The Power of a Challenge
by Pat McIntosh
Many of us have had to be motivated by a challenge to due to inaction. When playing football in
high school, our coach was a master at getting us “pumped up” before a big game. Many of us
have faced several challenges regarding weight and other health issues. Often, as children, we
tried to challenge someone by saying “I dare you.” To be “double dog dared” was to receive the
ultimate challenge as kids.
All of us face certain times when we need some kind of motivation. We all face situations in life
that go “unchallenged” in life and we, at times, need help. There is something exciting about a
challenge, especially as we meet it head on as a collective body of believers in a successful
manner.
We are facing a major challenge as a congregation today. The growth of this congregation is on
the minds of many and there are obstacles to be overcome and victories to be won. But, we need
to meet challenges and overcome them in the days, months and years ahead.
We do not have to face this on our own. Yes, we can support and encourage one another. But,
God has provided the means and the opportunity for this to occur, at least on some scale. The
author of the book of Hebrews indicates that “on the first day of the week” we are to come
together as a body and “exhort one another” (Heb. 10:24-26). There is something that we can all
do for the cause of Christ, and we must encourage one another to fill our much-needed roles.
These roles include, but are not limited to direct evangelistic roles. We need to “find our niche”
and perform what we can do to aid the congregation. Are you willing to fill your need? Let us
work together in this effort!
Sunday A.M. Sermon – The Power of a Challenge
Introduction – Heb. 10:24-25
- Challenge Defined – Eccl. 9:10
- Consequences of Failure –
- The Power of a Challenge – 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Cor. 16:8-9
- God’s Challenge – Matt. 6:33; 7:7-8; Mk. 16:15-16; Matt. 5:44; 1 Thes. 5:16-18; Heb. 12:1-2
Sunday P.M. Sermon – Basics for Living in Christ (Col. 3:1-3)