Sermons on Deceptive Appearance:

Becoming Backyard Christians Series

Contributed by James Jackson on Sep 8, 2020

The front yard is where we try to keep up appearances. The backyard is where we live. If we want people to get to know us, we have to open up the backyard.

*Note: This is an adaptation of the second sermon in the "I Love My Church" Sermon Prep Kit on Sermon Central. Thanks to whoever created the original outlines. This is a great kit. I Love My Church #2: Becoming Backyard Christians Hebrews 10:19-25 [Lots of different fences on ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25

Denomination: Baptist

Arise And Shine Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jun 28, 2021

Advent is a celebration of hope concerning the arrival and appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This message looks at some of the symbolism and prophecies related to Advent. This sermon can also be used for Epiphany.

We just lit the second Advent candle; and so, this morning, I want to take some time to discuss in detail what the season of Advent is all about. But allow me to first begin with an illustration from the Vietnam War era, which was around the 1960’s. This illustration is from someone who was ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

We Must Eat Locusts And Wild Honey To Please God - John The Baptist Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 6, 2022

John makes an appearance in the Gospels of Matthew and John, and then passes from the scene after his execution. His life and testimony are powerful lessons for all of us. What can we learn?

CHARACTERS OF JOHN’S GOSPEL – JOHN THE BAPTIST Message:- WE MUST EAT LOCUSTS AND WILD HONEY TO PLEASE GOD PART 1: THE PERSON AND CHARACTER OF JOHN THE BAPTISER We will look at the life of this man who stands out in his generation. He makes an appearance in the Gospels of Matthew and John, and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:28, Matthew 3:1-15, John 3:30, Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Transformed By Truth: A King And Priest Forever Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 28, 2024

Melchizedek appears only briefly in Genesis but plays a critical role in the story of faith. In Melchizedek, we see a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate King and eternal High Priest.

Transformed by Truth: A King and Priest Forever Genesis 14:18-20 (NLT): “And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 7:17, Psalm 103:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

Ready, Set, Grow!

Contributed by David Nolte on Mar 22, 2021

It is normal for living things to grow.

It is normal for living things to grow. • We plant seeds and expect plants to spring up and grow, producing fruit, nuts, vegetables, herbs, grains, lawns or flowers. • We have children and, though sometimes it seems it happens too quickly, they grow and become independent of the old folks. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 2:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Pretrib Rapture & Matthew 24

Contributed by John Gaston on Sep 4, 2024

A church member wrote asking about Matthew 24 – if the “rapture” is the same as the 2nd Coming. The 2nd Coming has two parts – the Rapture and 7 years later, the Visible Appearing of Christ to defeat the Antichrist and set up Millennial Kingdom.

PRETRIB RAPTURE & MATTHEW 24 Mt. 24-25 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A little 6 yr. old girl, Emily, complained, "Mother, I've got a stomach ache." She replied, "That's because your stomach is empty; you’d feel better if you had something in it." 2. That afternoon, ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Walk With Him

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Dec 1, 2006

Paul had never been to Colosse, but was hearing some strange reports of deception. In the NIV version of chapter 2, verse 1 Paul said that he was “struggling” for them. They were doing something wrong, and Paul was responsible for them even though he had

WALK WITH HIM <Power Point presentation available upon request> The book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul, to the church in Colosse. This was a little different church than the norm. They were having problems with staying on track with serving God. Paul had never been to Colosse, ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:4-6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

We're All Broken Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Nov 21, 2011

The human mind is self-rationalizing and self-deceptive. Without a guide, we have no idea what is right and good. God's Word offers that guide but it's more than just reading a guidebook and determining to do better. We need to come to grips with the brok

Today we are going look at just three verses. Normally these verses might be couched in terms of “this is really bad stuff—this is sin—don’t do it!” While that is true, I want to handle these verses a little differently. Firstly, remember that these words are written ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:19-22

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

We All Have A Second (Or A Third . . . Or Fourth) Chance

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Apr 30, 2019

Jesus gives us lots of opportunities to join him

John 21:1-19 This story of the final appearance of Jesus to his disciples took place a couple weeks after Easter; the disciples seemed at wit’s end… Jesus has died, they were not really sure about the resurrection (even though they have seen the risen Christ once or twice). But they were still ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-19

Denomination: Episcopal

The Rapture – Fear Or Encouragement?

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 21, 2025

The rapture should not bring fear but joy and anticipation for believers. If we are living right, we have nothing to fear. Instead, we should encourage one another and look forward to Christ’s return with hope and readiness.

THE RAPTURE – FEAR OR ENCOURAGEMENT? By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Matthew 25:1-13, John 14:1-3 INTRODUCTION: The doctrine of the rapture is a central teaching in Christian eschatology, signifying the moment when Christ will ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Judas The Betrayer (Part One)

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Apr 11, 2021

Whenever there's a list of the Apostles, he always appears last and his name is followed by, "the betrayer" or something similar. Let's take a look at the one who is known for betraying Jesus.

JUDAS, THE BETRAYER (part one) One of the questions in Sunday School last week had to do with Judas and the storms he was facing. That generated some good discussion so I decided to make him the focus of the sermon today and next Sunday. Whenever there's a list of the Apostles, he always ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:1, Isaiah 5:20, Matthew 26:10-16, John 6:70-71, Matthew 26:20-25, John 13:27, Matthew 26:47-50, Proverbs 26:24-26  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lessons From Jeremiah – Part 28 – The Lord Exposes The People’s Sins For They Had Married Sin And Religion Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 3, 2024

Great sinners think they can sin but God does not see it, or it does not matter if mixed with a bit of religion. God lists Judah’s sins. Sin hardens people. It grows callouses. God’s message just slips away with ease. We need to be serious with God and not indifferent about our relationship.

LESSONS FROM JEREMIAH – PART 28 – THE LORD EXPOSES THE PEOPLE’S SINS FOR THEY HAD MARRIED SIN AND RELIGION PART 28 - Jeremiah 7:8-15 CHAPTER 7 [A]. THE LORD’S HOUSE IS DISHONOURED BY THE WICKEDNESS OF THE DECEIVED PEOPLE – GREAT HYPOCRISY {{Jeremiah 7:8 Behold, you are trusting in deceptive ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:8-11, Jeremiah 7:9-10, Genesis 4:9, Revelation 9:21, Jeremiah 7:11, Mark 4:22, 2 Chronicles 16:9, Luke 19:45-46, Jeremiah 7:12-15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Real-Igion

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Feb 21, 2012

In today’s passage, James wants to keep us from the deception that being religious is merely going through a set of rituals and motions. James doesn’t want us to be deceived into thinking the more I exemplify religious behavior the more spiritual I am. Le

REALIGION James 1:26-27 INTRODUCTION: Preventing deception is a major theme for James (1:1:16, 22, 26). In today’s passage, James wants to keep us from the deception that being religious is merely going through a set of rituals and motions. James doesn’t want us to be deceived into ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Gideon Formed His Attack On The Enemy Camp Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 10, 2019

Gideon’s battle plan appears to have been carefully worked out, but whether it was beholden to his spiritual illumination we cannot say. But what we can say is that his methods were a type of psychological warfare.

Chapter 25 How Gideon Formed His Attack on the Enemy Camp [Judges 7.16-7.20] Scripture 16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. 17 And he said unto them, Look on me, and do ...read more

Scripture: Judges 7:16

Denomination: Baptist

How Gideon Formed His Attack On The Enemy Camp Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 9, 2019

Gideon’s battle plan appears to have been carefully worked out, but whether it was beholden to his spiritual illumination we cannot say. But what we can say is that his methods were a type of psychological warfare.

Chapter 25 How Gideon Formed His Attack on the Enemy Camp [Judges 7.16-7.20] Scripture 16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. 17 And he said unto them, Look on me, and do ...read more

Scripture: Judges 7:16-20

Denomination: Baptist