Sermons on Contrasting Ideas:

Gifts For Jesus

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Dec 17, 2018

This sermon is going to contrast the motives of King Herod, the priests and teachers of the law with that of the Magi and in doing so conclude that what Jesus truly wants on His birthday is the symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh!

Gifts for Jesus Matthew 2:1-12 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 This sermon is available on the above website in Word, PDF, audio and a live video What gift can one give to Jesus on His birthday? You think shopping for spouse, children, other relatives and friends of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Romans, Part 16 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Feb 14, 2011

Paul takes several verses to compare and contrast Jesus with Adam in the hopes that we would understand that the actions of one man led us to death; but the actions of The One (Jesus) leads us to life.

Romans, Part 16 Romans 5:9-21 Introduction - If we read the Bible, we see example after example of God’s love for us - But, why does He love us so? Are we not full of sin, rage, anger, and malice? - Do we not disobey at every turn and adopt the “if it feels good do it” ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:9-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Short Christmas Message - Christmas Travesty – Pseudo Christmas Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 3, 2022

There are two versions of Christmas - one the world accepts, and the one Christians accept. One is false and one is correct. This shorter message considers "Pseudo-Christmas", the false Christmas. It is a message of contrasts.

A SHORT CHRISTMAS MESSAGE - CHRISTMAS TRAVESTY – PSEUDO CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS IN SOCIETY Well Christmas time is almost upon us again. Some people ignore this time and see it nothing but another holiday. Some see it as a means of satisfying the flesh in eating and drinking and getting drunk. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 7:14-15, Luke 2:8-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Deep Mercy Of God

Contributed by Thomas Andrufski on Oct 4, 2025

The sermon explores the profound and eternal nature of God’s mercy, emphasizing its depth, purpose, and transformative power for believers. It highlights the contrast between human deserving of judgment and the mercy extended by God.

The Deep Mercy of God Text: Psalm 103:17–18 (KJV) "But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them." Introduction: ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:17-18, Romans 6:23, John 3:18

Denomination: Church Of God

Who Do You Follow? Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 20, 2014

The contrast of Herod killing John the Baptist to Jesus feeding 5000 in Mark 6 is very revealing of the life of sin vs. a life of service. We must be totally devoted to Christ to live for Him, and cannot live like He is a convenience.

Who do you follow? Mark 6:14-44 Introduction - Jesus is demonstrated in this book as a “servant” -- Key verse: Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - For us to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Unconventional Birth Day Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Mar 17, 2011

There was another unconventional birth 2000 years ago. In stark contrast to the intensely glittered and gold portrayal through which many of us look at Christmas today, Jesus ended up being born in a cave that served as a stable because there was no room

Following the Leading of the Spirit Acts 8:26-40 - Have you ever felt that you failed as a witness for Christ? Ever felt that God was calling you to do something but you chose to not listen to His voice? - This morning, let us discuss the importance of following the Spirit of God - Let us be ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:15-24

Denomination: Methodist

Pride Verses Humility Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Mar 29, 2012

Pride and humility are the outcomes of attitudes and opinion we harbor and the choices we make. The harmful results of pride are repeatedly contrasted with humility & with its benefits. So the sayings in Proverbs hammer hard against pride & drives home th

PRIDE VERSES HUMILITY Proverbs 11:2 Proverbs is direct and forceful in rejecting pride and honoring humility. Pride is pagan behavior. It has no place in the lives of God's people. Pride is a declaration of independence from God if not an assertion of war against Him. Pride therefore draws ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 11:2

Denomination: Baptist

Battling The Bite Of Betrayal (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Todd Stiles on Jan 25, 2007

How does one recover from a time of denial and betrayal? What does real repentance look like on the road back? Learn from the lives of Peter and Judas in this compare and contrast message from Luke 22.

“Battling the Bite of Betrayal” Luke 22:39-46 (Part 2) How many of our high schoolers here today have had to write a contrast and compare paper already? Go ahead, raise your hand (you seem so excited that I brought up school on a Sunday)! Seriously, remember the way you would take two ideas, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:1-62

Denomination: Baptist

Chaff Or Tree? How To Thrive In A Withering World Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 3, 2025

This psalm promises a blessed life to those who delight in God’s Word. The sermon describes the meaning of “blessed life,” and contrasts it with the life that is like worthless, weightless chaff. Then it reveals how to have that blessed life through delighting in Scripture.

* For hundreds of free downloadable audio and video sermons, visit TreasuringGod.com. Meditation is the natural activity that comes from delight. The first time you fell in love with someone you meditated on that person - day and night. People who love football have their thoughts consumed with ...read more

Biblical Christianity: Growing Up Series

Contributed by Dan Cale on Aug 22, 2005

This is the third of a 4 part series comparing the early church of Acts 1-5 to today. This message looks at the idea of growing up to spiritual maturity in Christ.

Biblical Christianity Pt 3 ¡V Growing Up! Hebrews 5:11-14; Ephesians 4:1-16 Over the last two weeks we have been taking a look at characteristics of the early church in Acts chapters 2-5. Here are just a few of the things that were happening in this early church as described in Acts. ƒß ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Denomination: *other

Biblical Christianity: Transformation Theology Series

Contributed by Dan Cale on Aug 22, 2005

This is the fourth of a 4 part series comparing the early church of Acts 1-5 to today. This message looks at the idea of transformation through being "born again".

Biblical Christianity Pt 4 ¡V Transformation Theology John 3:1-21 Over the last three weeks we have been looking at the early church as described in the book of Acts. I won¡¦t take time to read those passages again but I encourage you to read them Acts 2-5. It¡¦s clear in these passages that ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-21

Denomination: *other

The Doomsday Factor.

Contributed by Anthony Smith on Jul 29, 2005

The First and Second Jewish Temples were Located on the Temple Mount, which is in danger of collapse. Many christians today have no idea that there is prophecy of the three temples.

The Doomsday Factor. The First and Second Jewish Temples were Located on the Temple Mount, which is in danger of collapse. Many christians today have no idea that there is prophecy of the three temples. Many even denigh the fact. But The temple mount is the center of all prophecy and conflict ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 18:3-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Back To Slavery Or Forward To A Christ Filled Life

Contributed by James Tetley on Feb 15, 2006

BIG IDEA: The formation of Christ in us should be our life’s desire and work BIG RESPONSE: To see the formation of Christ as our TOP priority

INTRODUCTION Have you ever noticed how all of the recent blockbuster hits at the cinema have at their core a battle of good vs. evil. In Harry Potter its Potter vs. Voldamort, in Narnia its Aslan vs. the White Witch, or going back in Star Wars we see Skywalker vs. Darth Vader. Here in ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:8-20

Denomination: Baptist

To Everything Turn, Turn, Turn

Contributed by Davon Huss on May 23, 2005

A sermon on Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 on the obstacles and opportunities for each new season of life. (Thanks to many SermonCentral contributors for many ideas and illustrations)

Sermon for 5/22/2005 Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 Introduction: The difference between Jason and me, we are in different seasons of life. WBTU: A. Our Scriptures today talk about times and seasons in every life. B. There are times and seasons that all of us will pass through. There are times and ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Seven Pillars Of Wisdom - 5: "Apples Of Gold" Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Nov 14, 2003

Fifth in a series on the Wisdom found in Proverbs. The idea for this Series came from "Everyday Light" a daily devotional by Selwyn Hughes. Pillar #5 - "Apples of Gold".

16, November 2003 Dakota Community Church The Seven Pillars of Wisdom Week Five: Apples of Gold Proverbs 9:1-6 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. 2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her maids, and she calls ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 25:11, Proverbs 9:1-6

Denomination: Mennonite