Sermons on Contrary Inclination:

Secrets Of A Happy Life Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 30, 2012

Christians live lives contrary to the world. We are filled with the spirit. We live in community. We have purpose in our lives, and we celebrate God's abundance.

Ephesians 5:15-20 “Secrets of a Happy Life” INTRODUCTION Warren Buffet is one of the richest men in the United States and in the world. He is known as the oracle of Omaha, because of his ability to read the economic tea leaves, predict the future, and offer advice on what to do. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:12-29

Denomination: Lutheran

Take Your Eyes Off The Clock Series

Contributed by Bala Samson on Jan 26, 2013

On the contrary, we have illness to endure, uncertainty, angst, fear and delay lurking in every corner of our life. How do you survive those occasions?

Take your eyes off the clock Ruth 2:7”And she said, 'Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.' So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house." Imagine that the world suddenly became simpler, cleaner, corrupt free, ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:7-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sin, Death, & Hell

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Sep 3, 2013

Contrary to popular culture, there are indeed consequences for your actions. If you are determined to go to Hell, I'm not gonna let you feel good about it.

Sin, Death, & Hell August 25, 2013 Evening Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: Contrary to popular culture, there are indeed consequences for your actions. Focus Passage: Matthew 10:28 Introduction: If you are headed to Hell, I'm not gonna let you feel good ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:28

Denomination: Baptist

Facing Temptations Head-On

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Mar 1, 2010

Drawing the opening verses of this passge, we are reminded that through the power of God's Holy Spirit, we can face our temptations head-on, rahter than avoid them which is our first inclination.

Facing Temptations Head-On Luke 4:1-13 & Romans 10:8-13 (Lent 1C) Rev. Beth Garrod-Logsdon Wilmore Presbyterian Church Well, here we are again – the first Sunday of Lent. The day when the mood and emotions of worship seem to take a downhill slide – the hymns become more ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Hindrances To Answered Prayer Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on May 15, 2008

There are those who bear testimony to the sad truth that thus far they have never received a definite answer to a prayer they have offered. Due to their failure to receive a specific answer, they are inclined to be skeptical about prayer. They have assu

Hindrances to Answered Prayer James 4:3 Intro There are those who bear testimony to the sad truth that thus far they have never received a definite answer to a prayer they have offered. Due to their failure to receive a specific answer, they are inclined to be skeptical about prayer. They have ...read more

Scripture: James 4:3

Denomination: Baptist

How To Get To The Top Of Mount Blessing

Contributed by Johnny Creasong on Oct 4, 2008

It is contrary to the nature and character of God NOT to bless! Everyone wants to be blessed! So whay aren’t we? Here’s some steps to getting to the top of Mount Blessing.

How to Get to the Top of Mount Blessing 1 Cor 2:9 9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (NKJ) It is the contrary to the Nature and Character of God NOT to BLESS! And Everyone ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:1-7

Denomination: Church Of God

Supporting An Enemy Of God

Contributed by Travis L. Billings on Jan 7, 2020

What happens when we align ourselves with what is contrary to God and in opposition to Christ? When we sin, we crucify an innocent man all over again.

Heavenly Father, we have come against you and your commands in ways that have cost us dearly. Our sinful ways and disobedience to your commands have resulted in chastisement and punishment from you. You have proven that you will do whatever it takes to correct us and bring us back to you. It is ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 68:1-2, Hosea 13:3, Joel 3:19-21, Psalm 37:12-15

Denomination: Charismatic

Inadequacy Encountering Sufficiency Series

Contributed by Scott Spencer on Jan 31, 2016

There is an idea in our culture that recognizing our inability or insufficiency is somehow contrary to the principles of success. Self-confidence and high-powered, aggressive personalities seem to be what takes the day.

A Tour Through Acts ~ part 2 Inadequacy Encountering Sufficiency Acts 2:1-4, 14 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-4

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

First Sunday Of Lent, Year A- The Tactics Of Temptation

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jan 21, 2023

C.S. Lewis made an astute observation in his masterful Screwtape Letters: the devil cannot manufacture real goods or pleasures; he’s stuck with the ones God has made and for which our natures have an inclination.

I saw this Cartoon of Satan tempting Jesus, saying: “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a medium rare ribeye steak with truffle butter.” [Jesus is thinking to himself, “He’s getting better at this.”] Note that Jesus did not say, “Man cannot live by coffee alone, but he will ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:7-9, Genesis 3:1-7

Denomination: Catholic

The Midnight Death Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Feb 5, 2007

God’s method for developing His Kingdom often runs contrary to society’s views; He loves to exalt the humble and humble the proud, as in the case of Israel’s formation.

The Midnight Death (Exodus 12:29-50) 1. A lot of people think they are self-acclaimed experts. Take this health food advice: Q: I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true? A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it... don’t waste them on exercise. ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:29-50

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Cost Of Living Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 17, 2013

Dominant Thought: Following Jesus means being willing to accept His plans for self-denial, and not being ashamed of the Lord Whose lifestyle and mission is contrary to the world's mode of thinking

A guy was on a business trip and thought it would be nice to come home with a little gift for his wife. He stopped off at a perfume counter in a nice store. “How about some perfume?” he asked the clerk. She showed him a bottle of really nice perfume - $120. “Oooh, that’s ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Power Of Persistent Faith Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 28, 2025

Persistent faith is the unwavering trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary. It is the kind of faith that refuses to give up, holding on until there is a manifestation of the promise.

THE POWER OF PERSISTENT FAITH By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Luke 18:1-8 Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:6, James 1:6-8, Mark 10:46-52, Matthew 15:21-28, Romans 4:20-21 INTRODUCTION: Persistent faith is the unwavering trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary. It is the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Assembly Of God

My Sins Have Caught Up With Me!

Contributed by David Smith on Feb 29, 2008

I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

I’m doing something a bit radical today and preaching on today’s Psalm! Some of you might not have even realised that we had a Psalm of the Day. And in truth, in the seventeen years I’ve been at this parish, I think that this is only the second time I’ve preached on the Psalm! But we who follow ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Christmas Miracle

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Dec 28, 2022

The Christmas miracle is the story of a Child that was born in a cave to a virgin named Mary, contrary to the laws of nature. Christmas is the celebration of a Child. The Child Who would save His people from their sins.

The Christmas miracle is the story of a Child that was born in a cave to a virgin named Mary, contrary to the laws of nature. This Child lived in poverty and reared in obscurity. He did not travel extensively. Only once did He leave the country in which He was born when He, during His childhood, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

Plum Of Patience Series

Contributed by James Westervelt on Nov 21, 2001

It is our natural inclination to be impatient with people - to get angry at them for the things they do which displease us, to fly off the handle when they say or do something against us, to express great displeasure when they do things the wrong way.

THE PLUM OF PATIENCE This morning we begin the OUTWARD FRUIT, those qualities we will exhibit in our relationships with other people: patience, kindness and goodness. Let’s look at the plum of patience: I’ve chosen a plum because patience is a plum of a virtue - it is one ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22, Colossians 3:12-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational