Sermons on Preservative Challenge:

Knowing God, Life's Ultimate Pursuit

Contributed by Steve Malone on Apr 5, 2004

My goal today is; 1st to challenge us to honestly reflect on our personal knowledge of God and 2nd to send all of us on a fast pursuit to know God better. (I kings - pt 5)

"KNOWING GOD, LIFE’S ULTIMATE PURSUIT" TEXT: 1 KINGS 18 INTRODUCTION One of the most powerful scenes in the bible is the prophet Elijah going 1 on 450 -- against the prophets of the false god Baal. 1 KINGS 18:22-29 Elijah prepares his altar - soaks it down 3 times, and then prays to God -- ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:22-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Can You Tell If Someone Has Faulty Theology?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Some people in positions of authority are disturbed when the truth challenges their views. The High Priests in the first century were entitled to great power, influence and privilege. During the Roman occupation of Palestine, one could become a High Pries

Some people in positions of authority are disturbed when the truth challenges their views. The High Priests in the first century were entitled to great power, influence and privilege. During the Roman occupation of Palestine, one could become a High Priest through bribery or political intrigue ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Success From The Word

Contributed by Victor Nazareth on Oct 8, 2005

Joshua is about to embark on a new phase in his life. The challenges he faced were daunting and much beyond his ability. God gives him a: ‘Success mantra’ that I want to share with you in 4 points

Introduction: Self-help books and how-to manuals are immensely popular today. People want to know how to be successful, whether it is winning friends, making money, getting a promotion, losing weight – its all about being successful. Yet, God’s Word is the original success manual and every truly ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:8, Joshua 1:9

Denomination: Charismatic

What Kind Of Church Do You Want?

Contributed by David Seeley on Mar 5, 2004

There are many types of churches today. Some are doing great things for God. Others...well, they just need to be reminded of their purpose. This message is a challenge to churches of all denominations to refocus upon what God has called them to do.

What Kind of Church Do You Want? Mark 2:1-12 I. A Museum? A lot of old relics lying around—You can look, but don’t touch. Many of these relics have never been moved in 30 years. They last evangelist that tried to move them was overcome so badly with the dust that he had to evacuate the building. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

Denomination: Holiness

Lust And Envy Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

We are taught to cover up. We use Tide Sticks, plastic surgery, and White-Out. However, God always seems to call our dirt into the light! This revealing series challenges us to expose the filth in our lives.

“Dirt” Part 2 – Lust & Envy I. Introduction How did your homework go? I have heard some say that it was painful. Just shows us that the dirt is there and that it doesn’t want to go away easily. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons predicts: • 17% of Americans will have had cosmetic surgery ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Gluttony, Sloth, And Anger Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

We are taught to cover up. We use Tide Sticks, plastic surgery, and White-Out. However, God always seems to call our dirt into the light! This revealing series challenges us to expose the filth in our lives.

“Dirt” Part 3 – Gluttony, Sloth, and Anger I. Introduction How did your homework go? Did you count your blessings? Did you build safeguards for lust? We have been discussing the fact that we don’t like to have our dirt exposed. Now, I must admit that we don’t mind everyone else’s dirt ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:3-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Pride And Greed Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

We are taught to cover up. We use Tide Sticks, plastic surgery, and White-Out. However, God always seems to call our dirt into the light! This revealing series challenges us to expose the filth in our lives.

“Dirt” Part 1 – Pride and Greed I. Introduction We are taught to hide dirt. It begins innocently enough. Haven’t you pushed stuff in the closet or under the bed when guests are coming over? Haven’t you dusted around the vase rather than move it? Have you ever only ironed the front of the ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 21:21-23

Denomination: Pentecostal

Three Simple Rules (Part Seven) Review And Conclusion Series

Contributed by Carl Greene on Aug 2, 2008

Based upon the book "Three Simple Rules" "A Wesley Way of Living" by Rueben P. Job. This is a review of what we’ve learned over the past six weeks of the series. It concludes with a though provoking, challenging question.

Three Simple Rules (Part Seven) Review & Conclusion For the past six weeks we’ve been exploring what it means to live by the “Three Simple Rules” as preached and practiced by John Wesley, as published in the United Methodist Book of Discipline, and explained and expanded in the book “Three Simple ...read more

Scripture: John 21:18-19

Denomination: Methodist

Expecting The Best Series

Contributed by Randy Hamel on Sep 8, 2008

Sermon looks at faith and challenges the church to expect God to be faithful because God is faithful. The church will memorize one verse each week and seek God in faith for changes in their lives. Acknowledgement: Series originally developed by Rick W

EXPECTING THE BEST 50 Days of Faith - Part 1 of 8 – Sept. 7th, 2008 We’re beginning a new series today called 50 Days of Faith. Have you ever thought ‘how do I get God’s approval?’ Is it by being more good than bad? No. By keeping the Ten Commandments? No. By being religious and going to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:29

Lessons For Modern-Day Sowers Of The Word

Contributed by Ray Pritchard on Jul 3, 2007

Most messages on this parable discuss it from the standpoint of the four soils. I want to look at it in terms of what it teaches us about doing ministry today. I find at least eight principles that both challenge and encourage us.

Lessons for Modern-Day Sowers of the Word Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23 The last few days I have been meditating on the famous parable of the seed and the sower. It is obviously important because is found in three different places in the gospels (with Jesus’ explanation in parenthesis): Matthew 13:3-9 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Hero, The Knight And The Good Samaritan: There's One Big Difference

Contributed by Philip Gill on Jul 13, 2007

From time to time we hear of many heroic actions of those who risk themselves to help others. These people are often called ’Good Samaritans’. This sermon explores Jesus’ challenge to act positively in the lives of the despised and rejected.

The hero, the knight, and the Good Samaritan: There’s one big difference. As our Gospel this morning we have heard a story that has seared its characters onto the consciousness of countless generations. Only recently we have had cause to use the term “Good Samaritan” in relation to the events of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Anglican

Where Is The God Of Elijah?

Contributed by Stephen Wright on Apr 9, 2011

Elisha returned alone after Elijah was caught up to heaven. As he approached the Jordan River he cried out "Where is the God of Elijah?" As we face challenges and obstructions today we may ask the same question.

Where is the God of Elijah? Elisha was called by Elijah from what appears to have been a fairly affluent home 1Ki 19:19. He followed Elijah faithfully and humbly to the last. He had a firsthand view of Elijah’s later miracles and no doubt he heard graphic descriptions of the earlier ones. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Excuses Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 2, 2010

We all have excuses for not responding to Jesus' call to follow him. Life is hectic, complicated and filled with items that claim our attention. We have one reason, though, to respond to Jesus' challenge--his love and grace.

Luke 9:51-62 “Excuses” INTRODUCTION One of the most memorable illustrations that I’ve ever seen involved a glass container similar to what I have here and rocks of various sizes. Using the rocks the demonstrator underscored and important lesson in life. Just when we thought ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

Denomination: Lutheran

Never Give Up Series

Contributed by Rev. Reynaldo Bechayda on Nov 7, 2010

When it comes to overcoming challenges in life Daniel will always display his total submission to God. He knows God very well… Death threat will not stop him from spending regular and intimate time with God.

“Never Give Up” Dan 6:10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 6:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Your Place In Him

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jun 20, 2011

Adapted (with permission) from my friend, Rick Ousley, challenging us to determine in which chair of faith we sit. Are Committed, Casual, or Corrupt?...We cannot fool God..It’s HIS terms or Not at all!

Your Place in Him Joshua 24:1-28 * From time to time, I hear a message which needs to be proclaimed. Not long ago I was in a service with my friend, Rick Ousley, and heard him give a call about ‘where we are’ with God. Praying for God’s leadership & asking Rick’s permission, I believe Father’s ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:1-28

Denomination: Baptist