Sermons on Challenging:

Patched Old Clothing, New Wine In Old Wineskins Series

Contributed by Leighton (Lee) Vary on Jan 20, 2017

Teaching can be boring, teaching can be tiring, or teaching can be interesting and exciting. Our Lord never bored people in His teaching. Some were converted, some angered, but no one was bored or uninterested.

Introduction A. There are many literary forms used in the Bible. 1. There is poetry 2. Proverbs 3. Legal documents 4. Dramatic narratives 5. Hymns 6. Sermons 7. Theological treatise 8. Personal letters 9. And apocalyptic visions 10. And sprinkled into all of these forms are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:14-17

Denomination: Baptist

Our Duty To Educate The Poor Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 4, 2019

Religious argument, we know, is not a bad thing. It can actually lead us forward and help us truly understand how to advance the Gospel.

Tuesday of 3rd Week in Easter 2019 Rosa Venerini Over the years I have been in ministry, first as a layman and now as a deacon, I have known many Christians, Catholics of course, but men and women and teens with various denominations. One thing I am convinced of is that most people loathe ...read more

Scripture: John 6:30-35

Denomination: Catholic

When You Hit A Wall, Look For A Door

Contributed by Dale Carter Sr. on Aug 31, 2019

As we grow older we will face walls, walls that old age all by its self produces. Some may be walls that we may have thought that were only for other people, like the wall of “Old Age.” Old Age is for others and not me.

“When You Hit a Wall, Look For A Door” Gen 18:11-14 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? 13 And ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:11-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

O Gladsome Light Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 13, 2019

The message of Christ is the only one that makes sense for the healing of our world in any age, but it’s not an easy one to hear and obey.

Tuesday of the 15th Week in Course 2019 Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Saint Athenogenes Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, which commemorates the appearance of the Mother of Jesus to St. Simon Stock, an early Carmelite leader, and his reception of the Brown Scapular from her hands. So ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:20-24, Exodus 2:1-15

Denomination: Catholic

Stepfamily Fundamentals Series

Contributed by Vince Miller on Oct 3, 2019

There is no better word to describe the blended family than “blended.” When we consider the challenges of this new family unit, it can often feel like you’ve been thrown in a blender—stirred, chopped, sliced, and beaten to a pulp.

It’s a Family in a Blender There is no better word to describe the blended family than “blended.” When we consider the challenges of this new family unit, it can often feel like you’ve been thrown in a blender—stirred, chopped, sliced, and beaten to a pulp. The variety of different opinions, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:3

Denomination: Baptist

Staying Steady In Unsteady Times

Contributed by James Hickman on Jan 9, 2016

God gives us the resources to face the uncertain times we may face. Paul's brief word to Timothy gives us insight into how we can face challenges from our health, our financial situation, or our culture. The three key terms in the text provide the key.

Staying Steady in Unsteady Times 2 Timothy 2:7 For years now, I’ve met almost every Thursday for lunch with a couple other pastors. We usually talk about all kinds of important things. We discuss Biblical and theological issues. We discuss the state of the church in America. We discuss ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:7

Denomination: Baptist

The Great I Will Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jun 21, 2012

In order to activate the promises of God we have to respond to His challenge.

The Great I Will Text: Gen. 12:1-9 Introduction 1. We are going to begin a study of the life of Abraham. 2. Who was Abraham? a. Abraham was a native of Chaldea, and descendant in the ninth generation from Shem, the son of Noah. His father’s name was Terah, and he was born in Ur, 2161 B.C. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9

Denomination: Methodist

The Seven Churches

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jan 27, 2014

The message to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 reveals some VERY important challenges for churches today. The important question is: Will we heed the warnings and advice of the past?

The Seven Churches Revelation, Part 3, Revelation 2:1-3:21 Introduction - I want to cover all seven churches today … why? Why preach all of this? - IMP: It’s too important to break this up and have folks miss it … - Over-arching theme: 2 Tim 4:2 says “Preach the ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Daniel 2: When Life Seems Out Of Control Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Sep 3, 2020

God is in control, even when the world seems chaotic. Daniel handles a situation beyond his control with WISDOM and FAITH.

WHEN LIFE SEEMS OUT OF CONTROL—Daniel 2 Does it sometimes seem like your life is out of control? Coronavirus. The national debt. Politics. Natural disasters. As a parent committed to your kids, you try to protect them and control their environment, but you can’t control all the people and ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 2:1-49

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Following In The Steps Of James

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Jul 21, 2021

A Patronal festival sermon that looks at some of the qualities of James, and how we can be inspired to seek out own gifts (illustration found on http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/e/evangelism.htm)

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn't able to buy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28

Denomination: Anglican

What Is God Doing? Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Nov 26, 2024

God often works in unexpected ways and through unexpected means. We need to watch for His surprising actions and join Him in His mission to change the world.

You know the Christmas story, right? Baby Jesus, manger, shepherds, wise men - the works. But imagine being there. It was all so unexpected and weird. They must've been like, "What's God up to?" What's God up to? Imagine you're expecting a package. You're super excited, but when it arrives, it's in ...read more

Scripture: John 5:16-21

Topics: Divine Plans, Spiritual Growth, Faith Challenges, Miracles

Visionary View: Seeing God At Work In Your Life Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 10, 2023

Exploring the miraculous and awe-inspiring ways in which God works in our lives. Let us carry with us the awareness of God's work in our lives. Let us be vigilant in seeking His guidance, trusting His timing, and recognizing His hand in all we do.

"Visionary View: Seeing God at Work in Your Life" Today, we embark on a journey of faith, exploring the miraculous and awe-inspiring ways in which God works in our lives. As always, we turn to the New Living Translation of the Bible. 1. Acknowledging God's Sovereignty: Let's ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:9, Psalm 119:105, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Romans 8:28

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Visit With Church Leaders Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jun 21, 2025

Acts 21:17-26 shows us how to handle tensions between cultural practices and the gospel’s advance.

Introduction I am currently preaching through the Book of Acts in a sermon series I am calling “Turning the World Upside Down.” Forty days after Jesus’ resurrection, he ascended into heaven. Just before he ascended into heaven, Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:17-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Kingdom Values And Our Values: Challenges To A Contemorary Way Of Life

Contributed by Philip Gill on Oct 3, 2007

As the lives of the rich man and Lazarus are reversed by their experience of the Kingdom so our contemorary values are challenged by the call to discipleship.

In the gospel passage this morning there is a great reversal of fortunes for the rich man and Lazarus the poor beggar. Lazarus, after enduring great suffering is taken into heaven, into the bosom of Abraham. This end suggests that he led a faithful life while the rich man is depicted in typical ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Anglican

Pray, Prepare And Perform

Contributed by Dave Martin on Jan 3, 2012

New Year's Sermon or Challenge Sermon for the Church

New Years Day 2012 Acts 1:12-14 First Church – Jerusalem Acts 1:14 – These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Christ had just ascended to heaven – disciples went back to upper room and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist