Sermons on Contrasting Ideas:

The Wise, The Unwise, And The Otherwise Series

Contributed by David Owens on Aug 4, 2021

In James chapter 3, James contrasts two kinds of wisdom: worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. The fruits that result from these two kinds of wisdom couldn't be any more different from each other.

A. Let’s start our sermon this morning with a quote: “Life is hard and it’s harder when you’re stupid.” 1. We chuckle at that because we all know it’s true. 2. Some people attribute that quote to John Wayne. 3. I don’t know if the Duke did or didn’t say those words. 4. The line doesn’t appear in ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18, Proverbs 4:5-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Casual Christians Will Become Casualties

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 25, 2023

Barna research contrasted captive & casual believers, which we can see in Abraham & Lot. We'll see how their faith, or lack of it, guided their choices, and see the outcome of their choices.

CASUAL CHRISTIANS WILL BECOME CASUALTIES Gen. 13:1-18 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: BAD-MOUTHING TO THE WRONG PERSON. An elderly woman came into church. An usher asked her where she’d like to sit. She said, “I’d like to sit down front.” The usher said, “No, you don’t want to sit down there; our pastor is ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:1-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Two Revealing Prayers Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 28, 2022

This passage records two prayers, in which are shown two kinds of hearts, whose contrast is not only seen in the way they make their requests, but also in the way they approach God. Some people trust in themselves; others trust in God.

This evening’s sermon is entitled “Two Revealing Prayers,” and it’s taken from what is commonly called “The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.” Darrell Bock, in The NIV Application Commentary, says, “This parable is really the parable of the two prayers. In those prayers appear two ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Blessing You're Missing: A Call To Listen To The God Who Longs For You Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Sep 18, 2025

This psalm contrasts the joyful worship God commands with His own sorrowful plea, revealing the heart of a loving Father who laments the victory and provision His people miss when they stubbornly refuse to listen to His voice.

Introduction: The Sound of Celebration Good morning. We Filipinos know how to celebrate. Think of the sounds of a vibrant local fiesta—the loud music, the joyful shouts, the sense of community and celebration. It’s a wonderful part of our culture. Psalm 81 begins with this exact atmosphere of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Some Trust In Chariots Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Oct 4, 2025

This sermon contrasts the world's reliance on human solutions, symbolized as "chariots and horses," with the believer's call to place ultimate trust in the name of God during the "day of trouble".

Introduction: The Day of Trouble There is not a soul in this sanctuary today who is a stranger to trouble. The Bible calls it, in the beautiful and stark language of the King James, "the day of trouble." It is that day when the doctor's report is not what you had hoped. It is that ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Listening With Love

Contributed by Fr. Rian Adams on Dec 22, 2019

Sermon for Advent 4, Year A. Sermon contrasts how Joseph could have treated Mary and how he actually acted toward her. Mary has a story (and thus Jesus) because Joseph listened with love and showed mercy.

Preparing for 2020: Listening with Love I feel for Joseph. Not only because he’s often overlooked, but in some ways I understand what it’s like to be Joseph. In 1994 I found a new level of solidarity with Joseph. The children’s director concluded that the pastor’s grandson didn’t need a “speaking” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Episcopal

Why The Storm Doesn't Go Away

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 15, 2005

This message explores the words and ideas that show up multiple times in this passage and give us indication of the different ways we can react to the storms of life that we face.

- Last week, in previous passage, there was a literal storm; in this passage, the man is dealing with a “storm” caused by a huge problem in his life: demon-possession. - Sometimes we find that the storm stays for longer than we thought it would. There are a lot of reasons this can happen - this ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Gift Of Working Of Miracles Series

Contributed by Donna Kazenske on Sep 27, 2002

The gift of the working of miracles is not some far-fetched idea that was made up by man and his infinite wisdom. The working of miracles is a gift of the Holy Spirit for the body of Christ today.

By: Donna J. Kazenske 1 Cor. 12:8-10 – “…for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit….to another the working of miracles…….” It has been such a tremendous blessing for me to be able to minister in America and in various nations all over the world. Lately, I have sensed a real ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Acts 4:30-31

Denomination: *other

Blessed Series

Contributed by Byron Harvey on Sep 9, 2004

Preaching through a series on Jesus’ life, this is a message on the Beatitudes, as a whole. I do not subscribe to the "standard approach" taken by many; perhaps this message will give some different ideas.

The Jesus Series The Greatest Sermon Ever “Blessed” Matthew 5:3-12 September 12, 2004 Group Participation Time: would you gather into groups of 6-8 or so and work on a brief assignment for me? You’ll need to elect a secretary to record some stuff here. Please ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3-12

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Jesus Touch Series

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 1, 2006

Big Idea: Jesus Offers—and Delivers Freedom From the Oppressive Weight of Satan. Looking at the day that Jesus’ touch was remembered more than the words of His sermon

The Jesus Touch or, “The Day No One Remembered Jesus’ Sermon” Topic: Freedom from Crushing/Debilitating Burdens through Jesus Thesis: Make Use of the Reality Jesus Sets us Free from Oppressive Burdens Obviously need to rework the above . . . . Aim: To motivate people to seek and give ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The 10 Aspects Of Worship

Contributed by Chris Mccall on Feb 5, 2007

Today is the day in which many people all across the world is coming to a church to "worship" the Lord. But many people have the wrong idea of what worship really is.

The 10 Aspects of Worship Psalm 95:1-7 By Jessica McCall - Daddy’s Girl Introduction: Today is the day in which many people all across the world is coming to a church to "worship" the Lord. But many people have the wrong idea of what worship really is. The dictionary defines worship as adoration, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 95:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Extraordinary Love Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jul 21, 2009

Paul is a man who is shaken out of his religious ideas…ultimately centered in his own ego and understanding… and awakened to the reality of what the true and living God is doing.

Today we begin a new series… we begin a journey into the extraordinary life which God seeks to awaken in us. Over the centuries many have written of profound spiritual experiences… and often there can be something to learn from them. But none has been as profound or proved as substantial ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Are We Here? Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jul 22, 2009

The very reason we gather is in response to the Divine call of God and His purposes. The problem is that the ideas we associate with “church” can come to mean so much less.

Why are you here? That’s the question I want to begin with today. We might naturally divide that question as to whether it refers to being here in terms of existing… or being here in this gathering. I’m referring to BOTH our purpose for being here in terms of existing… as well as being ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In God We Still Trust

Contributed by Richard White on Sep 13, 2008

In America, there are those of us who Still Trust In God, as we honor Him he will take care of us. Ideas came from other contributors to sermoncentral.com

In God we still trust Psalm 33:12 Romans 13:1-7 The founding fathers of America were men of faith in God and God’s Word. America was founded on Biblical truths. The Declaration of Independence declares that all people “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Work Out What God Works In Series

Contributed by Bradley Kellum on Sep 2, 2009

What does it mean to work out our salvation with "fear and trembling"? In Philippians 2:12-17 we find 3 ideas that help unravel this important command.

WE FIND 3 IDEAS IN PHILIPPIANS 2:12-17 THAT HELP US WORK OUT WHAT GOD HAS WORKED IN. 1. WE HAVE A PRINCIPLE TO PRACTICE - PHIL.2:12-13 2. WE HAVE A PURITY TO PROTECT - PHIL.2:14-16 3. WE HAVE A PROMISE TO REJOICE OVER - PHIL.2:17 ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-17

Denomination: Baptist