Sermons on Challenging:

Hope For The Weary Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

We all face challenges and burdens that can leave us feeling weary and hopeless. But Jesus offers us rest and hope. He invites us to exchange our heavy burdens for his light yoke of grace. This rest is best experienced in community, where we can support and carry one another's burdens.

We all need hope, especially after the kind of year we've had. And guess what? That hope is found in Jesus. Life can be a real drag sometimes, right? School, chores, sports, drama... it can all pile up and leave us feeling wiped out. But Jesus gets it. He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30, Galatians 6:2

Topics: Spiritual Rest, Jesus Teachings, Community Fellowship, Divine Peace

Winning Life's Battles: A Spiritual Guide SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 8, 2023

This sermon explores seven key principles for overcoming life's challenges. These include: 1. Recognizing your adversary, 2. Not being ruled by your emotions, 3. Taking your troubles to God, 4. Acknowledging when you need assistance, 5. Depending on God's strength, 6. Resting in faith, and 7. Expressing gratitude to God in advance.

This sermon explores seven principles to help us win the battles we face in life. These principles are based on the story of Jehoshaphat, the king of Israel, who had to confront three enemy nations. The first principle is to identify our enemy. It may seem obvious, but many people struggle to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-25

Topics: Spiritual Battle, Faith, Power Of God

The Sermon On The Mount (Part 14) Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Dec 9, 2019

Today we start chapter six. Throughout chapter five we saw the phrase, "you have heard it was said". Jesus no longer starts out that way. Jesus isn't challenging contradictory teachings but contradictory practices. Today's lesson is on why we do good deeds.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (part 14) Matthew 6:1-4 Today we start chapter six. We'll notice that Jesus doesn't introduce his topics as he has up to this point. Throughout chapter five we saw the now familiar phrase, "you have heard it was said". But Jesus doesn't start out that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4, Mark 12:41-44, 2 Corinthians 8:12, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 11:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Hope When I Feel Alone Series

Contributed by Perry Fowler on Dec 6, 2023

The birth announcement of Jesus was exciting and challenging all at the same time. Immediately she experienced "aloneness." Her fiancé wanted to put her away privately. Her future kids would not initially believe her story. What do we learn from Mary's "aloneness?"

This year is the 33rd anniversary of the “Home Alone” movie where a young boy named Kevin McAlister was accidently left behind and alone in his home during the holidays while his family causing young Kevin to have to set up bungling traps for “to be” burglars- “Harry and Marv.” The last 33 years ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:35-45

Denomination: Baptist

Let's Go To Dinner Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Feb 11, 2021

How much is enough? What do we do and where do we turn when we're afraid we don't have enough of (fill in the blank)? Jesus confronts his disciples with an enormous challenge to feed 5,000 people. But there's not enough. Now what?

You can listen to the audio of the sermon on my podcast at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697261/7808947 Follow The Leader - Feeding the 5,000 “What’s for Supper?” • We’re having lunch together after services this morning. My wife is back in the kitchen right now checking on the preparation. • Right ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:11, Mark 6:34, Matthew 14:15, 1 John 3:17, Luke 9:13, Matthew 17:20, Luke 9:14-17, Luke 18:27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Affliction Of Naomi Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Oct 18, 2022

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 witness for God and it touch others.

In verses 1-3: The story of Ruth happens at some point during the time of the judges. These were dull days for Israel, when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6, 21:25). Regardless, during those dim and fiendish occasions, there were still some who followed ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Do I Want God To Forgive Me As I Forgive Others? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 20, 2025

Jesus puts forward challenging words in the second half of v. 12 - calling us to ask for forgiveness in the same way we have forgiven others. Verses 14-15 emphasize the expectation from God that we will forgive others as part of having been forgiven by Him. What happens when we live this out?

DOES THIS SCARE ME? Do I want God to forgive me as I forgive others? - Matthew 6:12b, 14-15. - I said last week as we unpacked the first half of v. 12 that we often don’t put a lot of thought into what that actually means. In that case it had to do with making confession of our sins a regular ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-12

Denomination: Baptist

A Rebuke To Forgiveness-Only Salvation

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 30, 2025

This is a challenging passage. Surely Paul doesn't mean that we have to actually live like that?! What it all points us to is a false gospel that is too often preached today - "forgiveness-only" belief. What does this passage tell us about what real salvation looks like?

A COMMON BELIEF TODAY: I am “saved” and unchanged. - Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 13:6-9; John 15:8. - This passage makes us uncomfortable. It sounds harsh and unrealistic. We will delve into how we are to understand it as we move forward. - A good place to start is a major reason why ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon: Encouragement To Press On

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Dec 9, 2025

Paul’s inspiring testimony of commitment forces us to look at our own lives—do we have the strategy we need to overcome our challenges? Or do we let our failures derail our dreams? And what could we accomplish if we were committed enough and had the strength not to give up?

Subject: Encouragement to Press On Text: Philippians 3:7-14 “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-14, Philippians 2:5-11, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:8-10

Denomination: Methodist

The Fearsome Storm

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 25, 2018

Today the church faces storms coming from all corners of society and even from within. How do we face such fearsome events? Maybe you face a personal storm in your marriage, job, or your health? Maybe its conflict in a ministry team? Hang on to Jesus.

The Fearsome Storm Mark 4:35-41 35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

End Of The Year 2020 Reflection

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Dec 30, 2020

2020 will be remembered as one of the most challenging years for many people. But God has been faithful to us. He never leaves us nor forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). Therefore, like Moses, we can also say, "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." (Psalm 90:1).

Soon we will leave 2020 and enter 2021. For many people, 2020 has been a hard and challenging year. Covid-19 has infected millions of victims. The latest data shows Cases: 81.5M, Recovered: 46.1M, Deaths: 1.78M. Many people lost their parents, spouses, children, relatives, or friends this year due ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 90:1-12, Hebrews 13:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Life Built On Faith: “the Food Of Faith”

Contributed by James Lee on Nov 4, 2012

When God tests your faith... When He challenges you to do more than you’ve ever done with your life... I want you to see what a great opportunity He’s given you. I believe that our greatest work is just around the corner… This sermon was adapted from a

An English teacher and her class were studying well known Proverbs. One day she gave them a test to see how well they were understanding what she taught. She would state the first half of a proverb and then asked the students to come up with the rest of what it said. These were some of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

I Thought You Wanted, "To Go Fishing", (You Haven’t Even Baited Your Hook)

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Jan 23, 2011

If My name is lifted up, Jesus said “I will draw all men unto me” Think about it, God gave us the easy part, He’s the one with the real challenge. Its funny how human nature is, anytime were involved in it, we always think that we have the hard part!

“I thought you wanted to go FISHING” (you haven’t even baited your hook.) Mark 1:16-20 NKJ. 16. And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17. Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:16-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What To Do When Facing The Enemy!

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Sep 26, 2024

Like David, we may find ourselves surrounded by enemies—whether they are circumstances, people, or even our own doubts—but we can learn how to confront these challenges by seeking the Lord's aid. What do you do when facing the enemy? How do you find hope and victory in the midst of our battles?

TREASURES FROM THE PSALMS WED PM OCTOBER 4, 2023 CBBCKING What to Do When Facing the Enemy! Psalm 35:1-9 Introduction: Psalm 35 – lengthier Psalm… 28 verses long… not going to deal with every verse… main portions of the Psalm. Structure = Psalm 35 easily divides into 3 stanzas all marked ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"Warnings & Consequences Of A Plumb Line”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jul 16, 2024

The O.T. Lesson is about God's "plumb line" and His judgments when His commandments are not followed. Herod had a "moral" problem, yet like listening to John the Baptist but would not change his behavior. the pressures of life can challenge our own "core" values.

In Jesus Holy Name July 14, 2024 Text: Mark 6:14 & Amos 7:8b Pentecost VIII Redeemer “Warnings & Consequences of A Plumb Line” I imagine the Old Testament prophet Amos would agree with the title of this message. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-29, Amos 7:7-15

Denomination: Lutheran