Sermons on Human Opposition:

Persistence Through Persecution Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Apr 2, 2015

Jesus openly warns that the missionary aspect of the mission of His followers would be countered with serious & even deadly opposition. Yet Jesus also knew that danger & even threat of death could not defeat a soul set ablaze by His eternal love.

MATTHEW 10: 16-23 [THE MESSIAH REVEALED] PERSISTENCE THROUGH PERSECUTION [Acts 4:8-21] Previously the Twelve's mission had been depicted as being received in a relatively friendly manner. In this passage, the disciples were warned that many who rejected the Kingdom message would not leave it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:16-23

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Teaching At The Temple Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 9, 2016

Jesus is not asking the Jews to become expert judges of one another– far from it. He is instructing them (and us) to know who it is we should worship; and when we worship, to do so properly without our own views inserted.

Jesus Teaching at the Temple John 7:1-24 Introduction - The gospel of John screams of the faith that we should have in Christ -- It is the clearest example of living life FOR the one who redeemed you and I - Today we will see two different stories played out before us: -- The first deals ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Against The Currents Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Apr 28, 2016

This is not a PC sermon. There comes a point in the lives of believers when we must speak what God speaks regardless of the consequences. Micaiah did exactly that. He is a hero to us and an example to follow.

1. People Pleasing The following is reported to be a true story regarding Berkley, CA: In 1990, the Berkeley City Council passed a law changing the name of Columbus Day to Native American Day because Columbus wasn't nice to the Indians. Of course, no Native Americans were asked if they wanted the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 18:1-22, 2 Chronicles 18:21-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Not What We Expected Series

Contributed by Ken Sowers on Mar 24, 2014

Jesus' first sermon, not what we expected

Not What We Expected Worship service in Jesus day Temple vs. Synagogue Temple about Sacrifice - Holy Days - Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, Atonement, Hanukkah Synagogue about Scripture - prayers - psalms - scripture reading - early sermons / commentary Nearly 500 synagogues in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:16-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Love Them Back

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Oct 28, 2014

Expect oppositions in life and ministry, but stay focused. Listen to what God has to say, not man. Repay with grace, not justice.

How do you handle oppositions - people who do not like you, make fun of you, and always coming at you, with or without good reasons. • And worst still, you can’t run away from them; you are called to serve them. That’s Moses’ experience. And that can be our experience ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 16:1-4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Endure

Contributed by Robert Sickler on Dec 21, 2015

We can neither escape experiencing the evils of this world nor can we avoid God’s testing the quality of our devotion by letting us experience reality. It is important, however, that we do not let the hard times damage our faith and service to Christ.

Endurance Illustration: The Battered Bastards of Bastogne Most people recognize endurance to be our not quitting an endeavor; especially when we are experiencing an unpleasant, difficult, or dangerous situation. A perfect illustration of endurance was demonstrated by the 101st airborne division, in ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Christian Church

Talking About Jesus

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 19, 2025

Jesus is our example of how to face opposition and temptation.

“After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. So his brothers said to him, ‘Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

To Be First Be Last Series

Contributed by T D on Dec 31, 2010

Living for Christ means living opposite of what the world says.

Series: It’s Backwards To Be First Be Last Mark 9:33-35 How much of our life do we spending waiting? The doctor’s office, the store, the stoplight – there are hundreds of places we have to wait each day. There is probably a guy out there who has studied the amount of time ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:33-35

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Father Knows Best

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Aug 26, 2007

There are two spirits in opposition to one another. The Spirit of God is better.

Outline: Introduction - Rachel teaching Jonathan - We are “mature”; our instinct is to “do God one better.” But as children redeemed by the spirit, we really should know better. Our Father created us, knows what we are created for, and desires to grow us in conformity to him. Our challenge is to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Denomination: Baptist

A Person's A Person, No Matter How Small

Contributed by Keith Foskey on Apr 15, 2014

Human life is sacred. Yet it is being destroyed in the womb. In this sermon, Pastor Keith looks directly at this terrible holocaust happening in the United States.

A Person’s a Person, No Matter How Small Genesis 1:26 On December 14, 2012, a 20 year old man with a history of mental illness fatally shot twenty children and six adult staff members and wounded two at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut. As is to be expected as a result ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

See Ya Later, Sennecharib

Contributed by David Wilson on Sep 7, 2006

How Hezekiah faced opposition from the King of Egypt.

See Ya Later, Sennacherib From II Kings 18-19 Hezekiah is described as a good king.. (18:3-7) A. He sought to remove every influence of idolatry and sin and to turn the people’s heart back to God. Important Application-- What are you doing to remove sin’s influence from your life? ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Words Hurt! Series

Contributed by Jake Kircher on Dec 28, 2005

What to do when we face verbal opposition.

Intro: In a group of three or four, brainstorm and make a list on the back of your outline of the meanest things you have heard said. After a couple minutes, have them share what they came up with. Make a list on the white board. A popular phrase that was said all the time when I was growing up ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Building A Wall Around The Church

Contributed by Ed Wood on Sep 1, 2008

A message about the church facing opposition from the world.

BUILDING A WALL AROUND THE CHURCH Nehemiah 6:15-16 INTRO: As Nehemiah went about the task of building the wall around Jerusalem he met several types of opposition. The Church faces the same opposition today ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:15-16

Denomination: Baptist

Falsely Accused Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jan 4, 2023

Like Stephen, we need to be bold in the face of opposition.

FALSELY ACCUSED TEXT: ACTS 6:8-15 Introduction 1. Illustration: The author, Antonio Socci, claims the untold story of the 20th century is the murder of 45 million Christians, mostly at the hands of communist and Islamic regimes, and that massacres continue to this day. Drawing heavily from the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Methodist

Principles Of Christian Leadership And Discipleship

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 4, 2025

Herod Antipas is pictured as exactly opposite of Jesus in leadership.

Friday of the Fourth Week in Course 2025 Today’s Gospel is a reminder to us of the many pitfalls of having power, money, and an inflated ego. There are several Herods in the NT. All of them were suffragans of Rome, who granted them rights to rule others, take bribes and taxes, and surround ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-8, Mark 6:14-29

Denomination: Catholic