Sermons on Contrasting Ideas:

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

"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

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

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

Church Leaders Serving The People

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on May 16, 2023

In the foot-washing story, Jesus exemplifies servant leadership. Our church leaders should be exercising this idea.

Church Leaders Serving the People John 13:1-11 Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz John 13:1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 During ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-11

Denomination: United Methodist

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

James And Paul On Works And Faith

Contributed by Greg Nance on Jun 30, 2012

James 2 and Romans 4 have some interesting contrasts. Faith without works is dead or faith apart from works is what saves... which is true?

Last week James told us that if we are careless with our language our religion is worthless. (Jas. 1:26) This week James tells us that if we believe without acting on it our faith is worthless. (Jas. 2:14,17,20,26). A worthless religion and a worthless faith make a worthless Christian and a ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Strange Way To Save The World

Contributed by Stephen Colaw on Nov 29, 2005

In contrast to what we would do, God didn’t send a superhero to save the world, he sent His Son, the humble, gentle, loving Christ.

A Strange Way to Save the World Scripture: I Corinthians 1:27-31 Theme: God’s ways are not our ways. He chose to save the world in a way that would bring glory to himself and not to us. Seed: Song “A Strange Way to Save the World” Purpose: To help people understand that God’s view of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:27-31

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Work Of Christ Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Apr 5, 2008

In Romans 5:12-21 the apostle Paul contrasts the work of Adam with the work of Christ. This sermon examines the effectiveness, extent, efficacy, essence, and energy of the work of Christ.

Scripture In Romans 5:12-21 the apostle Paul presents Adam and Christ as two “representative figures” whose acts determine the destiny of all who belong to them. Last week we examined “The Work of Adam” in Romans 5:12-14. And today, we shall explore “The Work of Christ” in Romans 5:15-21. Let’s ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:15-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Few Small Coins Series

Contributed by John Sears on Jan 5, 2012

Do you struggle with the idea that your giving makes no difference? What difference does our giving make in the Grand scheme of things.

Have you seen the Television show, Storage Wars? Storage Wars is a reality television series that began on the A&E Network premiering in 2010. The show features two auctioneers and 5 auction hunters -- Dave Hester, Darrell Sheets, Barry Weiss, and Jarrod Schulz and Brandi Passante. (If you watch ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church

Guarding Your Mind: Having It Open But Not At Both Ends Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 16, 2024

In a world flooded with competing ideas, philosophies, and beliefs: "Having an open mind doesn’t mean having it open at both ends."

Guarding Your Mind: Having It Open but Not at Both Ends Proverbs 4:23, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8 (NLT) Introduction: Today, we are addressing a critical topic for Christians in a world flooded with competing ideas, philosophies, and beliefs: "Having an open mind doesn’t mean having ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23, Philippians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 12:2, Psalm 119:105, 1 John 4:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Light The Way Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 8, 2023

The sermon explores the idea that the meek, broken-hearted, hungry, peacemakers, merciful, and persecuted are the salt and light of the world, tasked with guiding others towards Christ.

Have you ever been lost? What did you do? How did you find your way again? Share about a time when you were lost. Where were you and what was happening? How did you find your way again? Did you ask someone for help? Did you get out a map? Did you ask Siri for directions? Make the point that you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20

Topics: Salt And Light, Kingdom Blessings, Spiritual Guidance

Two Kings, Two Paths

Contributed by Martin Spoelstra on Oct 12, 2025

Big Idea: Saul grasped for control, while David trusted God’s timing. True kingship is not measured by force but by surrender to the Lord.

They say, “timing is everything.” And you don’t have to be a musician to know that’s true — although if you’ve ever sung the wrong verse while everyone else moved on to the chorus, you know how awkward bad timing can be. Think about how much of life depends on timing. Arriving five minutes late to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 57:1-3, 1 Samuel 24:1-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

You Had To Act

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jan 21, 2015

Many who encountered Jesus found it impossible to remain neutral about Him. Today everyone has their own idea about Jesus. Some of these ideas are based on what others have said and some of them are their own thoughts. What is your public stand on Jesus?

Opening illustration: A US congressman, John Lewis, was 23 years old when he participated in the historic 1963 civil rights “March on Washington” led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Half a century later, journalist Bill Moyers asked Lewis how he was affected by Dr. King’s ‘I ...read more

Scripture: John 7:40-46

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational