Sermons on Deceptive Appearance:

In The Darkness Shines A Light

Contributed by Steven Davis on Jan 15, 2003

Considering the appearance of the Greeks who ask Philip to "see Jesus," the sermon reflects on this as an Epiphany story, and upon Jesus as the light of the world.

Words are interesting things. Sometimes all you have to do is look at a word and you can figure out within a few seconds what the word means, even if you’ve never seen the word before. “Christmas” is one of those words. Yes, I know we’ve all heard the word, but take a close look at it written ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-36, Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Methodist

153 Life-Changing Fish

Contributed by Jeffrey Samelson on May 7, 2004

With his appearance and miracle by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus assures his disciples of everything they will need to keep on following him and be fishers of men.

April 25, 2004 — Third Sunday of Easter Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD Pastor Jeff Samelson John 21:1-14 153 Life-Changing Fish I. Jesus meets us where we are II. God can and does take care of our every need III. Christ repeats his miracles in our lives Grace and peace to you from God ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Denomination: Lutheran

A Different Perspective

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Aug 2, 2005

No matter what we are going through, even when it appears as though God is not aware, stand your watch and wait on the Lord.

Rev. Wayne A. Lawson, M.Min Senior Pastor First Baptist Church Ardmore, OK 73402 (Preached Sunday, July 31, 2005) RevWLawson@aol.com http://firstbaptistok.org/ Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1-4 1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

The Tabernacle Part 7 The Coverings Series

Contributed by Dr. Steve Newton on Oct 3, 2017

The outer covering was unattractive in appearance. It speaks of Jesus without form or comeliness...but oh the inner coverings reveal the beauty of Christ.

THE COVERINGS (Ex. 26:1-14; 36:8-19) The boards, studied in the last lesson, consti¬tuted the walls of the tabernacle. Over these boards, which stood fifteen feet high, four coverings were placed to form the roof of this peculiar building. We shall study these from the outside inward. 1. Why ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 26:1-14, Exodus 36:8-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Seeing Is Believing Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Sims on Apr 23, 2018

This sermon focuses on the resurrected Christ appearing to His disciples. Along with us having the ability to see Jesus in our everyday life.

So, the ladies have been to the tomb and found it empty, they have told the others and Peter and John have seen for themselves. Everyone has left the tomb except Mary and that’s when strange sightings, supernatural sightings, unbelievable stuff, begins to happen. Mary has an encounter with a ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Becoming A Father Of Influence Series

Contributed by Vince Miller on Dec 30, 2018

Children need a male influence in the home. And by influence, we do not mean just an occasional appearance, or a buddy dad, but a deliberate father.

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Frederick Douglass “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 Children need a male influence in the home. And by influence, we do not mean just an occasional appearance, or a buddy dad, but a deliberate ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:17

Denomination: Baptist

Sheep Or Goats

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Nov 22, 2014

We judge people by their outward appearance. God judges us by what we have done for "the least of these.l"

Sheep or Goat – Matthew 25:31-46 Intro: Raise your hand if you would: Like to loose 20 pounds. Like to be taller? Like to be seen as a prize Persian when you are really an old alley cat. Perhaps you know someone who thinks they are a prize poodle when they are really just a mangy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Influential Fathers Series

Contributed by Vince Miller on Oct 3, 2019

Children need a male influence in the home. And by influence, we do not mean just an occasional appearance or a buddy dad, but a deliberate father.

Children Need Fathers Children need a male influence in the home. And by influence, we do not mean just an occasional appearance or a buddy dad, but a deliberate father. While presence is a part of fathering, and sometimes children need a friend who will listen, fathering is intentional and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:17

Denomination: Baptist

Whitewashed Tomb Christians Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 10, 2025

This metaphor reveals the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, exposing the hypocrisy that plagues many who claim to follow God.

In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus unleashes a scathing critique on the Pharisees, calling them "whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." This metaphor reveals the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:25-28, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

:what If I Am The Hypocrite?" Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Mar 25, 2022

A hypocrite is a person who puts on a false appearance. A hypocrite acts in a way that is inconsistent with their beliefs. A hypocrite pretends to be something he is not.

GOING PUBLIC WITH OUR FAITH “What if I am the Hypocrite?” Luke 12:1-9 So the excitement is building and is all centered round Jesus—so much so that right out of the gate we read that there are literally thousands of people “milling about and stepping on each other.” ? That’s a pretty clear ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Higher Priesthood Of Melchizedek Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 28, 2022

Melchizedek was one of those puzzling people in the Bible who appears only briefly but is mentioned again as an example of holiness and righteous living.

Higher priesthood of Melchizedek Let us dive into his biblical story and relevance for Christians today! Who was Melchizedek, mentioned in the Old and New Testaments? How was he a priest of God Most High? Why did Abram (Abraham) give him a tithe? Melchizedek Higher Priesthood of Melchizedek ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 7:11-28

Denomination: Baptist

Transformed By The Renewal Of Our Minds

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 30, 2023

It certainly appears, as many commentators have noted, that God is at heart a hedonist. He seems to delight in humans taking pleasure in creation.

Twenty-Second Sunday in Course 2023 The Hebrew prophet Jeremiah knew the joys and dangers of obeying the admonition to offer one’s body as a living sacrifice to God, and of refusing to conform himself to a corrupt age, such as he had, and Jesus, and, for that matter, us in twenty-first century ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-27, Romans 12:1-2, Jeremiah 20:7-9

Denomination: Catholic

Lies Demons Tell Christians Vs Truth Of God Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 11, 2025

Discover the common lies demons tell Christians and the powerful truths of God's Word that counter them. Break free from deception and find freedom, peace, and joy in God's presence.

1. Lie: You are not good enough for God. Truth: God loves and accepts you just as you are, with all your strengths and weaknesses, and He desires a personal relationship with you. As Romans 5:8 reminds us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:27, John 10:27

Beware Of Spiritual Malware

Contributed by Thilini Perera on Jan 17, 2021

WORD OF GOD CONSTANTLY WARNS US TO BE ON OUR GUARD AGAINST THE MALICIOUS INTRUDER WHO COMES TO US IN VARIOUS DISGUISES TO STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY OUR LIVES, FAMILIES, CHURCHES BY INSTALLING MALWARE IN OUR HEARTS.

MALWARE IS MALICIOUS SOFTWARE DESIGNED TO STEAL, DAMAGE & DESTROY INFORMATION AND IT POSES A GREAT THREAT TO INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS OF OUR DAY. MALWARE IS EXPERTLY CRAFTED & CAMOPHLAGED FOR HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT UNDETECTED FOR LONGER PERIODS. ORGANIZATIONS, BANKS, COMPANIES ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Deuteronomy 12:30-31, Exodus 12:19, Genesis 3:6, Jeremiah 10:2-4, Jeremiah 16:19, John 4:24, John 8:32, Mark 7:6-13, Matthew 13:24-30, Proverbs 16:24-26  (view more)  (view less)

Emmaus Experience

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Oct 18, 2000

The disciples’ walk to emmaus begins a developing Experience of Christ - Heart-Breaking at his death but when Jesus joins them it becomes Heart-Searching and ends as Heart-Burning Experience.

I read about a minister who was given the honour of preaching at an important meeting of his denomination. Just before he was to start his sermon he was seen to be looking anxiously around the congregation. The chairman whispered to him, "What’s the problem? Is there someone here who’s heard the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Baptist