Opposition

Opposition Enhances Ministry Results

The arrival of his colleagues (Silas and Timothy) from Macedonia (v. 5) did a number of things for Paul. (1) It relieved him of anxiety he had been feeling for his Thessalonian converts. (2) He received a gift of money at this time from his friends at Philippi (2 Cor. 11:8) …

Paul’s Ministry in Corinth

Paul traveled from Athens to Corinth (v. 1) where he quickly found friends, Aquila and his wife Priscilla, a Jewish couple (v. 2). They were fellow tentmakers who invited Paul to come and stay with them (v. 3). They became steadfast ministry partners for Paul, serving faithfully and even …

Jesus Faces Opposition From Both Friend And Foe

In the midst of a very busy schedule, we find Jesus facing opposition from both friend and foe. News had reached His relatives in Nazareth (twenty-five miles away) that Jesus was out of His mind and doing crazy things so they came to try to talk some sense into Him. His own brothers …

Proclamation Against Egypt

This prophecy includes three sections, each of which closes with the words seen so often in Ezekiel, “then they will know that I am the Lord” (vv. 6a, 9, 16). This first of seven prophecies against Egypt was given almost a year after the siege of Jerusalem began …

IllustrationOpposition Can Be Good for Mankind

“A certain amount of opposition is a great help to a man. Kites rise against, not with the wind.” (Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author). …

IllustrationMy Friend! Why Are You Not Here?

Hitler imprisoned a German pastor, Martin Niemoeller, for eight years. He spent some time in prisons and concentration camps, including Dachau. Hitler realized that if Niemoeller, a First World War hero, could be persuaded to join his cause then much opposition would collap …

IllustrationDavid Livingstone Walked Over 29,000 Miles

I think of David Livingstone, the pioneer missionary to Africa, who walked over 29,000 miles. His wife died early in their ministry and he faced stiff opposition from his Scottish brethren. He ministered half blind. His kind of perseverance spurs me on. As I run, I remember the w …