Sermons on Contrasting Ideas:

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

Sermon # 4 - In God's True Image Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Mar 12, 2025

God’s image in us as human beings is what makes us special. But, we should also bear in mind that we are the temple of the living God and He dwells within us. Only when we live in total obedience to His word will all of our confusions be turned to peace and rest.

We read in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (ESV) The word of God counsels us ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:8, Genesis 11:3-4, Genesis 1:27, Matthew 11:28, Genesis 11:4, Isaiah 66:1, Acts 17:24, Genesis 9:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

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

Have A Mary Christmas Series

Contributed by Aaron Bryan on Dec 8, 2004

Like Christmas, Jesus was to the house of Martha. This contrasts our worship and works for the Lord in our service this time of year.

“Have A More Mary Christmas” Luke 10:38-42 1Co 7:35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. In the holiday season our problem in America is we have too much. Too much ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

Life Under The Sun V. Life Under The Son

Contributed by James Vilgos on Dec 17, 2004

In Ecclesiates Solomon writes of the futility of life under the sun. Contrast this with life under the Son, Jesus, God the Son

Life “Under the Sun” v. “Life Under the Son” Chaplain James Vilgos Scripture Reading Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 Life “under the s-u-n” v. life “under the S-o-n” When I was young a song titled Richard Cory was popular it was based on a poem of the same title, the lyrics state in part: They say that ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

Denomination: Orthodox

Our Fleshly Desires And The Law Series

Contributed by Bruce Landry on May 23, 2005

Our fleshly desires and the law are at contrasts. Let’s look at what God directs our lives to be.

Our Fleshly Desires and the Law Our Battle Our Victory When lost recently… Mayday… SOS… We all become lost and confused occasionally and God gives us some great advise through confessions of Paul that we must readily confess to be right with God… Our Battle Confession 1: We are carnal, sold ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:14

Denomination: Baptist

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

I Know What Love Is! Series

Contributed by A. Todd Coget on May 11, 2001

In contrast to what the world calls love, this sermon explains the Bible’s definition of what real love is.

What Do You Know? I Know What Love Is 1John 3:11-24 & 4:7-21 May 13, 2001 Mother’s Day Intro: A. [Kellie Ammons sent the following e-mail to me this week…] Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born. So one day he asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow but how am ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:11-24, 1 John 4:7-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Are You Good Enough Series

Contributed by Dan Brown on Dec 5, 2006

The contrast between enough, being good enough to be righteous in God’s eyes & understanding the true source of righteousness.

EPIC-9/14/03-Are You Good Enough?-Matt. 5:17-37 Clip from movie Ground Hog Day-early on where Bill Murray realizes he is reliving the same day over and over about 2-3 minute clip that shows various events from those days that he is reliving. Stuck in a day-list of all the good things he can ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-34

Denomination: *other

An Act Of Worship Series

Contributed by Tim White on Aug 19, 2009

At the feast in Bethany, we can see a beautiful picture of the Church and a contrast between a worshiper and one who was selfish.

* Jesus had been staying a Ephraim. * As the Passover approached, people began to wonder if Jesus would show up for the feast. * He shows up in Bethany at a feast to honor him, sponsored by the family of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. * In this setting, we get the most beautiful picture of a healthy, ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist