Sermons on Contrasts:

Sold Out To Jesus Or A Sell-Out To Jesus? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 28, 2021

A stark contrast between Mary and Judas sets the stage for the beginning of the of Jesus' ministry.

THE END IS NIGH: Amid many unanswered questions, everything in this passage makes it clear that Jesus will be gone soon. - John 12:1-11. - Some of the unanswered questions: a. Why anoint six days early? b. Why did no one notice that Judas was stealing? c. How ridiculous is it to think that ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Hidden World Of Service

Contributed by Michael Trask on Sep 25, 2006

The contrast couldn’t be more stark. Jesus describes his ultimate act of service while the disciples argue over which of them will be the greatest! This sermon stealthily plunges the listener into this contrast; then pulls them out on the right side.

My dear friends in Christ, I want to tell you about something that I didn’t really begin to figure out until I was about 24. Many of you figured it out long before you reached that age; some of you have not figured it out yet. But when someone finally does learn it, and it begins to sink ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:30-37

Denomination: Lutheran

What Will You Gain? Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Aug 11, 2023

There are two sharply contrasting philosophies of life. One is seen in the rich fool story. It is about going for what the world offers. The other philosophy of life is about going for what Christ offers. Our passage contrasts these two philosophies.

What will you gain? Mark 8:34-38 The story is told of a rich farmer, his fields were particularly fruitful, so much so that there was not enough room to store everything. He tore down the barns and built new and bigger ones. After the new barns were built, he felt like he could sit back and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38, Luke 13:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

Pride And The Poor In Spirit

Contributed by Chris Mccarthy on Jan 11, 2011

This series is a study of the seven deadly sins contrasted with solutions found in the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. This second sermon uses the popular stories of the Prodigal Son and the Rich Man and Lazarus to contrast being proud against being poor in sp

Pride and the Poor in Spirit Seven Sins and Solutions THE STORY IS TOLD OF A MAN WHO HAD A DREAM IN WHICH AN ANGEL showed him two doors — one marked Heaven and the other Hell. Curious, the man went to the door marked Hell. Inside he saw an unhappy sight. Twelve emaciated people sat around a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Path Of Wisdom - Our Relationship With God

Contributed by Rodney Fry on May 29, 2022

Proverbs focuses much attention on the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. Starting at chapter 16 the focus shifts to highlight the contrast between human righteousness and divine righteousness and also to give evidences of how the Lord intervenes in our daily lives,

The Path of Wisdom: Our Relationship with God Scripture: Proverbs 15:30–16:30, especially 15:31, 32b The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise … he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. Introduction: From chapters 1–15, Proverbs focuses much attention on the contrast ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Dealing With A Spiritual Identity Crisis

Contributed by Kirk Devine on Jul 8, 2001

Examines the contrasts between who the world says we are and who Christ says we are.

DEALING WITH A SPIRITUAL IDENTITY CRISIS 1 PETER 2:9 We live in a world that is full of people who are lost… We live in a world where many believe that they simply don’t fit in… We live in a world were many people are searching for a sense of belonging to someone or something… We live in a time ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

David's Mighty Men (A Super Bowl Message)

Contributed by Robert Cobb on Jan 13, 2001

A "Super Bowl" message comparing and contrasting the eleven mighty men of David to today’s Christian.

Super Bowl Sunday has become an American tradition. Despite the fact that the game itself is usually a one-sided, boring affair, it seems as if the whole world stops each year for the game. Many churches even cancel their Sunday evening services for their members to watch the game. While there is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

Overflowing In Hope

Contributed by John Herrmann on Dec 7, 2001

This message offers the source and necessity of hope in Christ contrasted with the hope the world may give us

Overflowing in Hope Romans 15:4-13 A city slicker moved to a farm and bought a cow. Shortly after, the cow went dry. A farmer, who got word of this, expressed surprise. The city man said he was surprised too. “I can’t understand it, for if a person ever was considerate of an animal, I was of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:4-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Parable Of The Sower Series

Contributed by Gary Regazzoli on Jan 21, 2005

Christians are expected to produce "fruits worthy of repentance". This sermon contrasts "Our Works" with the "Fruits of the Spirit"

Grace 2 – Parable of the Sower Who knows how to make a cake? • The first thing we have to assume in making a cake is that I have the competency to make a cake • I have to be able to go to the store, buy the ingredients, follow the recipe, put it in the oven, decorate it, etc • Most of us, although ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:18-23

Denomination: Christian Church

Respond Humbly Series

Contributed by Todd Stiles on Oct 12, 2006

This message explores the contrast of the Pharisee and the tax collector, helping us see why humility matters.

“Respond Humbly” (Luke 18:9-14) Humility. It seems to be a distant character trait in our world today, doesn’t it? Even in our circle of churches, pride can creep in and become way too evident in our midst. Sometimes when I look around at our Christian culture, it reminds of this video… [Show ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

Living Below Provision Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 9, 2006

Sermon contrasts victories experienced by God’s people with later defeats and what caused the decline.

Living Below Provision Series: Lessons from Judges Judges 1:1-2:20[1] 7-17-05 The book of Judges begins with some wonderful victories for the people of God. God has given Israel Canaan land and told them to possess the land. In Deuteronomy 7:1-6 He told them to utterly destroy the Canaanites. ...read more

Denomination: Charismatic

The Tale Of Two Men

Contributed by Mark Haines on Mar 17, 2001

An inductive use of narrative contrasting the two men and their eternal homes in Luke 16:19-31.

Text: Luke 16:19 -- 31 Title: The Tale of Two Men Series: Lent 2001 Topic: Salvation/Evangelism Theme: Receiving Salvation Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness calling God’s people in my care to receive the salvation only God can give. Response: Individuals will come to the altar rail to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Gift Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Oct 17, 2003

This is a contrast between the gift we received from Adam and the gift we received from Jesus

INTRODUCTION • It will not be long before we get to Christmas. During the Christmas season, we receive and give gifts. • I am the type who has always appreciated any gifts I have received from people. I am touched that someone would consider me worthy of their time and efforts. • Throughout our ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:12-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's Way To Freedom

Contributed by Martin Wiles on Sep 2, 2010

This sermon contrasts life under the Old Covenant with the freedom found in Christ under the New Covenant.

GOD'S WAY TO FREEDOM GALATIANS 3:23-29 INTRODUCTION We can imagine how terrible it is to be in prison. Here many freedoms are taken away. Having to support the prison system is an economic drain on the taxpayer even though they provide jobs. Though some prisons have modern conveniences, many of ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:23-29

Denomination: Baptist

He-Man With She-Problems (Samson’s Fatal Attractions) Series

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Sep 23, 2012

Samson's realy weakness was that he was a he-man with me-problems. Contrast his attitude with Jesus'...

Every superhero has a weakness. For Superman it was a make-believe mineral called kryptonite. In the presence of this radioactive rock, Superman lost his powers and became like any other man. But we’re not interested in comic book characters; we’re following the exploits of someone ...read more

Scripture: Judges 16:1-21

Denomination: Lutheran