Sermons on Active Vs Passive:

Providence - God's Ongoing Work

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Feb 22, 2022

Is God active in the world or a passive observer? The doctrine of Providence claims he is the former - the creator who is still sustaining the world and working in it to bring about his purposes. This sermon explores the ways He is active and the peace providence gives us.

Providence Today I want to talk about God – shouldn’t surprise you since we are in church • He’s a being that the more you know the more you don’t know • God is knowable but incomprehensible • We will never totally understand everything about God but that shouldn’t keep us from knowing what we can ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:20, Colossians 1:17, Hebrews 1:3, Acts 17:26, Romans 8:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Heart Of A Father

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 16, 2008

Although the main focus of the Prodigal Son parable is the ungracious brother, the assumptions made about the Prodigal’s father are enlightening.

The Heart of a Father (Luke 15:11-32) 1. Father’s Day -- what can we say? 2. Sermon Central took a poll, and this would be mostly of pastors. The question and results are as follows: What do you expect for Father’s Day? A big deal 3% Simple card/gift 42% Nothing 35% Surprise ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Living With Contentment Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 10, 2025

Contentment is a key aspect of the Christian life. It is not a passive state but an active decision to trust God’s provision and find joy in what He has already given us.

LIVING WITH CONTENTMENT By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV): "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Women Who Ministered To Jesus PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Mar 2, 2024

This sermon encourages Christians to emulate the faith and service of the women in Luke 8:1-3, actively contributing to God's Kingdom rather than passively consuming its benefits.

Beloved brothers and sisters, let us gather together in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the spirit of unity and love that binds us as one. It is a joyous occasion whenever we come together to bask in the resplendent light of God's Word, to be nourished by His truth, and to be transformed ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:1-3

Topics: Women, Working, Christ

Man's Law Vs God's Grace PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 4, 2023

This sermon's main point is to understand that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, not by the works of the law, and to appreciate the power of God's grace and the limitations of legalism.

Good morning, family! Today, we're diving into the heart of Paul's letter to the Galatians, where we'll explore themes of faith, grace, and the limitations of legalism. As we set the stage, let's remember the words of A.W. Tozer, a respected Christian author, who said, "Faith, as Paul saw it, was a ...read more

Topics: Alive, Christ

Spiritual Warfare: The Flesh Vs. The Spirit Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Feb 1, 2019

Galatians 5:16–18 introduces the passage by setting forth the nature of Spiritual Warfare between the flesh and the Spirit. In this we see 1) The Warfare Command (Galatians 5:16), 2) The Warfare Conflict (Galatians 5:17), and 3) The Warfare Caution (Galatians 5:18).

One of the most tragic elements of warfare is the event of collateral damage. Often in military operations, civilians are caught in the crossfire. Whether it is in Palestine or Iraq, civilians often get hurt between two fighting forces. Sometimes, one side, usually the weaker one, deliberately puts ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-18

Denomination: Other

Spiritual Warfare: The Flesh Vs. The Spirit Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Feb 15, 2009

1) The Warfare Command (Galatians 5:16), 2) The Warfare Parties (Galatians 5:17), and 3) The Warfare Warning (Galatians 5:18).

One of the most tragic elements of warfare is the event of collateral damage. Often in military operations, civilians are caught in the crossfire. Whether it is in Palestine or Iraq, civilians often get hurt between two fighting forces. Sometimes, one side, usually the weaker one, deliberately puts ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-18

Denomination: Other

Islam--Submission Vs. Grace Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Aug 17, 2003

An analysis of Islam from a Christian perspective, highlighting the doctrinal contrast between rules-keeping and seeking mercy.

World Religions…Islam--Submission vs. Grace Scripture reading> Romans 5:1-9 -Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus MA Having participated in Desert Storm, I received training from the Dept of Defense in Arab culture and Muslim thought. I’ve read the Koran and have spoken ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-9

Denomination: Congregational

Thanksgiving Vs. Thanks-Living

Contributed by William Barnes on Nov 21, 2002

Scripture admonished us to be thankful in all circumstances. This means our thanksgiving is to be continual and not contingent. 3 reasons for "continual thanksgiving"

“Thanksgiving Vs. Thanks-living (part 2)” Intro: The fact that God expects us to thank Him for His blessings in our lives, is evident in the words of Jesus, to the one lone ex-leper who returned to thank Him. Luke 17:15 “One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:19-20

Denomination: Pentecostal

"The Three 'vs' Of Calvary"

Contributed by Quintin Morrow on Mar 28, 2002

An evangelistic message on the purpose and power of the Cross of Christ.

Palm Sunday 2002 The Rev’d Quintin Morrow Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Fort Worth, Texas The Cross of Christ “Then they led Him out to crucify Him” –Mark 15:20. The image of the Cross seems to be everywhere. It hangs from the rearview mirrors, and rests upon the dashboards, of our cars. It ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:20

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Strong Man Vs. Jesus

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jul 9, 2002

Nothing can happen to you apart from God’s will – he’s in control, not Satan.

Have you ever met a really big person? I don’t mean someone who is just taller than you – but someone that is really really tall. I remember once meeting Terry Porter. You know – the guy that used to play for the Portland Trailblazers? On TV, Terry always looked pretty small. I was assigned to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:15-29

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Religion Vs Christian Love

Contributed by Benny Horn on Oct 29, 2001

Religion produces babes in Christ and a carnal church, but christian love produces spiritual maturity and a strong church.

"Religion vs Christian Love" Introduction: If I asked each one of you what you wish for this church, I feel sure that I would not get one single person who would wish anything bad to happen here. Yet, without even asking, I already know what "Old Satan" wishes for this or any other church. He ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, 1 Corinthians 3:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Christ Vs Mohammand

Contributed by Donnie De Loney on Aug 20, 2005

Compares the Christian Faith to Islam

This sermon was taken from a number of sermons on the subject of Islam Grace vs Works Colossians 2:4-10 Introduction: A. I want to tell you about a true nightmare that happens every day! B. A person dies and is taken up to the Great Throne Room to be judged. C. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:4-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Fake Vs. Real Christianity Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 3, 2006

Was Jesus teaching us that we can "buy" our way into heaven by doing good works?

OPEN: One night a woman dreamed that she was having a conversation with God. She was angry about all the suffering and evil she saw around her, so she complained to the Lord. “God, why don’t You do something about all this?” God gently replied: “I did. I created you.” APPLY: Over the next ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Worship Style Vs. Substance

Contributed by David Scudder on Oct 10, 2007

In the midst of the current debates about which worship style is best, we often lose sight of what is really important about worship.

Worship: Style Verses Substance Part I Psalm 2:11 Purpose: To explain some of the main elements of biblical worship. Aim: I want the listener to work at focusing on God more and on everything else less. INTRODUCTION: Everybody worships. Worship is the reason we exist. Worship is a part of who we ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 2:11

Denomination: Independent/Bible