Sermons on Opposition:

Moving In The Opposite Spirit— 6th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jan 27, 2019

A “Manual” for Escaping Our Vicious Cycles through non-violence is what the Sermon on the Mount has been called; to transform the adversary - and, in the process, to be transformed ourselves.

1). Mary Lou Kownacki relates the following tale: It seems that in a certain village a snake had bitten so many people that few dared to go into the fields. Finally, it was taken to a wise person who tamed the snake and persuaded it to practice the discipline of nonviolence. When the villagers ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38, 1 Samuel 26:1-23

Denomination: Catholic

Persecution And Renewal: Why Opposition To The Church Could Signal Revival

Contributed by Ronald Moore on Jun 22, 2025

Recent years have witnessed a troubling rise in the persecution of Christians across the globe. In some countries, believers face brutal oppression — imprisonment, physical violence, even martyrdom.

Recent years have witnessed a troubling rise in the persecution of Christians across the globe. In some countries, believers face brutal oppression — imprisonment, physical violence, even martyrdom. Even in Western societies that pride themselves on tolerance and pluralism, there is an escalating ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12, 1 John 4:4, Matthew 5:11-12, Acts 5:41, John 15:20, Matthew 28:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

Overcoming Obstacles (Part 1) Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jun 11, 2014

In this sermon, we wrestle with the doubts, fears and compromise that comes when we face obstacles and opposition.

Introduction: A. Life is full of obstacles. 1. So the most important question is not: “Will we face obstacles?” 2. Rather, the most important question is: “How will we overcome the obstacles we face?” B. I like the story told of three men who were hiking in the wilderness ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 4:1-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Regular Riot Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 8, 2020

Pagan society and the Gospel do not mix. If we stay true to the Word, we can expect opposition. This opposition highlights that we are in the midst of a spiritual battle.

A Regular Riot (Acts 19:21-40) 1. Sept. 1 2020 (UPI) -- An American Airlines pilot preparing to land in Los Angeles reported an unusual encounter at about 3,000 feet with a "guy in a jetpack." A recording of the conversation between the pilot and air traffic control Sunday evening at ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:21-40

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

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

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

What Does The Bible Say About Homosexuality?

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jun 1, 2019

The opposite of homosexuality is not heterosexuality; it's holiness.

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? Rev. Brian Bill June 1-2, 2019 In a comprehensive report released by the Barna Group this year, 9 out of 10 pastors see helping Christians develop biblical beliefs about specific issues as a major part of their role. While homosexuality is the issue ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:18-24, Romans 1:21-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

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

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

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

Blind Faith

Contributed by Bryan Beverly on Sep 17, 2014

This text reminds us that we must blindly trust Jesus, even in the face of opposition.

35) As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36) When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37) They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ 38) Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ 39) Those who ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:35-43

Denomination: Baptist

So Built We The Wall Series

Contributed by Bob Joyce on Jun 14, 2009

There will always be obstacles and opposition when we attempt things for the Lord. But if we commit it to Him, we will achieve His will.

In 1975, Steven Spielberg shocked America with his classic film, Jaws. Following the story line of Peter Benchley’s novel, a mammoth great white shark terrorized Amity, a fictional New England coastal village. Newspapers in 1975 reported an actual decline in beach tourism during the popular run of ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Stephen's Sermon Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jan 21, 2022

Stephen is called a man full of God’s grace and power, and he performed great wonders and signs among the people. It was this context that opposition arose and Stephen was at the center of the opposition.

Context of Stephens sermon Acts Chapter 6 The context and background of Stephen’s message is found in Acts chapter 6. We are introduced to Stephen in Acts 6 who is chosen among the seven. The first mention is Stephen that he was a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. After the choosing of the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Christmas ... Dragon?

Contributed by Allan Quak on Dec 6, 2005

Christmas day is often depicted as a time of peace, tranquillity and hope. However there is another aspect to the arrival of Jesus which should make the church realise that we are in a serious battle with Satan.

Congregation in the Lord Jesus Christ Think of “Christmas” and what are the thoughts that come to your mind? • peace and tranquillity. • shepherds on a hill being serenaded by an angelic choir. • Magi crossing the desert on a quiet night as they make the long journey to Bethlehem. • a child ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:1-17

Denomination: Baptist