Sermons on Contrasting Ideas:

Sermon On Innovations

Contributed by William Meakin on Jan 30, 2024

Innovations are defined as a new method, idea, product, etc.

Steven Paul Jobs, an American businessman and inventor once remarked: “Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly and get on with improving your other innovations.” Ecclesiastes 7:29 reminds us: “See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:17, 1 Peter 4:11, Matthew 28:19, Luke 9:23

Two Types Of Evangelism (1 Corinthians 2:1-15) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 23, 2022

Comparing and contrasting friendship evangelism, with power evangelism. Also, Spirit wisdom, vs. human wisdom.

I'm finding it impossible when working in 1 Corinthians to offer you any kind of introduction each week. There's something about reflecting on human wisdom, and Spirit wisdom, and Paul's criticism of human eloquence and rhetorical nicety that just stifles that. This week, in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-15

Competing Calls Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Sep 8, 2004

#4 in Proverbs & Parables Series The call of the wise is contrasted with the call of the wild in Proverbs 9

Competing Calls Proverbs 8-9 SCRIPTURE READING: Proverbs 9:1-6 INTRODUCTION: Have you ever gone shopping across the border in Mexico? I remember one particular time. I was walking through the “tiendas” (shopping district) in Monterrey, Mexico. On every side “hawkers” were standing at the ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 9:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God In The Movies - The Matrix Series

Contributed by Glyn Norman on Mar 26, 2003

An examination of the spiritual message of the Matrix, with comparisons and contrasts (actual message used clips as described)

God in the Movies The Matrix What is Real? Warning – for any children in the audience, some of the clips might be disturbing Premise of the movie for any that haven’t seen it. The main character is a computer hacker called Neo. He suspects that something is wrong with the world, but he doesn’t ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Temptation Of Terah: Refuse Complacency

Contributed by Robert Simmons on Feb 24, 2002

Contrast Terah the father of Abraham and his incomplete journey with the inspiring faith and obedience of Abraham.

THE TEMPTATION OF TERAH Genesis 11:31-12:4 Hebrews 11:8-19 Resolutions are made and broken. Diets are begun and ended. Home improvement projects lie around our houses half completed. Beginning with enthusiasm is not enough. Planning a journey, loading the van, the buzz of excitement is not ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-19

Denomination: Church Of God

How Foolish Of Me To Think That God Was Beneath Me...

Contributed by Simon Rundell on Dec 20, 2000

Contrasts the notion of Christ as foundation with Christ as Capstone, leading us up towards God.

Sermon: 28th March 1999 (My very first sermon before beginning at Theological College) "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes"? Ladies and Gentlemen, When a Parish sends one of its congregation for training ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:42

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Hammer And The Donkey

Contributed by David Limiero on May 1, 2001

A narrative message for Palm Sunday contrasting the arrival of "The Hammer" (Judas Maccabeus) with that of Jesus.

FIRST MOVEMENT: The Hammer They called him “the Hammer.” He probably got the name from his style of warfare. He attacked hard and fast, guerrilla-warfare style. The Hammer was a seasoned warrior. And, because of his success against overwhelming odds, he was a hero to his fellow Israelis. Israel ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-44, Psalm 118:25-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

Seeking Him - His Terms

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Sep 21, 2009

Contrasting Pride & Humility with the lives of Uzziah & Isaiah and how it relates to our approach to the Lord

Affectionately known as "Uncle John" to his troops, Union Gen. John Sedgwick was one of the best loved c Civil War commanders and was known to be a solid and dependable leader. During the Battle of the Wilderness in the Civil War, Union general John Sedgwick was inspecting his troops near ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Friend At Midnight Series

Contributed by Charles Salmon on Jan 17, 2005

The parable of the friend who came begging at midnight presents a contrast of need, concern, and ability.

The Friend at Midnight Luke 11:5-11 INTRO.: Have you ever felt betrayed by someone you felt you should be able to trust? Have you ever asked for a favor and been turned down by someone you thought should help? Has a neighbor disappointed you? In the neighborhood where I grew up, doors were never ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:5-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Spoiled And Selfish Series

Contributed by Bradford Robinson on Jun 28, 2004

This sermon looks at the spoiled nature of Ahab and contrast that with Naboth who was a man of integrity and priciples.

In a 2001 Times Magizine cover article entilted, “Power Struggle-whose in charge” and in this article, a vivid example of a somewhat epidemic was given. It reads: Here is a parenting parable for our age. Carla Wagner, 17, of Coral Gables, Fla., spent the afternoon drinking the tequila she ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 21:1-29

Denomination: Methodist

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

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

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