Sermons on Opposition To The Faith:

Facing Opposition, Finding Strength

Contributed by Tim Hbc on May 7, 2009

In Acts 4 we see a church alive and on fire. But it is also a church under attack. How did the first believers cope with opposition?

Introduction Once upon a time, an atheist lived in a small town. The atheist wasn’t a bad man, he just didn’t believe. He wasn’t interested in church… and there was only one in the area. It was cold and dead. More of a social club for the deceased. One day the church building caught on fire. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:18-31

Denomination: Baptist

Confident Trust During Opposition

Contributed by Guy Glass on Sep 30, 2011

THE PERSON WHO TRUSTS IN GOD IS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES

CONFIDENT TRUST DURING OPPOSITION INTRODUCTION: THE PERSON WHO TRUSTS IN GOD IS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES Psalm 62:1-12 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. 3 How long will you assault a man? ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 62:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

What Is The Opposite Of A Christian People Series

Contributed by Fr Mund Cargill Thompson on Jan 29, 2013

What flight simulators and Chipee the Parakeet have to teach us about Gaudate Sunday.

What would you say was the opposite of a Christian people? would it be an atheist people? a pagan people? Perhaps even a hypocritical people? an unforgiving people? what would be your answer? When the novelist George Bernanos was asked this question “what is the opposite of a Christian ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7

Denomination: Anglican

Identifying Any Stealthy Opposition Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Jan 9, 2020

Jude references a wide range of sources, including Jewish literature and contemporary examples, to equip his readers to discern the “certain individuals” who have slipped into the church. His descriptions continue to give us discernment.

Message Jude 5-16 Identifying Any Stealthy Opposition We are going to start this message with a brief look at “divine inspiration” This is the term we use to describe how the divine Scripture is written by human authors. Two Bible passages are very important in this regard. Above all, you must ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:5-16

Denomination: Baptist

Opposition Leads To Church Growth Series

Contributed by Bob Briggs on Jan 16, 2001

Revisit what caused growth in the early church and apply it to what will bring growth to your church today.

One thing which has characterized the church over history is opposition, and that opposition, rather than driving the church away, has provided for church growth. When your convictions come under fire, when they are tested, you will come to embrace them or reject them. When Christianity is ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:5-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Choosing Sides- Recognizing Opposition Series

Contributed by David Wilson on Mar 29, 2004

This simple outline focuses on Paul’s experiences with the Thessalonians and Bereans and conflict and recognizing sides in a conflict.

At times, the right and wrong of an issue which divides is not clear. Often, we can use this checklist to determine who is acting in an ungodly manner. Character of Ungodly Opposition 1) Ungodly opposition is characterized by being emotionally driven. The Thessalonian Jews were "Jealous" ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Facing Opposition (Acts 4)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 15, 2025

Do some love the tongues of Acts 2 but not the example of Acts 4?

Did opposition grow along with increasing church numbers? Were the apostles cowed by hostility or were they bold? How was the atmosphere in local churches? Let’s look at Acts 4. Did both persecution and the number of believers grow? The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

When God Opens Hearts, And Opposition Comes Series

Contributed by Greg Nance on Nov 14, 2011

God directed Paul to Philippi to preach the gospel. Acts 16 reveals both the open hearted reception and the opposition he faced. We should expect the same when we share Christ today.

When God opens hearts he comes into them to dwell. Acts 16 gives us the history of how the gospel was planted in Philippi, how God opened their hearts to hear and obey the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This lesson continues our introduction to the letter of Philippians. Let's read ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Faith And Fear

Contributed by Don Baggett on Nov 30, 2007

The opposite of faith is fear. Fear is the fruit of unbelief, and it opens the door of your life to the devil. Sixty three times in the Bible, the Lord used the phrase, “Fear not.”

Faith opens the door of your life to God. Ephesians 2:8 says that our salvation is comes by God’s grace, through our faith. No one could honestly study the ministry of Jesus upon this earth and miss the fact that He honored people’s faith. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Fear Not!

Contributed by Tony Abram on Mar 17, 2007

FEAR NOT! Fear notEis used 63 times by God in the KJV of the Bible. God is trying to tell us something. (2 Tim 1:7 KJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Fear is the opposite of faith. Faith c

FEAR NOT! ’Fear not’is used 63 times by God in the KJV of the Bible. God is trying to tell us something. (2 Tim 1:7 KJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. I. Fear is the opposite of faith. A. Faith cannot operate where there is ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15

Hindered But Not Hopeless Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Nov 11, 2020

There can be no doubt that Paul endured much for the sake of the gospel. From a worldly perspective, one might have thought his efforts had largely failed. However, Paul kept the faith and continued serving the Lord. We should be thankful for his perseverance.

Hindered but not Hopeless 1 Thessalonians 2: 17-20 What precious and powerful words are recorded for our exhortation in these few verses! These words reveal the very heart and soul of the apostle Paul. He, of all men, knew what it was to face adversity and extreme difficulty in ministry. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons In Courage Part 2 Series

Contributed by Thomas Bartlett on Oct 25, 2019

From Paul’s interactions with the opposition, we can see no less than 6 key ways to respond to opposition.

ACTS Lessons in Courage Dr. Tom Bartlett September 29, 2019 Acts 22 OUTLINE A Faith That Is D.A.R.I.N.G. Dignified respect for opposition “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.” And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even ...read more

Denomination: Other

Following The Example Of Our Veterans Of Faith

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Nov 13, 2011

Hebrews 11 honors many of the great veterans of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to following the example of the veterans of our faith as they stood, fought, and served.

Following the Example of Our Veterans in The Faith Hebrews 12:1-2 A veteran is one who has served in a military force, especially during a time of war or national conflict. A veteran is also one who has had long service or experience in an occupation, office, or activity. Hebrews 11 honors many ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Having Done All, Stand Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Oct 29, 2020

Not unlike other churches within the first century, Thessalonica faced much adversity and opposition. They were relentlessly attacked for their faith in Christ. However, Paul encouraged them to remain steadfast in the faith, standing firmly for the Lord.

Having Done All, Stand 1 Thessalonians 2: 14-16 It has been a few weeks since we began to study this powerful letter to the Thessalonian church. Our last encounter revealed Paul encouraging the church to be an imitator of Christ rather than a pretender of the faith. He exhorted them to a life ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

A Clean Fighting Machine

Contributed by Paul Decker on Jul 2, 2006

We are to be ready to face the opposition.

A CLEAN FIGHTING MACHINE Joshua 5.1-15 S: Preparation C: Readiness for opposition Th: A People with Purpose Pr: WE ARE TO BE READY TO FACE THE OPPOSITION. TS: In our study of Joshua 5, the followers of the one true God once again find the need to be fully prepared for those that challenge ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 5:1-15

Denomination: Baptist