Sermons on Good Versus Evil:

Refine Or Destroy Series

Contributed by Joe Tilton on Aug 11, 2013

Jesus is quoted saying, "I came to...divide," and in another place He said, "I came to bring peace." Which is it? What would cause division in families? Division began very quickly after He physically left us. Has this division led to war?

August 18, 2013 Refine or Destroy A bank robber in Virginia Beach got a nasty surprise when a dye pack designed to mark stolen money exploded in his Fruit-of-the-Looms. The robber apparently stuffed the loot down the front of his pants as he was running out the door. “He was seen hopping ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Denomination: *other

Where Did These Weeds Come From?

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jul 24, 2023

A sermon for the Sundays following Pentecost, Year A, Lectionary 16

July 23, 2023 Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Where Did These Weeds Come From? Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Last Sunday we heard the parable of the sower who sows seed. Some ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-43, Romans 8:12-25

Denomination: Lutheran

Living In The Tree Of Life (Part 2)

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jan 28, 2022

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is the formation of a value system; or rather, a "judgement" system. Living in the tree of life is making decisions from life and liberty, and what stimulates life in both you and others.

This morning’s message is a continuation of last week’s on the tree of life, and I have entitled our sermon, “Living in the Tree of Life” – Part 2. I would like to begin with some food for thought by sharing a real life illustration of a historical figure who walked in the tree of life. George ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:6-13, Revelation 22:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Sixteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Cycle A; 16th Sunday , Year A-- Weeds And Wheat

Contributed by Paul Andrew on May 21, 2020

This parable doesn’t mean that we tolerate all sorts of bad behavior. Jesus doesn’t condone weed (pun intended).

If we ask, "why is there evil in the world?" we must also ask "why is there good in the world?" We get our answers this Sunday: Beginning with pre-history “while everybody was asleep” (Matthew 13:24-30), the weeds represent the enemies of God, who are: Satan, demons, and humans ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30

Denomination: Catholic

The Gift Of Discerning Series

Contributed by Mandla Tshabalala on Nov 11, 2023

We take a look at the gift discernment and the impact is has on our lives. We also answer a few questions such as-who can walk in this gift and how. This is a life changing series for anyone looking to walk in the gifts of the Spirit

The gift of discernment, in a spiritual context, refers to the ability to perceive and understand spiritual truths and realities. It involves the capacity to distinguish between what is of God and what is not, to recognise the presence of good and evil, and to make wise and sound judgements in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:10

Retaliation Versus Going The Extra Mile

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Mar 26, 2015

When people wrong us, insult us or take our property, we want to see them pay for what they did to us. The question we all need to ask ourselves today is, “Are we willing to go the extra mile for Jesus?”

One winter day a man went shopping at the local neighborhood mall. When he returned to his car he noticed a rather foul odor coming from under the hood and so he checked the engine. In the compartment he discovered a dead cat rather mutilated from being caught in the fan belt. The poor cat had ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

Pelagianism – Works Versus The Gospel Of Grace

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Oct 29, 2019

There are many within Christianity who may unknowingly deny God’s free and eternal gift of salvation by requiring a well-meaning, but a misdirected emphasis on adhering to the Law.

There is a belief, known as Pelagianism, that has lingered in the church for over 1600 years, which does not accept that the sinful condition of humankind was inherited from Adam and Eve in the Fall (Genesis 3). It is the belief that motivated the ministry of Charles Finney, who is known as the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Timothy 5:5-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 13:34, Matthew 22:37-40, Romans 15:4, John 19:30, Romans 10:4, Matthew 5:17, Galatians 4:4, Hebrews 10:26-29, Galatians 5:3, Hebrews 8:5, John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8, Acts 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Online Versus In-Person Service”

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Oct 12, 2020

After more than six months, our congregation enjoys the convenience of online services, would that create a new habit that will continue even after the pandemic ends? Can on-line replace in-person Sunday service?

“Online Versus In-Person Service” Opening: A 2019 survey published by Erin Duffin on Jan 17, 2020, showed 23 percent of Americans attend a church or synagogue every week, 10% almost every week, and 12% at least once a month. So, 45% ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25, Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:46, Acts 5:29, John 4:24, 1 Corinthians 6:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living Stones Versus Dead Wood

Contributed by Jeffrey Kellum on May 21, 2003

Because Christ is the Cornerstone, we are to be living stones that build a spiritual house based on acceptable sacrifices.

Introduction: 1 Peter 2:4-10 "Psalm 122 - I was glad when they said to me, come to the House of the Lord. Where else in this world can you go to hear such a message of hope; You are chosen, You are special, You are the people of God - Opening Prayer Illustration: I have an interesting item to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Fear Factor Versus Faith Factor

Contributed by Greg Carr on Jun 8, 2010

Fear in the United States is the biggest reason that one out of every four Americans are on some kind of tranquilizer because they want to deal with the symptoms of the fears instead of facing the things that are causing the fear.

PRAYER Father, open my eyes to see Your Word. Open my ears to hear. Open my mind to understand. And open my heart so I may receive Your Word today. AMEN I don’t think anyone would argue that there is a fear factor in the day and age we are live in. Let me explain that statement. All around ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

Spiritual Versus Ordinary Human Sight

Contributed by Ray Searan on Apr 16, 2005

This is a sermon comparing and contrasting spiritual vision and ordinary human sight.

Text: Numbers 13:1-3, 25-33; Numbers 14:1-12, 36-38 Proverbs 29:18 Introduction: Briefly: there are two ways of looking at any of the circumstances in our life. We can look at it with ordinary human sight–which is based on what can be done only through human power. Alternatively, we can look at ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Authentic Versus Counterfeit Faith (Ii) Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on May 27, 2024

This message examines the qualities of saving faith as revealed in Romans 4:18-22. In this chapter, Paul uses Abraham's example to teach the kind of faith response to God that ultimately leads to eternal salvation. Hint: It is not easy believism.

Intro A major theme in Romans 4 is faith. Paul is aggressively contending for justification by faith alone. The issue we are currently addressing is the kind of faith Paul has in mind when he uses the word. We know from James 2 that some forms of faith are dead and worthless. We know from Jesus’s ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-25, Romans 8:1-39, 1 Samuel 17:37, Numbers 14:8, Genesis 12:1-20, Galatians 6:7, 2 Corinthians 10:15, Ephesians 3:20, John 6:67-68, John 14:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Good And The Not Good

Contributed by Bob Hostetler on Mar 22, 2002

We all have relational needs that can only be fully met through relationships with each other.

The Good and the Not Good Two weeks ago, Diana, the Princess of Wales, was tragically killed in a high-speed car accident in Paris. Just over a week ago, millions from around the world watched her funeral, one of the most emotional and memorable spectacles of this century. There are many things ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:18, Genesis 1:1-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Is Good! Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 25, 2020

God is good! And we know this because: 1. He has blessed us with the Bible (vs. 1-2). 2. He judges people with perfect justice (vs. 3-8). 3. He exposes our evil (vs. 9-20, 23). 4. He gives us His grace (21-24).

God Is Good! The Book of Romans Romans 3:1-24 (Reading vs. 1-10) Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - April 10, 2016 (Revised September 25, 2020) BACKGROUND: *Please open your Bibles to Romans chapter 3. Tonight's Scripture is like the closing argument in a trial where all ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Playing Footsie With The Devil

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Apr 18, 2018

It's hard to walk with Jesus when you're playing footsie with the devil. We must live a life of holiness no matter what else is around us.

Playing Footsie with the Devil April 15, 2018 Morning Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: We must live a life of holiness no matter what else is around us. Focus Passage: Ephesians 5:1-16 Supplemental Passage: What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-16

Denomination: Baptist