Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Fig Trees And Phonies

Contributed by Scott Spencer on Apr 27, 2014

Is there more than merely an appearance of Christianity about us? Is there real substance to our lives as believers? Is there real fruitfulness for Jesus Christ?

Fig Trees And Phonies Mark 11:11-26 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late. 12 On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He became hungry. 13 Seeing at a distance a fig ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:11-26

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

How Do I Experience The Spirit's Life? Series

Contributed by Jason Pettibone on Aug 28, 2009

Living ‘in the Spirit’ is the normal Christian life. In Galatians, a letter written to correct the love for religion over relationship, we are told that the Holy Spirit is God’s gift to all Believers.

The question I would like to start us thinking about is: “HOW do I experience the life of the Spirit?” Let’s explore that idea this morning in this message which is titled.... Choosing to live IN the Spirit Living ‘in the Spirit’ is the normal Christian life. In Galatians, a letter written to ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Creativity: Maintaining A Sensitivity To Transcendence Series

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Nov 25, 2020

The Star and Stars of Christmas is a series of messages for Advent. Using the idea of a play on a stage. Each message will look at different characters in the Christmas story. The introduction takes a critical look at how many in our society are portrayed as celebrities—bigger than life.

Often people are attracted to performances based upon the popularity of the performers, or the authors. (My wife’s father enjoyed David Baldacci, James Patterson, Danielle Steele, etc.). A good writer wants to remove his/her personality and have us to focus on the story. The Gospel according to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why We Remember To Say The Blessing

Contributed by Andrew Chan on Jun 23, 2001

Some thoughts about why we "say grace" before the meal.

Why we remember to say the blessing By Pastor Andrew Chan, PBC, Vancouver, BC June 24, 2001 Sunday School Picnic Message on Psalm 113 Intro: Gonna be having food and fun soon. We’ll say the blessing on food. But have u thought about why we say the blessing. Ps.113 is a blessing that is used by ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 113:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical Free

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Being A Member Of God's Family?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

What Are Some of the Benefits of Being a Member of God’s Family? (Rom 8:15-17)

What Are Some of the Benefits of Being a Member of God’s Family? (Rom. 8:15-17) Illustration;According to a study of more than 500 family counselors, the following are the top traits of successful families: *Communicating and listening *Affirming and supporting family members *Respecting one ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:15-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Wash Away Your Sins

Contributed by Scott Bradford on Apr 13, 2005

A sermon on forgiveness, that only can come by the blood of Jesus Christ.

(1) The Headlines on Jan 26th out of Jacksonville, FL read: "JACKSONVILLE, Florida (AP) -- When five dozen roses didn’t work, an estranged husband took out a full-page newspaper ad to ask his wife for forgiveness. "Please believe the words in my letter, they are true and from my heart," read the ad ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:11-22

Denomination: United Methodist

Take Me To The Rock

Contributed by Tr Precht on Sep 12, 2006

We need to fall upon the Rock that is Christ Jesus

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Mat 16:18) Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:18

Denomination: Apostolic

Resurrection Power

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Feb 10, 2010

Let's think for a moment of lost causes. They are very real. The sportscaster said the game was unwinnable. The insurance adjuster said the car was irrepairable. The doctor said the patient was incurable. The marriage counselor said the

Resurrection Power I Corinthians 15:1 10 Let's think for a moment of lost causes. They are very real. The sportscaster said the game was unwinnable. The insurance adjuster said the car was irrepairable. The doctor said the patient was incurable. The marriage counselor said the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-10

You Got Issues Pt. 2 Physical Limitations Series

Contributed by Sean Dees on Mar 1, 2022

There are times when we have limitations that seem to keep us from moving forward. Sometimes we have to press through those limitations to get in touch with Jesus.

Intro: This morning I talked about the mental strong holds we face and tonight I will conclude with the physical limitations we may face I. Physical Limitations This healing is second of three that take place here in chapter 5. Many have come to call this the Mark Sandwich because of its unique ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:25-34

Rooted And Grounded In Love Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Aug 21, 2021

Proper 12 (17) Ninth Sunday after Pentecost July 25, 2021 Prayer is an Action word! We are rooted in the love of Christ!

Sermon Text: “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. This quote has haunted me – perhaps for years – but especially since George ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: United Methodist

Return Of God's Glory In Exuberant Worship (1) Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Oct 8, 2016

Heartfelt worship is a key ingredient to the transcendent presence and glory of God in our midst.

1. Have you been watching and listening for God's direction this week? 2. WORSHIP FROM THE HEART A little boy asked his father what was the highest number he had ever counted. Replying that he didn't know, the father asked his son his highest number. It was 973. "Why did you stop there?" ...read more

Scripture: John 4:22-24, John 4:22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

An Attitude Of Gratitude

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Nov 24, 2017

Does thanking someone come to us naturally, or do we need to be coaxed into thanking others? How about when it comes to God? Can we be intentional in thanking God and others?

Attitude of Gratitude The topic chosen for the month is Attitude with Gratitude. We all know that Thankfulness is important, but still, it is necessary for us to be constantly reminded about this fact. I like statistics. So, whenever I get a topic, I try to do some research into it. This time I ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"The Kind Of Church I Want To Be Part Of – Part Four” Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Oct 25, 2018

A look at the early church in Acts two to discover characteristics that should be true of a church we should want to be part of, a church that's headed the right direction.

We’re concluding our series on the kind of church I want to be part of. We’ve said while no church has achieved perfection, there is such a thing as a church heading the right direction; and the early church in Acts two was such a church. So we’ve looked to their example to learn what would be true ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-47

Denomination: Baptist

Right Of Admission Reserved

Contributed by Gerald Du Preez on Mar 24, 2023

What is our 'ticket' to Heaven?

Right of Admission Reserved Matthew 25:31-46 We are bombarded daily with different offers: discounts on this, free offers on that, last chance to get your copy of the other. So many of these unbelievable offers are just that – unbelievable. Even the genuine offers come with fine print at the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Go! And Call To Me - Jeremiah 33:2–3 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 4, 2025

Have you ever felt stuck? Trapped by life’s circumstances? Silenced by uncertainty? Shackled by fear of the future? You’re not alone. And more importantly, God is not silent.

Go! And Call to Me - Jeremiah 33:2–3 Jeremiah 33:2–3 (NLT): “This is what the Lord says—the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” INTRODUCTION: Have you ever felt stuck? ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:2-3, Genesis 1:1, Psalm 50:15, Joel 2:32, Colossians 1:26-27, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:13, Hebrews 1:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal