Sermons on Contrast:

Snapshots In An Autumn Album

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 15, 2009

Contrasting Koheleth and Paul in the later season of their lives: one blames the young, the other gathers them; one mourns broken things, the other invests in ideas; one is anxious, the other trusts God for every need.

This past weekend, as a part of our brief getaway, my wife and I spent two nights in an old farmhouse. The farmhouse dated from 1704 and was partly furnished with antiques. Now my wife loves antiques; I guess that’s why she puts up with me. So we took the tour of the house, especially the parlor ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Ripe Ritual And Redemptive Righteousness Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 20, 2008

Dramatic monologue as if it were from Micah himself, summarizing the entire book around the contrast between practicing ritual in order to avoid judgment vs. living God’s requirements of justice, mercy, and the humble walk.

[Outside the sanctuary] Justice, O God! Justice! We must have your justice! And righteousness! Without that we are lost! Oh, Lord God, the Temple and the city – what I see there sickens me. That ripe and rotten ritual, those empty gestures, those paid and padded priests! O God, ...read more

Scripture: Micah 7:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Davids Big Flaw

Contributed by Art Campbell on Sep 5, 2007

David was a successful man - a warrior, poet and king. Yet he had one major flaw that was almost his undoing - his children. This message contrasts David’s great success with his great heartache.

One of my favourite Bible heroes is King David. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the story of David and Goliath, the boy who bested a giant. But there’s a lot more to David’s life than this story. In many ways he’s the kind of man that many of us guys would like to be. David was marked out for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 1:6

Denomination: Baptist

Crown Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 15, 2009

Dynamically interesting content! Summary of the period of the kings, w/ a special contrast of Saul, David, and Solomon. Wonderful visuals enhance a very helpful outline. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Crown I Samuel 8 2 part sermon on Saul and David during the times of the Kings. Both parts are here: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Crown.html Pt.1-Saul Israel decided they wanted to be a monarchy, not a theocracy. They wanted a king, not to be led by God. They wanted a visible leader. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Manipulation By Guilt Vs. Straightforward Requests Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 26, 2016

Manipulation is a dishonest method to control others, get our way, or make others think an idea was theirs; it stands in contrast to making honest straightforward requests. Manipulation by guilt is perhaps the most common form of manipulation.

Manipulation by Guilt Vs. Straightforward Requests (topical) 1. A lot of persuasion — even in church — can be based upon emotion and a lack of logic. “Pastor Smith was winding up his sermon about the dangers of alcohol and the need for temperance. He shouted, 'If I had all the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Creator Comforts Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jan 10, 2022

The Prophet begins with the sharp contrast between the failure of the past & the hope of the future. Israel is to be comforted in the assurance that her trial has ended, & her sin has been purged. What great news!

ISAIAH 40: 1-2 [ADVENT I SERIES PART I] THE CREATOR COMFORTS [Psalm 23] How majestic is the second part of the Book of Isaiah! The new section opens by stirring the people of God with the promise and hope of redemption and restoration. The Prophet begins with the sharp contrast between the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

16. Romans Chapter 4 Verses 4-17 Messages In Romans – A Look At Abraham: The Sign Of Circumcision Was A Seal Of The Righteousness Of His Faith - Message 16 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on May 19, 2024

The Law and faith are in contrast and we look further into Abraham’s faith. The universe was created BUT it is that Creator God who creates us as new creations in Christ, and who will raise the dead bodies of the saints. Such blessings and promises.

16. ROMANS CHAPTER 4 VERSES 4-17 MESSAGES IN ROMANS – A LOOK AT ABRAHAM: THE SIGN OF CIRCUMCISION WAS A SEAL OF THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF HIS FAITH - MESSAGE 16 [A]. REVISION AND A BIT EXTRA Last time we looked at Romans 4:4-12 carefully and just to summarise what we say, the word of God is very ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:5-7, Romans 4:9-12, Colossians 2:11-14, Romans 4:13-17, Matthew 12:9-10, Galatians 3:29, Genesis 17:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A People Of Truth Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Sep 4, 2012

This section forms a transition between the teaching on the Day of the Lord & exhortations for present living. In contrast to those who believe Satan’s lies, here are those who believe the truth of God. In this section there are three life impacts that co

[ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE FUTURE Series] 2 THESSALONIANS 2: 13-17 A PEOPLE OF TRUTH This section forms a transition between Paul’s teaching on the Day of the Lord (2:1-12) and his exhortations for present living in view of that day which follow (3:1-15). Right here the Holy Spirit blows ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

[ic3] Servant Vs. Son Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 23, 2020

The author contrasts Jesus and Moses. The Jews perceived Moses to be a great man, great prophet, great leader, and great lawgiver. Yet Jesus fulfilled all those roles as well―to a greater degree than Moses.

8/15/19 Tom Lowe Lesson #11 [IC3]: SERVANT VS. SON (HEBREWS 3:5-6a) Introduction: The author has already briefly contrasted Jesus with the Old Testament prophets (1:1, 2) and more explicitly with the angels (1:3-2:18). Here he begins a contrast between Jesus and Moses. The Jews perceived Moses ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 3:5-6

Denomination: Baptist

Zechariah And Mary, And Spiritual Shock Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 4, 2004

Can we be walking with the Lord, be strong in some areas and horribly weak in others, or does spiritual maturity mean we have grown evenly?Let’s contrast the responses of Zechariah the priest and Mary and then return to this question.

Zechariah and Mary, and Spiritual Shock (Luke 1) Here is a bulletin insert I wrote to add to the sermon, which follows: Zechariah the Priest and Father of John the Baptist The Christmas narrative really begins by setting the stage for Jesus’ coming through explaining how his forerunner, John the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:1-60

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Presenting Jesus In A Tolerant-Pluralistic Oriented Society

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 10, 2003

Too often people in the world perceive Christianity as an exclusivist religion whose people are intolerant bigots. In contrast many Americans want to appear to be inclusivists, pluralists and accepting of people. Actually, when we have the right attitude

Presenting Jesus As Lord, Savior and Shepherd (Luke 19:10) For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save those which are lost. (Luke 19:10) Too often people in the world perceive Christianity as an exclusivist religion whose people are intolerant bigots. In contrast many Americans want to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Loving And Serving One Another

Contributed by Richard Tow on Nov 17, 2003

This sermon examines common quotes from those who do not serve others in contrast to quotes from those who do serve. Everyone has an excuse, but hose who choose to serve are empowered to do so.

Loving & Serving One Another 5-5-02 Intro: Text: Gal. 5:13 (Ampl) “For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness] but through love you should serve one another.” 1. Like no ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-31, Galatians 5:13

Denomination: Charismatic

People At The Cross Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 7, 2003

There were all kinds of people at the Cross. What distinguished these groups of people? The condition of their souls, their spiritual heart attitudes. Around the Cross of Jesus, we can see people who demonstrated some contrasting heart conditions.

People At The Cross (Matt. 27:36-44, Luke 23:39-43, John 19:25-27) 1. A father and daughter we walking through a spacious prairie. 2. In the distance, they could see fire all around them. They knew they could not escape it. 3. The father knew there was only one way to escape: set fire to the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:36-44, Luke 23:39-43

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Apprentice #1: Andrew Series

Contributed by Gregg Svalstad on Nov 3, 2004

This is the first in a series of sermons on the disciples using Donald Trump’s "Apprentice" series in contrast to Jesus’ approach of selection. This message focuses on Andrew and that God chooses very ordinary people like us. (Drama also available)

Last season’s new TV reality show “The Apprentice” centering around Donald Trump was a big hit. The 58 year old Trump commands an empire of over 100 companies, billions of dollars, and some of the most illustrious buildings in the world. The newest addition to the Trump kingdom is a massive ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-42

Denomination: Baptist

Altar Of Incense Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Sep 19, 2008

How do you smell to God? This altar inside the Tabernacle proper is beautifully contrasted to the brazen altar out in the courtyard. The symbolic aromas in the air cannot be ignored. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Altar of Incense ‘How Do You Smell?’ Exodus 30:1-10 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/AltarOfIncense.html It has been a wonderful study of the Tabernacle so far, and the best is yet to come as we enter the Holy of Holies next time. But as of now, we have looked at the first 5 articles of ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 30:1-10

Denomination: Baptist