Sermons on Contrast:

Green Olive Tree

Contributed by Anitha Jabastion on Sep 17, 2021

Why does David compare himself to a olive tree? Olive trees have got lot of significance in early Israel. Olive trees are one of the most familiar trees in the entire Middle East. A bread and olive oil, often dipped first into a mixture of herbs and salt would make a simple Palestinian breakfast.

Psalm 52:8 - I am like a green olive tree in the house of God Here, David declares of himself that he was a green olive tree in the house of God. To understand this verse, we need to understand: A. The background of the psalm B. The significance of olive trees A. Background of Psalm 52. Psalm 52 ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 24:16, Jeremiah 11:16, John 15:2, Isaiah 11:1, Psalm 37:6, 1 Samuel 22:6-23, 1 Samuel 21:1-9, Matthew 13:43, Psalm 52:8  (view more)  (view less)

Your New Life In Christ Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jun 19, 2022

Paul reminds the believers at Ephesus of the depth of Grace and mercy of God. We all need to remember what happened in our own life to bring about this new life in Christ. The spiritual transformation of a sinner saved by grace.

The news cameras panned across the beautiful coast of Alaska. In the background birds were flying, whales were swimming and baby seals lying on the rocks. Everywhere the cameras focussed was teaming with wildlife. The news was there to report a tragedy. The ship in the picture was an oil barge ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Prudence

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. While imitating former President George Bush, the Saturday Night Live comedian Dana Carvey used a phrase that made him famous, "Wouldnât be prudent!" Instead of becoming resentful of Carvey, the President used prudence to invite Dana Carvey and his wife to the white house where the two men becam

1. While imitating former President George Bush, the Saturday Night Live comedian Dana Carvey used a phrase that made him famous, "Wouldnât be prudent!" Instead of becoming resentful of Carvey, the President used prudence to invite Dana Carvey and his wife to the white house where the two men ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:15-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What's The Connection Between Good Works And Salvation? Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Jul 4, 2001

GOOD DEEDS (INCLUDING KINDNESS TOWARDS OTHERS) ARE THE NATURAL EXPRESSION OF A CONVERTED LIFE, NOT THE BASIS FOR SALVATION

BIG IDEA: GOOD DEEDS (INCLUDING KINDNESS TOWARDS OTHERS) ARE THE NATURAL EXPRESSION OF A CONVERTED LIFE, NOT THE BASIS FOR SALVATION I. (:1-2) REMINDER TO PURSUE GOOD DEEDS CONSISTENTLY -- DON’T FALL BACK INTO THE OLD WAYS A. Submission to Authority 1. "Remind them to be subject to rulers, to ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:1-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Lukewarm Living Series

Contributed by Allen James on Sep 29, 2011

Part 7 of 7 in our summer series exploring the letters to the 7 churches in Revelation 2-3. Today's final message in the series examines the letter to the Church at Laodicea.

OPENING: Approach text with humility bc parts of our text VERY familiar. Pray today is that familiarity will not lead us to contentment. BC I believe God has a WORD for each of us today! READ REVELATION 3:14-22. BACKGROUND: Laodicea was located in the Lycus River Valley. Really was a ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Contest On Mount Carmel

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 13, 2013

Prevarication is not an option!

THE CONTEST ON MOUNT CARMEL. 1 Kings 18:20-39. The prophet Elijah is nothing if not bold in his confrontation with King Ahab. The king accused Elijah of being “he that troubles Israel” (1 Kings 18:17). The prophet’s retort was rather to accuse Ahab and his family of troubling Israel, as they had ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:20-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Song Of Mary

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 6, 2013

Mary magnifies the Lord.

THE SONG OF MARY. Luke 1:46-55. I) CONTEXT A young woman, betrothed but not married, had a visitation from an angel and was pronounced “blessed amongst women” (Luke 1:28). In what way was Mary blessed? Well, she had “found favour with God” (Luke 1:30): Mary was going to be the mother of the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-55

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Bullies And Braggarts Are No Better Than Anyone Else

Contributed by Craig Condon on Oct 8, 2015

Jesus does not like people who brag or think that they are better than other people. He said that in his coming kingdom those who think they are better than other people will be made humble, and those who are humble will be glorified.

Good morning boys and girls! Have any of you ever been bullied, teased or made fun of? It isn’t very much fun, is it? Believe me, I know the feeling because when I was your age I was bullied, made fun of and teased. Why do you think some people act like that? Have you heard anyone brag ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Anglican

"It's Tight, But It's Right"

Contributed by Bryan Beverly on Oct 24, 2014

This text reminds us that God sets the terms and conditions for a life with Him through Jesus Christ.

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. 14For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14) This text is part of a discourse by Jesus to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Truest Freedom

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 23, 2019

We are set free - to the truest kind of liberty.

THE TRUEST FREEDOM. Galatians 5:1; Galatians 5:13-25. Paul established the contrast between bondage and freedom by the use of an allegory concerning Hagar and Sarah, and their respective sons (Galatians 4:22). When we are born into this world, we are born into bondage to the corruption of ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1, Galatians 5:13-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Call And Compassion Of Jesus

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Mar 14, 2020

Jesus calls sinners, heals the sick and raises the dead.

THE CALL AND COMPASSION OF JESUS. Matthew 9:9-13; Matthew 9:18-26. 1. The Call of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13) Wherever we live, under whatever regime, tax collectors are unpopular. It was no different in first century Israel, where Matthew’s trade involved collaboration with the Romans, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13, Matthew 9:18-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Only Living God Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jan 25, 2024

As humans, we have an inherent desire to believe in something greater than ourselves,

As humans, we have an inherent desire to believe in something greater than ourselves. However, the danger lies in putting our faith in multiple false gods. When we believe in many false gods, we risk fragmenting our beliefs and values, leading to confusion and spiritual emptiness. In polytheistic ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6, Acts 14:15, 1 Thessalonians 1:9

Leadership- Submission Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Jul 12, 2024

This is the 206th sermon in the series "Action". This is the 4th sermon from 1 Timothy.

Series: Action [#206] LEADERSHIP- SUBMISSION 1 Timothy 2:9-15 Introduction: The #1 reason that Pastors do not enjoy preaching through a Book of the Bible is on display today. When preaching a Topical Sermon Series, you can avoid controversial or uncomfortable subjects; but when you preach ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:9-15

Denomination: Baptist

Matthew 5: 31-48

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Aug 18, 2025

NASB Footnotes from biblegateway.com

5. The Disciple’s Honor – Integrity under Fire Focus: Divorce, oaths, retaliation, love of enemies; call to perfection Why this section: Completes Jesus’ six contrasts, proving discipleship touches covenants, speech, justice, and even treating opponents with grace—vital for warriors who must ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:31-48

Denomination: Vineyard

Are You For Or Against

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Oct 24, 2019

A study in the book of Romans 8: 5 – 39

Romans 8: 5 – 39 Take a stand, are you for or against? 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:31

Denomination: Calvary Chapel