Sermons on Contrasting Ideas:

Hope That Endures: Finding Strength In Trials Romans 5:3-4 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 23, 2024

Romans 5:3-4 speaks of a truth that is challenging yet deeply encouraging: the idea that our problems and trials are not wasted—they serve a purpose.

Hope That Endures: Finding Strength in Trials Romans 5:3-4 Romans 5:3-4 (NLT) – “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-4, James 1:2-3, Hebrews 12:1, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Romans 8:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Pattern Of Freedom Series

Contributed by Chuck Gohn on Aug 23, 2022

This sermon focuses on the idea that in the United States (i.e., the land of the free) it is impossible to truly be free without the freedom that is granted us by Jesus Christ.

If you have your Bibles and you want to follow along, today’s passage comes out of the book of John, chapter 8, starting at verse 31. We will get to it eventually, I promise. But we are going to start off with a little bit of an introduction. As most of you know if you have been here a while, ...read more

Scripture: John 1:18, John 14:6, John 8:31-47

Denomination: Christian Church

My Schedule Is A Hot Mess Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 4, 2023

The main idea is to find time to rest, spend time with God, and give God control of our schedules to bring order to our chaotic lives.

Remember how God created the world in six days and then chilled on the seventh? He wasn't wiped out, but He wanted to show us that taking a break is important. So, we gotta find time to chill too. It's not just about catching some Z's, but also about taking a day to do something cool or just relax. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:2-3, John 5:17

Topics: Time Management, Productivity, Work-Life Balance, Prioritization

The Meaning Of The Cross Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Mar 4, 2024

The main idea is to understand two theories of atonement - Penal Substitution and Christus Victor - and to explore the significance of Jesus' death on the cross in defeating the powers of evil.

You know that cross necklace you wear, or the one you see people wearing? It's more than just a cool piece of jewelry. It's a symbol of something huge that happened a long time ago. Jesus died on a cross, and that changed everything. But why did He have to die, and why does it matter so much? Let's ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Hebrews 2:14-15, Colossians 2:13-15

Topics: Salvation, Resurrection, Crucifixion, Redemption

We Must Not Do Evil That Good May Come

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 23, 2025

Paul strongly refutes this error in Romans 3:8. The idea that one can do wrong with the hope that good will result is not only unscriptural but damnable.

WE MUST NOT DO EVIL THAT GOOD MAY COME By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Romans 3:8 (KJV) “And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.” Supporting Texts: Romans 6:1-2, Isaiah 5:20, Proverbs 14:12, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:8

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Sent Ones Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 8, 2023

The sermon introduction discusses the idea of the church acting as a 'trailer' for Christianity, aiming to live in such a way that it entices others to want to learn more about the faith.

Are you the kind of person who enjoys watching the trailers for upcoming movies? Maybe you get to the theater early especially to see those trailers on the big screen. Trailers are tasters, short film versions of the soon-to-be-released feature, and they usually include the best special effects or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 10:7-8

Topics: Movie Metaphors, Church Influence, Spiritual Impact

Sermon Series: Surprise The World

People At The Cross Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 7, 2003

There were all kinds of people at the Cross. What distinguished these groups of people? The condition of their souls, their spiritual heart attitudes. Around the Cross of Jesus, we can see people who demonstrated some contrasting heart conditions.

People At The Cross (Matt. 27:36-44, Luke 23:39-43, John 19:25-27) 1. A father and daughter we walking through a spacious prairie. 2. In the distance, they could see fire all around them. They knew they could not escape it. 3. The father knew there was only one way to escape: set fire to the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:36-44, Luke 23:39-43

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Growing Higher Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 6, 2024

The Bible forms the foundation of our faith, and if that foundation isn't sound, your faith could crumble. But why would that be true, and what happens if we don't accept that idea?

ILLUS: A famous Christian writer told of doing a lectureship at Ohio State University. As he was being driven to the lecture, he passed the new Wexner Art Center and the driver said, “This is a new art building for the university. It is a fascinating building designed in the post-modernist view ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Just Say No Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 24, 2003

Like Job’s friend Zophar, we eagerly find faults with others, thinking that pointing out their mistakes is all that is needed, and failing to build a relationship first. Contrast with Christ, who "became sin" for us.

We are studying the very human issue of faultfinding during this Lenten season. We are using the story of Job and his friends, if you call them that, as they tried to console him, no, really, instruct him in his misery. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, three miserable comforters, Job said, because ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

Do Good!

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on May 4, 2017

I think when you look at this text in the Prophet Micah what is going on he is preaching against the reality of business as normal. The Is a sermon that challenges the idea that the beliver can be faithful to God and not do the work of Justice

Do Good, Micah 6 Micah was one of those eighth-century prophets (along with First Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea) who had the unhappy call "to declare to Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin" (Micah 3:8). The problem, in Micah's view (not to mention God's) was the failure of God's people to ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:1-6

Denomination: United Methodist

Devoted Or Distracted?

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Jul 17, 2016

Sometimes we get so busy for the Lord that we lose what is most important: that quiet time before the Lord. Mary and Martha show us a contrast in devotion and distraction, and challenge us to keep Christ first.

Luke 10:38-42 Devoted or Distracted? My internet went out Friday, so I went through all the troubleshooting. And then it asked me, “Do you want me to reboot the router?” And I hit the “yes” button. By all means, reboot the router, if that will reconnect me with the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

David And Goliath : A Triumph Against All Odds

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Aug 22, 2005

THIS SERMONS REVEALS THE AMAZING SECRETS OF DAVID’S VICTORY OVER GOLIATH NAMELY 1. CONTRAST 2. COURAGE 3. CONFIDENCE 4. COMMENTS 5. CONFESSION 6. CONTEST 7. CHAMPION

DAVID AND GOLIATH : A TRIUMPH AGAINST ALL ODDS ******************************************** OUTLINE 1. CONTRAST 2. COURAGE 3. CONFIDENCE 4. COMMENTS 5. CONFESSION 6. CONTEST 7. CHAMPION THE MESSAGE DAVID AND GOLIATH : A TRIUMPH AGAINST ALL ODDS ******************************************** 1. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1-58

Denomination: Pentecostal

Afraid Of God

Contributed by Jeremy Houck on Jun 11, 2005

John Calvin wrote, "Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God." The more we look at God, the more evil we discover.

Afraid of God Isaiah 6:1-8 Over the past few weeks on Sunday evenings we have been looking at the Biblical portrait of Jehovah. We have looked at the fact that we were created by God with a holy hunger that only the creator can fill. Then we spent three weeks looking at the qualities we find in ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Enough Faith In God To Submit Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Dec 1, 2000

A biographical narative contrasting and comparing Zechariah and Mary calling individuals to commit themselves to examining one part of their lives each day this week – asking if they trust God enough to pray “Thy will be done.”

Text: Luke 1:5-38 Title: Enough Faith in God to Submit Topic: Faith Theme: Submissive Faith Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness calling God’s people in my care to trust Go enough to submit to His plan for their lives. Response: Individuals will commit themselves to examining one part of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-38

Denomination: Wesleyan

God's Discipline Vs. Our Pain Series

Contributed by David Wilson on Oct 12, 2007

From a series of Wednesday night Bible Studies on Psalms 1-23. David thinks he has been disciplined enough, but we take the time to contrast parental discipline and godly discipline.

Notes From Psalm 6 Verses 1-2 Discipline is unavoidable for the child of God. God’s discipline is a demonstration of divine love. See Hebrews 12: 4 - 11 Proverbs 13:24 The purpose of God’s discipline is not to crush us, but to create a right heart within us. What we think is God’s ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 6:1-10

Denomination: Baptist