Sermons on Ancient Traditions:

Christmas Is A Rapture In Reverse

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Nov 21, 2018

The Nativity of the Lord – Christmas Mass During the Night (Traditional Christmas Biblical reading).

The third grade was staging their annual Christmas pageant. Finally it came time for the birth. Mary was hidden from the crowd by bales of hay. A boy appeared on stage, in a bathrobe with sandals, a stethoscope around his neck. He disappeared behind the hay bales, and reemerged with a bundle. He ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-14

Denomination: Catholic

The Church Is Not A Social Club, But A Sacred Community Of Believers. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jun 26, 2024

The Christian faith, once rooted in Scripture and tradition, is facing a crisis in modern churches

As I stepped into the church, I couldn't help but feel like I was entering a clubhouse rather than a sacred space. The atmosphere was lively, but it lacked the reverence and awe that comes with being in God's presence. This experience got me thinking – have we lost sight of the true purpose ...read more

Scripture: John 5:39

The City Of Oxyrhynchus Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 29, 2022

Oxyrhynchus is an ancient town in the north of Egypt (situated near the modern town of al-Bahnasa), approximately 160km southwest of Cairo on one of the Nile's canals. Many ancient documents written on papyrus were found there—70% of all known papyri originated there.

The city of Oxyrhynchus Oxyrhynchus is an ancient town in the north of Egypt (situated near the modern town of al-Bahnasa), approximately 160km southwest of Cairo on one of the Nile's canals. Many ancient documents written on papyrus were found there—70% of all known papyri originated there. At ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:11-12

Denomination: Baptist

It' Not About Us

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Apr 22, 2020

We love our church traditions and are proud of the good things we do. But our calling is to honor Jesus above ourselves and change any tradition to better point people to Jesus, like John the Baptist.

One of the fun parts of the Christmas season is getting letters from old friends and learning how their kids are turning out. Erik, whom I confirmed years ago, is in the Air Force now. Annie is a commercial artist. Allen, who used to get bullied, is a police officer now. Tim is married, with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-17

Clean Hands Or Clean Heart? Series

Contributed by Joel Preston on Jun 10, 2012

In this passage, Jesus is dealing with very religious people who allowed their traditions replace the authority of God’s Word. Jesus is not impressed with religious ritual or tradition, rather He is concerned with the condition of our hearts.

The Gospel of Mark #18 – “Clean Hands or Clean Heart?” Mark 7:1-23 Intro – 1. ILL – 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 ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Who's First In Your Life?

Contributed by Dennis Lawrence on Mar 31, 2003

The ancient prophet Haggai teaches us about how to fulfill Jesus’ first great commandment.

Who’s First in Your Life? The prophet Isaiah declared, as recorded in Isaiah 6: “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims; each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, and ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:2-10, Matthew 22:36-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Transformation

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 29, 2008

Jesus renews the ancient Hebrew Passover meal and gives it a new reality in the true Lamb of God.

December 29, 2008 Sacramentum Caritatis The new priest offered his first sermon to his congregation. As the people left, many stopped and complimented him on his preaching. He thanked them, went through the week and, the next Sunday, noticed a larger congregation. Some of the parishioners ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:3-11

Denomination: Catholic

The Rapture Of The Bride (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Stephen Smith on Jun 1, 2020

A message that examines the close parallel between the ancient Hebrew wedding ritual and the marriage of Christ and the Church.

Pt 7: The Rapture of the Bride (part 2) The Hebrew Wedding and the Rapture As I pointed out in my last message ('The Rapture of the Bride pt 1'), there appears to be significant misunderstanding concerning the nature and purpose of the Lord's 'parousia' ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:17, Matthew 1:19-20, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 3:20, James 4:4, 1 Peter 1:18, Titus 2:11-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Colossians 3:1, Revelation 22:20-21, Ephesians 5:31-32, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 1:4-5, John 17:19, John 14:2-3, Matthew 26:27-28, Matthew 24:36, Ephesians 5:25-26, Song of Songs 1:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

Things You Should Never Change Series

Contributed by Lalachan Abraham on May 22, 2018

“Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors. (Proverbs 22:28)

“The only thing constant is change.” This saying is attributed to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, one of the most significant Western thinkers to have lived before Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Change is one of the most frightening things many of us face in life, and yet we all encounter it ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:6-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Answering Rob Bell's Myths About The Resurrection

Contributed by Keith Foskey on Apr 16, 2014

Was the Resurrection a Myth concocted out of many ancient stories? Rob Bell seems to think so.

Recently, I watched a video from a preacher named Rob Bell. He has attained a certain level of popularity recently due to his book Love Wins, which many evangelicals have denounced as a purely universalistic treatment of important Scriptural texts. Now, I may soon deal with Rob Bell’s claims ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:13-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

5 Keys To Understanding The Sabbatical Year Series

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Dec 29, 2014

In ancient times, God warned people & nations of impending judgment before He lowered the boom.

The Final Countdown: Preparing for What’s Next (Based up Jonathan Cahn’s book, The Mystery of the Shemitah) First Things First: 5 Keys to Understanding the Sabbatical Year (1 of 5) November 2, 2014 CFBC, Chester, IL Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker Introduction: A In ancient times, God ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:6

Denomination: Baptist

A Stubborn People (Exodus 33)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 11, 2024

Are we a stubborn people like ancient Israel? Let's look at Exodus 33.

If God called the Israelites a stubborn people, what would He say about us? If there was one man in a stubborn nation who found grace in God’s sight, how many of us have found that same grace? Let’s look at Exodus 33. Why did God say that He would not go up with the Israelites? The Lord said to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Three Wrapped Presents Of Jesus

Contributed by Troy Borst on Dec 19, 2012

Candle Light Service Short Sermonette

THREE WRAPPED PRESENTS OF JESUS Luke 2:5-7 John 13:1-7 Luke 23:46-53 Tonight as we gather for Christmas Eve, as we prepare to light candles in honor of Jesus’ birth, I would like us to reflect on wrapped presents. Wrapping presents, according to some is an ancient tradition and most of us ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:5-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Danger Of Celebrating Halloween As Christians - Ephesians 5:11 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 29, 2024

As Christians, we’re called to examine everything through the lens of Scripture. Today, let’s take a closer look at the origins of Halloween, what it celebrates, and, most importantly, what God’s Word says about it.

The Danger of Celebrating Halloween as Christians - Ephesians 5:11 Introduction: As October rolls around, Halloween decorations start popping up everywhere—stores, schools, even some churches. For many, Halloween is seen as harmless fun: costumes, candy, and a chance to escape reality for a while. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:11, 2 Timothy 1:7, Deuteronomy 18:10-12, 1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:16, Romans 12:2, John 8:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Target Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jan 5, 2015

God has many directives for the church, and under the inspiration of the Spirit, Paul hits the ground running, implying what some of those directives are.

The Target (I Timothy 1:1-5) 1. Men’s retreat/turkey shoot. Barri usually wins… 2. Bud Newell and his friend Tony often practice corn-hole tossing. They are very proficient at it, and Bud has won a number of championships; a matter of aim. 3. Hitting the target, good aim ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-5

Denomination: Independent/Bible