Sermons on Contrasting Ideas:

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

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

"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

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

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

Man's Fickleness And God's Faithfulness Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Nov 23, 2009

In Isaiah 65 and 66, Isaiah presents the contrast between man’s fickleness and God’s faithfulness.

So far, we’ve spent five weeks in the Book of Isaiah, focusing on how Isaiah describes the “Day of the Lord”. As I’ve pointed out during that time, much of what Isaiah writes deals with various aspects of the “Day of the Lord”, so all we’ve really been able to do is to look at a few brief snapshots ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 65:1-16

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

Witnessing 101: A Global Perspective Series

Contributed by Dan Cale on Jul 19, 2005

This is the Fifth in a 5 part series on becoming a witness for Christ. This message investigates the idea of developing a global perpective on witnessing. It includes the ideas of home, community, the unwanted, and the world.

You Shall Be My Witnesses Pt 5 ¡V A Global Perspective Acts 1:6-8 We started this series some weeks ago with this very text. We have been talking about this passage as the beginning and the heart of the newly developed church. Today I want to put the finishing touches on this idea of becoming ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:6-8

Denomination: *other

Is There A Cause?

Contributed by Davon Huss on Nov 12, 2001

Sermon for Veteran’s Day 2001. Discusses the ideas of absolute truth and postmodernism

Sermon for 11/11/2001 Is there a Cause? 1 Samuel 17 Adapted from an outline by Tom Walker on The Preacher’s Corner Introduction: A. One of my favorite children’s stories is the Emperor’s New Clothes. It is the tale about an Emperor who was swindled by a supposed tailor. The man claims to sew a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:28-29, John 18:36-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Being Filled With The Spirit Series

Contributed by Thomas H on Oct 4, 2010

This sermon presents us with two contrasts - living a life of drunkenness and debauchery, or living a life filled with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18-21 Whats your idea of a good time? A really smashing good time? Think about what you regard as a good time. Then think about what your friends who arent Christians think is a good time. Your friends, family, workmates, that is, the ones who dont know Christ. What do they regard as a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Series

Contributed by Dennis Lawrence on Feb 9, 2001

Paul uses tremendous contrasts to show the need to distrust the world and to completely trust God and what He offers.

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly February 10, 2001 Contrasts can be a wonderful tool to use in order to make a point. We’re very familiar with contrasts that use extremes and represent opposite ends of a spectrum. Some of these include, black and white, big and small, tall and short, fat and thin, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, Luke 11:13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

David And Saul Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Nov 18, 2022

In this story we see the unmistakable contrast between Saul's choices and David's choices.

November 19, 2022 After David defeated Goliath, Saul did not allow David to return home – because David did not swear loyalty to him. Even so, there’s no doubt that Saul felt some gratitude toward David. After all, David was Saul’s favorite musician and he had taken care of the “Goliath ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:6-7

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist