Sermons on Challenging:

Sermon On The Plain

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 12, 2019

Have you noticed that Jesus often says the exact opposite of popular ideas? Christianity is for thinking people. Jesus did not establish a Church where people just check their brains at the entry door and blindly follow men. We worship God also with our minds. Jesus challenges us to think.

Have you noticed that Jesus often says the exact opposite of popular ideas? Christianity is for thinking people. Jesus did not establish a Church where people just check their brains at the entry door and blindly follow men. We worship God also with our minds. Jesus challenges us to think. Perhaps ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:17-26

Denomination: Baptist

A Courage-Filled Heart

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Mar 19, 2023

A heart filled with courage possess those qualities that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, disappointment, despair, death, and whatever else life throws at them. So, I think it’s safe to say we all need courage to face these challenges of life. The message is from the life of Joshua.

A Christian’s Heart “A Courage-Filled Heart” Watch on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZzNn1r0XVE A heart filled with courage possess those qualities that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, disappointment, despair, death, and whatever else life throws at them. We ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9, Joshua 1:9

Denomination: Foursquare

7 Crucial Crucibles Series

Contributed by Joe Dan Vendelin on Feb 10, 2024

The Apostle Paul lays out 7 words to describe difficult situations that could threaten our intimacy with the Lord. The purpose of this study is a quick peek at each of the 7 words Paul uses related to challenges in Romans 8:35 to better orient us to face them unseparated from the love of Christ.

7 Crucial Crucibles 7 is the number of God’s perfection. So, how does he use difficult situations to perfect us? There are 7 descriptors (7 Crucial Crucibles) that Paul lays out in Romans 8. Below is a description and deeper dive of each of these words. These words can be related to a crucible ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:35

How To Endure To The End Series

Contributed by James Wallace on May 4, 2021

Jesus assured us in the Parable of the Sower that people falling away from the faith would be a regular part of our experience. However, we certainly don't want it to be our personal experience! An oft-ignored & challenging warning tells us how we can prevent that possibility.

As we have made our way through the book of Hebrews, the single New Testament book devoted to the topic of Christians who are tempted or actually do fall away from the faith, I naturally have been led to sadly contemplate those Christians I have known who have fallen away. These, tragically, were ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:26-39, Hebrews 3:14, Matthew 24:13

Denomination: Bible Church

Increase Our Faith

Contributed by Sunitha Justin on Jul 8, 2019

Whether it’s deep-rooted habits in your life that refuses to move, whether is mountain-like problems that your facing that you cannot move or you are having a challenge so great like planting something where there is no soil, God says, your faith is enough to solve those problems.

There are several kinds of prayers that we find in the Bible. Long prayers, short prayers. three-word This afternoon I want to particularly turn your attention to one prayer that the disciples made. The prayer has profound significance. The prayer and the answer to that prayer probably impacted ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:5, Matthew 17:19, Matthew 17:20, Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 11:6, James 2:14-18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Book Of James: A Gut Punch For Christian Hypocrisy

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Sep 24, 2021

I’ve heard the book of James described as a gut punch to Christians. I like that. The book of James, written by Jesus’ brother, somebody who grew up with Jesus, and saw Jesus’ during his whole ministry, writes to us, challenging us to really practice what we believe.

I’ve heard the book of James described as a gut punch to Christians. I like that. The book of James, written by Jesus’ brother, somebody who grew up with Jesus, and saw Jesus’ during his whole ministry, writes to us, challenging us to really practice what we believe. That is one of the main themes ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1, James 1:22-25, James 2:1-4, James 2:12-13, James 4:4-10, James 5:7-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Salvation Army

A Moment Of Decision Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on May 8, 2023

Mordecai and Esther’s coziness became challenged when Haman ordered the eradication of the Jews. The time had come for them to stand up and speak out for God. Are we willing to stand up and speak out for what is right? Maybe we have been put where we are for such a time as this!

Made for This Moment #2 A Moment of Decision Theme: Mordecai and Esther’s coziness became challenged when Haman ordered the eradication of the Jews. The time had come for them to stand up and speak out for God. Are we willing to stand up and speak out for what is right? Maybe we have been put ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 25:17-19, 1 Samuel 15:1-9, Ephesians 6:10-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Messiah’s Confirmation, Part 3 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Dec 8, 2025

The result of miracles often receive tons of "praise", but at the root of each act Jesus performed contains one simple, challenging, word: "obedience". Will we be a people who obey Christ because of who He is, or simply because of what He can do for us?

John, Part 18 Series: The Messiah’s Confirmation, Part 3 John 5:1-15 - Continue series: “The Messiah’s Confirmation” (part 3 of 6 today) -- Purpose: Help us unpack teachings, miracles, & some incredible revelations - As we study Ch 5, keep this in mind: Jesus has all authority given ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-15, Psalm 103:13, John 3:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Partnership With God - An Unbeatable Team

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Jun 22, 2001

1.ISAAC - ENJOY PROSPERITY IN FAMINE 2.JOSEPH - SUCCESS IN ALL SITUATIONS 3.MOSES - GO BACK AND CONQUER YOUR FAILURE 4.JOSHUA - TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE 5.GIDEON-MINORITY BECOMES MAJORITY 6.SAMUEL - GOD BACKS YOU UP 7.DAVID - AGAINST ALL OD

PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD - AN UNBEATABLE TEAM **************************************************** OUTLINE 1.ISAAC - ENJOY PROSPERITY IN FAMINE 2.JOSEPH - SUCCESS IN ALL SITUATIONS 3.MOSES - GO BACK AND CONQUER YOUR FAILURE 4.JOSHUA - TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE 5.GIDEON - MINORITY ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:28

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sermon # 8 - El-Shaddai, Our Almighty God Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jul 26, 2024

God revealed Himself to Abraham as the El-Shaddai, God Almighty who can do wonders and miracles for those who trust in Him. The life of Abraham, Joseph, Paul will truly encourage us to trust this Almighty God and walk blamelessly before Him.

We read in Genesis 17:1, When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am the Almighty God. Obey me and always do what is right. (GNB) There is a specific reason why the word of God mentions that Abram was ninety-nine years old when the Lord appeared to him. When ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 17:1, Genesis 12:10-20, Genesis 37:18-36, Exodus 14:21-25, Matthew 4:1-10, Acts 9:26, Genesis 12:16, Genesis 39:3, Acts 9:27, Matthew 4:11, Genesis 39:9, 2 Chronicles 16:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

What Will You Choose? Decide Wisely Who You Will Follow.

Contributed by William Tan Yh on May 23, 2007

In our walk with Jesus, there comes a time when we will have to decide whether we want to follow Jesus all the way or will abandon our walk mid-way. This is a challenge which Jesus posed to his disciples,"Do you also wish to go away?" (Jn 6:67)

Title: What will you choose? Scripture passage: Jn 6: 25-68 Introduction: In year 2000, I went to Disney world in Tokyo together with my family. As usual we went to the different rides and had a good time there. Then we come across a gigantic dome that looks so inviting and when we ...read more

Scripture: John 6:25-68

Denomination: Charismatic

What Does God Require Of Me Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jan 19, 2010

Some have gotten so wrapped up in religion that they have forgotten what is important (even having the right intent). Paul said it best in challenging us to be a “living sacrifice” to God. It’s a matter of the heart – WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?

INTRODUCTION 1. CHURCH PLAN For the last 4 weeks, we have been looking at many of the different parts of church ministry and relating it to the necessary ingredients of becoming not only successful in church but prepared and equipped to live a life outside the church that is available and prepared ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

I Belong To The Lord, Body And Soul!

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Dec 19, 2008

JB Phillips translates Luke 1:38 like this, ’I belong to the Lord, body and soul. Let it happen as you say.’ Mary’s response of simple, humble faith challenges us to respond positively to the Lord’s call. How will we respond when he next calls us?

When God first called you what was your response? When God next calls you to something new, something different, what will be your response? The key to this Bible reading is Mary’s response of obedience. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary said. “May it be to me as you have said” (1:38). JB Phillips ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Anglican

Rise And Rebuild Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Feb 4, 2013

We may have no walls to repair, yet many of us have faced the challenge of restoring a ruined life. Whatever we may encounter, we can find in Nehemiah’s quest the confidence to handle adversity with grace. We can expect God to act--to be present when tr

In the Army, we say that there are 3 kinds of people… -Those who make things happen; -Those who watch things happen; -Those who wonder, “What happened?” Nehemiah was a leader who--by God’s grace--made things happen. We may have no walls to repair, yet many of us have faced ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-20

Denomination: Congregational

Daniel: An Epitome Of Faithfulness And Steadfastnest

Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Jan 27, 2014

Daniel was found to be faithful to God and steadfast in his faith from his youthful age till his old age. He faced a lot of oppositions, persecutions, hatred and challenges, yet he remained faithful. We are to learn from his life and remain faithful to God in every area of our lives.

Daniel: An Epitome of Faithfulness and Steadfastnest Study Text: Daniel 6: 1 - 28 Introduction: - Daniel was taken captive to Babylon, but he was faithfully serving the Lord and taking his stand for that which is right. - He lived in Babylon for many years, and he did not veered from the ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 6:1-28

Denomination: Pentecostal