Sermons on Empty Ritual:

The Signifigance Of Prayer

Contributed by Dr. Phillip Paschal on Nov 27, 2001

The Neglection of prayer is a sin.

THE SIGNIFIGANCE OF PRAYER LUKE 18:1 INTRODUCTION: OF ALL THE THINGS THAT ARE OF SIGNIFICATE VALUE IN OUR LIVES, PRAYER SHOULD BE CHERISHED THE MOST. HOWEVER, MY BROTHERS AND MY SISTERS, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT FOR MANY OF US PRAYER IS OFTEN RELEGATED TO THE BOTTOM OF ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1

Denomination: Baptist

Moved By Compassion Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 3, 2010

Jesus reacted to the needs of a grieving widow with love and compassion. His words and actions transformed lives and honored God.

Luke 7:11-17 “Moved by Compassion” INTRODUCTION When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul. Refrain: It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Remembering You Baptism Basics Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Jan 7, 2024

Today, as we turn our hearts to Mark 1:4-11, we witness Jesus, our Savior, embracing baptism to fulfill righteousness.

Sermon title: Remembering You Baptism Basics Mark 1: 1:10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 1:11 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Exploding Manhole Covers Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 31, 2003

A series of exploding manhole covers in Washington is compared with the series of unexpected and disruptive events in Paul’s life. Surviving becomes a matter of one’s vision of where we have come from and where we are going.

It all started in Georgetown. On M Street, in broad daylight, a manhole cover suddenly exploded into the air, flying six feet straight up and landing with a heavy clatter. There were no injuries, but there were fiery flames, an acrid smell, cars dodging one another, pedestrians pumping ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:19

Denomination: Baptist

Securing & Dedicating The Completed Work Series

Contributed by James May on May 7, 2006

#12 in the Nehemiah Series. Though we may be safe within the walls of salvation, we should make sure that our souls are secure and never let our guard down. We must fill the void left by sin that is removed with God and His Word.

Book of Nehemiah Series #13 Securing & Dedicating the Completed Work Nehemiah 11 & 12 By Pastor Jim May Nehemiah’s manual labor in building the walls of Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple was nearly done. Now there remained the task of securing and protecting the work that they had ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Jesus Does The Pharisees Dishes Series

Contributed by Marc Bertrand on Nov 5, 2004

The burden of righteousness that God lays on us is not cumbersome, but freeing, for it opens the door to restoring us to the places God created us for.

Introduction: I want to begin today by taking you back in time 2000 years ago to the common scene at the table of any Jewish Scribe or Pharisee. You will notice that here on the table are a few seemingly simple items, a jug of water and a small wash basin, but to the Pharisees, these items made ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:37-54

Denomination: Baptist

Name Above All Names: "The Lamb Of God" Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Jan 22, 2004

To celebrate in Communion Jesus as the perfect, complete & triumphal Lamb that takes away the sins of the world.. including my own.

Name Above All Names: “The Lamb of God” John 1:29-34 Focus: Jesus is the perfect, complete & triumphal Lamb that takes away the sins of the world. Function: To encourage trust and faith in the triumphant Lamb of God by celebrating his victory thru communion. Maybe the hardest story in ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29-34, Philippians 2:9-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Is True Religion? Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Sep 21, 2013

What does James mean by pure and undefiled religion?

A Study of the Letter of James James 1:26-27 September 18, 2013 Read Scripture:James 1:26-27 [show scripture] 26If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself. 27Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Baptist

The Universalism Of The Lord

Contributed by William Baeta on Jan 7, 2008

“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” Isaiah 1:1.

Matt. 2:1-12 Theme: The Universalism of the Lord Text: Is. 60:1-6; Eph. 3:1-12; Matt. 2:1-12 Today is the first Sunday of the year 2008. What we do at the beginning of the year often determines what happens during the year. There is a custom most of us observe. This custom is that the first ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Jesus In The Old Testament: Jesus In The Law Series

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Nov 11, 2018

This message explores Jesus' connection to the Old Testament, particularly in the laws of sacrifice and atonement, and how the Old Testament sacrificial system was necessary, pointing us the the long awaited Messiah who would be the Lamb of God sacrificed for the sins of the world.

Jesus in the Old Testament - Jesus in the Law - November 11, 2018 Today we’re continuing part 2 of a 4-week series on Jesus in the Old Testament. Last week we looked at Jesus Christ in Creation, and today we’re looking at Jesus in the Law. Put up your hand if you want the world to live in peace? ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:17-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Can’t Hit The Broadside Of A Barn

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Aug 12, 2018

A study in the book of 1 Samuel 20: 1 – 42

1 Samuel 20: 1 – 42 Can’t hit the broadside of a barn 20 Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and went and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity, and what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” 2 So Jonathan said to him, “By no means! You shall not die! Indeed, ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Lessons From Patches And Wineskins Series

Contributed by Rick Finitzer on Aug 11, 2008

The New Wine of Salvation bring true and lasting joy. If our wineskins are going to burst it should be because of our Joy spilling out into the world that Christ has made a difference in our heart and life.

LESSONS FROM PATCHES AND WINESKINS Mark 2:18-22 “Cynthia and I are into Harley-Davidson motorcycles. I know, I know... it doesn’t fit our image. Who really cares? We stopped worrying about our image years ago. We should be ashamed of ourselves? We aren’t. We should be better examples to the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:18-22

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Dependence Day Series

Contributed by Steven Dow on Jul 1, 2004

Part 1 of 3 in a series titled "A Declaration of Dependence." This message looks at our need to depend upon God for salvation and has a patriotic flavor.

DEPENDENCE DAY Series: A Declaration of Dependence Philippians 3:2-11 July 4, 2004 Series Introduction: Today our nation celebrates Independence Day. But as a nation we are in danger of forgetting that we owe our independence to our dependence upon God. Our forefathers clearly recognized this ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:2-11

A Matter Of Death And Life

Contributed by Stephan Brown on Oct 8, 2001

Explains the meaning of baptism: that we are dead with Christ, but have new life in Him. Demonstrates that holiness and commitment to God are the result of this death and life.

"A MATTER OF DEATH AND LIFE" We’re here this morning really for two different but connected celebrations. But this morning we will celebrate these two ceremonies in the reverse order of what they are normally celebrated. In English, when something is very important we may use the saying, "It’s a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:3-12, Colossians 2:14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Clean House Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 7, 2014

If we want to bear fruit for the glory of God this year, i.e., lead people to Christ on a regular basis and see their lives transformed for all eternity, then we must let Christ clean out the fruitless religion and we must get on our knees and pray.

A clergyman dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates. Ahead of him is a guy dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans. Saint Peter says to this guy, “Who are you, so that I may know whether to admit you into the Kingdom of Heaven?” The guy replies, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-19

Denomination: Evangelical Free