Sermons on Spirit Versus Flesh:

Joy Versus Happiness

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Mar 12, 2015

The world relentlessly pursues self-statisfying happiness with utter disregard for the Joy of the Lord. Even those who authored the declaration of independence thought that the "pursuit of happiness" was a God given right. So ... what does the Bible say?

Let’s take a look at a couple of Scriptures … Ecclesiastes 12:8 (NASB) “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity!” Ecclesiastes 12:8 (HCSB) “Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile.” Ecclesiastes ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2

Denomination: Nazarene

Cowboys Versus Farmers?

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 28, 2013

It is our attitude, not our sacrifices, that reflects the nature of the man within.

COWBOYS VERSUS FARMERS? Genesis 4:1-8. The acceptance of Abel’s offering as opposed to Cain’s is often explained in terms of THE NATURE OF THE SACRIFICE. We are reminded that “almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood, there is no remission” (Hebrews ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Respect Versus Contempt

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

All that is hateful and unloving is to some degree evil. Jesus says we need to be aware of this, and deal with it in its early stages, and so prevent all the serious consequences of thinking that negative attitudes are alright as long as you don't murder anyone.

Alexander the Great conquered the world, but anger conquered him, and turned him into a murderer. Like so many of the murders of history, it was not intended or designed. It happened because men do not understand that anger is the beginning of murder. Clitus, his best friend, was teasing ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26

Meekness Versus Anger Series

Contributed by Antonio Torrence on Mar 28, 2002

As Christians, we need to channel our anger towards commitment and service within the kingdom of God.

"Living the Blessed Life: Mercy Versus Anger" -by Antonio L. Torrence, Cross of Life Lutheran Church Text: Matthew 5:5 I. Introduction A. Citius, Altius, Fortius- Faster, Higher, Stronger- that is the Olympian theme. Citius, Altius, Fortius- a chant that has dominated our minds for a fortnight ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:5

Denomination: Lutheran

Legalism Versus Love

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

We are in a world of great religious competition. We will all tend to follow one of these two strategies: The legalistic or the loving, the rule book power, or relationship power.

We live in a world where competition is a master motive. When the news reach Russia in 1945 that the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Stalin ordered secret scientists to find a way to catch up to the U.S. Andrei Sakharov was only 24 years old then, but his brilliant mind was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20

Legalism Versus Love Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 17, 2021

We are in a world of great religious competition. We will all tend to follow one of these two strategies: The legalistic or the loving, the rule book power, or relationship power.

We live in a world where competition is a master motive. When the news reach Russia in 1945 that the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Stalin ordered secret scientists to find a way to catch up to the U.S. Andrei Sakharov was only 24 years old then, but his brilliant mind was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20

The Reality Versus The Shadow

Contributed by John Tung on Mar 28, 2007

The reality of Christ is greater than the shadow of the OT animal sacrifices.

The Reality Versus the Shadow Hebrews 10:1-16 (19-25) John Tung, 3-25-07 I. Introduction The title for today’s message sounds like an athletic competition between two teams: The Reality versus The Shadow, like the Nationals versus the Orioles, or The Redskins versus the Cowboys. But the sermon is ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fear Versus Peace

Contributed by Egerton Gbonda on May 1, 2011

The fearful disciples were assured of Jesus' peace when he visited them in a house that was securely locked because of their fear of the Jewish leaders.

INTRODUCTION: In the Name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit- amen Last week we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We may tend to get the notion that all that happened that day was ‘up from the grave He arose’ and the visit to the tomb by ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-30

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Indicative Versus The Imperative

Contributed by Ronald Harbaugh on May 19, 2006

Sermon for the 6th Sunday of Easter

6th Sunday of Easter, May 25, 2003 "Series B" Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, through your free gift of grace, which your Son, Jesus the Christ, revealed to us, you have redeemed us from sin and death, and ...read more

Scripture: John 15:9-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Tradition Versus Truth Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Oct 25, 2020

This is the 31st sermon in the Action Series. This series began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Series: Action [#31] TRADITION VERSUS TRUTH Acts 15:1-11 Introduction: I know none of us ever disagree with one another; but what if we do? There have been many times throughout Bel Aires’ history that we have had to determine the difference between tradition and truth. Please understand that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Conviction Versus Culture

Contributed by J Richison on Aug 10, 2017

It is more important that our young people pray through to an experience for their self then to borrow from our experience.

Conviction vs. Culture I Samuel 3:1-4 The peril of any church, nation, or corporation is when the vision is carried out by those who never had it. Conviction – The state of being convinced with a strong persuasion about a particular idea or belief. To be overpowered by an idea. Culture – ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Hearing Versus Listening

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jul 30, 2024

Today we are going back to the OT days of Nehemiah to see how the people of that day listened or just heard God's Word. God has brought us here today, not just to hear a sermon, but to listen as God speaks to our heart.

When you come to a service like this or attend a Bible study class, do you just hear what is said or do you listen? Is there a difference? For most of us listening is our most frequently used communication skill. Listening is a very important part of communication. One study points out that ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-12, Psalm 119:18, Deuteronomy 31:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Wisdom Versus Foolishness

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Mar 1, 2021

This sermon is about man's foolishness versus God's wisdom and the cross. Later into the sermon this question "Whose fool are you?' is asked several times.

WISDOM VERSUS FOOLISHNESS Text: I Corinthians 1:18 – 25   For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  (19)  For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Denomination: United Methodist

Family Versus Ministry?

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Jul 27, 2010

We struggle with this sometimes; what should the priority be when we have both family and ministry obligations. Here is one solution.

Passage: Matthew 12:46-50 Intro: We have all heard the stories. 1. a missionary who devotes his life to evangelism, but his own kids are lost. 2. the devoted pastor whose kids end up on drugs. Il) I had a professor at Seminary who, as a pastor, had never seen his high school son ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:46-50

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Justice Versus Injustice Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 16, 2010

Jesus curses both the fig tree and teh temple for their fruitlessness. Rather than standing for justice and assisting the poor, the temple has sided with Roman Imperialism and in doing so has promoted injustice.

Mark 11:12-21 “Justice versus Injustice” INTRODUCTION What do you do if you do not reach a goal for which you were striving? Do you give up, try again, make a different goal, or do something else? What do you do if your children fail to live up to your expectations—your ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-21

Denomination: Lutheran