Sermons on Empty Ritual:

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

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

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

Set Your Heart Right Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Sep 19, 2017

Rehoboam failed to treasure what he has, he abandoned the Law of the Lord and forfeited the true worship of God. Heed 2 Chron 12:14 words - let us set our heart on seeking the Lord.

Over the past 3 sermons we have been looking at King Jeroboam and his Northern Kingdom of Israel, the ten tribes that had defected. • They defected not just from David’s dynasty but from God. King Jeroboam led them into idolatry, creating another new religion, with new gods. What about the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 14:21-28

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

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

The Fullness Of Christ

Contributed by Richard Francis on Aug 19, 2008

As a Christian is your heart for people, walk with Jesus and see how he reached out with a heart for people and lets learn to be more like our Lord everyday.

A prayer for all believers in Christ Before we explore John 5: 1-11 can you walk with me for a while and consider our hearts? I would like to start by asking what fills your inner being, what defines you? It’s a difficult one to answer, if you are like me many things can fill my inner being most ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fruitless Religion Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 27, 2010

If we want to bear fruit for the glory of God and lead people to Him on a regular basis, then we must let Christ clean out the fruitless religion, and we must pray with hearts full of faith and forgiveness

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, “I’m Joe Cohen, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-25

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Show Me That Our God Is In The Camp

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 21, 2012

Today, I will attempt to show you how often, and in how many ways men try to find a cure for what ails them, rather than take the only treatment that will work, to take the case to God.

Show Me That Our God Is In The Camp And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore. (1 Samuel 4:7) The Prince of Preachers had a sermon with a similar name: "Is God In The Camp?" Charles ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:7

Denomination: Baptist

"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

Jesus Crushes And Cures Your Quest For Cleanliness

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Sep 18, 2003

by not washing his hands Jesus teaches a lesson in righteousness

September 21, 2003 Mark 7:1-8; 14-15; 21-23 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were "unclean," that is, unwashed. (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Lutheran