Sermons on Contrasts:

Healthy Independence-11

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Mar 9, 2021

11 of 12. The prophet Jeremiah contrasted two major aspects of Independence—Independence from God versus independence from the world. Dependence upon YHWH brings independence from worldly influence. How can I be independent of worldly influence? A Healthy Independence Engages...

HEALTHY INDEPENDENCE-XI—Jeremiah 17:1-14 Attention: Wants & Needs: The President visits a remote western Native-American reservation. A cameraman documents the trip. The President asks the Chief if there was anything that they need. "Well," says the Chief, "We have three very ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:13, Jeremiah 17:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Among Secular Gods, Part 4 - Killing The Imago Dei: Answering The Questions Of Relativism & Secular Humanism Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Nov 4, 2019

Part 4 based on the book by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale: Secular humanism believes we can look to human advancement for justice, peace, and the end of suffering. In sharp contrast, Christianity teaches that the only way for us to truly live is to remove ourselves from the equation.

Humanism (also known as progressivism) is based on relativism and the idea that human advancement is the solution to injustice, war, and suffering. Like most worldly reasoning or false teachings in the church, there some truth in this reasoning. The Christian and Biblical world-view that God uses ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-27, Romans 1:21-25

Denomination: Brethren

The Book Of Galatians – Chapter 5:1-6 Message 17 – In The Long Run It Is Grace And Faith, Only Those, But Stand Firm On That Fact Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jun 18, 2024

Paul really opens up the place of grace in a believer’s live and the great contrast between Law and grace. And what of the matter of returning to bondage in our lives? We go into grace in some depth with this message. Guard against falling from the grace given to you.

THE BOOK OF GALATIANS – CHAPTER 5:1-6 MESSAGE 17 – IN THE LONG RUN IT IS GRACE AND FAITH, ONLY THOSE, BUT STAND FIRM ON THAT FACT [A]. VERSE 1 - KEEP STANDING FIRM IN FREEDOM AND DO NOT YIELD {{Galatians 5:1 “It was for freedom that Christ set us free. Therefore KEEP STANDING FIRM and do not ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1, Galatians 5:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:18-19, James 2:10, Galatians 5:4, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 2 Peter 3:14-18, 2 Corinthians 6:1, Galatians 2:21, Hebrews 10:29, Hebrews 12:15, Jude 1:4, Acts 13:43, Romans 5:2, 2 Timothy 2:1, Hebrews 4:16, Hebrews 13:9, 2 Peter 3:18, Galatians 5:5, 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, Galatians 5:6, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus On Cheek-Turning Series

Contributed by David Flowers on Jul 10, 2008

Part 8 of a 13 week series Hearing Jesus Again. In this last direct contrast between the old righteousness and the new righteousness, Jesus takes on the topic of how we respond to personal injury–how we act when someone has wronged us, or is intending to.

Jesus On Cheek-Turning Part 8 in series Hearing Jesus Again Wildwind Community Church David Flowers July 5, 2008 Let’s summarize where we’ve been. We started our series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount by discussing why it’s important to really give Jesus a new hearing. The following week we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Free Methodist

Lesson 34: Taste And See That The Lord Is Good Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 27, 2019

After celebrating God's gracious dealings with him, the Psalmist exhorts others to put His providential care to the test, and instructs them on how to secure it. He then contrasts God's care of His people and His corrective providence towards the wicked.

September 20, 2014 Tom Lowe Title: Taste and See that the Lord is Good. A psalm of David. Psalm 34 (KJV) 1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3 O ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Overcoming Empathy Deficit Disorder

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 1, 2019

Our world is becoming a more hate-filled place, where people have less empathy and compassion for others. In contrast to that, the people of God are called to live lives of love, empathy and compassion, because God has loved us and poured His love into our hearts.

A. One day a man was crossing the street to visit his neighbor. 1. As he started to cross the street, a car was bearing down on him, so he stopped and backed up to the curb. 2. The car stopped, so he started to cross, and the car started to move toward him. 3. The man changed direction and went ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-9, Colossians 3:12-14, 1 John 4:7-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Love And Hate Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 6, 2023

In Mark 14, Mark places the themes of love and hate alongside each other to create a sharp contrast. The hatred of the Jewish leaders, is followed by Mary’s loving act, which is followed by Judas’ betrayal. These stories challenge us to examine our feelings and actions toward Jesus.

Introduction A. I heard the true story of a woman who took a number of children to see a movie. 1. Before going into the seating area, they stopped at the concession stand and the woman offered to buy popcorn for the children to share. 2. One of the children objected declaring, “I hate ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

For Love's Sake Pt. 1 And 2 Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 4, 2024

In today's world, so many are left feeling empty and unfulfilled by the shallow versions of love society offers. In contrast, the book of Philemon introduces us to a different kind of love—agape love, a divine and selfless love that transforms hearts and relationships, offering true fulfillment.

For Love’s Sake! Philemon 4-9 Introduction: v.9 – Underline 3 words: “For Love’s Sake!” Illust: Psychologists claim that the three greatest needs of a human being are… 1) The need to be wanted. 2) The need to be needed. 3) The need to be loved. ? Live in a world that is obsessed with this ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

Bits And Pieces Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Jul 17, 2025

Before continuing, it’s worth stopping to reflect. The stories of rebellion seem to be without end. There were times of judgment, but even in those moments, God remained faithful.... This contrast between Israel’s rebellion and God’s faithfulness is what make this book so important.

July 19, 2025 Before concluding our trip through the book of Numbers, it’s worth stopping to reflect. The stories of rebellion seem to be without end. No matter what God did, whining and complaining and open rebellion were not far behind. There were times of judgment, but even in those ...read more

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Sermon # 45 - The Two Sons Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Aug 19, 2025

Abraham had two sons, one born according to the flesh and the other according to God’s promise. Both of them were in complete contrast to each other. It is not enough if we are born according to the flesh, because the Lord demands that we are born again through the Holy Spirit.

For today’s meditation we will look at Galatians 4:22-23, “Scripture says that Abraham had two sons, one by a woman who was a slave and the other by a free woman. Now, the son of the slave woman was conceived in a natural way, but the son of the free woman was conceived through a promise [made to ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:22-23, Genesis 17:1, Genesis 17:16-19, Genesis 21:6, Romans 9:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Sermon On The Plain

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 10, 2022

Have you noticed that Jesus often contradicts popular ideas, because He taught us to worship God also with our minds? Perhaps He gave the Sermon on the Plain after the Sermon on the Mount. It contains some contrasting thoughts. Let’s look at Luke 6:17-26.

Prelude Have you noticed that Jesus often contradicts popular ideas, because He taught us to worship God also with our minds? Perhaps He gave the Sermon on the Plain after the Sermon on the Mount. It contains some contrasting thoughts. Let’s look at Luke 6:17-26. A Level Plain “And He came down ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:17-26

Denomination: Baptist

What Motivates You?

Contributed by Dana Visneskie on Jun 14, 2004

I ask the question, what motivates you as a Christian? What makes you do the things you do? I then make a contrast between David and Saul and ask, what motivated David to weep for a man who wanted to kill him, and what motivated Saul to pursue David.

Title: What Motivates You? Text: I Sam 18:1-12; 19:9-11; 24:1-7; 26:5-12; 31:6; II Sam 1:11-12 Pray!!! Read Text - (II Sam 1:11-12) Introduction: - A question that has been frequently asked by Christians is “If you knew the Lord was coming in 2 weeks what would you do?” - Many have said, I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:1-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Sermon On The Mount (Part One) Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Aug 4, 2019

Beatitudes mean declarations of blessedness. If we were asked ‘what does it mean to be blessed’, our answers would not be what we find here in this list. But we know our way of thinking contrasts God’s way. The beatitudes reveal what our attitude should be.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (part one) Read intro in study bible. Beatitudes mean declarations of blessedness. Blessed means more than just happy, since happiness is dependent on circumstances. Blessedness refers to the ultimate well being and distinctive spiritual joy of those who are saved. In all ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-5, Matthew 18:1-4, Isaiah 57:15, Luke 18:9-14, Matthew 11:28-30, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Failure Of Human Leadership Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 19, 2019

Can human political systems save us? We elect national leaders, and are quickly disappointed. Let’s learn that only God’s government can truly bless humanity. Let’s contrast human governments and Christ’s government in Luke 23:33-43.

Can human political systems save us? We elect national leaders, and are quickly disappointed. Let’s learn that only God’s government can truly bless humanity. Let’s contrast human governments and Christ’s government in Luke 23:33-43. Forgive Them Luke 23:33-34 And when they had come to the place ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:33-43

Denomination: Baptist

From Brokenness To Blessed Assurance : Walking From The Valley Of Despair Into The Assurance Of God’s Love

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Dec 14, 2025

The advent season reminds us “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). One of the best ways to understand this promise is to study the contrast between Psalm 22 and Psalm 23. Join Dr. Madana Kumar, PhD in exploring this topic

For a video version of this sermon please visit https://youtu.be/_Kcb9O602Zg?si=dWrpr3vPUPDSMlns From Brokenness to Blessed Assurance: Walking from the Valley of Despair into the Assurance of God’s Love I once read of a traveler who lost his way while crossing a desert. As the sun went down, the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:5, Psalm 22:1-31, Psalm 23:1-6, 1 Peter 4:12-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational