Sermons on Empty Ritual:

The Life We Live

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jun 14, 2005

The Gospel of Cross from Galatians calls for responsible, faithful freedom in Christ.

The Life We Live Galatians 2:20 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Introduction: Galatians is small but important. Martin Luther said he considered it the most important book in the New Testament. It contains only six chapters and one hundred ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Tired Of Too Much Church Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 4, 2004

It is easy to be tired of church if church does not connect with integrity, compassion, or fundamental life change. But you will not grow weary if you will work for the good of all.

Several years ago I officiated at a wedding at National Cathedral. At the rehearsal an official of the Cathedral explained why the service would be held in just the Great Choir of the Cathedral, and not out on the main floor, and why we would have to be exactly on-time, no exceptions. He said that ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:12-18

Denomination: Baptist

"The Source Of Our Confidence" Series

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Nov 25, 2008

Sermon 12 in a study in HEBREWS

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16

Denomination: Orthodox

Cross-Contamination (Part One)

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jun 1, 2020

When you hear cross-contamination, it's not referring to something good. But today I'd like to turn that around. Normally we would do our best to avoid cross-contamination, but when it pertains to the cross of Christ, it's best to encourage cross-contamination.

CROSS-CONTAMINATION (part one) By definition, cross-contamination is the process by which bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance or object to another, with harmful effect. You might typically hear this in reference to transferring bacteria between raw ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:7, Philippians 3:17-19, 1 Corinthians 1:11-21, Romans 1:16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Broken To Be Made Whole

Contributed by Jack Martin on Jan 21, 2023

Growing up in the 50’s – Many things were taught to us as young kids that if I am honest were inaccurate or for lack of better words wrong and potentially dangerous both physically and Spiritually.

The Title for this morning’s message is - Broken to Be Whole (glow sticks) • I had done a series a few years back and one of the other topics was emptied to be filled. • Another was humbled to be exalted. Each actually a teaching of Jesus to his followers. My point is there are things ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:10-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

No Sweat!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 21, 2020

Worship, true worship, worship that honours God, flows from the Spirit of God through the life of a follower of Christ who seeks to be pure and holy. True worship requires no effort on the part of the worshipper. Rather, it is the effortless response of that one who seeks the True and Living God.

“[The priests] shall have linen turbans on their heads, and linen undergarments around their waists. They shall not bind themselves with anything that causes sweat.” [1] God is concerned about the smallest facet of the lives of His children. It is not an insignificant matter to speak of the ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 44:18

Denomination: Baptist

Insulting God In Worship

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 24, 2018

A study of Jesus' final rebuff of the temptations He faced after His baptism. He exulted in the worship of the Father. Just so, if we will be successful at rebuffing the tempter, it will be because we resort to the Living God, worshipping Him only.

“Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” [1] We know how to worship; we have the act down pat. Worship is a Psalm, an invocation, two hymns, prayer, two more hymns, a sermon and a closing hymn. Simple! Right? But, what if what ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"We Are Family…” Series

Contributed by J. Douglas Duty Jr. on Oct 14, 2002

#4 “The Six Pillars of a Powerful Church” “We Are Family…”

“The Six Pillars of a Powerful Church” “We Are Family…” Ephesians 2:19-22 As we look at the Six Pillars of a Powerful Church - we have looked at Pillar 1 - is the pillar of STEWARDSHIP - Pillar 2 - is the pillar of WORSHIP Pillar 3 - is the pillar of DISCIPLESHIP And today we look at Pillar 4 ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Lose Your Saltiness!

Contributed by Bruce Howell on May 26, 2005

We are to add flavor and spice to a tasteless world; taste and see that the Christian is good.

Don’t Lose Your Saltiness Luke 14:28-35 28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:28-35

Denomination: Wesleyan

Adjusting Our Focus

Contributed by Tony Fox on Feb 21, 2003

Paul writes to Corinth to get them to focus on the cross of Christ.

“Adjusting Our Focus” February 12, 2003 (1Cor. 1.17-18) Adult Bible Study We’ve all had the job one time or another of taking pictures. When you do, you want to make sure that the image you are trying to capture is in focus else you get a smeared image. Sometimes we have to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

Denomination: Baptist

7 Steps To Success

Contributed by Steve Moldenhauer on Jan 3, 2006

A lesson on how to meditate in God’s Word

INTRODUCTION: If I were to stand up here today and promote a product that could change your life and bring you lasting benefit would you be interested? Joshua 1:8 says, “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:8

Denomination: Baptist

6 Pots 5 Disciples 1 Savior

Contributed by Chris Carter on Jan 19, 2011

We, as scholars of God’s Word today, have the opportunity to stand in the midst of this room and look around at the surroundings and observe a miracle and leave with an amazing understanding of our Savior.

-Attending a wedding for the first time a little girl whispered to her mother, "Why is the bride dressed in white?" Because white is the color of happiness and today is the happiest day of her life." The child thought about this for a moment then said, "So why is the groom wearing black?" -Some ...read more

Scripture: John 2:13-22

Denomination: Baptist

Sunny Side Sermon Iii: Who You Listen To Makes A Big Difference Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Jul 1, 2020

In our fallen world, many voices vie for the attention of the masses - and pagan voices seem to be the loudest - but mature people of faith value their spiritual well-being and pay attention to Him who is the Truth and the Life.

WHO YOU LISTEN TO MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD SPIRITUALLY Have you seen any ghosts lately? Thirty-four percent of Americans believe in ghosts, and fifty-six percent believe ghosts are spirits of the dead. Did you ever live in a ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:9-18

Revive Us Again!

Contributed by Lane Hastie on Jul 29, 2020

Our world is a mess...and human weapons don't work on supernatural problems. The problem is sin...and the answer is Jesus. We need revival.

REVIVE US AGAIN! Talk for a moment about what "revival" isn't: A crowd doesn't mean a church is experiencing revival. Human charisma can attract a crowd. It's not something we can "schedule" or "produce" 1. We Need Revival Revival: restoration to ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 6:3

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Colossians 2 (Nasb)

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Oct 2, 2021

2: 1 – 7 Paul’s solicitude – Erdman, Princeton Theological Seminary: As a reminder, Colossians, Phil and Ephesians were written about the same time. NKJV

Greek speculations, Jewish legalism, Oriental syncretism are in this chapter. So are circumcision, dietary regulations, ritual worship, asceticism, worship of angels and mystical experiences. You Are Built Up in Christ (Danger-Christ’s preeminence defended; A: Beware of philosophies, B. legalism ...read more

Denomination: Vineyard