Sermons on Overcoming The Challenge:

The Pastoral Challenge

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 24, 2022

Timothy was not technically a pastor; he was actually Paul’s “delegate.” Nonetheless, he approximated the pastoral role in that he was a shepherd. Timothy faced a number of challenges, as do modern pastors who are serious about the Word. Let’s look at a few of them.

The Pastoral Challenge (I Timothy 4:6-16) 1. At a recent pastor’s retreat each minister in attendance was asked the following question: “How many people does it take to replace a burnt out light bulb?” The answers were as follows. 2.A Reformed Pastor responded, “None. If God wants the bulb ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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 Busyness Series

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on May 20, 2019

Today we will discuss how to guard against unfruitful busyness.

Luke 10:38-42 38. Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42, Ephesians 4:15-16, Genesis 1:28, Proverbs 9:9, Proverbs 8:33-35, Luke 9:62, Proverbs 10:4-5, Proverbs 12:24, Proverbs 6:10-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

A Challenge To The Church Series

Contributed by Donald Mcculley on Jun 10, 2019

Herein are some great insights regarding the ministry of the individual Christian and the church. Note in v.9, Paul’s words “To make plain” (bring to light, to enlighten). What Paul communicates let us comprehend

A Challenge To The Church Ephesians 3:1-12 Introduction: Herein are some great insights regarding the ministry of the individual Christian and the church. Note in v.9, Paul’s words “To make plain” (bring to light, to enlighten). What Paul communicates let us comprehend. I. Paul’s Sacred ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge - The Potential Series

Contributed by Donald Mcculley on Jun 10, 2019

How about a sermon for the New Year or new church year. There is before us a challenge, an opportunity, an open door. Are we up to the task?

The Challenge – The Potential Ephesians 3:14-21 Introduction: How about a sermon for the New Year or new church year. There is before us a challenge, an opportunity, an open door. Are we up to the task? In 2:19-22, Paul gives a glorious description of the church. When he comes to 3:1 “for this ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

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 To Love

Contributed by John Dobbs on May 10, 2024

The challenge to love is always present in the church. The differences among us can be a source of struggle, whether backgrounds, ideas, convictions, attitudes, and actions.

- Facing the Challenges - THE CHALLENGE TO LOVE 1 Corinthians 12-14 Introduction There are many challenges to living the Jesus Life. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reminds us that we serve a living Savior but we also have our human brokenness to deal with. This can bring many challenges. ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Challenge To Believe

Contributed by John Dobbs on May 17, 2024

Paul’s answer to the challenge of believing rings true today: (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

The Challenge to Believe 1 Corinthians 15 Introduction A friend wrote a lyric many years ago that still captures my attention “Give me something to believe in, give me something to hold on to.” There are many challenges to our faith - sometimes we face daily. In 1 Corinthians Paul has ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

The Service Challenge

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Feb 6, 2020

Joshua challenges the Israelites to serve the LORD - the Jealous God.

2.9.20 Joshua 24:14-24 14 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:14-24

Denomination: Lutheran

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 And The Call Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Nov 1, 2025

The Rich Young Ruler is the only person we see in the New Testament who was invited to follow Jesus who walked away. This message takes a deeper dive into the story of the Rich Young Ruler

I remember when I used to answer every call that came in on our telephone with a sense of excitement and anticipation. In the days before caller ID, spam calls, and scam offers, answering the phone was always a bit of a mystery. You never knew who might be calling. And of course, you always hoped ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-22

Denomination: Wesleyan

Challenged With The Truth Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jan 8, 2026

Paul was well aware of the presence of false teachers among them and the real dangers their teaching posed to the churches and those within their communities. This wasn’t an issue that Paul could ignore – the souls of people within Galatia hung in the balance.

Challenged with the Truth Galatians 1:6-12 I think you will agree that Paul offered a very encouraging and gracious greeting to the Galatians. However, having greeted them, he got right to the point regarding his concern for them. Paul was well aware of the presence of false teachers among them ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:6-12

Denomination: Baptist