Sermons on Empty Ritual:

The Pattern Of Worship, Part 1: Spiritual Worship Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Feb 8, 2009

Jesus told the woman at the well that God is seeking people who will worship Him in spirit and truth. In this message, we will examine the first part of that statement. What is spiritual worship?

http://brushforkbanner.blogspot.com/ We’ve just finished three Sundays looking at the pattern of evangelism in this passage of the woman at the well. Starting this morning, we’re going to zoom in on this one part of Jesus’ conversation with her. You remember that Jesus had just presented this ...read more

Scripture: John 4:21-24

Denomination: Baptist

Religion Is Not Enough

Contributed by Scott Spencer on Feb 9, 2012

A major problem in our world today is religion. In fact, lots of people are turned off to God because of religion. Many people will not consider the claims of Christ because of religion. Religion is a problem.

Religion Is Not Enough Romans 2:17-29 17 But if you bear the name “Jew” and rely upon the Law and boast in God, 18 and know His will and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

At Jerusalem

Contributed by Jeff Hughes on Feb 2, 2008

Paul makes his way back to Jerusalem

I. PRAYER II. Introduction a. On April 21st, in the year 1519, the Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez sailed into the harbor of Vera Cruz, Mexico. He brought with him only about 600 men, and yet over the next two years his vastly outnumbered forces were able to defeat Montezuma and all the warriors ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:17-40

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Discovery Of A New Set Of Values

Contributed by Gerald Steffy on Sep 11, 2009

The discovery of a new set of values takes place when one trust Christ as one’s Savior and commits one’s life totally to Christ.

THE DISCOVERY OF A NEW SET OF VALUES Philippians 3:1-11 Proposition: The discovery of a new set of values takes place when one trust Christ as one’s Savior and commits one’s life totally to Christ. Objective: My purpose is to challenge all to trust Christ completely in discovering a new set of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Human 'ifs' And Reasoning Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Mar 14, 2011

How often do we try to bargain with Jesus or become legalistic in our walk with Christ. We must learn that we cannot bargain with God and that love is the first and most important characteristic and function of the church.

Sermon Brief Date Written: March 10, 2011 Date Preached: March 13, 2011 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Series Title: Falling in Love With Jesus Sermon Title: Jesus – Human ‘Ifs’ & Reasoning Sermon Text: John 7:1-53 [ESV] – emphasis on v.5-8 6Jesus said ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-53

Denomination: Baptist

We Are Loosed !

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Apr 8, 2017

This message will be a challenge for many because the church, in general, has become a place where the power of God does not exist.

Even though Jesus has purchased our complete redemption, Satan tries to make us feel as if we still belong to him. He brings us into situations that confuse us and takes our focus off of the deliverance that now belongs to us as children of God. Christians are often blind to the needs of others ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Halloween

Contributed by Dr. William D. Poovey on Apr 17, 2015

Halloween is harmful because it lures people into the occult. Many children are introduced to cultic practices at Halloween parties. I first learned about the occult at a Halloween party as a teenager. Many kids get their first exposure to cultic horror movies at Halloween parties.

HALLOWEEN EMPHASIZES THE OCCULT Halloween is harmful because it lures people into the occult. Many children are introduced to cultic practices at Halloween parties. I first learned about the occult at a Halloween party as a teenager. Many kids get their first exposure to cultic horror movies at ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:11

Denomination: Foursquare

Change Your Perspective From Gloomy To Glorious!

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Apr 15, 2025

Changing your perspective can help you stop automatic negative attitudes, speech, thoughts and navigate situations with a more balanced outlook. The Jewish people needed a different perspective, so God sends Haggai.

Sermon – Change Your Perspective From Gloomy to Glorious! Scripture Lesson – Haggai 2:1-9 “On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and to ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 2:1-9, Ezra 3:10-13, Ephesians 5:26-27, Ecclesiastes 7:10, Hebrews 12:25-29, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

Practising Discipleship Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 1, 2017

Christians are commanded to make disciples. The process of discipleship includes: going; baptising; teaching. The responsibility devolves upon each follower of the Christ.

“It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

What Do You Give A God Who Has Everything?

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 6, 2006

God warns his people to repent from superficial worship by turning their hearts to honor Him. (Going Back to the Heart of Worship).

What Do You Give a God Who Has Everything? Going back to the heart of Worship Topic: Honoring God with whole hearted worship Thesis: God warns his people to repent from superficial worship by turning their hearts to honor Him Aim: To turn the hearts of our church to honor God with worship that ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 50:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Back To The Future

Contributed by Tammy Garrison on Apr 1, 2002

The church, in embracing the constant of time, relives the life of Jesus each year over the course of time. Holy Week is about remembering. Remembering all these events, events that have reminded us of God’s faithfu

Bibliography: Finding Christ, Finding Life: Memory There was a movie released several years ago about a teenage boy named Marty who hung out with an older scientist friend. The scientist had created a time machine out of an old Delorian, and without meaning to, Marty climbed into the Delorian ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-11

Denomination: Methodist

Be Careful!

Contributed by Johnny Wilson on Feb 25, 2009

The words of an ancient wise man remind us that the "awe" of God is foundational for wise living.

Be Careful Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 (English) Most of us can relate to having a parent’s anxiety or remembering a parent’s anxiety when we either allowed our children a bit of independence or when we were ourselves allowed the opportunity to do something autonomous. I can well remember hearing my ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Denomination: *other

You Can Change

Contributed by Ken Sowers on Nov 11, 2002

You haven’t repented until you change

The glory of the gospel is not that it grants forgivness to those who repent, but that it offers repentance for those who sin. You haven’t repented until you change Neh. 1:1-2:9 people who stray from God have hope and can return. Repentance. Neh. 1:4 when he heard the news he sat down and cried ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Unaccepted Message Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 21, 2009

The people who lived at the time of Jeremiah could not accept his message. Many people who heard Jesus preach could not accept his words. Today people, including ourselves, find it difficult to believe in a god of steadfast and overwhelming love.

Jeremiah 11:18-20 “An Unaccepted Message” INTRODUCTION One of the most challenging jobs, or callings, is that of a prophet of change. Certainly, the Old Testament prophets, like Jeremiah, realized the enormity and difficulty of their task. Jeremiah lived in the seventh century B.C., and ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 11:18-22

Denomination: Lutheran

High Voltage Communion

Contributed by Paul Wallace on Aug 1, 2007

Communion is a dangerous encounter with the Living God.

High Voltage Communion 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25 In the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

Denomination: Wesleyan