Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Love Breakts The Rules Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 31, 2005

In the story of Jesus healing the paralytic, we see the love of the man’s friends and the love of Jesus coming breaking the rules in order to change lives.

Matthew 9:2-7 “Love Breaks the Rules” INTRODUCTION What is love? Love is a popular word in the English language. Perhaps its popularity has led to its over use and its loss of meaning. Certainly “I love spaghetti,” means something very different from the, “I love you,” that we whisper to our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:2-7

Denomination: Lutheran

Spending Time With God Is Transformational PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 8, 2024

This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, meditation, and studying God's Word as vital elements of our spiritual relationship with God.

Welcome, dear friends, to this sacred gathering. We are here, not by chance, but by divine appointment. God, in His infinite wisdom and boundless love, has drawn us together to share in the richness of His word. We are not here to merely pass the time, but to draw closer to our Creator, to learn ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 34:23-35

Topics: Time With God, Empowering

Isaac A Type Of Christ Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Aug 21, 2020

To establish that Abraham’s son, Isaac, was a type of Christ. He was his only begotten son, who was offered unto God; and, raised off the altar of sacrifice, through faithful obedience, unto his father. We will examine how Isaac’s life, offering, and obedience, was a type of Christ.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Isaac a Type of Christ Remarks. 1. In this lesson today, we will be discussing the theme: “Isaac a Type of Christ." This is the fourth lesson in the sermon-series entitled: "Re-digging in Old Wells." There will be many others bearing this title. We are ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:17-19, Hebrews 5:8-9, Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Be Prepared!

Contributed by Edward Frey on Nov 22, 2002

We need faith in our Savior for ourselves if we expect to be ready for his return.

Just about every house in America goes through a familiar ritual. This ritual takes place every day of the week. Some of you may be very familiar with it. I call it the "Are you ready yet?" ritual. As the time to leave the house draws near parents begin asking the question, "Are you ready yet?” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

"Not Spiritually Arrogant" Series

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Mar 27, 2006

Sermon 2 in a study in the Sermon on the Mount

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” I recount below an overheard conversation. For reasons that will become apparent I have excluded names or any personal references. In this conversation one person asked another why it was that we, and by ‘we’ I mean here at ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3

Denomination: Orthodox

What Do I Thank Jesus For?

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Oct 22, 2007

The Lent season is over and so is the Easter day.What has these four or five weeks meant to us? What has Jesus done for us? What has He accomplished through all this?

What do I thank Jesus for? Well… the Lent season is over, so is the Easter day. The tomb is empty and it remains empty. Judas is dead, Pilate wishes he was… How about us? What has these four or five weeks meant to us? What has Jesus done for us? What has He accomplished through all this? To ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:8-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Encountering Jesus (1) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Mar 11, 2019

Everywhere Jesus went, he left changed lives in his wake. In John 3, Nicodemus encountered Jesus and experienced a compelling curiosity, a confusion conversation, and a courageous conversion.

Encountering Jesus (1) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 1/4/2014 As another year begins, we’re reminded once again that Jesus is the world’s preeminent person. He looms so large over human history that we actually measure time by him; we date our letters, our birth ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-16, John 19:38-42

Denomination: Christian Church

The Deadly Art Of Idolmaking

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 19, 2025

Idolatry isn’t about statues; it’s anything we trust more than God, but Christ calls us from these false securities into an unbreakable covenant of love.

Introduction – An Unforgettable Ride It’s just as well that I have forgotten most of my hitchhiking stories. But one memory has stayed with me, as clear as if it happened yesterday. Back in April of 1975, I was hitchhiking in the early spring. It seemed like winter, even though the calendar said ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6, Deuteronomy 7:9, Isaiah 42:8, Matthew 6:24, 1 John 5:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Most Important Worship - A Sermon That Walks Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 5, 2002

There are many ways to offer worship to God, but without this one form of worship, everything else we do is lip service.

OPEN: Reporters and city officials gathered at a Chicago railroad station one afternoon in 1953. The person they were meeting was the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize winner. A few minutes after the train came to a stop, a giant of a man - six feet four inches with bushy hair and a large mustache stepped ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:15-21, Matthew 7:21-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Bringing In The Net Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Aug 11, 2008

Although the people had rejected their Messiah, a path back was possible. They had to change their attitude, become followers of Jesus, and enjoy the blessings of salvation if they were to align themselves to God’s will for them.

Bringing in the Net (Acts 2:37-40) 1. I have been a juror a number of times. Although I do not look forward to the time commitment, I have found my experiences interesting. 2. I have noticed, however, a variety of qualities in the cases prepared by both the prosecution and defense. Sometimes I ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:37-40

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Day Of The Lord

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Dec 15, 2008

Amos - one of the most relevant, practical and contemporary books. The times in which Amos lived are remarkably similar...the social and cultural conditions are much like those today.

THE DAY OF THE LORD Amos 5:18-24 Amos - one of the most relevant, practical and contemporary books. The times in which Amos lived are remarkably similar...the social and cultural conditions are much like those today. Amos was a contemporary of Isaiah, Micah, and Hosea. He came from the little ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:18-24

What Happens When Choose To Go Your Own Way Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Aug 22, 2007

This is a message in a series from the book of Lamentations

We live in a culture that is overrun by frivolous lawsuits. We are encouraged to sue if someone tramples on what we consider to be our rights. This is just another sign of the mentality, “I have the right to believe and act in whatever manner I deem appropriate.” Unfortunately this attitude has ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 2:1-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Only Thing That Matters Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 6, 2014

If we try to be justified by keeping the Law, we’ve abandoned grace as our means of salvation. And having been set free, liberated by Christ, what will we do with our freedom? Jesus grants us an opportunity to live and love like never before!

Introduction: According to news reports, criminal gangs have tried to infiltrate the ranks of Scotland's police force, to obtain information and undermine law enforcement. You can just imagine the awful consequences. Paul was also dealing with infiltrators--in the church--people who insisted ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15

Denomination: Congregational

Experience New Wine

Contributed by David Dewitt on Dec 29, 2011

The first miracle of Jesus is not about the creation of wine but the experience of the wedding

Experience the New Wine John 2:1-11 November 13, 2011 Morning Service Illustration: Kim Kardashian and the 72 day marriage We live in a society of disposable relationships In the past week, I have heard of strained relationships with married couples, strained relationships between siblings, ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Church Of God

Thirty-Second Sunday In Ordinary Time--32nd Sunday, Year A-- Byoo Bring Your Own Oil

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Nov 6, 2020

You bring your own oil when you realize that you have no control over the moment of the groom's arrival and it may be a while, but when he arrives, it will be a surprise. Rev. 22:7 says, “I am coming back quickly.”

Thanks to Troy Borst for the phrase B.y.o.o. (Bring Your Own Oil) 1. You bring your own oil when you realize that you have no control over the moment of the groom's arrival and it may be a while, but when he arrives, it will be a surprise. Rev. 22:7 says, “I am coming back quickly.” It ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Catholic