ONE HOPE Conference 2026 - Glory to God Alone: Hard Places (Omar Johnson)

Text: John 21:15-19

From the ONE HOPE Conference: Soli Deo Gloria, this sermon from John 21:15–19 calls believers to persevere in faithful obedience for the glory of God alone. Centered on Jesus’ final conversation with Peter, the message highlights Christ’s shocking statement that Peter’s future suffering and death would ultimately glorify God. What appears painful, ordinary, or even tragic from a human perspective can become a display of God’s greatness when endured in faith.

The sermon explores how perseverance in the Christian life reveals the glory of God in four specific ways: it displays His power, His love, His goodness, and His greatness. From enduring hardship in ministry, to remaining faithful in difficult neighborhoods, to continuing in love when others grow cold, believers testify that Christ is worthy through steadfast endurance.

Tracing themes throughout the Gospel of John, the message shows how Jesus revealed His glory through His miracles, His compassion, His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the grave. Peter’s perseverance was rooted not in self-confidence, but in having seen the glory of Christ firsthand.

This sermon encourages pastors, church planters, and everyday believers to reject self-glorifying endurance and instead persevere faithfully through suffering, disappointment, and ordinary ministry for the glory of God alone.

One Hope Conference 2026, Baltimore, MD March 7, 2026 Session 2

Omar Johnson is lead pastor at Temple Hills Baptist Church in Temple Hills, Maryland