Sermons on Overcoming Challenges:

What Did Your Mother Do To You?

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 30, 2011

This ’outside the box’ Mother’s Day sermon honors moms, but it also speaks of Father God and Israel, and we can apply some great truths to mothering in America today, which is one of the greatest challenges of all of human history.

What Did Your Mother Do to You? 1 Sam 4:1-22   Get the full sermon in formatted text w/ PowerPoint template at: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/StrangeName.html Introduction Can you imagine a mother naming her son Ichabod? Of course, this name is from the Hebrew language. It is made by taking the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus’s Authority On Display Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 5, 2016

What Jesus provides comes in the form of a challenging lesson that unless we follow Him fully, we cannot experience eternal life. In the face of desertion from several, the disciples STILL cling to the knowledge that He is truth, the life, and the way.

Jesus’s Authority on Display John 6:52-71 Introduction Rev Mike Moseley preaching ∆ Point 1 – Jesus is the truth (v53-59) ∆ Point 2 – Jesus is the life (v60-65) ∆ Point 3 – Jesus is the way (v68) ...read more

Scripture: John 6:52-71

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Master Of The Storms

Contributed by John Gaston on Feb 13, 2017

Storms will come, but we need not fear; for we know the Master of the Storms! This account gives great comfort that God is always with us. He challenges us to higher faith & it's the storm that reveal Him as the all-powerful Son of God!

MASTER OF THE STORMS Mark 4:35-41 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: HONESTY IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST POLICY 1. Today is Shirley and Ben's 30th wedding anniversary. After exchanging kisses and presents, Shirley said to Ben, "I have an important question to ask you." "So ask me already," said Ben. 2. "Please ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The 12 Apostles: Philip

Contributed by John Gaston on Feb 22, 2015

Looking at the 3rd apostle, chronologically.His unique call, witnessing to a skeptic, asked to feed 5,000, introduced Greeks to Christ, asked to see the Father & more Philip had unique challenges & opportunities. So do we!

THE 12 APOSTLES: PHILIP INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: CLIMB THE WALLS 1. “Oh, I sure m happy to see you,” the little boy said to his Grandmother on his mother’s side when she came to visit. 2. “Maybe now Daddy will do the trick he’s been promising us.” 3. The ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-46

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Evil

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Nov 1, 2013

Are we able to defend the faith taught in the Scriptures when a non-believer challenges us on the hard issues? What do we say, how do we respond when asked why the Lord allows evil and the resulting suffering?

Deuteronomy 30:19-20a “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Denomination: Nazarene

Conviction And Salvation For All Mankind.

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Jan 19, 2017

The Salvation Army internationally currently has a theme of "The Whole World Mobilising". God has a theme of Salvation for mankind through Jesus Christ. this is a short challenge to pray for people worshipping at places of worship of in Sri Lanka.

Conviction and salvation for all mankind! One of this month’s readings is from Isaiah 45:2-3. New International Version (NIV) 2 I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. 3 I will give you hidden treasures, riches ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 45:2-3, Isaiah 46:9-10, Joel 2:28-29

Denomination: Salvation Army

Interrupted By God: Embracing Divine Disruptions Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 30, 2024

The concept of divine interruption is deeply rooted in Scripture and challenges us to trust in God's sovereignty over our lives. Are we willing to let God change our plans, redirect our steps, and shape our journey?

Interrupted by God: Embracing Divine Disruptions Introduction: Today, we reflect on a powerful quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God.” Bonhoeffer, a theologian who lived during a time of great crisis, understood the importance of yielding to ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:9, Luke 10:30-37, Matthew 14:22-33, Acts 10:9-16, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Church Built On Christ Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Oct 16, 2024

Just what is it that makes a church authentic? The greatest challenge that we find as we try to follow Jesus is dedicating ourselves to the truth of the Scripture in a culture that tends to base their lives on their own opinions instead of on the truth of God's word.

I don't think I need to tell any of you that our church is going through a new phase. We are about to enter into a new stage of growth for this church beginning in January. I have asked God what words can I bring to the church that would make this transition a lot easier so that we can remain ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:24-25, 1 Peter 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

What Most Miss! Series

Contributed by Apostle Dr. Belinda V. Broadnax on Oct 24, 2024

This sermon explores the subtle ways God speaks and how we often miss His voice because we are not paying attention. It challenges believers to be spiritually alert, recognizing that God’s voice is often found in unexpected places and circumstances.

Have you ever felt like you missed something important? Maybe it was an opportunity, a moment, or a conversation that could have changed everything. Spiritually speaking, many of us have missed something just as important: the voice of God. He speaks, He guides, but often His voice is missed ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:10

Denomination: Other

Living By The Word Of God #1 Series

Contributed by Louis J Locke on Aug 10, 2024

As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that the Word of God is essential for wisdom, direction, spiritual nourishment and power for life and ministry. Developing an ongoing habit of ‘feeding on the Word’ can be challenging, but it is as important to our spiritual life as ‘eating’ is to our physical.

SOURCE OF TRUTH & WISDOM 1. Truth: The Word of God is the inspired Word of God and is Ultimate Truth • All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:4

Denomination: Foursquare

How Shall We Live With The Blues

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Apr 15, 2024

Psalm 4 confronts the reality of existential weariness and challenges within the church and leadership, urging a return to the Blues sensibility that acknowledges suffering and seeks faith, peace, and hope in God's promises amid life's storms.

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B How Shall We Live With The Blues Easter is such a joyous, colorful, and vibrant celebration! Now in Eastertide, this second Sunday after Easter this third Sunday of Eastertide, Christ is still risen! The Creation is still waking up! This Sunday provides us with ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

Sugar Coated Gospel

Contributed by Mark Sparks on Dec 13, 2023

Today, we start on a journey together -- one that looks into the very heart of our faith I stand before you not as a speaker seeking the praise of humanity but as a humble servant of Ghrist, sharing a message that might challenge our comfortable spaces.

I. Opening Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. The Dangers of Sugar-Coating - Discussing the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Galatians 1:10, Matthew 7:21-23, Ephesians 4:15, 1 Corinthians 2:4-5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

Survive Or Thrive

Contributed by Brian Williams on Jan 4, 2024

In light of all that is going on in this world and in our personal challenges, we have a choice, we can either just survive or thrive. You can try to handle life on your own or be like a tree planted by streams of living water.

God had called Jeremiah to preach the truth and prophesy to Israel and Judah at a time when people were abandoning the Lord God, His Word & His precepts. God’s people had been engaged in pagan religions and practices, idol worship (which speaks of worshiping an image or fantasy) and this turned ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Guarding Against Spiritual Adversaries: Transformed By Truth 1 Peter 5:8-9 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 23, 2024

In 1 Peter 5:8-9, the apostle Peter provides invaluable insights into guarding against spiritual adversaries. In a world filled with challenges and temptations, these verses illuminate the importance of spiritual vigilance and the transformative power of God's truth.

Guarding Against Spiritual Adversaries: Transformed by Truth 1 Peter 5:8-9 Introduction: Today we delve into the profound words of 1 Peter 5:8-9, where the apostle Peter provides invaluable insights into guarding against spiritual adversaries. In a world filled with challenges and temptations, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-9, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:11, James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:9, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Psalm 28:7, 2 Corinthians 1:7, Romans 8:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Unity, Hypocrisy And Engagement With A Needy Culture Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 15, 2021

But there’s more to Christian life. Much more. It’s a series of challenges and privileges that come to us with our existence in human society. We model our love for other human beings on the love God has for us.

Seventh Sunday of Easter The prophet Isaiah said it several hundred years before Jesus was born: “My thoughts are not your thoughts. Your ways are not my ways.” Our psalm says it in another way: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has [God] put our transgressions from us.” God is not ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-10, Acts 1:15-26, Psalm 19:11-12, 1 John 4:11-16, John 17:11-19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic