Sermons on Oppositions:

Justification Controversy

Contributed by Bruce Landry on Mar 10, 2002

We will look at the Justification controversy beginning with Martin Luther and look into some things that are held up by the opposition as given by J.D.G. Dunn.

Justification Controversy New Testament Synthesis By: Bruce Landry I. What is the Controversy over Justification Page 1 II. The Biblical Texts of this Controversy Page 5 III. Conclusion Page ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Mr Weaver Fish

Contributed by Ken Durham on Aug 12, 2005

Even Jesus was not free from conflict and opposition in His ministry and unfortunately nor are we, yet He calls us to love our enemies.

MR WEAVER FISH 1. Introduction: On a mission trip to Kosova this summer I had a very nasty encounter with a weaver fish. This innocent looking fish lurks in the sand craftily leaving just its dark dorsal fins showing and anyone unlucky enough to step on one can be in serious ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Sound Doctrine Series

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Mar 7, 2004

Sound doctrine is important in our Christian walk. Contrary to popular belief, constant opposition to change or "liberalism" does not make one a "sound" teacher.

Sound Doctrine 1 John 4:1—6 INTRODUCTION Comedian Jeff Foxworthy became famous for his "redneck test." A sample of this would be: 1. If you got stopped by a state trooper and when he asked if you had an I.D. You replied, "’Bout what?" You might be a redneck. 2. If you’ve ever carried a ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Lord Is My Helper

Contributed by David Johnston on Apr 29, 2007

The Christian faces great opposition in life from without and within. It’s only with the Lord as our helper that we can endure to the end.

The Lord is my helper 2Kings 6:8-15 8 Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. 9 And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:8-15

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

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

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 Hope In You

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Apr 28, 2008

Hope is the opposite of despair; how can I "sanctify" Christ in my heart so I can defend the Gospel in this despair-filled world?

but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 1 Peter 3: 15 (NRSVA) Hope is the opposite of despair. Charles Swindoll tells the story of a missionary who was sitting by her ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Denomination: United Methodist

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

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

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

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

Ephraim & Manasseh (Genesis 48)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 31, 2024

Are we flexible enough to allow God to do the exact opposite of what we had expected? Let's look at Genesis 48.

Do we have narrow ideas as to how God should handle things? Are we flexible enough to allow God to surprise us, even when He does the exact opposite of what we may have expected? Let’s look at Genesis 48. What did Israel say to Joseph? What had God told him? After these things, someone said to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist