Sermons on Contrasting Ideas:

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

Before & After You Met Christ Series

Contributed by Tim Hbc on Sep 30, 2008

The remarkable contrast between what we were and what we now are, as Christians.

Introduction If you were a Martian, recently landed on earth, and you watched British TV, what would you think?! You would think that Britain today is obsessed with before and after stories. Home improvement TV programmes show a shabby home bought at an auction. Three months later it looks ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

Sold Out To Jesus Or A Sell-Out To Jesus? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 28, 2021

A stark contrast between Mary and Judas sets the stage for the beginning of the of Jesus' ministry.

THE END IS NIGH: Amid many unanswered questions, everything in this passage makes it clear that Jesus will be gone soon. - John 12:1-11. - Some of the unanswered questions: a. Why anoint six days early? b. Why did no one notice that Judas was stealing? c. How ridiculous is it to think that ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Walking In Abundance Or Lack?

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Feb 22, 2009

The folly of trusting in humans is contrasted with the wisdom of trusting in the Lord. The families of Judah were committed to Baal worship.

Walking in Abundance or Lack? Text: Jeremiah 17: 5-8 In academic circles a favorite type of question to ask in an exam or an essay starts with the words ‘compare and contrast’. The task is to discuss the differences and similarities between two different ideas or situations, to show where they ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Hidden World Of Service

Contributed by Michael Trask on Sep 25, 2006

The contrast couldn’t be more stark. Jesus describes his ultimate act of service while the disciples argue over which of them will be the greatest! This sermon stealthily plunges the listener into this contrast; then pulls them out on the right side.

My dear friends in Christ, I want to tell you about something that I didn’t really begin to figure out until I was about 24. Many of you figured it out long before you reached that age; some of you have not figured it out yet. But when someone finally does learn it, and it begins to sink ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:30-37

Denomination: Lutheran

What Will You Gain? Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Aug 11, 2023

There are two sharply contrasting philosophies of life. One is seen in the rich fool story. It is about going for what the world offers. The other philosophy of life is about going for what Christ offers. Our passage contrasts these two philosophies.

What will you gain? Mark 8:34-38 The story is told of a rich farmer, his fields were particularly fruitful, so much so that there was not enough room to store everything. He tore down the barns and built new and bigger ones. After the new barns were built, he felt like he could sit back and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38, Luke 13:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

Church Growth

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Aug 27, 2001

More ideas on what it will take to make a church grow.

CHURCH GROWTH Acts 18:7-8 INTRO.- ILL.- Top 10 Ways You Know You’re In A Bad Church 10. The church bus has gun racks. 9 . The church staff consists of Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor and Socio-pastor. 8. The Bible they use is the "Dr. Seuss Version." 7. There’s an ATM in the lobby. 6. The choir ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:7-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ