Sermons on Overcoming Challenges:

This Is Us - Pt. 4 Extras Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Mar 22, 2017

Do we know who we are? With all of our hang-ups, challenges, gifts, warts and all, “THIS IS US!” Understanding our identity is essential for our health.

This Is US! Pt. 4 - Extras I. Introduction “When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” That was the declaration of the Ralph Ellison who was the author of the Invisible Man. Do you know who you are? If you do not, then it isn't Jesus' fault because He climbs a mountain, sits down ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Something Beautiful For Jesus

Contributed by Scott Nichols on Mar 25, 2017

This message looks at the actions of Mary as she breaks open the bottle of perfume and anoints Jesus during Holy Week. It challenges us to ask the question what can we do for Jesus that is beautiful?

She hesitates in the doorway separating the two rooms. Through the opening she sees her sister Martha hard at work helping Simon’s wife prepare the evening meal in the kitchen. She listens to the laughter and conversation as it drifts through the house. She hears Simon make a joke at Peter’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:1-16

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Anger Series

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on May 1, 2017

This message on anger is a continuation of the topical discussions Jesus was having with the disciples during the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was instructing them on how to handle anger. He knew that they would be faced with this challenge moving forward.

ANGER Lakewood | Speaker: Pastor Jonathan | 4-30-2017 Matthew 5:21-22 Introduction: ¥ Jesus continues with His discipleship trying by talking with the disciples about anger. Jesus knew that as Christians we would face injustice. He encourages us to handle it correctly. ¥ More than anything I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-22, Ephesians 4:26-27, Proverbs 19:11, Psalm 37:8, Psalm 37:3-9, Colossians 3:8, Colossians 3:12-14, Ephesians 4:31-32, Ephesians 5:2, 1 John 4:12, Galatians 5:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

"Get Out Of That Pit!" Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Mar 14, 2016

This is a message on the life of Joseph and how we can learn to accept the challenges we face and how God protects us and moves us out of the terrible places we sometimes fall into.

FACING YOUR GIANTS “Get out of that Pit!” Genesis 37-50 There is a country song was played on the radio some time ago by a band named Ricochet. The song tells the story of a man who was sitting in church when he noticed a young woman he had grown up with—and she was looking at ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Have No Fear

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Oct 21, 2013

If we are following Jesus Christ, we have NOTHING to fear!! Paul demonstrates this clearly for us, and the challenge is: will we follow our Savior in proclaiming His grace to everyone we encounter?

Have No Fear Acts 25-26 Introduction We are called to have a common purpose in what we do -- The purpose is to worship, to love, and to celebrate Christ and share Him always -- That is our challenge, mission, and it is STILL where we find ourselves today LAST WEEK: -- Are you living ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be Strong And Courageous

Contributed by Perry Greene on Oct 27, 2013

When the Hebrews reached the land of promise, Joshua is repeatedly told to "be strong and courageous." This lesson looks to ways that we can develop the strength and courage we need in trying, challenging times.

1. Feeling Overwhelmed -- Abraham Lincoln: "I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of those about me seemed insufficient for the day." 2. Creation -- Noah -- Abraham -- Moses -- Wilderness -- Joshua and ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The God Who Commands Series

Contributed by Dave Clark on Oct 8, 2014

In Sunday school we get the condensed version of the Ten Commandments but they can be read expansively, so that you are challenged to consider how the commandment may apply to all sorts of real life situations.

The God Who Commands Exodus 20:1-17 October 5, 2014 Rev. David J. Clark The Israelites had been wandering in the desert for a long time. They were learning what it means to really trust God but that trust was hard learned. There was a definite pattern: at the first hint of adversity they turned ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-17

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ

“scandalous Love” Series

Contributed by Darren Mccormick on Dec 18, 2013

3rd in series challenging people to make Christmas more about what Jesus wants and less about what we want. Some thoughts are drawn from Mike Slaughter's book

AM sermon preached at Central Christian Church December 15, 2013 A Different Kind of Christmas sermon series “Scandalous Love” A couple of nights back Lori and I went to watch Lanee in her school’s Christmas program. Lori commented on the way how the last time we had gone ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Small Stuff Series

Contributed by Jerry Mckee on Feb 28, 2009

This series is based on the book, "Do Hard Things" by Brett and Alex Harris. It is a 7 week series that challenges teenagers to step up from the low expectations that our culture has placed on them.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men – Colossians 3:23 Illustration – I. Small Things A. What are small things? 1. The “stuff” that makes up our everyday life 2. It’s generally repetitive B. Small things most often occur behind the closed doors of our homes, ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:23

Denomination: *other

Stand Up

Contributed by Jerry Mckee on Feb 28, 2009

This series is based on the book, "Do Hard Things" by Brett and Alex Harris. It is a 7 week series that challenges teenagers to step up from the low expectations that our culture has placed on them.

34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-36

Denomination: *other

It's Time Series

Contributed by Jerry Mckee on Mar 6, 2009

This series is based on the book, "Do Hard Things" by Brett and Alex Harris. It is a 7 week series that challenges teenagers to step up from the low expectations that our culture has placed on them.

The Rebelution It’s Time “How to do hard things that make a difference” 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: *other

Chameleon Christianity Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Mar 1, 2012

The concept of changing colors for the sake of adapting is unfortunately the trend of modern Christianity. Paul was writing to a church that had a numerous amount of challenges similar to those that the church in America is dealing with today. We are t

One of my memorable pets growing up was a Chameleon. I loved the idea that it would change colors to adapt to the environment that it was in. It eventually died but the concept of changing colors for the sake of adapting is unfortunately the trend of modern Christianity. • Paul was writing ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:11-18

The Last Shall Be First Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Apr 9, 2018

The world teaches that those who finish first are always declared the winner. Much emphasis is placed on our perceived position and status in life. Jesus challenged this teaching, declaring the Last shall be First.

The Last shall be First Matthew 20:16 Much of life is guided by perceived standards and expectations. We are quite familiar with these standards, being exposed to them as long as we can remember. In order to be accepted and successful, one is taught to believe they must abide by these long held ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Hosea. The Prophet Of The Merciful And Loving God. Series

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Nov 7, 2025

Israel, sinful and twisted and its thinking and does God sit back and let it happen, as always, he challenges the nations thinking and drags his beloved adulterous wife back from the abys.

Hosea. Prophet of the merciful and loving God. 1. Historical Context The Book of Hosea is one of the books of twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. It is traditionally attributed to Hosea, a prophet active in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Last week Rhys mentioned that Amos, who lived at ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 1:2, Hosea 5:1-7, Hosea 6:1-6, Matthew 9:10-13

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Messiah’s Purpose, Suffering, And Mission Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 8, 2025

The person who is self-reliant – who trusts in their own ability – will face God’s judgment! We must understand that this is the challenge of every person on the Earth, and why God is so CLEAR on this requirement.

Isaiah, Part 20 The Messiah’s Purpose, Suffering, and Mission Isaiah 49:1-7 and Isaiah 50:4-11 Introduction - Welcome to Seasons – intro – we are so glad you are here today - Last week, we expounded on God’s understanding of the problem idolators have -- We were encouraged to lean into Him ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-7, Isaiah 50:4-11, Matthew 7:21-23, Philippians 2:8, Acts 2:21, John 1:6-8, Luke 1:35, Romans 5:19, Luke 4:32, John 10:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational