentless God!

Contributed by Larry Vollink on Nov 13, 2020

The Apostle Paul was relentless in his ministry as he wrote to the Corinthians in his description of what he accomplished for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ. He challenges them and his young preacher comrade, Timothy, to do the same -- to finish strong!

R E L E N T L E S S ! 2 Corinthians 4:6-11; Hosea 11:8-12; James 5:16-18 Introduction - Who is Larry Vollink? …. Retiring after 50 years! - Who is the Apostle Paul? … read his resume ! (2 Cor. 11:21-31) - What do we have in common? Commercials, books, movies, songs, and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:21-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Rejected! Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 5, 2020

What does it mean that Jesus was despised and rejected? Are we who call ourselves Christians guilty of despising the Son of God, even rejecting Him? The message is a challenge to examine our lives to ensure that we honour Christ Jesus the Saviour.

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” [1] During these festive days of celebrating the birth of the Son of God, Christ is the unrecognized guest at multiplied tables ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:3

Denomination: Baptist

Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus: The Ultimate Example Of Faith Hebrews 12:2 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Apr 3, 2024

In Hebrews 12:2, we find an exhortation to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. In this passage, we discover the transformative power of focusing our gaze on Christ amidst life's trials and challenges.

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Faith Hebrews 12:2 Introduction: As we gather today, let us turn our attention to Hebrews 12:2, where we find an exhortation to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. In this passage, we discover the transformative power of ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 2:5-8, 1 Peter 2:21, Colossians 2:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, 1 Corinthians 9:24, Hebrews 12:1, Colossians 3:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Elijah's Question For Pagan America

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Aug 24, 2021

Just as the prophet Elijah challenged the people of Israel to make up their minds as whether to serve God or Ba'al, the same question needs to be brought before America today. The time has come to settle the issue and accept the consequences.

This nation is at the edge of the cliff. All it will take is one more step to go over, regulating America to the dustbin of history. For over sixty years since prayer and Bible reading were removed from the public schools by a poor interpretation of the First Amendment by a liberal Supreme Court ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:21, Joshua 24:15, Deuteronomy 30:15, Luke 16:13, John 6:67  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Gathering For Strength Series

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Aug 28, 2021

Paul calls the Philippians to stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. His relationship with the church in Philippi illustrates what he's talking about. It's challenging!

[INTRODUCTION AND RECAP] We’re doing a series on ‘why Christians gather together.’ We’re emerging from the Covid pandemic and the various lockdowns and we’ve started to meet together in person so it seems a good time to ask why we gather together. I am loosely following a sermon series I found on ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:18-30

Denomination: Baptist

A Church Built On Christ Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Oct 16, 2024

Just what is it that makes a church authentic? The greatest challenge that we find as we try to follow Jesus is dedicating ourselves to the truth of the Scripture in a culture that tends to base their lives on their own opinions instead of on the truth of God's word.

I don't think I need to tell any of you that our church is going through a new phase. We are about to enter into a new stage of growth for this church beginning in January. I have asked God what words can I bring to the church that would make this transition a lot easier so that we can remain ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:24-25, 1 Peter 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Christian Apprentice Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 8, 2025

Jesus viewed the church as being made up of one of 3 types of people. Which one are you? Are you a non-Christian, an Apprentice, or a Mentor training apprentices?

Back in the 1930s, Radio was King, and TV hadn’t caught on yet. Radio was the main way people got news and entertainment. I remember my dad telling me about my grandfather. Granddad loved the Lone Ranger, and he would get off the tractor and run to the house when that show came on so that he ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Real Faith Series

Contributed by James Sankaran on Jul 11, 2022

As Christians, we have to live in faith. We have to project our faith in all the areas of our lives. Many times, in the midst of challenging situations we fail to display our faith. In this sermon we are going to see “What the real faith is?”

Real Faith Text: Daniel 3:17,18 As Christians, we have to live in faith. We have to project our faith in all the areas of our lives. Many times, in the midst of challenging situations we fail to display our faith. In this sermon we are going to see “What the real faith is?” 1. The challenge King ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:17-18

Denomination: Baptist

Team God

Contributed by Je Layugan on Jan 6, 2021

Elijah (meaning “My God is Yahweh”) challenges the 450 prophets of baal (and other prophets) in a “my God, your gods face-off". Like Elijah, teaming up with God when facing battles in life will be a win-win situation.

STORY PRELUDE Elijah confronts King Ahab and challenges baal. He sets the basic rule of the face-off, that is to use woods and a bull to be consumed by their gods as they call them. Though he seems alone, Elijah is on the offense. In his turn to call his God, he prepares the Lord’s altar using ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:36-39

Denomination: Pentecostal

Minding God's Business

Contributed by Philip Gill on Jan 13, 2003

We are called to go about the business given to us by God and while we may be challenged by the parable of the sheep and goats we should not be fearful, having faith that as we love our Lord, he even more deeply loves us.

Going about God’s Business "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. {32}All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, {33}and he ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46, 1 Samuel 17:34-36

Denomination: Anglican

The Splendor Of Steadfastness

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Paul’s steadfastness serves as an inspiration and a challenge for any person who contemplates just settling for second best. Based on the great apostle’s unshakeable faith we get an appreciation of the agony, fear, and conflicts he endured throughout his

Paul’s steadfastness serves as an inspiration and a challenge for any person who contemplates just settling for second best. Based on the great apostle’s unshakeable faith we get an appreciation of the agony, fear, and conflicts he endured throughout his 35 years in the ministry. Paul’s ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Peter - Man Of Bold And Courageous Faith

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 13, 2003

In the lives of the Apostles we see them going thorugh some of the same challenges and experiences we go thorugh. Simon Peter denied Jesus before Pentecost but after Pentecost he demonstrated the power of the risen Lord in his life and witness.

Peter – Man of Bold & Courageous Faith John 1:35-42 As we study the life and ministry of the 12 Apostles we see how extra ordinary they are and at the same time how ordinary they are. The twelve Apostles came from various backgrounds. Most were blue color workers laboring as fishermen (James, ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-42

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Devil Goes To Work

Contributed by David Parks on Jul 24, 2003

8. Nowhere is the Christian’s faith presented with a greater challenge than in the work place. The Christian who has learned to worship God in spirit and truth and has become a good parent, mate and citizen is often shocked to realize that the moment he

The Devil Goes To Work INTRODUCTION: 1. Christianity is definitely not a religion for wimps. 2. It takes a great deal of courage, conviction and faith to be able to walk the walk and talk the talk, to dare to be different. 3. The word holy means set apart. 4. Christians are the true non ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What We Are Called To Be Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 29, 2003

Jesus uses two metaphors to describe our influence in the world today. As salt, we are to make people thirsty for Jesus. As light, we have the privilege of pointing people to the true light of the world. Our challenge is to make sure we are “out of the

What We’re Called to Be Rev. Brian Bill 2/11/01 A Peanuts cartoon showed Peppermint Patty talking to Charlie Brown in which she said, “Guess what, Chuck? The first day of school, and I got sent to the principal’s office. It was your fault, Chuck.” Charlie Brown responds, “My fault? How could ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Baptist