Sermons on Opposites:

Restoring The Risk Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jul 22, 2009

We often think of Christmas in terms of peace … and this can begin to be reduced to that which is cozy and comfortable. But the events that we are invited to enter… begin with the opposite…

As we enter the Christmas season… a term that is often referred to is “the Christmas spirit.’ It may be a parent telling their children to get a better attitude… or hinting to your boss to give you some extra slack or time off. But what really is the Christmas spirit? Perhaps there are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

The Responsibility Of Freedom

Contributed by Alvin Hathaway, Sr. on May 21, 2011

As we move ever closer to the idea of freedom, we must confront the reality that the coin of freedom has two sides: and on the opposite side is responsibility.

Sunday, November 9, 2008 “The Responsibility of Freedom Text: Galatians 5: 1 – 14 When Nelson Mandela, after 27 years in prison, won the election as President of South Africa, standing in the grand Stadium before hundreds of thousands of his people dancing, shouting, and ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

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

Two Kinds Of Appearances

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Dec 27, 2021

For many today, life is all about appearances. We live in an age where people want to APPEAR one way but the reality is the opposite of their appearance.

Illus: During the Oscars in Hollywood in 2004, the actors and actresses tried to give the impression that they cared about poverty. Listen, if they really cared about the poor as they pretend to care, instead of buying those dresses that some of the actresses paid hundreds of thousands of dollars ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

The Christian Response To Injustice Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 29, 2021

Christians are not unique in their opposition to injustice, but we find their uniqueness as we examine the response they are to make to unjust acts against them, and the reasons for making this response

Injustice is an evil that has been so universally despised that one need not depend on Christian authors alone to attack it. Cambyses, the king of ancient Persia, had a keen sense of justice. When he discovered that a close friend was taking advantage of his secure relationship to him by selling ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18

All Believers Can Be Bearers Of The Word Of God

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Oct 10, 2023

Joel gives the judgement: it’s because of the sin of the Israelites themselves. Just the opposite of the faith and obedience of Mary that Jesus wants in His disciples.

Saturday of the 27th week in Course 2023 I think this brief Gospel gives us words that either Jesus or His Mother could have proclaimed. As usual, there’s a big crowd around Jesus, perhaps hundreds clamoring for attention, for encouragement, for healing or forgiveness. A woman raises her voice and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:27-28, Joel 3:12-21

Denomination: Catholic

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

Two Kinds Of Appearances

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 25, 2022

For many today, life is all about appearances. We live in an age where people want to APPEAR one way but the reality is the opposite of their appearance.

Illus: During the Oscars in Hollywood in 2004, the actors and actresses tried to give the impression that they cared about poverty. Listen, if they really cared about the poor as they pretend to care, instead of buying those dresses that some of the actresses paid hundreds of thousands of dollars ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

Persevere In Faith, Be Focused On His Promise

Contributed by Rev Silvester David on Jul 2, 2025

We have many challenges laid before us in life. Isaac is a classic example of preserving in faith in the midst of all challenges and oppositions in life.

Our journey of faith is filled with many obstacles and challenges. When the challenges are caused by nature or sickness or any other natural cause we will somehow swim through the challenges. But when the challenges are raised by people, that is when most of us call it a quit by backing of from ...read more