Sermons on Discipleship Challenges:

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

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

When The Gospel Witness Gets You In Trouble Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 7, 2025

We stand up and defend the freedom of speech and of religion, and know that there are thousands of people and hundreds of organizations that would like to put clamps on those very freedoms.

Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Course 2025 Let’s honestly look at St. Matthew’s story in today’s Gospel, and the lesson that Jesus is trying to teach us disciples. Admit it. You don’t like what Jesus is saying, and neither do I. A little flock of sheep in the midst of a band of wolves is not the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 46:1-30, Psalm 37:3-4, Psalm 37:18-19, Psalm 37:27-28, Psalm 37:39-40, Matthew 10:16-23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

All That God Has Done, He Has Done In True Judgement

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 28, 2025

Let’s not cluck our tongues at these sinful Israelites; we and our culture are just as guilty.

Friday of the 26th Week in Course 2025 There are days when it is helpful to us, reading Scripture, to be reminded of what Bible the early Christians used in the congregations in Rome, Greece, Egypt and Asia Minor. The Roman empire at that time still used Greek for many purposes; Latin was the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 79:1-9, Luke 10:13-16

Denomination: Catholic

An End Times Army Rising Up

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 6, 2021

I'm a soldier. And as a soldier my job is to obey the orders of my commanding officer. My commanding officer is the Lord Jesus Christ. And he has commanded me in the great commission: To make disciples of all nations with the living gospel of His life, death, and resurrection.

I'm a soldier. And as a soldier my job is to obey the orders of my commanding officer. My commanding officer is the Lord Jesus Christ. And he has commanded me in the great commission: To make disciples of all nations with the living gospel of His life, death, and resurrection. Then Jesus was ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:11-15

Denomination: Salvation Army

No Ifs, Ands, Or Buts!

Contributed by Monty Newton on Jul 6, 2013

Real discipleship is demanding. It takes a lot for a spur-of-the-moment impulse to become a lifetime commitment to following Christ.

Title: No Ifs, Ands or Buts! Text: Luke 9:59-62 Thesis: Real discipleship is demanding… it takes a lot for a spur-of-the-moment impulse to become a lifetime commitment. Introduction I mentioned last week that author, Eric Weiner, described himself as a “Confusionist” when it ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:59-62

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Count The Cost

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Oct 30, 2018

One must seriously consider what it means to follow Christ and what commitment is needed to be a Christian.

I ADMIT IT! I HAVE A TENDENCY TO BE “CHEAP”! WHEN FACING UTILITY BILLS, CAR REPAIR, MEDICAL CO-PAYS, OR HOME REPAIRS, I ALWAYS SEEM TO AKS ONE PARTICULAR QUESTION FIRST: HOW MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST? IT IS AN HONEST QUESTION. WE’LL ALWAYS BE CONCERNED WITH COST AND HOW MUCH WE WILL HAVE TO PAY ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-33

Denomination: Free Methodist

"Following Jesus"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Nov 2, 2016

Following Jesus means going places we might normally not go.

“Following Jesus” John 4:4-30, 39-42 I am in my 8th year of being Pastor of East Ridge United Methodist Church. That means you all have put up with me for nearly 8 years!!! I’d say, that’s amazing, and thank you. In all seriousness, there are real positive things ...read more

Scripture: John 4:4-42

Denomination: United Methodist

"They Didn't Bow, Bend, Or Burn"

Contributed by Ray Scott on May 20, 2004

The 3 Hebrew children took a stand for God, Who didn’t save them FROM the fire, but saved them IN the fire. God has a purpose for every fiery trial that we go through.

“They Didn’t Bow, Bend, or Burn” Daniel 3:1-30 INTRODUCTION: The Babylonians invaded Palestine in 605 BC and carried away Jewish captives back to Babylon. They selected the educated, prominent and choice men and boys. Among this group was Daniel. Daniel 2:48-49 – all turn. 1.- CIRCUMSTANCES – ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

Guided Steps: A Journey Of Faith SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 9, 2023

The journey of a faithful person is guided and directed by the Lord. Even when they stumble, they are never completely fallen because the Lord holds their hand.

Today, we will explore the topic of the steps of a good person as mentioned in Psalm 37:23-24. This passage tells us that the Lord orders and directs the steps of a good person. Let us delve into this concept and understand how it applies to our lives. Psalm 37:23 states that the Lord guides and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:23-24

Topics: Faith, Discipleship

Time To Put Up Or Shut Up

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Sep 7, 2018

This sermon primary focus is on the Encounter that Jesus had with Satan at Caesarea Philippi 1. Jesus faces the "Gates of Hell" 2. The disciples experience an amazing epiphany and 3. Jesus challenges His Disciples to live a life of radical discipleship.

Scripture: Mark 8:27 - 38; Psalm 19 Title: Time to Put Up or Shut Up This sermon primary focus is on the Encounter that Jesus had with Satan at Caesarea Philippi 1. Jesus faces the "Gates of Hell" 2. The disciples experience an amazing epiphany and 3. Jesus challenges His ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Nazarene

Reclaimed: Resetting The Table Series

Contributed by Rob Ketterling on Oct 13, 2014

Reclaim the family table for outreach, discipleship, remembrance and celebration!

Reclaimed Part 1, by Pastor Rob Ketterling Well, I am so glad that you decided to join us for our series here, Reclaimed, and I want to just take a moment to welcome all the campuses that are watching. Of course we have our Apple Valley campus, Faribault, Savage, Minnetrista, Edina Area ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 19:9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Ears To Hear PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 25, 2023

Emphasize the importance of understanding and embracing the cost of discipleship, which requires great commitment, sacrifice, and a willingness to listen and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

Good morning, family! Today, we're going to dive into the topic of the cost of discipleship. In the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." Following Jesus is not an easy or comfortable path, but rather one that requires great commitment and sacrifice. Our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:35

Topics: Cost, Discipleship

W#ho Said Following Jesus Would Be Easy?

Contributed by Richard Bowman on Jul 27, 2022

Salvation is a gift but discipleship is hard work and may be costly.

WHO SAID FOLLOWING JESUS WOULD BE EASY? Warsaw Christian Church, Richard Bowman, Pastor Scripture: Luke 14:27-33 When in the Bible did God ever give anyone an easy job? God comes to Noah and says, “I have a job for you. I’m not happy with the way things are going in my world, so I am going to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:27-33