Sermons on Contrasting Ideas:

"Bear The Cross Of Self Denial"

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Aug 31, 2017

The sermon is based on the idea of dying by denying self and considering the needs of others in order to be a true disciple of Jesus.

“Bear the Cross by Self Denial” Matthew 16:21-28 • It was bad enough for the disciples to hear that Jesus would suffer, be rejected, and die on a cross. Now Jesus told them that they must do the same thing. The cross was an instrument of death it had no other purpose • “Cross bearing does ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Denomination: Methodist

Why Darwin Cried But We Rejoice

Contributed by Michael Walther on Jun 20, 2011

The miracle of Creation brings us closer to God. The idea of evolution takes us away from God.

“Why Darwin Cried But We Rejoice” Genesis 1.1-2.4 Today is Trinity Sunday - the one Sunday of the church year that is devoted especially to God and His unique nature as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God reveals Himself with many different names. Each of them teach us something about ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Putting It All Together Series

Contributed by Steven Spillman on May 2, 2008

review these seven ideas and see if we can’t boil them down into a workable game plan.

In the last seven weeks we’ve covered seven characteristics related to God’s purpose for your life. Understanding these characteristics will help you recognize and accept the purpose God has planned for you. They’re not strategies for spiritual success that I or anyone else have created. They’re ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

31 Ways To Favor Your Pastor

Contributed by Johnny Creasong on Sep 26, 2009

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. Here’s some ideas to get your creative juices flowing...

31 FAVORS FOR YOUR PASTOR October is Clergy Appreciation Month! After doing some research with other pastors on how their congregations had shown them their appreciation in the past, I thought I would write down some ideas to get your creative appreciation juices running. Since October had 31 ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:17

Denomination: Church Of God

What Does It Mean That Jesus Was A ‘ransom’ For Us? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 22, 2014

A look at the correct understanding of "ransom" (it's not an extortion) and four key ideas that help us understand it.

PAYING "RANSOM"? Does this mean that God gave into extortion? - 1 Timothy 2:6. - A ransom is a price paid for someone’s freedom. - It’s an easy idea to get off-track on if you don’t watch it. - How so? Sometimes a ransom is basically extortion. Someone kidnaps someone and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Denomination: Baptist

Does God Have A Wonderful Plan For Your Life?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 14, 2017

This sermon looks at two of the common misinterpretations of this verse and two ideas that can help us understand it accurately.

- One of the most misinterpreted Scriptures is Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” - It’s usually used as a Superman verse. Any obstacle I face I can bat aside in the power of Jesus’ name! Any struggle I can end with a powerful word of prayer! Any need ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Denomination: Baptist

Live A Good Story

Contributed by Jeff Poor on Apr 10, 2019

You have no idea what hangs in the balances of your decision to embrace the story that God has for you.

Welcome… Thanksgiving/Black Friday… Make some joke here. When we started here we started with a series called Timeless where we looked at the ways we can grow our faith. And we asked this question what you our life look like if we were rooted into Jesus. Now over a year later i think we can say ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11, John 1:35-51, Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Mother's Love

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Nov 14, 2019

There are a lot of mushy ideas about love in our world. God gives us the example of the real thing.

Christians talk about love a lot. It’s a subject for any Sunday, any Monday, Tuesday or other day, for that matter. It’s especially a subject for Mother’s Day, because our moms are some of the people we think of first when we think about being loved. It’s easy to talk about love as some mushy, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-2

The Fruits Of Repentance Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Oct 6, 2019

The Big Idea: Repentance is the gateway to holiness. Lent is a time of contemplation; turning—or returning—to God.

King Frederick II, King of Prussia in the eighteenth-century, once visited a prison in Berlin. The inmates there tried to convince him they were unjustly imprisoned; that is, all of them but one. That one sat quietly in a corner, while the rest protested their innocence. Seeing him sitting there ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Denomination: Other

A Faithful Defense

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Oct 6, 2019

The Big Idea: God wants us to be faithful him in our words and actions, even in difficult situations.

Of Christians put to death for their faith in the second century, perhaps no account is as striking as the story of Polycarp. Polycarp (A.D. 70-155) is bishop of Smyrna and a godly man who knows the apostle John personally. When urged by the Roman proconsul to renounce Christ, Polycarp responds ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

Denomination: Other

The Act Of Forgiveness.

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on May 23, 2020

“Every one,” C.S. Lewis writes, “says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until there is something to forgive”

Matthew 18:21-Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22-Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23-“Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Baptist

Believers Beware Of Backsliding

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Feb 9, 2020

Most Christians have no idea what the term backsliding means. This message explore the definition and the process involved.

“Believers Beware of Backsliding” Hosea 7:1-16, 11:7, 14:4 Scripture Reading Hosea 7:8 Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. 9 Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not. ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 7:1-16, Hosea 11:7, Hosea 14:4

Denomination: Baptist

Brought To Life; Brought Together Spiritual Warfare: The Shield Of Faith Series

Contributed by David Taylor on Jan 21, 2025

Big Idea: Stand against Satan by faith, taking our thoughts captive to God’s word.

We are continuing our series in Ephesians, Brought to Life; Brought Together, looking at the spiritual battle we face in 6:10-20, which calls us to stand strong against Satan’s schemes by utilizing the armor of God (14). We are looking at the various pieces of armor and how it empowers us to stand ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:16, 1 Peter 5:8-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Moses Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Feb 6, 2025

Israel is crying out to God for deliverance. They had no idea their deliverer was a baby, being raised in the palaces of Pharaoh.

The Story of Us Moses February 16, 2025 Joseph has died and his influence is no longer felt in Egypt. Israel is no longer guests in Egypt but are now slaves. They are the work force to finish the Pharaoh’s building projects. They are crying out to God for deliverance. They had no idea their ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:12-17, Exodus 2:5-10, Exodus 3:1-6, Exodus 33:15-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Refining Fire Of Righteousness Series

Contributed by Jason Martin on Dec 21, 2024

Main Idea: God’s promise to purify His people and the hope of His coming judgment and restoration.

Text is Malachi 3:1 - Chapter 4:6 1. Introduction: God’s Justice and Purification - Recap: The Book of Malachi has revealed the broken state of Israel's relationship with God, marred by corrupt priests, lack of genuine worship, and disregard for God’s covenant. Yet, God’s love remains ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:1, Malachi 4:6

Denomination: Church Of God