Sermons on Contrasts:

Thanksgiving Or Complaining

Contributed by Jimmy Chapman on Nov 15, 2007

Thanksgiving or complaining -- these words express two contrasting attitudes found in God’s children in regard to His dealings with them.

THE SIN OF COMPLAINING - THE OPPOSITE OF THANKSGIVING Lamentations 3:39 Thanksgiving or complaining -- these words express two contrasting attitudes found in God’s children in regard to His dealings with them. The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything; the soul that complains ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:39, Lamentations 3:39-40

Denomination: Baptist

Holiness: A Culture Or A Lifestyle?

Contributed by Steve Greene on Jan 14, 2008

This message looks at eight characteristics we often find in holiness culture and then contrasts them with the characteristics of an authentic holy life.

Holiness: A Culture or a Lifestyle? Christianity has an image problem in America today. Many, who are outside the church, are convinced that lifestyle does not line up with beliefs for the average churchgoer. As a result, Christians have acquired a hypocritical image. The perception of those ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:14

Denomination: Nazarene

What Is Christianity All About

Contributed by Steven Chapman on Feb 6, 2007

This is a book sermon to introduce the major themes of the book of Ephesians. It is built on a series of contrasts between secular faith and Biblical christianity.

What Is Christianity All About? Book Sermon in Ephesians Discussion: What is Christianity all about? Living dead “You were dead in your transgressions and sins … 1) It’s not about what we’ve been … It’s about what we are. “God, who is rich in mercy made us alive in Christ.” (Eph 2:1a, ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Tale Of Two Cities Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Dec 20, 2010

This passage provides a clear contrast between the citizens of Mount Zion and the citizens of Babylon in their citizenship requirements, lifestyle and final destiny.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair… So ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 14:6-13

Denomination: Baptist

Do You Know God? Series

Contributed by Alan Mccann on Sep 10, 2007

The contrast between God’s love for us and the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. a grave warning against syncretism and coming judgment.

Hosea 3.1-4.12 How well do you know God? I remember seeing a programme on television once where an old man through tear stained eyes spoke of his love for his wife. What became apparent over time was that she had left him on many occasions and led a quite decadent and immoral life. Yet each time ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Grumbling Before A Gracious God Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Mar 27, 2011

Our impatience stands in stark contrast to the patience of God who gently woos us to live in anticipation of his grace.

Title: Grumbling Before a Gracious God Text: Exodus 17:1-7 Thesis: Our impatience stands in stark contrast to the patience of God who gently woos us to live in anticipation of his grace. Lenten Series: Reflecting, Repenting and Returning to God The Lenten Season is a time for reflection, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 7:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Real Deal Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 16, 2009

Sermon contrasts religious form with spiritual substance with reference made to decline and need for revival that occurred in Israel’s history.

The Real Deal James 1:25-27 5-25-08 Our story opens this morning in 2 Samuel 6:12-15 “Now it was told King David, saying, "The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom ...read more

Scripture: James 1:25-27

Denomination: Charismatic

Parable Of A Father's Love

Contributed by Curtis E. Nester on May 26, 2016

The awesome love and forgiveness of a Father for his wandering son and the contrast between a repentant sinner and a self-righteous older brother.

TITLE: Parable of a Father's Love TEXT: Luke 15:11-32 INTRO: The Bible is full of wonderful stories. There are stories of Adventure, Romance, Tragedy and Triumph. Today, we look at one of the best known stories in the entire Bible. It has been called "The Parable of the Prodigal Son," but it is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

Faith And Works

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 31, 2013

The practical faith of Rahab stands in contrast to the platitudes of the person who sent the hungry empty away, and failed to clothe the naked.

FAITH AND WORKS. James 2:14-26. A person is making what seems to be a credible claim to “faith” - but (as yet) there is no evidence in their lives of their allegiance to Jesus Christ. They seem to have all the right words, but (so far) “works” are lacking. James 2:14. What is the profit in the ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Woman, Your Faith Has Saved You Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 13, 2013

We can learn much about faith by contrasting the behavior of the woman with the ointment and the Pharisee who invited Jesus to dinner.

What did faith do to save this woman? Why did she go in peace? We can learn much by contrasting her behavior, as Jesus did, with that of the Pharisee. First, she recognized her sin, whatever it was. And, second she did not discount the sin; she took responsibility for it. The Pharisee did not ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Catholic

Who Is Going To Follow God? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 12, 2022

King Ahaz provides a surprising contrast to the kingdom of Israel as we see a dramatic example of the limits of our traditional morality.

IT'S OBVIOUS, RIGHT? “Good people” are more likely to follow God. - We have a traditional morality with “good people.” The respectable citizens are more likely to follow God. TWO EXAMPLES: 1. KING AHAZ HAD A GOOD HERITAGE BUT TERRIBLE BEHAVIOR. - 2 Chronicles 28:1-4, 16-25. - Came from a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 28:1-27

Denomination: Baptist

Our King's Glad Face Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 16, 2021

Palm Sunday is a day of great paradox, for it was a day of such contrasting emotions. Jesus was such a glad king; such a sad king, and such a mad king.

The final week of the life of Abraham Lincoln has an amazing parallel to that of the final week of Jesus. From Palm Sunday to Good Friday is only 5 days, yet in that 5 days we go from the scene of the triumphal entry of the King to the scene of the tragic exit of the King on the cross. Listen to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-44

How God Evaluates Worship

Contributed by Chuck Gohn on Mar 28, 2021

This sermon compares and contrasts man's view of Sunday worship to God's view of Sunday worship.

SERMON OUTLINE 1. OPENING ILLUSTRATION – Blended Families 2. THE CHURCH IS A BLENDED FAMILY - Jesus desired that the church be a blended family (ONE) - But it can lead to challenges in worship setting - As they all bring expectations of worship (music, communion, Bible version, etc.) 3. HOW ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20, Luke 18:9-14, 1 Peter 4:10-11

Denomination: Christian Church

What Messiah Truly Means PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 21, 2024

Explores misunderstanding Jesus' mission, contrasting human perspectives with God's plan, and the importance of surrendering to God's will for true spiritual fulfillment.

Good morning, beloved family of God. It's a joy to gather together as we bask in the warmth of fellowship and the illuminating light of God's Word. There's something incredibly comforting and empowering about being in a room full of believers, each one a testament of God's grace and love. We're all ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-36

Topics: Surrendering, Jesus

Spiritual Discipline PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Mar 5, 2024

This sermon explores Psalm 1, emphasizing the contrast between righteous and wicked paths, and the blessings of a life devoted to God's Word.

Welcome, beloved friends, to this sacred space where we gather to engage with the divine truth of God's Word. We are not merely spectators here, we are participators in the grand narrative of redemption. We are not just observers, but active participants in the unfolding of God's eternal plan. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6

Topics: Discipline