Sermons on Contrasting Ideas:

Wednesday - Loyalty And Betrayal Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 15, 2010

Judas’ betrayal is contrasted with the loyalty of an unnamed woman. The woman was extravagant in her loyalty and foolish in her love. She wasted her resources in her love for Jesus. Judas on the other hand betrays Jesus for money. By our selfishness we be

Mark 14:1-11 “Wednesday—Loyalty and Betrayal” INTRODUCTION There is perhaps no lonelier moment for a person than when a person (or persons) whom he loves fails to understand him or betrays him. It is devastating. We catch a glimpse of this devastation in Jesus’ life ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

A People Of Truth Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Sep 4, 2012

This section forms a transition between the teaching on the Day of the Lord & exhortations for present living. In contrast to those who believe Satan’s lies, here are those who believe the truth of God. In this section there are three life impacts that co

[ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE FUTURE Series] 2 THESSALONIANS 2: 13-17 A PEOPLE OF TRUTH This section forms a transition between Paul’s teaching on the Day of the Lord (2:1-12) and his exhortations for present living in view of that day which follow (3:1-15). Right here the Holy Spirit blows ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Gift Of Love Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 20, 2012

Jesus tells us there are real consequences in our lives. He tells us this so that we can see the contrasts, look clearly at our lives, appreciate the gracious gift of God as a gift of love and live in fearless confidence of that love.

John 3:14-21 “The Gift of Love” INTRODUCTION Traveling in foreign countries it becomes apparent to the observant tourist that there are basically two different types of travelers. There is the traveler who packs his or her country in the suitcase and brings the country on the ...read more

Scripture: John 3:14-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Fervent Prayer Series

Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Feb 15, 2012

In this brief study we will take a walk through the book of Acts highlighting some of the more significant verses and ideas presented by Luke. I have drawn some material from "Act Normal" by Scott Wilson.

Acts Pt9- Fervent Prayer Introduction Driving down the road- car in front veers off into a lake- people in danger of drowning- what would you do? You would intervene on their behalf. Review/Recap Act 10- Story of Cornelius- Roman Centurion, Gentile- we see God grant salvation to the ...read more

Denomination: Charismatic

God And Community

Contributed by Davon Huss on Feb 1, 2016

God's case has 3 basic ideas (Outline and material adapted from Bill Donahue and Russ Robinson's book, Building a Church of Small Groups, Chapter 1, In the Beginning, God: The Theological Evidence)

HoHum: In his book, “Imagine Your Life Without Fear” Max Lucado gives some significant insight when he says,"Questions can make hermits out of us, driving us into hiding. Yet the cave has no answers. Christ distributes courage through community; he dissipates doubts through fellowship. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Legalism Series

Contributed by Rev.dr.vijay Raju on Mar 9, 2024

The doctrine of freedom from law is a central and crucial teaching in the Bible. It refers to the idea that as Christians, we are no longer bound by the Old Testament laws and regulations to be right with God. Instead, we are justified through faith in Jesus Christ.

Introduction: As Christians, we often talk about our freedom in Christ. But what does that mean? In today's passage, we will explore Paul's words in Galatians 4:21-31 to understand true freedom in Christ. Scripture Reading: Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1, Galatians 4:21-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Check Your Motive

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Nov 11, 2018

Jesus contrasts the Teachers of the Law with the poor widow. In the former, we see people more interested in themselves than in God; hypocrites, pretending to be something they were not. In the latter, we see a lady who loved God authentically and completely.

Check Your Motive Mark 12:38-44 In March 2009 Bernie Madoff pled guilty to running the largest Ponzi scheme in history. Bernie’s last name is appropriate, because he literally “made off” with billions of dollars belonging to his investors. A Ponzi scheme is pretty simple in concept: you convince ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

And Now, The Weather Series

Contributed by James Jackson on Jun 22, 2020

The Big Idea: We don’t always like the warnings Scripture gives us. In the parable of the wicked tenants, Jesus warns the religious leaders of of the consequences of not bearing the fruit God is looking for.

Since we’ve titled this series “Good News,” a lot of the sermon titles have related to the news—“The most trusted name in News,” “A Slow News Day,” “The Rest of the Story—” stuff like that. So that’s where this title comes from, and I’ll talk more about this later. An interesting thing about ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:1-12, Mark 12:26-34, Isaiah 5:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

What Does The Bible Say About Sex Before Marriage?

Contributed by Robert Irvine on Aug 2, 2024

Sex outside of marriage is so commonplace (inside and outside the church), and many people do not even consider the idea of getting married, that it appears that no-one actually knows what God wants for us.

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

1 John - An Introduction Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Mar 6, 2011

Introduction to 1 John. (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Ill: • Mrs Fisher the primary school teacher was at home recovering from surgery; • She heard the letter box bang on the door, • Then her husband entered the room bringing in the post, • One of the letters was a get well card from her class which 2nd year class which read; • “Dear Mrs Fisher, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

Denomination: Brethren

There Were Two Brothers

Contributed by Guy Glass on Sep 14, 2004

As we approach this third parable, the Lord seeks to contrast the lost with those who are not. Our tendency is to focus on the younger son in the parable, and to completely miss the elder son. Today, I hope to be the exception to that tendency.

There Were Two Brothers Luke 15:11-32 INTRODUCTION: This parable is the third of a trilogy of parables. The first parable in the group was that of the shepherd and the lost sheep. This parable told of the shepherd leaving the 99 sheep and searching for the one lost sheep. The truth communicated ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

How It Should Be Series

Contributed by A. Todd Coget on Mar 2, 2002

This sermon contrasts what the first church did and what the modern church did when thier governments told them not to speak at all in the name of Jesus. It also demonstrates what we need to do now.

How It Should Be Acts 4:23-31 March 3, 2002 Intro: A. I clipped this article out of The Banner-Graphic [Greencastle, IN] in August of 1999, and saved it just for this sermon today…[This really is a true story!] Gator halts couple’s midnight dip KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP)—A woman was nearly dragged ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Indwelling Of The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Mitch Davis on Jun 21, 2007

When coming across scriptures that cannot be rationalized man has a tendency to NOT accept what the Bible explicitly reveals. Note the contrast of wisdom between God and man when dealing with the personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit Theme: Knowing whether the Holy Spirit personally dwells within the believer. INTRODUCTION A. Because Christians live in the flesh it is no wonder that we have difficulty understanding the things of the spirit. 1. The Bible teaches that the natural man cannot ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:9-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Davids Big Flaw

Contributed by Art Campbell on Sep 5, 2007

David was a successful man - a warrior, poet and king. Yet he had one major flaw that was almost his undoing - his children. This message contrasts David’s great success with his great heartache.

One of my favourite Bible heroes is King David. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the story of David and Goliath, the boy who bested a giant. But there’s a lot more to David’s life than this story. In many ways he’s the kind of man that many of us guys would like to be. David was marked out for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 1:6

Denomination: Baptist

Crown Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 15, 2009

Dynamically interesting content! Summary of the period of the kings, w/ a special contrast of Saul, David, and Solomon. Wonderful visuals enhance a very helpful outline. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Crown I Samuel 8 2 part sermon on Saul and David during the times of the Kings. Both parts are here: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Crown.html Pt.1-Saul Israel decided they wanted to be a monarchy, not a theocracy. They wanted a king, not to be led by God. They wanted a visible leader. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist