Sermons on Dealing With Opposition:

Justification Controversy

Contributed by Bruce Landry on Mar 10, 2002

We will look at the Justification controversy beginning with Martin Luther and look into some things that are held up by the opposition as given by J.D.G. Dunn.

Justification Controversy New Testament Synthesis By: Bruce Landry I. What is the Controversy over Justification Page 1 II. The Biblical Texts of this Controversy Page 5 III. Conclusion Page ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Grapes, Grasshoppers, Giants, And God

Contributed by Mike Turner on Jul 10, 2003

Opportunity is usually accompanied by opposition. Strength usually is accomplished through struggles. This sermon explores the challenges faced by God’s people, and the choice they made !

Grapes, Grasshoppers, Giants, & God Numbers 13:17-33, 14:1-9, 26-32 17. And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain: 18. And see the land, what it is, and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 13:17-33, Numbers 14:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Forsake Or Be Forsaken

Contributed by James Groce on Aug 30, 2002

Some believe repentance means simply to "turn around" and go in the opposite direction. But the Bible tells us repentance is much more than this.

The Greek word for repentance is metanoia. Meta means "to change or shift" and noia means "perspective." It literally means a change in the way one views things. Repentance means not only saying you’re sorry, it means you are going to genuinely change and mend your ways. John was preaching ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Lord Is My Helper

Contributed by David Johnston on Apr 29, 2007

The Christian faces great opposition in life from without and within. It’s only with the Lord as our helper that we can endure to the end.

The Lord is my helper 2Kings 6:8-15 8 Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. 9 And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:8-15

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Hope In You

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Apr 28, 2008

Hope is the opposite of despair; how can I "sanctify" Christ in my heart so I can defend the Gospel in this despair-filled world?

but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 1 Peter 3: 15 (NRSVA) Hope is the opposite of despair. Charles Swindoll tells the story of a missionary who was sitting by her ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Denomination: United Methodist

The Astonishing Experience Of Gift Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 5, 2009

Mary is the opposite of Eve, totally open to the plan of God as Eve was closed in, and thus she was able to accept the Greatest Gift, Jesus Christ.

Immaculate Conception December 7-8, 2009 Caritas in Veritate “Charity in truth places man before the astonishing experience of gift.” (CV 34) These words of Pope Benedict from the encyclical begin a new section that is incredibly appropriate for the solemnity we celebrate today, the patronal ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:9-20

Denomination: Catholic

Commentary On Hezekiah

Contributed by Narinder Choranji on Sep 8, 2017

Hezekiah the king of Judah was faithful to God and trusted him through great opposition bringing revival to the nation when it was far away from God.

**INTRODUCTION** Many people in the Bible are known for different things. King David was known for killing the giant Goliath. What would you say Moses was known for? What about Joshua, what was Joshua known for? Today we are going to learn about Hezekiah. Q. What was Hezekiah known for? A. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:27-28, Romans 8:38-39, 2 Kings 20:1-21, 2 Kings 19:1-37, 2 Kings 18:1-37  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Jump For Joy Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Dec 20, 2013

Many have the view of the Christian life as boring, lifeless, full of duty, ritual, and restriction.yet the picture painted in Scripture is radically opposite of this view.

“Guidelines for Christmas: Jump for Joy” Is. 35; Lk. 1:11-25 The Sunday School class for 7 year olds was barely underway when one little boy suddenly exclaimed to the teacher, “Can we hurry up? This is boring!” Immediately the little girl to his left gave him a sharp ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:11-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Life Is A Combination Of Contrasts

Contributed by Mathew Philip on Jan 13, 2021

The author, believed to be Solomon, illustrates this truth by comparing the opposites —fourteen pairs of contrasting activities as examples of how life is comprised of contrasting events and seasons.

A new employee had been caught coming in late for work three times and the fourth time the manager decided to discipline him. He said, “Look here! Don’t you know what time we start to work around here? He replied, “No, sir. They’re always working when I get here.” Knowing the time and keeping the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

Denomination: Other

Spiritual Strength

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on May 19, 2020

We are weak, if we know ourselves at all. But God is the opposite of weak, and in knowing Jesus, God gives us His power to live for Him!

Where Do I Find Spiritual Strength? When we face hardships, when we dwell on the past, when we are not being good to ourselves, we can feel weak. And yet hardships are not possible to avoid. The past cannot be willed away or ignored. We are not good to ourselves for a lot of complex ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 20:7, 2 Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 61:1-3, John 15:5, Philippians 4:11-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Preaching The Word, A Worthy Vocation

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Nov 28, 2023

Proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in a world filled with bad news, opposition, criticism, and deception is not easy. But a healing word is needed in a broken world.

Sermon – Preaching the Word, a Worthy Vocation 2 Timothy 4:2-5 (NIV) “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.” Introduction – ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2-5, 2 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 22:37, Proverbs 4:23

Denomination: Methodist

Dug Again – Part 3 Series

Contributed by Bala Samson on Jun 18, 2021

Isaac was no coward to run away because of opposition, though humble and obedient, he also had a steely determination to stick to his work and succeed.

DUG AGAIN – Part 3 Genesis 26:18”Then Isaac dug again the wells of water which had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham; and he gave them the same names which his father had given them.” When God opens a door for you, none ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Who Are You? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 29, 2024

Explores proclaiming Christ's praises, perceiving His truth, and persisting in faith amidst opposition, emphasizing Christ's all-encompassing, all-sufficient grace.

Good morning, beloved family in Christ. It's a joy to be with you today, as we gather together in our Father's house, under the banner of His love, to bask in the beauty of His Word and to celebrate the life we share in Him. Today, we turn our attention to the Gospel of John, a book that is ...read more

Scripture: John 1:15-19

Topics: John, Witness

God Will Make A Way Through Your Jordan

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 30, 2025

Whatever your Jordan represents — an obstacle, fear, sickness, financial hardship, or opposition — God is able to part it and take you through to the other side.

GOD WILL MAKE A WAY THROUGH YOUR JORDAN By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Joshua 3:1-17 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 66:12, Exodus 14:21-22, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Romans 8:37 INTRODUCTION: Every believer will, at one point or another, face a “Jordan” — a challenge that appears too great ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-17

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Ephraim & Manasseh (Genesis 48)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 31, 2024

Are we flexible enough to allow God to do the exact opposite of what we had expected? Let's look at Genesis 48.

Do we have narrow ideas as to how God should handle things? Are we flexible enough to allow God to surprise us, even when He does the exact opposite of what we may have expected? Let’s look at Genesis 48. What did Israel say to Joseph? What had God told him? After these things, someone said to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist