Sermons on Opposition:

This Christmas (I Pray You Find These Things) Series

Contributed by Todd Marler on Dec 19, 2018

Do you remember how long it would take for Christmas to come, as a child? It took forever and We could hardly wait. As an adult, it is just the opposite, as Christmas seems to get here faster than ever.

This Christmas (I pray you find this three things) 26In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sacrifice Of Praise

Contributed by Anitha Jabastion on Jun 19, 2021

The terms praise and sacrifice seem to be opposites of one another. Praise generally bubbles from a happy and a grateful heart. Sacrifice, on the other hand, costs us something. What then does it mean to offer – sacrifice of praise?

Hebrews 13:15 - Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Psalm 49:14 - Offer to God the sacrifice of praise Praise generally bubbles from a happy and a grateful heart. Sacrifice, on the other hand, costs ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:15, Psalm 49:14, 1 Chronicles 21:24, Psalm 34:1, Acts 16:23-25, Isaiah 61:3, 2 Chronicles 20:22, Psalm 103:2-4  (view more)  (view less)

Message 10 - 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5:12-14 – Church Leadership Positions And Practical Matters For Christians Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 31, 2022

In church government there are 5 words translations use for the leadership positions, looked at briefly and then we consider a verse of great practical support. It covers busybodies, disorderly people, the fainthearted, helping the weak Christians, and patience in opposition.

MESSAGE 10 - 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 5:12-14 – CHURCH LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AND PRACTICAL MATTERS FOR CHRISTIANS RESPECT YOUR SHEPHERDS We will continue with the studies in 1Thessalonians, and today we will look at the governing of a church and the shepherd role within the leadership. PART A. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:23, Acts 20:28-29, 1 Peter 5:1-3, Ephesians 4:11-12, 2 Thessalonians 3:11, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Romans 15:1-3, Acts 20:33-35, 1 Corinthians 8:9, Acts 11:22-26, Romans 14:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 2 Corinthians 13:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Holiness Vs A Form Of Godliness

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Jan 17, 2024

The word Holy comes from the Hebrew word Kodesh and the Greek word Hagios and these words literally translate as to set apart or separated from the common or ordinary and the opposite of that would be not set apart from, common, and ordinary.

Holiness vs A form of Godliness By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. PRELUDE: - The English way of defining words will often cause an obscure or circular definition which literally means a complicated systems to explain something which cause confusion and we so many times will draw the wrong ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16, Jeremiah 5:22, Ezekiel 22:25-28, Matthew 7:15-20

Denomination: Apostolic

The Floodgates Of Heaven Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jun 3, 2023

There is a blessing for those who give and the opposite for those who refuse to give and rob God of what belongs to him. When you give to the Lord, look out, the floodgates of heaven are open to pour out a blessing.

When you give to the Lord, look out, the floodgates of heaven are open to pour out a blessing. Some pastors are not known for being too good at math. One of those pastors who did not excel in math said to his church, if you can’t give one-tenth, then at least give one-fifth. He may not have ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:6-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Joseph Principle

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Nov 22, 2023

But that principle does not apply to the story of Joseph in Genesis. In fact, the example of how Joseph succeeded and was used by God is the opposite of the Peter Principle. It is enough different that it deserves its own name. It can be called the Joseph Principle.

Alba 6-30-13 THE JOSEPH PRINCIPLE Genesis 50:19-21 Have you heard of the Peter Principle? It was formulated by Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull in their 1969 book called The Peter Principle. The Peter Principle is a proposition that states that the members of an organization where promotion ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:15-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Give Me Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

God wants us to take care of our money and be generous with it. Generosity is the opposite of greed and worshiping money. It doesn't matter how much money we have, we can all be generous.

Let's do a little experiment. I have here a $20 bill. Who wants it? (Pause for response) Okay, now what if I crumple it up? Still want it? (Pause for response) What if I step on it, make it dirty? Still want it? (Pause for response) Of course, you do! Because no matter what I do to it, it's still ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Topics: Charitable Acts, Selfishness, Altruism, Wealth Accumulation

The Rich Man And Lazarus Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Mar 28, 2025

In today’s text we have a story about a wealthy man and an impoverished man whose stories intersect at the gate of the wealthy man. This is a haunting story and one that features people with opposite experiences in life and death.

The Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31 Introduction Luke’s gospel is known for having a lot to say about riches and poverty. We might assume that Jesus mostly talked to poor people, but we know he spoke to the Pharisees, many of whom would have been wealthy. (16:14) He also was known to hang ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Greatness In God's Kingdom

Contributed by Shishir Bhandari on Aug 17, 2004

The Lord’s value system in His Kingdom for greatness is the total opposite of what we have known in this Satan - controlled world so we must become servants of all to become great in God’s Kingdom.

Introduction: The Lord’s philosophy is in reverse with the world’s philosophy. To be great in the world is to put importance on oneself. In the eyes of the world, you are great based on the position or title that preceeds or follows your name. You may be a lawyer, an engineer, a doctor, and that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:24-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Spiritual Nobility Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Dec 6, 2007

Stephen was in many ways a forerunner to Paul. He boldly confronted the synagogues of foreign Jews in Jerusalem, possibly even entering them to debate their members. Stephen faced fierce opposition, even to the point of physical persecution. It is even

Spiritual Nobility Acts 6:8-15 Intro This passage marks a transition in the book of Acts. Up to this point, Peter has been the dominating figure, fulfilling his calling by taking the gospel to the people. Another figure of importance looms on the horizon: the apostle Paul, who is introduced at ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Real With Your Enemies Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Sep 10, 2007

Opposition actually helps us grow. Hostility is destructive not only of others, but also of one’s self; and it spreads without reason. Jesus named its absurdity and then left it in the hands of God. Montgomery Hills Baptist Church

Stress strengthens. That is a physical fact. It is also a spiritual truth. Stress strengthens. When we face opposition, we grow. When we deal with differences, we become stronger. Strange as it may sound, give thanks when you are opposed! For stress strengthens; enmity empowers; and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:43-50

Denomination: Baptist

Which Side Of The Cross Are You On? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 20, 2005

Titus ministered in an area where the culture influenced the Christian community with immorality, independence, and idleness. These same character traits exist in our culture as well - placing Christians on opposite sides when they don’t need to be.

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone in the church was like you? I’ve heard it said before that “church is great – except for all the people.” The fact is, the church is the people – imperfect members of the human race who came to Christ from various backgrounds and dysfunctions. Sometimes I wish ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:1-16

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Demons Cannot Swim

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Jul 3, 2013

Do you believe in a Devil as powerful as God? There is no un-created being except God. God has no opposite in power and majesty. The proper question is whether I believe in devils. And I Do! (Updated June 2018)

For Those not familiar with an Anglican Service. There are Four Readings before the Sermon is given. Today's Readings were: Job 38:1-18; Psalm 107:1-32; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 and Mark 5:1-20 A man often walked through the cemetery on his way home from work. One night, ...... unaware that a new ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39, Matthew 8:18-27, 1 John 5:13-21

Denomination: Anglican

You Adulterous People Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Mar 14, 2012

What does spiritual adultery mean? Several things according to this text. 1- Spiritual adultery means friendship with the world 2- Spiritual adultery means opposition to God 3- Spiritual adultery means giving in to the devil

INTRO.- People commit adultery in various ways. Our world is notorious for committing adultery. It seems to happens in Hollywood often. ILL.- Remember actress Sandra Bullock in the award winning movie, “The Blind Side”? And do you remember to whom she was married? She was married from 2005 to ...read more

Scripture: James 4:4-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Blessed Are The Repentant Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Apr 18, 2011

What an amazing paradox! If it is not a paradox it is at least the opposite of what our culture tells us today. The paradox is that Jesus says that the man who mourns will be really happy. The world regards such a statement as utterly ridiculous. Who want

“Blessed Are The Repentant” Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.” As we began examining the Beatitudes we noted that there is a definite ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Denomination: Baptist