Sermons on Contrast:

What A Difference

Contributed by Ronald Harbaugh on Feb 16, 2006

3rd Sunday after Epiphany What a contrast between the story of Jonah and the Gospel

3rd Sunday after Epiphany, January 22, 2006 Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we have gathered here this morning, because you have called us through your Son to worship and praise you for your ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-45

Denomination: Lutheran

Old Faithfuls

Contributed by Bruce Howell on Oct 11, 2007

Contrasting faithfulness in the life of a believer with those who retreat when the going gets rough.

“Old Faithfuls” Heb 3:1-6 1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-6

Denomination: Wesleyan

Building An Altar Or A House

Contributed by David Robb on Mar 14, 2008

A contrasting look at Abraham and Lot’s response upon parting company in the land of Canaan.

Building an ALTAR or a HOUSE Genesis 12:1, 13:1-18 Abram and Lot Separate (Gen 13:12 NIV) Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. (Gen 13:18 NIV) So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:1-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Mark Of True Devotion

Contributed by Shawn Rose on Nov 7, 2010

By contrasting the scribes with a poor widow woman, Jesus teaches us about true devotion.

THE MARK OF TRUE DEVOTION Text: Mark 12:38 – 44 What does it mean to be truly devoted to God? Does it mean that you are there every time the church doors open? Does it mean that you are the first to volunteer when there is a job to be done? Does it mean that you faithfully put 10% of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

The Dignity Of Man Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 9, 2013

The dignity of man affirmed by God in Scripture contrasts with the attitude of ancient and modern pagan cultures

Monday of 5th Week in Course February 11, 2013 Our Lady of Lourdes Gaudium et Spes “As many as touched the fringe of His garment were healed.” On this World Day of the Sick, it is particularly appropriate to look at the healing power and history of Jesus as it is displayed in the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:53-56

Denomination: Catholic

Misusing The Law Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 5, 2013

The purpose of the Law and the danger of mishandling that same Law is discussed. The contrast of law and gospel is examined.

“We know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 3, 2013

The contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion: its inferences and implications in our life.

A KINGDOM THAT CANNOT BE SHAKEN. Hebrews 12:18-29. I. A BOOK OF CONTRASTS. The letter to the Hebrews is full of contrasts - too many to innumerate in a short space. Here the author shows the difference between the covenant at Sinai (Hebrews 12:18-21), and the covenant of Christianity (Hebrews ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Washing The Feet Of My Family Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Feb 20, 2015

We will be discussing 4 things that contrast to illustrate how to wash the feet of our family

Introduction: A woman is depressed so she went to her doctor. After examining her and talking with her the doctor said that she did not need medication to deal with her depression. What she needed to do is loving acts of service for someone for the next 14 days. The woman began making excuses ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Last Supper Series

Contributed by Andy Moyle on Jul 4, 2016

The last supper contrasts two plans Satan's and God and 2 Passovers - the old and the new

Climactic meal of the series (two more after the resurrection) It’s the last passover before the cross. Jesus is about to fully usher in the new covenant, making the Passover meal they are about eat the last one and starting a radically different passover that we celebrate as the Lord’s ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:1-23

Denomination: Charismatic

Two Spiritual Mindsets

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 10, 2018

The growth mindset, by contrast, believes that there is no limit to our ability to learn, grow and change for the better.

Thursday after Ash Wednesday 2018 Reformation/Revolution Now what? We have received our ashes, symbol of our turning back or turning more faithfully to God. We have begun our Lenten journey, forty days and a triduum toward the destination of Christ’s Resurrection. What do we do now? Our study for ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:22-25, Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Denomination: Catholic

What Is Yoour Ship Shape? Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Sep 17, 2017

There is an old illustration of seeing the church as a cruise ship or a battle ship. This is a brief contrast of the two.

1. [A few years ago Linda’s parents invited us to go on a cruise with them to the Caribbean. Over all, we had a very enjoyable time on our first cruise. • The food was great!; The entertainment was first class • Some of the ports of call were enjoyable (some were tourist traps) • The crew’s service ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Jesus' Rules Of Order"

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 3, 2017

Contrasting the transformation following the descent of the Spirit with life before His presence among the saints.

“A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:24-27, Acts 2:37-47

Denomination: Baptist

Fifteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year B: Only Sandals And A Walking Stick

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jun 11, 2018

In contrast, Cynic philosophers of the era were known for their provision bag, staff, and big mouth!

15B My favorite ancient Greek philosopher is the stoic Epictetus (epic-TEE-tus), who taught, “It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters," which is at the heart of some Catholic Christian adaptations of various Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. Epictetus, who taught ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:7-13

Denomination: Catholic

#4 Chosen Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Apr 14, 2020

We were chosen to represent Jesus to the world by living in contrast to the evil that surrounds us.

Let’s Pray Today we continue with our study of the book of Colossians. Paul wrote this letter and three others (Ephesians, Philippians and Philemon) while in prison awaiting trial. Paul is the consummate leader. He is always trying to spread the gospel even while battling outside forces. In Paul’s ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Different Kind Of Feast, A Different Kind Of Lake

Contributed by Ken Henson on Nov 27, 2018

The Destiny of the Righteous (a forever feast) is a blessed contrast with the destruction of the wicked in the Lake of Fire.

Revelation 19 v. 17 and I saw and angel standing in the sun, and he cried with a big voice, saying to all the birds flying in the middle of the sky “Come! Gather to the mega-dinner of God, v. 18 in order that you might feast on the flesh of kings, and the flesh of leaders of thousands, and the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 19:17-21

Denomination: *other