Sermons on Empty Ritual:

"Origins" Series

Contributed by H. Kevin Derr on Nov 2, 2016

Exploring the world of Genesis 1:1-10.

Genesis 1:1-2:3 “Origins” First Reading: Hebrews 1:10-12 He also says, "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12 You will roll them up ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-10

Denomination: Brethren

Mana From Heaven -- Jesus Feeding The Five Thousand Series

Contributed by Revd Dr Ruwan Palapathwala on Jan 8, 2025

The four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John explain the many ways in which God provides us through the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand.

I recall a day at Trinity College Theological School when, during a Homiletics Class, a mature-aged feminist student preparing for ministry challenged me. She demanded that I account for the disciples counting only the men to the exclusion of women and children in the story of Jesus feeding the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:10-17, Mark 6:30-44, Matthew 14:13-21, John 6:1-14

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Rest For The Restless

Contributed by David Dunn on Feb 7, 2026

God invites weary hearts to leave the world’s restless search for the new and return to Christ, the old path of rest.

We live in an age enamored by the new. New technology. New methods. New philosophies. New spiritual voices. New versions of truth. Everything must be updated, rebranded, optimized, improved. If something is old, we tend to assume it must be outdated. If something is new, we assume it must be ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 6:16, Matthew 11:28-29, Genesis 2:1-3, Isaiah 30:15, John 14:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Fire That Doesn't Burn

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 13, 2025

Jesus took the fire we deserved, finishing redemption completely—no tasks, no payment—just perfect grace from the fire that doesn’t burn.

I sometimes wonder what it would look like if Amazon started selling indulgences. “SoulPrime™ — Skip the wait for forgiveness! One-click grace, Prime-eligible!” Basic Mercy ships in three to five business days, or upgrade to Prime Grace™ for instant absolution with angelic delivery. And in the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:14, Romans 1:17, 1 Peter 2:24, Luke 23:43, Revelation 21:27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Priority Of Worship

Contributed by Eric Snyder on Oct 22, 2001

this worked well for it’s purpose but it needs to be pollishied up a bit.

Sermon on Psalm 66, Eric A. Snyder, Fairland Christian Church, Revised for Farwell Church of Christ August 19, 2001 D. L. Moody told a story of a man who was asked by his ten-year- old son, "Daddy, why don’t you ever go to church with us? The father replied, "I don’t need to go to church, My ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 66:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unity In Community Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Mar 10, 2002

Second in a series on Building community

The terrible attack on our land just a few days ago has had one tremendous positive result: Unity People are praying and singing together. Sports Stadiums filled with singing and praying people. Congress sang "God Bless America on the steps of the Capitol Building. Children have been praying in ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20-23, 2 Corinthians 3:7-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sabbath Lessons

Contributed by David Berthiaume on Sep 20, 2002

Why in the world did God give us a "Sabbath"? There are some lessons we can learn from how Jesus observed the Sabbath while He was here.

I want to take you on a trip. This is not a trip to an exotic location or a place of tourism; it is a journey through time. I want to take you to the beginning. Close your eyes and imagine nothing. There is no noise, there is no smells, there is no light, and all of your senses sense nothing. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:1-6

Denomination: Adventist

Listen! What Do You Hear

Contributed by Tim Zingale on Apr 17, 2003

Easter Sunday Sermon

Easter Sunday Mark 16:1-8 Listen ! What do you Hear?   16:1 ¶ And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

A Season Of Love Series

Contributed by Antonio Torrence on Sep 15, 2006

We must believe that the power of Jesus exceeds the power of sin.

Mark 5:21-35 A Season of Love- By Reverend A. LaMar Torrence “Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes. Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear. Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes. How do you measure – measure a year? In daylights – In sunsets. In ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-35

Denomination: Lutheran

Who Wants A Glass?

Contributed by Carmen Trevino on Jan 13, 2007

Everything in the natural world only satisfies us temporarily.Drink from a new cup that will satisfy you forever.

Ex. I remember when I started school for the first time. I couldn’t wait to go to school. I remember thinking- I am going to get to have homework and everything! It’s going to be great! So I went to school and everything was cool, but pretty soon school wasn’t all that I thought it was cracked up ...read more

Scripture: John 4:13-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Genuine Repentance? Series

Contributed by Alan Mccann on Oct 5, 2007

Words and actions must match if repentance is to be genuine

Hosea 6.1-7.16 Is your repentance genuine? We all know the story of the little boy who cried “wolf” and when the wolf did eventually come no one believed him and he was eaten up. I am sure you have met people who say sorry for something and then turn around and do the same thing all over again. ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Accepting The Cup

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Feb 16, 2007

Communion message based on Ray Vander Laan’s description of the acceptance of the "bride price" by the prospective bride.

Accepting the Cup Matthew 26:17-29 February 11, 2007 This last week Debra and I were at our annual Pastors Retreat in Rapid City with the other pastors of our district. It’s always a great time of refreshment and fellowship, not to mention listening to some great teaching from guest speakers and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:17-29

Denomination: Wesleyan

What Is Jesus To You? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Nov 26, 2007

We all have expectations of who Jesus is and what He is about. Are yours correct? Jesus’ family, friends, and even His enemies had misconceptions about His real purpose.

What is Jesus to you? It’s an honest question. A recent online poll found that 37% said Jesus may or may not have even existed and that there is no way to know for sure, 23% said that the gospels are a bunch of fictional tales, 16% say that he may have existed but so many myths have grown up around ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-25

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Road Construction Ahead! Series

Contributed by Maurice Schaus on Dec 27, 2003

John the Baptist brings the word of the Lord: There’s Road Construction ahead! This is a sermon for Advent 2, Year B.

“Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother’s house we go!” Although this isn’t a Christmas song, it certainly highlights two elements that play such a big part of many people’s holiday celebrations: traveling, and family. Our first and deepest memories of Christmas are often tied up in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

A World Upside Down

Contributed by Wesley Bishop on Mar 13, 2004

This is an advent sermon.

Imagine with me, if you would. You are an employee at a store. The store has had an incredible year; profits are through the roof. The store is having the best year ever. The CEO of the company announces a visit for next week. You are thrilled because you are going to get the recognition you ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4, Isaiah 61:8-11

Denomination: Wesleyan