Sermons on Human Opposition:

Spiritual Nobility Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Dec 6, 2007

Stephen was in many ways a forerunner to Paul. He boldly confronted the synagogues of foreign Jews in Jerusalem, possibly even entering them to debate their members. Stephen faced fierce opposition, even to the point of physical persecution. It is even

Spiritual Nobility Acts 6:8-15 Intro This passage marks a transition in the book of Acts. Up to this point, Peter has been the dominating figure, fulfilling his calling by taking the gospel to the people. Another figure of importance looms on the horizon: the apostle Paul, who is introduced at ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

The First Disciples

Contributed by Carl Greene on Feb 16, 2009

There is often a misconception of the first disciples. Many are lead to believe they didn’t have anything to loose by following Jesus. Quite the opposite is true. These were successful businessmen,likely well educated and of fairly prominent social posi

If you ever have, or every thought of opening your own business, you know there must be a plan. And you probably discovered what most entrepreneurs know … starting a business requires some help… and almost always, its from their friends. (SLIDE) How many remember when the Beatles sang “With a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:14-20

Denomination: Methodist

Firing On All Cylinders Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Oct 19, 2008

Finally after years of struggle, Paul sees victory after victory, even amidst tough opposition in Ephesus. It is an affirmation of his apostleship. What happens as God begins to work more through you than on you?

Chapter 19 could be called the High Point in Paul’s ministry. In this chapter he goes to the place he may have wanted to go way back at the beginning: Ephesus. God confirms his authority as an apostle by healing, his reputation as an apostle through mention by demons, vindication of his ministry ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:1-41

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Result

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 19, 2017

Satan’s strategy did not succeed in dividing the church, but the very opposite occurred; peace settled over the assembly as the deacons took charge of some areas of service formerly falling to the apostles. The gospel was preached throughout Jerusalem....

December 22, 2013 By: Tom Lowe Series: The Early Church Lesson II.D.3.c: The Result (6.7) Acts 6.7 (KJV) 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:7

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed Are The Repentant Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Apr 18, 2011

What an amazing paradox! If it is not a paradox it is at least the opposite of what our culture tells us today. The paradox is that Jesus says that the man who mourns will be really happy. The world regards such a statement as utterly ridiculous. Who want

“Blessed Are The Repentant” Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.” As we began examining the Beatitudes we noted that there is a definite ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Denomination: Baptist

Driving With Power Steering Series

Contributed by Fr Mund Cargill Thompson on May 30, 2020

Pentecost is such an important feast. It's really important that even though I'm unwell I make myself work really hard on writing a sermon... except that is the exact opposite of the message of Pentecost

.............................................................................. For years I have driven cars with power steering. It’s just standard now. But I few years back I visited New Zealand and had to hire a number of cars - and one of them did not have power steering. I don’t know if you can ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Denomination: Anglican

Finding A Place Of Safety

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 18, 2018

Jesus didn’t promise us a life without pain and suffering. In fact, it was just the opposite. He told his followers that they shouldn’t expect to get along in this world any better than He did.

4-27-04 Title: Finding a Place of Safety Text: “And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:9-12

Denomination: Baptist

A Tale Of Two Fish Stories

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Mar 1, 2021

What do these two stories (Jonah and disciples called to be fisher of men) the have in common? The disciples were called to be fishers of people and Jonah got eaten by a fish. Both of these stories have elements of decision, opposition and courage.

A TALE OF TWO FISH STORIES Text: Jonah 3:1- 5, 10 Mark 1:14 – 20 Jonah 3:1-10  The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying,  (2)  "Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you."  (3)  So Jonah set out ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, Jonah 3:10

Denomination: United Methodist

Not Afraid Nor Dismayed

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Mar 3, 2021

Jesus looked at all He did through the lens of His hour of suffering to come---His death and resurrection. In spite of the opposition of the Pharisees, Jesus never wavered from His mission---to seek and save the lost.

NOT AFRAID NOR DISMAYED Text: Luke 13:31-35 Luke 13:31-35  At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you."  (32)  He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

Denomination: United Methodist

My Lord And My God!

Contributed by Bruce Lee on May 28, 2025

How many times have you tried to give another person advice and they didn’t listen? They went ahead and did the exact opposite of what you suggested they do. Even though you warned them.

“My Lord and My God!” John 20:19-31 1 Peter 1:3-9 Intro: Hello Easter people. How many times have you tried to give another person advice and they didn’t listen? They went ahead and did the exact opposite of what you suggested they do. Even though you warned them. Even though you told them. ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-21, 1 Peter 1:3-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Fear Of God Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 9, 2021

The word fear in relation to God can mean very opposite things. There is a fear of God which is terror at his might and wrath, and there is a fear of God which is reverence, or worship. There is still another which is knowledge and wisdom of God.

We live in a world where words are weapons. Someone said, "Words are weapons and we must wield them well if we would win." Much of the success of cons and cults is the direct result of their clever use of words. So many arguments are often based on a perverted manipulation of words, but ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:8-10

The Commitment Of A Godly Leader Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jul 16, 2024

Godly leaders will face opposition and discouragement. There will be times when it seems as if you and the Lord are the only ones who care about the task at hand. In those times, you must remember your calling and remain committed to the task.

The Commitment of a Godly Leader Nehemiah 4: 14; 19; 22-23 “Conversion is a turning into the right road; the next thing is to walk in it. The daily going on in that road is as essential as the first starting if you would reach the desired end. To strike the first blow is not all the battle; to him ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:14, Nehemiah 4:19, Nehemiah 4:22-23

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon # 1 - A People Set Apart For God Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jan 12, 2024

We as a church are the ‘Ekklesia’ set apart for the Lord. Let us understand how we can be those called apart people who can take a stand for the Lord and not compromise with the world.

We read in Matthew 16:18, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”(ESV) Jesus Christ said that He will build His church on the rock. Often people perceive that church is a building, and hence the first picture ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:18, Revelation 2:14, Revelation 2:16, Numbers 23:9, Deuteronomy 33:28, Genesis 6:5, Genesis 6:9, Matthew 24:37  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Let God Guide You As He Led Joseph

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 26, 2004

What looks like just an accident. When viewed through human eyes,Is really God at work in us-- His blessing in disguise

Let God Guide You As He Led Joseph Genesis 37:1-38 Illustration: When a cowboy applied for an insurance policy, the agent asked, "Have you ever had any accidents?" After a moment’s reflection, the applicant responded, "Nope, but a bronc did kick in two of my ribs last summer, and a couple of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

One Head, One Body, Many Parts Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 16, 2008

As Paul continues to address the problems in the church at Corinth, he now turns to the issue of spiritual gifts and how the church is supposed to function like a human body.

Introduction: A. Many of you know how much I love the Peanuts comic strip. 1. In one of the strips, Snoopy, the lovable beagle, was pictured with his left leg broken. 2. Snoopy philosophized about his plight one day while perched on top of his doghouse. 3. He thought, “My body blames my foot for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ