Sermons on Contrast:

After God’s Own Heart

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jan 21, 2022

David was a man after God’s own heart, because of his integrity. Through an overview of David's life, we explore what it is to have the heart of God, by contrasting “Saul’s heart of defiance” with “David’s heart of obedience.”

Baptist Men’s Day, on the Southern Baptist Convention calendar, is observed on January 24, 2021 (which, of course, we are a week late). I have written this morning’s sermon to recognize the men of our congregation, and we’re going to be looking at living a life of integrity before God. Our ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:21-23

Denomination: Baptist

Listening With Love

Contributed by Fr. Rian Adams on Dec 22, 2019

Sermon for Advent 4, Year A. Sermon contrasts how Joseph could have treated Mary and how he actually acted toward her. Mary has a story (and thus Jesus) because Joseph listened with love and showed mercy.

Preparing for 2020: Listening with Love I feel for Joseph. Not only because he’s often overlooked, but in some ways I understand what it’s like to be Joseph. In 1994 I found a new level of solidarity with Joseph. The children’s director concluded that the pastor’s grandson didn’t need a “speaking” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Episcopal

Jephthah = Rejection – Victory – And Disaster - All In The One Cup - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 6, 2022

The story of Jephthah, a judge of Israel, continues and takes us through deceit, stupidity, betrayal, victory, defeat. It reveals the honour of a daughter contrasted with the utter and complete disgrace of her father. Jephthah, a flawed man had to "battle his demons".

JEPHTHAH = REJECTION – VICTORY – AND DISASTER - ALL IN THE ONE CUP - PART 2 Read PART 1 before reading this second part. It will then make a lot more sense. MAN’S EVIL LAID BARE – GOING BACK TO FIRST BASE {{Judges 11:7 Then Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “Did you not hate me and ...read more

Scripture: Judges 11:7, Judges 11:8-9, Judges 11:10, Judges 11:12-28, Judges 11:29, John 14:16-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:34, 1 Peter 4:7, Judges 11:30-31, Judges 11:34-35, Judges 12:1-3, Judges 11:36-40, Judges 12:7, Hebrews 11:32  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God’s Kingdom Economy Series

Contributed by Apostle Dr. Ruben L. Broadnax Jr. on Oct 25, 2024

"This sermon introduces God's Kingdom economy, contrasting worldly financial systems with Kingdom principles. It emphasizes financial victory through alignment with God’s Word and explores how Kingdom living leads to freedom and provision."

In a world dominated by financial stress, economic uncertainty, and the unending pursuit of more, God's people are invited to embrace a different reality—God’s Kingdom economy, which operates on principles that are higher and more stable than the world's systems. Jesus makes this clear when ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:33

Denomination: Other

The Rich Young Ruler Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Aug 3, 2023

When the rich young ruler comes to Jesus, we have a living example before the eyes of the disciples of the contrast. Here is someone willing to pay the price of spiritual discipline, yet someone who could not with childlike faith give his all to Christ.

What are some of the qualities that our present-day culture put’s value on? Our society values youth. The beauty industry capitalizes on the quest for the eternal youthfulness. They sell skin creams, facial packs, hair color and offer cosmetic surgery. It is all because people value ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-27, Matthew 19:16-30, Luke 18:18-30

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon. Choosing The Right Path

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Sep 4, 2025

Psalm 1 also call on all of us to make a decision and then summarizes the contrast between the righteous and the wicked by describing the blessed life of the righteous as a thriving tree nourished by God's word, and the futile life of the wicked as chaff blown away by the wind

Sermon. Choosing the Right Path Scripture Text: Psalms 1:1-6 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6, Jeremiah 6:16, Genesis 41:52

Denomination: Methodist

A Faith That Still Speaks Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Sep 26, 2025

This sermon contrasts Abel's faith-based worship with Cain's self-reliant religion, demonstrating how a life of true faith earns God's approval and creates an eternal legacy that still speaks of righteousness today.

Introduction: The World's First Worship Service I want you to travel back with me in your imagination to the dawn of human history. The gates of Eden are closed, guarded by an angel with a flaming sword. The world is brand new, yet already stained by sin. Adam and Eve, our first parents, are ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:4

Denomination: Baptist

Strength Beyond Self: Receiving The Power Of God

Contributed by Jessica Linde on Sep 29, 2025

In contrast to the self-reliant grit our culture so often advocates, this sermon’s ultimate goal is to highlight that true and lasting strength comes from allowing God's "power" to work in and through our human fragility.

Over the past several Sundays, we have been working through a sermon series on Paul’s letter to the early church in Philippi—a now ruined city in north east Greece. As we’ve worked through this series (which we are concluding today), we’ve seen how this little letter is overflowing with faith, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-13, 2 Corinthians 4:6-10

Are You A Stoner?

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Feb 20, 2005

The Gospel of John is a gospel devoted to life in Christ. 36 times the greek word Zoe is used in the book. It makes it that much more sad that in Ch 8 we see pharisees brining a woman to the life and light to have her condemend. Contrasts the stoners s

Intro: The Gospel of John is a book about life. You say what? I thought is a book showing Jesus in all His glorious power as the Son of God. But what do we find the purpose of the book to be? John 20.31 “These have been written (miracles and signs) so that you may believe that Jesus is the ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Difference Between The Good Gal And The Bad Guy Series

Contributed by Donald Carpenter on May 7, 2003

. In Esther chapter 5, God has preserved for us a look at the contrast between the bad guy, Haman, and the good gal, Esther. As we discover these character qualities, or the lack thereof, examine your own life to see what you need to work on.

The Differences Between The Good Gal And The Bad Guy Esther 5:1-14 Preached Wednesday May 7, 2003 Introduction: One of the fascinating things about the book of Esther is its rich character development. There is much to learn about the people in this story. So far we have seen how God’s ...read more

Scripture: Esther 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

"Strengthening Our Weaknesses”

Contributed by Dennis Deese on Aug 17, 2002

This chapter comes on the very heels (less than a week) of one of the most tremendous victories of David’s life. What a contrast! Here he nearly took a life long plunge to the bottom in a moment of weakness. We all have our weaknesses. But admittin

Dr. Dennis Deese “STRENGTHENING OUR WEAKNESSES” (The Leader’s Weakness) I SAMUEL 25:1-44 This chapter comes on the very heels (less than a week) of one of the most tremendous victories of David’s life. What a contrast! Here he nearly took a life long plunge to the bottom in a moment of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:1-44

Realationships Series

Contributed by Jerry Mckee on Sep 18, 2008

It’s tough to be a teenager today. I wrote this series of messages for our new 7th graders graduating into teenage life. Teenagers today are very relational. In this lesson we take a contrast what the Bible and the World have to say about relationships

Opening thoughts: Relationship websites, everyone wants to be in a relationship I. Introduction a. God made us to be relational people i. Our relationships should honor God ii. Broken relationships can hinder our relationship with God 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 17:17

Denomination: *other

Extravagant Love

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Feb 17, 2007

What this woman does stands in stark contrast to all of the other players. When we read of her deed side by side with Jesus’ hate-filled adversaries, the treacherous Judas, and the confused and misguided disciples, we can’t help but ask ourselves, where

Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Extravagant Love Matthew 26:6-13 According to businesses, Valentine’s Day is the third biggest day of the year for buying gifts. Christmas is first. Mother’s Day is second. I am not sure Father’s Day made the list. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Two Adams

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Nov 29, 2009

There is a amazing contrast presented in God’s Word between two Adams — the first Adam of the Garden of Eden, and the second Adam of Bethlehem’s manger. You are either in the family of the 1st or 2nd Adam. Which family you are in determines your destiny.

THE TWO ADAMS 1 CORINTHIANS 15:45-49 Introduction: There is a amazing contrast presented in 1 Corinthians 15 between two Adams — the first Adam created in the Garden of Eden, and the second Adam born in Bethlehem. Every person listening to this message to-day is either in the family of the first ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:45-49

Denomination: Baptist

Taking Advantage Of God

Contributed by Guy Glass on Feb 22, 2010

When we think of someone taking advantage of someone else, we often think of this is negative terms. Our thoughts often go to one person getting over on another person in one way or another. In contrast, this passage of Scripture affords us an opportuni

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF GOD 2 Peter 1:3-11 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-11

Denomination: Baptist