Sermons on Contrast:

Better . . . Than Proverbs Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Apr 12, 2012

Wisdom can be presented by comparing one person or situation to another. A contrast is presented by the words better & than instead of “but.” There are 19 verses in Proverbs that use the “better . . . than” formula. These comparision statements challenge

Proverbs 12:9 BETTER . . . THAN PROVERBS People all over the world are constantly looking for a better item, whether buying fruit in a market or choosing a place to live. We examine, ponder, compare, and finally make a choice based on what we believe is better. I can’t imagine anyone saying, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 12:9, Proverbs 16:8-32

Denomination: Baptist

Disgusted Or Delighted? Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 28, 2018

A stark contrast between religious hypocrites and a faithful woman. The religious show-offs were mostly interested in what they could GET out of life. And the poor widow as interested in all she could GIVE.

INTRODUCTION My younger brother, Dan, and I are a lot alike. He serves as a Minister of Education and Senior Adults at a church in Conway, Arkansas. One thing we have in common is that we both have a sense of humor leaning toward puns and groaners. You’ve endured plenty of my groaners through the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

Last Hours Of Jesus' Life - Free From Passivity

Contributed by Joanne Chan on May 18, 2018

In this sermon, we look at how the people mocked Jesus as he walked toward the hill of Golgotha, and contrast that with his encounter with Simon from Cyrene to see what it really means to carry the cross for Jesus.

Central theme: Jesus denied himself and took the punishment for us with total dedication. We should take up the cross and follow Jesus, which means denying our old self (our comfort, your desires) and live for God because God is leading us to an even better place. Opening: Think of a place ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:15-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Murder Mystery Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

Anger is the impulse to strike out - either with words or with actions - at whatever threatens us, or threatens something we value. Anger is an impulse to destruction. Anger is in stark contrast to the commandment to love, which brings life.

Have you ever caught yourself looking at your reflection in a shop window? I have to confess that I sometimes do. I'll wager there's not one person in this room who doesn't take at least one good look at him or herself in the mirror every day. Maybe you don't care much. But you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Divine Mysteries Of Jesus Christ

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 5, 2021

We find the answer in understanding the proper allocations of morality; the teachings of how life ought to be lived. We see in Jesus the perfect union of contrasts between mercy, justice, love, truth, judgment and grace.

The Divine Mysteries of Jesus Christ Introduction "Many people—particularly the young—have been persuaded that such a search is futile. They have been told from their preschool days on that one person’s opinion is as good as anothers, that each person can pick his or her own truth from a ...read more

Scripture: John 6:35, John 8:12, John 1:1-5

Denomination: Salvation Army

Triumph And Humility: Lessons From Palm Sunday Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 14, 2024

Palm Sunday is a day of both celebration and reflection, as we witness the contrast between the adoration of the crowds and the humility of our Saviour. Let us delve into the scriptures to uncover the transformative truths found in this pivotal moment.

Triumph and Humility: Lessons from Palm Sunday Introduction: Today, we gather to commemorate Palm Sunday, a significant event in the Christian calendar marking Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It's a day of both celebration and reflection, as we witness the contrast between the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-38, Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:6-9, Philippians 2:5-8, Matthew 21:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Character Study Of Seth Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 20, 2025

Seth was not just another son of Adam and Eve; he was a chosen vessel in God's divine plan. His life and lineage stood in contrast to Cain’s, reflecting righteousness, worship, and faithfulness.

CHARACTER STUDY OF SETH – THIRD SON OF ADAM AND EVE, ANCESTOR OF NOAH By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: "And Adam knew his wife again, and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew." – Genesis ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:25, Genesis 5:3-8, 1 Chronicles 1:1, Luke 3:38

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Kiss The Son Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Aug 19, 2025

This sermon on Psalm 2 contrasts the futile rage of a rebellious world with the unstoppable authority of King Jesus, presenting the urgent choice to either face His judgment or find blessed refuge by surrendering to His rule.

Title: Kiss the Son Text: Psalm 2 Introduction: If you read the news or simply look at the world around you, it is easy to feel that everything is spiraling out of control. Nations rage against one another. Leaders plot and scheme. In boardrooms and in classrooms, the authority of God is mocked, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Unforced Rhythm Of Strength

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Aug 23, 2025

This sermon contrasts the world's frantic and exhausting path to strength with God's divine invitation to find salvation and power through the "unforced rhythm" of returning to and resting in Him.

Introduction: The Tyranny of the Urgent I want you to picture a scene. It's late at night. A student sits hunched over a desk, surrounded by textbooks and empty coffee mugs. Their eyes are gritty with exhaustion, their mind a frantic buzz of facts and figures. Fear of failure is a physical ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 30:15

Denomination: Baptist

Mindset Matters Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Aug 29, 2025

In this second part of the series, the Apostle Paul transitions from our freedom in Christ to the practical daily battle for our minds, contrasting the carnal mindset that leads to death with the spiritual mindset that brings life and peace.

Mindset Matters: Walking in the Spirit Series: Living in the Spirit - A Journey Through Romans 8 Introduction Last week, we began our journey through Romans 8 by standing on the peak of a glorious mountain of truth. After trudging through the valley of Romans 7, where the Apostle Paul cried out in ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:5-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Hope Of Righteousness Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Apr 5, 2012

These verses contrast the long-term outcome of righteousness with that of wickedness. A righteous person will be secure in hiswalk but a person whose paths are crooked, whose conduct is wicked, eventually will find him self in troubles of his own maki

PROVERBS 11: 3-9 THE HOPE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS These verses contrast the long-term outcome of righteousness with that of wickedness. A righteous person will be secure in his or her walk (conduct) but a person whose paths are crooked, whose conduct is wicked, eventually will find him or her self ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 11:3-9

Denomination: Baptist

How It Should Be Series

Contributed by A. Todd Coget on Mar 2, 2002

This sermon contrasts what the first church did and what the modern church did when thier governments told them not to speak at all in the name of Jesus. It also demonstrates what we need to do now.

How It Should Be Acts 4:23-31 March 3, 2002 Intro: A. I clipped this article out of The Banner-Graphic [Greencastle, IN] in August of 1999, and saved it just for this sermon today…[This really is a true story!] Gator halts couple’s midnight dip KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP)—A woman was nearly dragged ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Foundation Stones For Marriage Series

Contributed by Herman Abrahams on Apr 27, 2004

OUR PURPOSE: To understand marriage as God intended it to be, in contrast to the opinions of the world around us. Let us therefore go on a scriptural tour in our search for foundational truths on which to build our marriage.

Compiled by: Herman Abrahams (Pastor), Cornerstone Faith Ministries, P.O. Box 740, Westridge 7802, Rep. of South Africa. E-Mail: Mentorship2003@yahoo.co.uk Note to the reader: If you have been blessed with this sermon compilation, I would be honoured to receive an e-mail from you ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:18-25

Denomination: Charismatic

There Were Two Brothers

Contributed by Guy Glass on Sep 14, 2004

As we approach this third parable, the Lord seeks to contrast the lost with those who are not. Our tendency is to focus on the younger son in the parable, and to completely miss the elder son. Today, I hope to be the exception to that tendency.

There Were Two Brothers Luke 15:11-32 INTRODUCTION: This parable is the third of a trilogy of parables. The first parable in the group was that of the shepherd and the lost sheep. This parable told of the shepherd leaving the 99 sheep and searching for the one lost sheep. The truth communicated ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

Redefining The Family Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jul 24, 2006

What is God’s Family and how do you join it? Jesus redefines family, contrasts it with our earthly family and tells us how to join and what it’s like in his family.

The idea of family is always morphing in our society. Just in the past fifty years we’ve gone from June Cleaver to Uma Thurman. In the 1950’s the woman wore pearls and waited in high heels for her man to come home so she could greet him with a martini, a paper and dinner on the table. Today in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:1-25

Denomination: Calvary Chapel