Sermons on Contrasts:

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

Freedom

Contributed by Brian Matherlee on Oct 3, 2006

Independence Day sermon using a Monopoly Board to contrast what we call freedom with what the Bible declares is freedom.

What makes you feel really free? --Just over 643,000 American soldiers have given their lives in various wars since the birth of our nation in the pursuit and defense of freedom. --Patrick Henry was a famous statesman and orator of colonial Virginia. In 1764 he was elected to the House of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:16

Denomination: Wesleyan

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

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

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

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

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

What Messiah Truly Means PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 22, 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 6, 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

The Abundant Life Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon explores the concept of abundant life in Jesus, contrasting worldly views with spiritual fulfillment, and ties it to the hope and promise of Easter.

Welcome church! Today we’re continuing through our series, Sunday is Coming, where we look at Easter and its long-lasting effects for those who believe. Last week we looked back to the empty tomb and remembered that it is full of hope for those who believe. The death and resurrection of Jesus are ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10, Revelation 21:15-21

Topics: Abundant Life, Easter, Earthly Idols

Sermon Series: Sunday's Coming

The Book Of Galatians – Chapter 4:21–29 - Message 16 – The Argument Of Contrasts: Which Woman Are You Following? Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jun 18, 2024

Two ways, two sons, two destinies, two mothers but one father – Hagar and Sarah being the two mothers. Paul develops this position of two systems, one under bondage and one according to promise and freedom. Christians can place themselves under bondage.

THE BOOK OF GALATIANS – CHAPTER 4:21–29 - MESSAGE 16 – THE ARGUMENT OF CONTRASTS: WHICH WOMAN ARE YOU FOLLOWING? Part 1 – Galatians 4 verses 21 – 23 We come now to the latter part of chapter 3 and the continuing evidence why Christians are not under Law but walk by grace through the promises ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:21, Isaiah 55:10-11, Galatians 3:1-3, Galatians 4:22-23, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Genesis 16:3, Genesis 16:4, Genesis 16:5, Genesis 17:19, Galatians 4:24-26, Hebrews 12:18-24, 1 Samuel 2:5, Galatians 4:27-28, Isaiah 54:1, Galatians 4:29, Genesis 21:8-10, Galatians 5:16-18, Galatians 4:30-31, Genesis 21:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

About Freeways, Eggshells, Crossing Our T's, And Dotting Our I's

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Sep 21, 2003

Pentecost 15: Legalistic approaches that are intended to honor God... don’t. This message contrasts legalistic vs. God-honoring worship.

A man was watching the news one night when it was reported that a car was going the wrong direction on the freeway. The man knew his wife was on that freeway and became very concerned so he called her on her cell phone. She answered and he said, “Dear, there’s one car going in the wrong direction ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Lutheran