Sermons on Opposites:

The Courageous Christ Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Sep 15, 2008

As the light shines, the hostile opposition to it, & thus to Jesus the light bearer, grows. It was now dangerous for Jesus to appear at the Feast of Tabernacles. Despite the danger Jesus follows His appointed path but with wisdom.

JOHN 7: 1-13 [The 5th Discourse] THE COURAGEOUS CHRIST [Leviticus 23: 33ff] John chapter 7 conveys the reactions of the world to the revelation of Jesus Christ. Again and again throughout this Gospel John has emphasized the difficulty and ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Take Courage

Contributed by David Mcnally on Jul 15, 2012

We all have to face opposition, 'winds blowing against us', but with faith in Jesus and the courage that only the Holy Spirit can give, we can endure and come through the challenges victorious.

Title: Take Courage! Text: Mark 6:45-52 The context is important here. Immediately before this section of Mark 6 we have verses 30-44 which record the time when Jesus fed 5000 men with only 5 loaves and 2 fish. The disciples had witnessed a great miracle, so why were they terrified ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:45-52

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Head-On Collision Series

Contributed by Johnny Wilson on Oct 26, 2009

Immediately after Abram gets "back to basics," a controversy develops. Did you know that "blessing" can lead to dissension? Did you know that walking in faith almost inevitably leads to opposition?

The Head-On Collision Text: Genesis 13:1-18 When a corporation has some bad financial reverses, you are likely to read a press release that says something about getting back to the company’s core business. When a sports team gets outplayed, the coach’s press conference will usually have a statement ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:1-18

Denomination: *other

Alone, Yet Not Alone Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 25, 2021

The title of my message is a paradox, for to say, alone, yet not alone seems to contradict itself. How can two opposites be true? How can one be alone and yet not alone at the same time?

Bjornsen, the great Norwegian poet, who received the Nobel Prize for literature was once asked what incident in his life gave him the most pleasure. He replied that is was an occasion when his house was attacked and his windows broken. This sounds slightly odd and paradoxical, but before you jump ...read more

Scripture: John 16:29-32

Love Makes The Simple Complex Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 29, 2021

Many Christians had no problem with relating to their pagan family and friends by eating this meat offered to idols. Life would have been so simple if other Christians had not taken an opposite view.

Dr. James H. Robinson, a great black preacher in New York, tells of how he use to sit on the steps of the public library in Knoxville. He would watch the white people go in, and he would be filled with resentment because he wanted to read and learn, but the doors were closed to blacks. He came ...read more

Zechariah’s First Vision Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Oct 14, 2021

Message expounds Zechariah's first vision (1:7-17) and applies the encouragement to New Testament believers who encounter opposition and discouragement. An Outline of the book of Zechariah is also discussed.

This is the third message in our study of the book of Zechariah. In the previous messages we learned two truths that provide foundation for our understanding of the visions we encounter in the text today. 1st the THEME of the book is found in the meaning in Zechariah’s name. Zechariah means ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 20:25, Isaiah 3:1-13, Isaiah 55:1-13, Revelation 6:1-17, Hebrews 13:2, Proverbs 21:31, Haggai 2:1-23, Psalm 90:10, Haggai 1:1-15, Job 1:6-7, Zechariah 1:1-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Contrast Of Testimonies Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Apr 3, 2024

Can you picture a contrast of testimonies in your mind? A situation where there was a believer with a good testimony and one with a bad testimony. John contrasts two church leaders and mentions their testimonies that are complete opposites.

Don’t you like the old western cowboy movies when you knew who the good guy was and who was the bad guy. You can pick them out easily in those old movies because the good guy wears the white hat, and the bad guy wears the black hat. This letter makes it obvious who the good guy is and who is the ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34-35, 3 John 1:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Lord Of The Breakthrough Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 2, 2025

The Lord of the Breakthrough is not a mere title—it is a revelation of God's nature. When we recognise Him as such, we understand that no limitation is final, no delay is permanent, and no opposition is too great.

THE LORD OF THE BREAKTHROUGH By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Chronicles 14:11 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 45:2-3, Micah 2:13, 2 Samuel 5:20, Psalm 114:1-8, Acts 12:6-10 INTRODUCTION: Life often presents us with barriers—physical, spiritual, emotional, and situational—that seem impossible to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 14:11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Christmas That Wasn't Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Dec 28, 2024

The Magi were an example of people who have little light who make the most of the opportunity. The Jews and Herod were the opposite--they were clueless as to when their King and Messiah had come.

Back in November, Jeanie and I received a newsletter from an organization called SAT-7. SAT, I assume stands for satellite, because that is the means by which they broadcast the Gospel via television programs into Muslim dominated countries in the Middle East. SAT-7 is the largest provider of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-16, John 1:11-13, Micah 5:2, Daniel 9:24-26

Denomination: Bible Church

The Cost Of Following Christ | Matthew 9:35-10:42 Series

Contributed by Amar Chandnani on May 13, 2025

The cost of following Christ will involve suffering and sacrifice. It will involve love and compassion for others. It will entail persecution and opposition from others. It will demand self-denial and humility -- all of these combined -- but the reward is eternal and permanent.

I used to run for our college varsity track team and I can recall the many months of training we would undergo just to compete in a division race. Two hours running before the sun is up and two hours more before the sun goes down. It was grueling. Our coach would pound us with circuit training, ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

No Hometown Hero

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Dec 23, 2025

Some people return home to a hero's welcome, but when Jesus returned to Nazareth, His reception was just the opposite! This message does a deep dive into the possible reasons for this terrible welcome.

I have entitled our message today, “No Hometown Hero.” This term is often used for an athlete who plays for their home team, having a major impact, like helping them win a championship. This athlete then goes off to play college or professional sports; and when he or she later returns to become a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:53-58

Denomination: Baptist

Enjoying Christ's Epistle Among Us Series

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Aug 27, 2007

This wonderful passage of Scripture gives us an accreditation of ministry. It seems like there is much that opposes God’s work today just as there was opposition against the labors of the Apostle Paul in his work with Jesus Christ.

Turn your Bibles to 2 Corinthians 3:2-4 Title: Enjoying Christ’s Epistle Among Us Theme: Christ Working In and Through Doris Stump Series: Pillars of the Local Church Listen as I read 2 Corinthians 3:2-4, “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:2-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Throwing Stones At Blazing Bones Series

Contributed by Greg Nance on Sep 11, 2004

Steven’s preaching, like Jeremiah who said the word of God is like fire in my bones, was an outpouring of Spirit filled power. The opposition had no choice but to silence him or submit to his message.

Of all the weapons of mass destruction that have ever been available in the world, words are the most powerful. Of all the forces that shape and change cultures and societies, words are the most powerful. “The tongue has the power of life and death,” says the Proverbs. James warning us of the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The 12 Apostles: Thaddaeus

Contributed by John Gaston on Apr 16, 2015

He was one of the 12 men chosen by Jesus to bear witness to His life, death, and resurrection. This Judas was the opposite of another Judas. He became a missionary preacher and died testifying to Jesus’ reality.

THE 12 APOSTLES: THADDAEUS John 14:22 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR Memorandum to: Jesus, son of Joseph, Wood crafter Carpenter Shop, Nazareth. From: Jordan Management Consultants, Jerusalem. 1. Dear Sir: Thank you for submitting the resumes of the 12 men you have picked for management positions in your ...read more

Scripture: John 14:22

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Spiritual Thermodynamics Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Nov 19, 2014

When you know the Lord, He turns your pain into praise. He turns opposition into opportunity for the spread of the Gospel if you will take that opportunity to preach the Word to all without prejudice and without price.

Eagles are fascinating birds. Did you know a mother eagle constructs her nest with thorns and jagged rocks? These are the first things she lays down. Then she covers that prickly nest with wool, feathers, and the fur of animals she has killed. That makes the nest soft and comfortable, a nice home ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-24

Denomination: Evangelical Free