Sermons on Challenging:

Help Wanted Series

Contributed by Richard Goble on Dec 30, 2007

Our outreach suffers because too many church members sit in the pew expecting their pastor to do all the work. Here we find three biblical concepts that will challenge us to reconsider our expectations of the pastor as well as our own level of involvement

Title: Help Wanted Series: The Harvest Is Ripe Text: Matthew 9:35-38 Theme: The outreach of many churches suffers because too many church members sit in the pew expecting their pastor to do all the work. In this passage, Jesus reveals three biblical concepts that will challenge us to reconsider ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38

Denomination: Baptist

Being Wholehearted

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Dec 17, 2006

God hates half-heartedness! The Shiloh Eagles football team has not had a winning season in 6 years. As the new season begins, the Eagles lose the first three games due to their half-heartedness and apathy. Coach Grant Taylor challenges the players to giv

Being Wholehearted Text: Malachi 1:6-14 God hates half-heartedness! The Shiloh Eagles football team has not had a winning season in 6 years. As the new season begins, the Eagles lose the first three games due to their half-heartedness and apathy. Coach Grant Taylor ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 1:6-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Running To Win In The Race Of Faith

Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Dec 12, 2010

Writing the Corinthian believers who lived just 10 miles from the famous Isthmian Games, Paul challenged them not merely to join the race of faith but to be serious about it and run to win. God wants winning believers! In our present sports-crazed world,

Intro: Perhaps the most remarkable scene in sports is the marathoner’s last lap at the end of a tough 26-mile race. As the exhausted runner presses to the finish line, the crowd in the Olympic stadium cheers him on. With eyes focused on the finish line, the runner fully exerts whatever remaining ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: *other

Bright Hope For Dark Days, Pt. 1

Contributed by Dave Kinney on Aug 3, 2008

I probably don’t have to convince you that these are dark days, but my hardest challenge is to convince all of us that theses are still the brightest days! When was the last time you sensed that you were the brightest spot in someone’s darkest place? This

For 4 weeks we will be looking at the topic, “Bright Hope In Dark Days” and how we must be looking for the best way to be the brightest person in some else’s darkest place. I probably don’t have to convince you that these are dark days, but my hardest challenge is to convince all of us that theses ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:11-14

Denomination: Baptist

Glory Of The Story Series

Contributed by Ryan Akers on Jul 8, 2006

Stories have helped shape our lives. They are emotionally driven and have caused us to look at who we are and how we want to live. In this series we will look at how stories particularly Christ parables would used to challenge, charge and change the peopl

Power of the Parables Pastor Ryan Akers Part 1- The Glory of the Story James 3:4-6 (Read The Foot Book) How many of you remember being read to as children? (Story time in 2nd grade in Mrs. Imgarten’s class reading Where the Red Fern Grows) Some of my most vivid memories or a time in my life ...read more

Scripture: James 3:4-6

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Problem Of Evil And A Good God Series

Contributed by Jason Smith on Sep 11, 2013

There is a subject that comes up many times whenever we talk to the lost about the God of the Bible and His nature. It has led many people to reject God and has challenged Christians in their faith. The topic: the problem of evil. How would you answer it?

There is a subject that comes up many times whenever we talk to the lost about the God of the Bible and His nature. It has led many people to reject God and has challenged Christians in their faith. The topic: the problem of evil. The problem of evil has represented the most serious objection to ...read more

Scripture: Job 38:2-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Stop Dreaming

Contributed by Spencer Miller on Jun 8, 2013

Your dreams are planted deeply within your heart, all of us whether we care to admit it or not have a dream, however, along this journey of life, while hoping and waiting for our dream’s fulfillment, we will face challenges and even discouragement.

1 I will stand upon my watch and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. 2 And the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the vision is yet ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Four Of A Kind Beats A Full House

Contributed by John Gaston on Jul 1, 2014

In poker, the odds determine the winning hand. This same scenario played out in Christ's life: four of a kind beat the challenge of a full house. Four friends were able, against all obstacles and hindrances, to get their friend to Jesus. May we love thus!

FOUR OF A KIND BEATS A FULL HOUSE Mark 2:1-2:12 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: Speeding Stories 1. a. Kimberly Owen’s husband was driving home from work when he was pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. Two days later, he received the same ticket from the same cop. b. The officer said, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Forgive And Forget Series

Contributed by Bret Hammond on Aug 5, 2014

“Forgive and forget.” Those words roll off our tongues with ease, but if we’re honest they don’t roll out of our hearts with ease. Forgiveness is a challenge and forgetting is downright impossible. But grace calls us to remember.

INTRODUCTION A. Jill Price is known as “The Woman Who Can’t Forget” – Hyper-thy-mesia –rare disorder 1. Means that she forgets nothing – every moment, every day – played out crystal clear 2. While such a memory might sound wonderful to us –trouble ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32

Denomination: Christian Church

Internal Opposition/Conflict Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Feb 3, 2013

When serving God conflict and attack from the enemy is expected, what we do NOT expect is the enemy using our own to attack. We must meet this challenge of internal conflict and Nehemiah gives us a template on how this can be done... meet it with honesty

Sermon Brief Date Written: January 31, 2013 Date Preached: February 3, 2013 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Series Title: Building with God Sermon Title: Internal Strife and Opposition Sermon Text: Nehemiah 5 [ESV] Introduction: Nehemiah had heard of the great trouble ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Valleys

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 26, 2017

God is the Creator of valleys because the Father knows best that we grow most in the green grass of low places in our lives. Take a deep drink of Psalm 23:4 as Dr. Larry Petton challenges us with the question: Can you trust the Shepherd?

Psalm 23 is the most popular chapter of the Bible. It has been shared at funerals, deathbeds, hospitals and in places of worship for over 2000 years. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of literature known to man. Harriet Ward Beecher once said, “Psalm 23 has charmed more griefs to rest than ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Making Long-Term Investments

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Jul 31, 2016

We are really good at accumulating stuff. But how often do our possessions begin to possess us? Jesus warns us about the dangers of greed and calls us to be more than our net worth, challenging us to invest rather in godly pursuits.

Luke 12:13-21 Making Long-term Investments Wow! Today’s passage is a little shocking for those of us who enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in this greatest nation on God’s green earth. By world’s standards, we are the richest of the rich. We may not be one ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21, 1 Timothy 6:10-18

Denomination: Baptist

Be Careful What You Wish For

Contributed by Craig Condon on Jun 24, 2015

Sometimes we leave God out of our desires and plans. We must always go to God for guidance, especially when we face life’s challenges. Our desire to imitate the world may seem righteous at first, but it will result in destruction.

How many of you have wanted something that someone else has? Well, you’re not alone. Envy and coveting have been around since the beginning of time. One of the Ten Commandments even says, “You shall not covet…” It’s too bad that the Israelites and the elders in the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:4-20

Denomination: Anglican

Mother's Day

Contributed by Bret Bone on May 14, 2012

Being a mother is difficult… a challenging responsibility that is defiantly underappreciated…it takes patience…and it takes commitment. I think that every mother learns at a young age… the importance of wearing many hats within the home. How many of

Slide #1 Video- Being Mom…skit guys Being a mother is difficult… a challenging responsibility that is defiantly underappreciated…it takes patience…and it takes commitment. I think that every mother learns at a young age… the importance of wearing many hats within ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 22:6

Exodus, Part 3 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Feb 21, 2018

First, we see a faithful woman who honors God and is rewarded; and we also see a carnal man who has decided to take control, and has serious challenges. Curious that these are mother and son … yet so very different in how they respond to God.

Exodus, Part 3 Exodus 2:1-25 Introduction - Exodus is an incredible study of God's faithfulness to man -- It is also a great encouragement to see man's ability to be faithful to God There are two stories in today's passage for us to explore " The first is about a mother " The second is about a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 2:1-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational