Sermons on Contrasting Ideas:

The Truth Of Forgiveness

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Dec 29, 2021

What does it mean that Jesus died for my forgiveness? This is an exploration of that idea.

The Truth of Forgiveness Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz Mark 12:28-37 28 One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-37

Denomination: United Methodist

Salt & Light

Contributed by David Ward on Sep 12, 2019

Big Idea: We have a part to play, and the power to play it.

INTRODUCTION: In an episode from the classic TV series from the 1960's, "The Andy Griffith Show," Andy Taylor, the sheriff of Mayberry, is out of town. His deputy, Barney Fife, is in charge, and he has deputized the local mechanic, Gomer Pyle. The two deputies are walking down the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Does It Mean That ‘all Died’ At The Cross? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 28, 2018

A look at the idea of substitutionary atonement and what it means for who we are in Christ.

HOW MANY DIED AT THE CROSS? What does it mean that “all died” at the cross? - 2 Corinthians 5:14. WHAT DOES "SUBSTITUTION ATONEMENT" LOOK LIKE? Christ died as a “substitution” for me. - 2 Corinthians 5:14. [Put these in the outline. Maybe put some of the Scriptures on the screen.] WHAT ARE ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon On Inspirational Teachings

Contributed by William Meakin on Oct 19, 2024

One of the many definitions of teaching is said to be ideas or principles taught by an authority.

Henry Brooks Adams, an American historian once remarked: "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." Titus 2:7-8 reminds us: “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, James 3:1, Psalm 32:8, Colossians 3:16

The Secret Of Contentment Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Aug 5, 2004

In marked contrast with the widespread discontent of our world, the Apostle Paul spoke on the subject of contentment in his letter to the church at Philippi.

Restoring the Joy A Study of the Book of Philippians Sermon # 12 “The Secret of Contentment” Philippians 4:10-15 “A Russian woman lived with her husband and two children in a very small hut. Her husband’s parents lost ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-15

Denomination: Baptist

Harvest Thanksgiving, Even In Suffering

Contributed by Matthew Oliver on Mar 18, 2016

A reflection on the appropriateness of thanksgiving and glorifying God, even in the midst of intense personal suffering. Contrasted with the First World expectation of self-actualization.

Genesis 2:4-25, Ps 126, Matthew 6:25-33 “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? 6:31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, —What shall we eat?’ or —What ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-33

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

God This Is The Way I Want It Series

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on May 10, 2007

We often have preconceived ideas as to how God is going to do something for us. We have certain ways we want to see it happen, but God may have a different idea.

May, 2007 "God, This is the Way I Want It" II Kings 5:8-15 "But Naaman was wroth, and went away and said, Behold, I thought he will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper." II Kings ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:8-15

Denomination: Methodist

Isaiah's Vision Of Mount Zion Series

Contributed by Darryl Klassen on Nov 13, 2007

This sermon explores the vision of Mount Zion as it contrasted the Mount Sinai experience. Isaiah saw our experience with the presence of the LORD.

ISAIAH’S VISION OF MOUNT ZION There is nothing in all creation that is as majestic and mighty as a mountain. Sharon and I had the privilege of seeing Greece in all its mountainous glory. We had no idea that this nation was so full of mountains. Often we would see the clouds scraping the peaks of ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5

Denomination: Mennonite

Our King's Glad Face Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 16, 2021

Palm Sunday is a day of great paradox, for it was a day of such contrasting emotions. Jesus was such a glad king; such a sad king, and such a mad king.

The final week of the life of Abraham Lincoln has an amazing parallel to that of the final week of Jesus. From Palm Sunday to Good Friday is only 5 days, yet in that 5 days we go from the scene of the triumphal entry of the King to the scene of the tragic exit of the King on the cross. Listen to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-44

The Antidote To The ‘kindly Grandfather’ God Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 16, 2024

This passage is a stark contrast to the "kindly grandfather" image of God that many had. What are the specific ways that shows up here?

JUDGMENT-FREE ZONE: Many people like to think of God as a kindly grandfather. - Ezekiel 5:1. - There is a popular conception of God as a kindly (and slightly senile) grandfather in the sky. He’s not going to rebuke you for anything you’re doing. He’s going to ask if everyone had a good time. And ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 5:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Interacting With Sinners Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 21, 2005

Sermon contrasts Jesus’ interaction with the woman caught in adultry with the Pharisees interaction with her. How should the church deal with sinners?

Interacting with Sinners John 8:1-11 11-9-03 Intro This morning we are going to minister from the first 11 verses of John 8. How many of you have a New International Version? If you do, you will find a comment inserted by the translators concerning this passage that says, “The earlier ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Denomination: Charismatic

In The Lion's Den Series

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Oct 18, 2000

Daniel’s faith was tested again in his refusal to compromise on his worship of God contrasting with the corruption of King Darius’ court.

DANIEL 6 - IN THE LION’S DEN The title to this chapter is symbolic of the situation in which Daniel found himself. Here we have a character study of three types of people, the Good, the Bad and the Indifferent - as symbolised by Daniel, his enemies and King Darius. All three types are met in ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 6:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

Peace Boulevard Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 8, 2008

The Biblical word "peace" [Greek ~ Irene] signifies far more than merely the absence of war. It carries the idea of completeness and wholeness. It conveys a sense of inner-satisfaction and fulfillment. It communicates the idea of contentment and serenity.

Opening illustration: A four-year-old and a six-year-old presented their mom with a houseplant. They had used their own money to buy it and she was thrilled. The older of them said with a sad face, "There was a bouquet at the flower shop that we wanted to give you. It was real pretty but it was too ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Women And Christianity Pt. 1 Series

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Dec 16, 2013

The teachings of Christianity were revolutionary. The ideas and doctrines found in the New Testament were radically different from the ideas and doctrines found in the rest of the world. One area where this was true was the status and rights of women.

The advent of the Feminist Movement in our Country in the late 1960s and early 1970s promoted the assertion that women were oppressed, being deprived of their equal rights and equal opportunities in society. They attacked Christianity as being patriarchal by denying women the opportunity to be in ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Two Comings Of Christ

Contributed by William Sessums, Jr. on Apr 16, 2001

Sermon comparing and contrasting the two appearances of Christ and the two types of people who will be alive at His second appearance.

The Two Comings of Christ Hebrews 9: 26-28 I. Christ’s First Coming- V.26 He has appeared. a. Came as a Man- He exchanged the glorious for the mortal- nothing extraordinary to look at. b. Came, as a Sin-offering- He was sinless yet he took our sins upon Himself. He was a one-time offering unlike ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:26-28, Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Church Of God