Sermons on Challenging:

Christian Wrestling

Contributed by Ronnie Miller on Apr 18, 2013

Wrestling is a challenging sport. It takes strength, endurance and real self-sacrifice. These guys train and work out hours each day to stay in shape. I’m sure they have a diet they stick too without compromise. It’s what they live and breathe

Christian wrestling Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Don’t Ship-Wreck Your Faith Series

Contributed by Gordon Weatherby on May 4, 2013

Timothy had a major challenge in ministering to the Church at Ephesus. To accomplish that task Paul told him he needed a strong faith in Christ. If he didn’t have that, it was possible that he, himself could become a spiritual ship-wreck. We too need tha

DON’T SHIPWRECK YOUR FAITH 1 Timothy 1:18-20; Dorn Ridge May 05, 2013 Audio Link to sermon: http://chirb.it/fvHc15 INTRODUCTION: 1.) I have titled this morning’s message: “Don’t Ship-wreck your faith.” 2.) Paul was writing to a young minister some advice for ministering to the Church at ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:18-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Importance Of Spiritual Food Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 2, 2016

Jesus says, “I am the bread of the life” … He is what you are needing! Manna will perish, things we desire will perish, but God is eternal/forever. The challenge for us is: Do we know how to give other people what is needed?

The Importance of Spiritual food John 6:25-35 Introduction - The gospel of John screams of the faith that we should have in Christ -- It is the clearest example of living life FOR the one who redeemed you and I - Let’s dive right in tonight and examine the importance of spiritual food ...read more

Scripture: John 6:25-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Salvation Comes From The Lord Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on May 16, 2022

Just like Jehoshaphat, one of the first emotions that grip us in the midst of any sort of crisis is fear. If you are being challenged with those huge problems that seem to overwhelm you and are wondering as to how you will overcome them, I pray that this word from the Lord will encourage you.

We read in Psalm 91:16, “With long life will I satisfy him, and make Him to behold My salvation.” (JPS) The last three verses in Psalm 91 are the very words of God. Our God is one who speaks to us. God promises that the one who trusts Him totally, will be completely satisfied in this life and God ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:16

Denomination: Other

The Week That Changed The World: The Day Jesus Conquered His Critics Series

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jul 3, 2021

In His final week of public ministry, Jesus confronted a series of challenging questions His enemies attempted to use as traps. One question dealt with the issue of paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus' surprising answer would settle the issues of loyalty and obligation to both God and Caesar.

Jesus had spent the first days of His final week shaking up the status quo concerning the worship of the LORD, the reverence due to the House of God, and to recall its purpose. He exposed the moneymaking schemes of the religious leaders, rebuked their practices, and drove out the merchants who ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17, Luke 20:20-26

Denomination: Baptist

"Looking Good Is Not Enough”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Aug 26, 2021

Jesus challenged the Pharisees..... religion is useless and worthless, ineffective when it substitutes a human plan of salvation for God's plan of redemption; when it rests upon man's works. (Illus. Pharisee robes and rules.) (Illus. what people do to look better)

In Jesus Holy Name Pentecost XIV August 29, 2021 Text: Mark 7:1-14 “Looking Good Is Not Enough” Recently “People” magazine selected the 50 most beautiful people in the world, I wasn't on the list. It was quite a blow. Years ago Cindy Crawford was a heartthrob for many men and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-14, Matthew 15:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

Psalm 120 Series

Contributed by Chuck Gohn on Sep 3, 2021

This sermon relates Psalm 120 to the Christian's challenge of living in a fallen world. It suggest that although we may have trouble in this world, and we are reminded in the New Testament, we can live as people of peace because of the one who was our peace, Jesus Christ.

Good morning. Today, we are starting a series that is going to take us at least three or four weeks into September. It is called The Psalms of Ascents. If you are not familiar with The Psalms of Ascents, they can be found in the book of Psalms, and they are comprised of 15 Psalms, those from ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church

It’s Time For A Spiritual Audit – Philippians 3:7-10 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Apr 2, 2022

What do we value? What do we strive for, day to day? And the interesting challenge here is that even when we value good things (e.g., loving our family, helping others), they don’t come close to who Jesus is.

A couple of weeks ago I was looking at my credit card balance, and it was much higher than I expected it to be. So I knew I needed to do a little audit there myself. I checked it out and realized that some of these charges aren't even mine. So I called the credit card company and we together ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Messiah’s Confirmation, Part 2 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Nov 30, 2025

It is very easy to allow the results or the answers of what God has done to become our focus, to bring us joy, or even to cause us to celebrate. But ... should they? Our challenge (even today) must be to focus on One who did the work to focus only on Jesus!

John, Part 17 Series: The Messiah’s Confirmation, Part 2 John 4:43-54 - Welcome to Seasons – intro – thankful you are here today; dismiss children -- Continue series: “The Messiah’s Confirmation” (part 2 of 6 today) -- Series is to help us unpack teachings, miracles, & some incredible ...read more

Scripture: John 4:43-54, Mark 6:1-6, Philippians 2:9-11, John 3:30, Matthew 7:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The God Who Never Loses A Battle Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 7, 2025

The God who never loses a battle is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His record of victory is flawless, and His commitment to His children is unwavering. When you face challenges, remember that you serve a God whose word cannot fail and whose power cannot be defeated.

THE GOD WHO NEVER LOSES A BATTLE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Chronicles 20:15 – “And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:15, Exodus 14:14, Psalm 24:8, Romans 8:31, Isaiah 54:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Overcoming The Giant Of Worry Series

Contributed by Terry Cavanaugh on Jul 5, 2025

Friends, we live in a world filled with uncertainties and challenges. It’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed by worry. Yet Jesus offers us a path to peace. In Matthew 6:25-27, He gently invites us to trust God over our anxious thoughts.

Overcoming the Giant of Worry Terry Cavanaugh Overcoming Your Giants / Matthew 6:25–27 SERMON SUBTITLE: “Winning Over Worry” Matthew 6:25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-27, Matthew 10:29-31

Denomination: United Methodist

Peter Denies Christ Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 27, 2022

All four Gospels record an episode of the Apostle Peter denying Jesus three times on the night of Christ's betrayal in the high priest's courtyard. In each account, his first denial is in response to the challenge of a servant girl, Immediately following the third denial.

Peter Denies Christ Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. Moreover, when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:33-35

Denomination: Baptist

"who Are The Poor In Spirit?"

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Jun 15, 2023

"To be poor in spirit" refers to one feeling spiritually broken due to life's challenges and difficulties. They have a genuine heart for God. This study will explore the characteristics of a person broken before God, which the Bible calls the "poor in spirit."

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Psalms 113:7-8) (7) "He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;" (8) "That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 113:7-8, Matthew 5:3-11, Isaiah 66:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

An Anchor For The Soul Series

Contributed by Rudolf E. Y. Mensah on Jun 23, 2024

"Anchored in hope, we gather to explore unshakable truths." Just as an anchor keeps a ship steady during storms, our faith anchors us amidst life's challenges, reminding us of the unchanging nature of God and our firm foundation in Him.

ACORNS OASIS INTERNATIONAL CHURCH Sunday Service Speaker: Rev. (Pro) Rudolf E. Y. Mensah Title: "An Anchor for the Soul" Introduction: The **anchor** holds profound significance in Christianity as a symbol of hope and steadfastness. In the Bible, it's used metaphorically for the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:19, Joshua 1:9

Denomination: Charismatic

Paul’s Ministry In Thessalonica Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 8, 2024

Society is no different today than it was in the 50AD … they too need Jesus! The challenge for us to see today is will we be the ones who are faithful to share Him also? The early Church left us a great roadmap of obedience to follow, if only we will be so bold right now.

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 25 Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica Acts 17:1-9 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, anticipated the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-9, 1 Peter 3:15, Romans 1:16, Matthew 16:24-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational