Sermons on Enduring Opposition:

Thorn In The Flesh

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Dec 8, 2005

Some people become defined by their hardships while others rise above their pain. We may suffer broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations, but we don’t have to become broken people. Pain is inevitable--misery is optional.

No one knows for certain about the nature of Paul’s thorn, and there has been extensive speculation about the nature of his affliction. Explanations range from persistent temptation, dogged persecution, chronic malaria, migraine headaches, epilepsy, or a speech disorder. Because Paul dictated his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Congregational

We Have To Say It! Series

Contributed by Paul Decker on Sep 23, 2003

Believers courageously speak the truth.

WE HAVE TO SAY IT! Acts 4:1-22 S: Courage Th: Walk with Spiritual Courage Pr: BELIEVERS COURAGEOUSLY SPEAK THE TRUTH. ?: Inductive KW: Stages TS: We will find in our study of Acts 4:1-22 three parts that show how the disciples react to adversity. The _____ part is the… I. TRIAL (1-12) II. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Tough Times Ahead -- Part 2 Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Jul 10, 2001

THE EXAMPLE OF GODLY MENTORS AND THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE WORD OF GOD EQUIPS THE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL TO PERSEVERE IN THE FACE OF PERSECUTION AND GROWING DECEPTION

BIG IDEA: THE EXAMPLE OF GODLY MENTORS AND THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE WORD OF GOD EQUIPS THE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL TO PERSEVERE IN THE FACE OF PERSECUTION AND GROWING DECEPTION I. (:10-14) THE EXAMPLE OF GODLY MENTORS EQUIPS THE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL TO PERSEVERE A good model can make a tremendous ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Tragedy Of Joash

Contributed by Lanny Freeman on Nov 1, 2002

King Joash learns a valuable lesson on perseverance. . . an ungodly king that decides to give God a “try”. He learns that “trying” is not enough.

THE TRAGEDY OF JOASH - 2 Kings 13:14-19 (NKJV) Illustration - In 1935, Charles Darrow brought his invention of Monopoly to Parker Brothers. The experts at Parker Brothers rejected the game for "containing fifty-two fundamental errors." The persistent Charles Darrow had spent the year after his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 13:14-19

Denomination: Baptist

Moving In The Opposite Spirit— 6th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jan 27, 2019

A “Manual” for Escaping Our Vicious Cycles through non-violence is what the Sermon on the Mount has been called; to transform the adversary - and, in the process, to be transformed ourselves.

1). Mary Lou Kownacki relates the following tale: It seems that in a certain village a snake had bitten so many people that few dared to go into the fields. Finally, it was taken to a wise person who tamed the snake and persuaded it to practice the discipline of nonviolence. When the villagers ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38, 1 Samuel 26:1-23

Denomination: Catholic

This Is Just A Test

Contributed by Pastor/Author: Terry Sisney on Mar 10, 2005

Pressure (tests are part of life) how we handle our tests determine whether we are promoted to the next level or not.

Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: 23 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: 24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 49:22-26

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Jesus Said About Pursuing Peace And Planning For Persecution Series

Contributed by John White on Mar 21, 2008

A review of what a faithful Christian should expect in a world at war against God and His people.

What Jesus Said About Pursuing Peace And Planning For Persecution Matthew 5:9-13 "Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when [men] shall ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

Minding Our Own Business Series

Contributed by Paul Decker on Feb 16, 2003

We must have the courage to confront sin.

MINDING OUR OWN BUSINESS Nehemiah 5:1-19 S: Courage Th: Brave Hearts Pr: WE MUST HAVE THE COURAGE TO CONFRONT SIN. ?: Inductive KW: Steps TS: We will find in our study of Nehemiah 5:1-19 four unfolding steps that demonstrate what Nehemiah does when confronted with a problem from within. The ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Why Godly Service Involves Humility And Tears

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 11, 2001

Paul gives us a great example of a godly servant who demonstrated a tearful humility that produced great results

Why Serving the Lord Involves Humility, Tears and Trials? (Acts 20: 19) Why do so many people struggle to be transparent and open in their relationships? Illustration:Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda describes his battle with bad habits: "I took a pack of cigarettes from my pocket, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Get Up, Get Over It

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Aug 12, 2002

THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE THE POTENTIAL SOLUTION WITHIN THEM. THE VERY REAL POTENTIAL IS THAT WE CAN MAKE IT, THIS WILL BENEFIT US!

GET OVER IT By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com TEXT: 1 Kings 19:9 -- 21 Ecclesiastes 12:12-14 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:165, 1 Kings 19:9-22

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Sowing In Tears --Reaping In Joy

Contributed by Vernon L Caruthers on May 3, 2006

There are times when it seems that everything around us is against us ---- but we can always look upward to God in hope and trust and know that if we hang on in faith --- God will bring a great reward and He will turn our tears into rejoicing.

Subject: Sowing in Tears --- Reaping With Joy Scripture Text: Psalm 126: Introduction: Let’s take special note to these last two verses of this psalm. ’They that sew in tears, shall reap in joy, He that goeth forth weepth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again, rejoicing, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 126:1-6

A Long Obedience

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 24, 2007

Having entered the Christian life, we need encouragement to stay the course. God, through the Apostle Paul, urges us to persevere.

2 Corinthians 4:13-18 A Long Obedience “Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Stand Up For Jesus

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Aug 8, 2005

An overview of 2 Timothy and Paul’s call to stand up and stand firm for the gospel.

Stand Up For Jesus 2 Timothy 1:13-14, 2:1-3 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO An old song from our hymnals provides a fitting backdrop for 2 Timothy. Listen to the words written in 1858 by George Duffield, a Presbyterian minister in Philadelphia. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:13-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Growing Up Into The Truth

Contributed by Joe Harding on Mar 4, 2002

Growing up into the truth means living life God’s way, the way of Love!

GROWING UP INTO THE TRUTH I CORINTHIANS 13: 1-13 MARCH 3, 2002 INTRODUCTION: The Smith’s were proud of their family tradition. Their ancestors had come to America on the Mayflower. Their line had included Senators, Pastors, & Wall Street wizards. Now they decided to compile a family history, a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, 1 Corinthians 12:11

Denomination: Baptist

Let The Church Be The Church Part I

Contributed by Joe Harding on Apr 29, 2003

The Church of Jesus Christ is a Church focused on the wisdom of the Cross.

LET THE CHURCH BE THE CHURCH PART I: SPIRITUAL WISDOM I CORINTHIANS 2: 6 -- 3: 3 SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER: APRIL 27, 2003 INTRODUCTION: “My Town” as sung by Montgomery Gentry. There’s a for sale sign on a big ole rusty tractor, You can’t miss it, it’s the first thing that you see, Just up the road ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:6, 1 Corinthians 3:3

Denomination: Baptist