Sermons on Hard Challenges:

The Challenge Of Discipleship

Contributed by John White on Aug 6, 2018

The essence of our calling to really follow the Master.

THE CHALLENGE OF DISCIPLESHIP "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no rnore with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will you also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou ...read more

Scripture: John 6:66-69

Denomination: Baptist

Challenge The Dark!

Contributed by Bala Samson on Nov 20, 2020

The light that you enjoyed during the day would continue with you during the quiet night as well, the confidence and joy you had during the day would be there with you through the night.

Your sun will not set Isaiah 60:20 "Your sun will no longer set, Nor will your moon wane; For you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, And the days of your mourning will be over." Did you understand the depth of the above promise? The light that you enjoyed during the day would ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:20

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Challenge Of Change Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 22, 2021

Paul becomes an ideal subject for the study of a Christian in a world of change. He went through the most radical change of any of the Apostles in his conversion. He had the most radical change of career, and faced the most radical changes in theological commitment.

On a dark November day in 1884 the people of Chicago passing over the bridge near Clark street were surprised. Below them at the dock was a ship piled high with Christmas trees of all sizes. The news raced through the city, and soon there were reporters there sensing a story, and they ...read more

Scripture: Acts 22:1-21

Gospel Challenge Series

Contributed by Ian Humphrey on Oct 30, 2025

Gospel Challenge

Acts 14:1-23 The Challenge of the Church The challenges Paul faced on his first missionary journey. I. The Challenge of Division (1-7) A. The Point of Division i. The Place - 1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, ii. The Preaching - 1 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-23

Denomination: Holiness

The Challenge Of Change Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Mar 21, 2025

This is the 16th Sermon from the Gospel of Luke Series, "Jesus- Son Of Man".

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#16] THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE Luke 5:27-39 Introduction: Today, we are going to look at the challenge of change in our spiritual lives. We see Levi, a tax collector, who chose to leave his comfortable but corrupt life to follow Jesus. This decision highlights the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:27-39, Matthew 9:9-17, Mark 2:13-22

Denomination: Baptist

Challenging Legalism Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Mar 29, 2025

This is the 17th Sermon from the Gospel of Luke Series, "Jesus- Son Of Man".

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#17] CHALLENGING LEGALISM Luke 6:1-11 Introduction: The Pharisees were an important religious group in ancient Judaism who followed many laws and rules. The Torah, which is the 1st 5 Books of the Bible, has 613 commandments. The Pharisees added even more rules and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11, Matthew 12:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge Of Influence PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 14, 2023

This sermon explores the call to be 'salt and light' in the world, influencing others positively and living out loyalty and good works in everyday life.

Good morning, dear friends. We're here together. In this place. At this time. And it's good. Our hearts are open. Our spirits are ready. We're here to learn. To grow. To be changed. Today, we're looking at a passage from the Book of Matthew. It's a passage many of us know well. It's a passage that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Topics: Influence

The Challenge To Care

Contributed by John Dobbs on May 23, 2024

One way Paul is going to encourage this is by getting to the root of their greatest interest - and often ours - he wants them to join in concern for others by donating funds.

The Challenge to Care 1 Corinthians 16:1-14 Introduction In the concluding chapters of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul has called us to answer the challenge to Serve, to Love, to Believe, and now to Care. It’s easy to see how the Corinthian church could struggle with caring about ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Breaking Hard Ground And Breaking Hard Yokes

Contributed by Jeremy Poling on Dec 30, 2007

When we work for God, He works for us.

Hos 10:10 It is in my desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows. [bound together in a rut] Hos 10:11 And Ephraim [ double fruit]is as an heifer [part grown cow]that is taught, [accustomed expert and ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 10:10-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Breaking Hard Ground Breaking Hard Yokes

Contributed by Jeremy Poling on Mar 21, 2011

Christians will grow out of sin.

Hos 10:10 It is in my desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows. [bound together in a rut] Hos 10:11 And Ephraim [ double fruit]is as an heifer [part grown cow]that is taught, [accustomed expert and ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 10:10-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Uncomfortable Truth PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 23, 2025

True discipleship means trusting and following Jesus even when his words challenge us, because only he offers the life our hearts truly need.

Friends, I’m so glad you’re here. Some of us arrive with hearts humming like a highway—noise and nagging worries at every mile marker. Others walk in weary, wanting a word that steadies the soul and stills the storm inside. Jesus meets us here. He speaks not to impress but to impart life. He ...read more

Scripture: John 6:60-69

Topics: Hard Truths, Difficult Teachings

Giving Thanks When Life Is Hard

Contributed by Scott Maze on Dec 6, 2023

God cares about your hope when you are struggling. God wants you to tenaciously hold onto hope when your life is challenging. Again, God cares about your hope when you are struggling.

If you have a Bible would you find the book of Lamentations with me - Lamentations 3? I just love Thanksgiving and I love it even more with each year I age. But not everyone has an equally good time on this holiday. The day before Thanksgiving an elderly man in Phoenix called his son in New York ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:21-25

Denomination: Baptist

The Need For Hard Teachings Series

Contributed by Scott Burr on Nov 19, 2012

Jesus, Himself, did not shy away from teaching hard truths. He was never worried that the crowds would quit coming if He preached truths that were hard to accept. Rather He used those teachings to qualify those who called themselves His disciples.

“On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the ...read more

Scripture: John 6:60-66

Denomination: Assembly Of God

But Life Is Too Hard Series

Contributed by Christopher Roberts on Sep 13, 2002

Overall, Americans are “mostly” or “completely” satisfied with life despite having daily concerns. But sometimes life’s pressures burden us down. God wants us to know He is going to help us get back up

Please e-mail me with any comments or if you use any part of this at your church at Mail4ChrisR@aol.com. I would love to hear about it. God Bless! - Chris Series: “What To Do” See also I Don’t Know What To Do; But I’m Disappointed; But I Just Can’t Win; What You Need, God Has) Colossians ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14

Denomination: Methodist

It's Hard To Be A Believer

Contributed by Ian Biss on Jun 29, 2007

Proper attitude can make or break you.

It’s Hard to be a Believer. 01/01/06 One of the most interesting things about being a Christian is how easy it is to become one yet how hard it is to be a believer. When you make the decision to follow Christ, you soon find out that being a believer is tough. God shows you all the sin in your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Grace Brethren