Sermons on Challenging:

Which Branch Do You Want To Be?

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Apr 28, 2021

As we think about Jesus being The Vine, this sermon challenges us to think about our relationship with Christ and how we move into closer relationship through our lives.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. One thing that I am not is green-fingered, I know how to mow a lawn, and how to pull up weeds, although if I’m being honest they are more likely to be flowers, and I know that roses should be pruned. I don’t know why this is the case, I just ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Anglican

Time To Be Full Time Christians

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Mar 18, 2021

A sermon considering the price of discipleship, and challenging people to action. I borrowed the Illustration at the beginning of my sermon from Revd. Martin Dale sermon in 2006 with thanks :)

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. 26 Christians were crucified at Niz-hiz-aka Hill in Nagasaki, Japan on the 15 February 1597, amongst them was a young seventeen year old boy, Thomas Kosaki, who had been sentenced to die for his Christian witness - along with his father. He ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-33

Denomination: Anglican

Will You Come And Follow Me?

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Jan 8, 2021

As we think about the calling of Nathaniel, we reflect on some of the symbology of the scripture, and think about how we are called to discipleship ourselves.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Hymns can be subjective, depending on who is listening to them, someone may think that a particular hymn is beautifully written, and someone else may feel that its dreadful. Choosing Hymns for worship is a minefield, will the congregation know ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51

Denomination: Anglican

Being Tested

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Mar 30, 2022

Life will always test us. We can't escape it. But in all of our tests in life we have to include the testing of our faith. In order for our faith to be strengthened it has to be stretched.

When I was a teenager, I used to deer hunt on a lease in Leakey, Texas. These are not mountains by any chance. But even in the Hill Country of Texas it can be challenging to get to a hunting spot on the side of one of those hills. I got the notion one time to climb to the top of the hill. What ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14, James 1:2-4

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is The Lord God Of Elijah (1 Of 2)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Apr 4, 2022

As I read through this passage, it appears that Elijah is testing Elisha.

Look at verse 2. He said to Elisha, “...Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el...” But notice Elisha’s response in that same verse, “...As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee...” Then look at verse 4. Elijah seems to test Elisha again. He ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

God Is Faithful

Contributed by Larry Grant on May 5, 2024

Why are "These Things" recorded in history? – Because God chose you! It was written for You! But know this - Salvation is not a barrier to Temptation!

1 Corinthians 10:11-13 God is Faithful May 5, 2024 Chapter 10 begins with the note, “Brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon On Blue-Sky Thinking

Contributed by William Meakin on Jan 15, 2024

A kite is defined as a light frame, often of quadrilateral design, with a thin material stretched over it, which is strategically flown in the air at the end of a long piece of string.

Börje Ekholm, a Swedish business executive once remarked: “I think we have challenges, but we have so many opportunities to get it right. I like it when we have a little bit of a headwind. The kite actually lifts when you have a headwind and doesn't when there is lift from the back.” James ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:13, Proverbs 3:4-6, James 1:12, Isaiah 31:5

Sermon On A Holding Pen

Contributed by William Meakin on Nov 11, 2024

A Holding Pen is defined as a temporary enclosure for confining livestock or pets, but it can also appertain to life.

Henry Miller, an American novelist and short story writer once remarked: “The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 13:21, Zephaniah 2:14, Job 30:7, Jeremiah 33:12

Sermon On The First Snowdrops Of Winter

Contributed by William Meakin on Nov 19, 2025

In the midst of a surrounding dormant landscape, the first snowdrops are widely considered to conquer the harshness of life.

William Wordsworth, an English poet once remarked: “Lone Flower, hemmed in with snows and white as they But hardier far, once more I see thee bend Thy forehead, as if fearful to offend, Like an unbidden guest. Though, day by day, Storms, sallying from the mountain-tops, waylay The rising sun, and ...read more

Scripture: Job 38:28-30, Psalm 147:16-18, Isaiah 55:10, Proverbs 31:21

In 2026, As For Me And My House

Contributed by Chris Woods on Dec 27, 2025

A look at the farewell address of Joshua as a challenge going into the New Year.

So, here we are right in the middle of the time between Christmas and New Year’s. I had no idea that this period had a name: It’s commonly called “Twixmas.” Another name is “Festive Gap”, but by far my favorite (and most appropriate for the Woods’ Home), it’s called “Feral Week.” If you’re ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

A Reminder To The People Of God PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 1, 2024

This sermon encourages embracing life's challenges as opportunities to deepen our faith and reliance on God, who promises to be with us in all circumstances.

Good morning, beloved family of God. I am so grateful that you are here today, that you have chosen to gather in this holy place and to be in fellowship with one another. We are united in our shared faith, bound by the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, and it is in His name that we come together ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:2

Topics: God's Presence, Challenges, Life

Don't Become Distracted By The Noises PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 23, 2024

This sermon encourages us to trust God in our darkest hours, using the example of Peter walking on water towards Jesus in Matthew 14:29.

Good morning, beloved congregation. It is indeed a blessing to gather together in the house of the Lord, bound by our shared faith and united in our devotion to the One who loved us first. As we gather here today, let us remember the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon who once said, "To ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:29

Topics: Lord's Faithfulness, Overcoming Challenges

Gideon PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 25, 2024

This sermon explores God's ability to see and utilize our hidden potential, as exemplified in the biblical story of Gideon, encouraging us to yield our weaknesses to Him.

Good morning, beloved family of God. Isn't it a joy to gather together in this sacred space, where the whispers of divine grace brush against our hearts, and the echoes of God's love reverberate through the chambers of our souls? It is in this sacred gathering that we open our hearts to the divine ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:12

Topics: God Challenges, Strengthens Faith

Winning The Battle PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 5, 2024

Encourages Christians to actively participate in spiritual warfare by harnessing God's spiritual armor to handle life's hardships and stand firm in faith.

Welcome, beloved friends, to this sacred space where we gather as a community of faith. We convene here in the presence of our Almighty God, not out of obligation, but out of a deep-seated love and a yearning for His Word. Today, we stand on the precipice of a profound truth, one that has the power ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Topics: Dealing With Challenges, God's Help

Gather For Encouragement Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 8, 2023

This sermon introduction begins a series on the importance of gathering together, using the analogy of solitary confinement to emphasize the need for fellowship and encouragement in faith.

Today we begin a 4-week series on gathering together. So if you’re here today, you’re already heading in the right direction. To begin, I want to ask you a question; What do you know about solitary confinement? Yes, you heard me right, What do you know about solitary confinement? It’s interesting ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25

Topics: Fellowship, Encouragement, Faith Challenges

Sermon Series: We Are Gathered Here