Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Crossing The Sea Of Dismay

Contributed by Ronald Crandall on Jan 9, 2003

Many times we come to what seems like an uncrossable Sea. Yet, God always has an answer and a way across into what he has for us. Many times it is just realizing that he is the way. We sometimes wonder I am Normal? It sure seems like I am struggling and

Crossing the sea of dismay… By:Pastor Ron Crandall Mark 4:35-41 35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Are You Looking For? A Miracle? Series

Contributed by Jay Winters on Dec 24, 2007

This is the last in a series of Isaiah sermons in Advent all starting with the same question - "What are you looking for?" In this one, we consider the background story of the familiar passage found in Isaiah 7 and the sin of overwhelming "modesty" in bel

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Three In One who is Emmanuel. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Lord spoke to Ahaz – “Ask a sign of the Lord your God, let it be as deep as Sheol or as high as the heavens.” It sounds like something that we would ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16

Denomination: Lutheran

A Lot At Stake Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Feb 28, 2011

Biblical truth is easily misunderstood, especially when people have pre-existing agendas. The early church had to grapple with controversy and theological confusion, just as we do today.The issue at hand was this: do gentiles have to first become Jews bef

A Lot At Stake (Acts 15:1-5) 1. This past week, the heating contractor came in to service the boiler that heats this auditorium. 2. My instructions. Turn off Wed. night. Best way: a single-fuse fuse box in boiler room. 3. But there were complications; the Security company called…11:30 and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-5

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Part 3 - Matthew 9:14-17 - Surprise! I'm Already Here! Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Mar 21, 2010

Why are people still turning up to Jesus as John's disciples and wanting TO KEEP ON PREPARING THE WAY. Jesus has come. The Bridegroom has arrived. Get with the plan, people! He's here. All that is left is to celebrate the wedding!

Part 3 - Matthew 9:14-15 - SURPRISE! I'M ALREADY HERE! My youngest grandson had his first birthday recently. My daughter wanted to make it special for him and she invited all her friends with young children to come. SHE SPENT WEEKS PLANNING THIS PARTY. We spent a good week just setting it up. We ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Zombie Christianity

Contributed by Charles Newman on Mar 16, 2009

A church that is spiritually dead can still hold services, sing hymns, offer prayers, deliver sermons, and do works of ministry – they can go through the motions of “doing church” but they will never be the church without being alive in God’s Holy Spirit!

INTRODUCTION Modern Day Scene: A paramedic arrives on an accident scene with what seems like a lifeless body; no pulse, no breath – CPR begins and instead of taking the body to the morgue, they go to the ER. Jesus has pronounced the church at Sardis as dead. Yet there is hope. A church that is ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Methodist

In Christ Series

Contributed by Paul Clemente on Oct 29, 2013

as individuals and as a church, we must always be IN Christ

Last week we noted how effective the Missionaries Paul, Silas, and Timothy were to the Thessalonians. What can we note about this church in Thessalonica? Open your Bibles to the First Letter to the Thessalonians…. Look at Chapter 1 of 1 Thessalonians v7-8: Through the apostle Paul, God ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:14-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Where Art Thou?

Contributed by Akanji Solomon on Sep 15, 2018

YOUR POSITION WITH JESUS

SERMON:WHERE ARE THOU ? THEME SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 3:9 WHERE ART THOU? SO MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING TO CHURCH BUT FEW ARE GOING TO THE CROSS. GOD IS SPEAKING TO SOMEBODY TODAY,ASK YOUR SELF EVERYDAY WHERE AM I? WHERE DO I DWELL? IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW YOUR STAND WITH GOD, OTHERWISE YOU ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:9, Revelation 12:9

Following Jesus Into Abundance Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Jan 27, 2021

Unexpected things happen at weddings. Some are fun and humorous, some are embarrassing and hurtful. As we continue to following Jesus as His disciples, we find ourselves at a wedding where a potentially embarrassing situation turns into an abundant blessing!

Following Jesus Into the Unexpected Intro: • [IMAGE] BIL’s wedding - outside by a lake. Fisherman in boat disrupts the wedding with his outboard motor. • Strange and unexpected things happen at weddings! • As we continue to follow Jesus, we join him at a wedding. o Beginning of his ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11, John 20:31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

¡Él Habitó Entre Nosotros! Series

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Dec 5, 2023

¡Él habitó entre nosotros!

¡Él habitó entre nosotros! Juan 1:1-18 En el humilde hogar de María y Robert, la esencia de la Navidad se desarrolla en un contexto de lucha y resiliencia. Robert, que padece hemiplejía tras sufrir un derrame cerebral hace una década, confía en el cuidado ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Denomination: Other

The Problem: Those From Syrian Antioch, Parts 1-4 Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 26, 2017

The letter brought from Jerusalem by the delegation caused quite a stir at Antioch. When Barnabas and Silas read the letter and confirmed it personally a great cloud was lifted from the minds and hearts of the believers in Antioch...

December 7, 2014 Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles By: Tom Lowe Topic #IV. The Church Advancing to the End of the Earth (Acts 13-28) Subtopic B: The Jerusalem Council (15:1-35) ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-35

Denomination: Baptist

According To Jim: Genuine Faith Series

Contributed by Jackie Hill on May 3, 2011

Do you have real faith or just random beliefs? Let's find out...

According to Jim: Genuine Faith James 1:1-18 Genuine Faith vs. Sincere Belief: Faith in God instead of belief in something Absolute truth instead of relative truth Relationship with Jesus instead of religious ritual Focuses on obedience instead of tradition Genuine ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Live To Please God Series

Contributed by Andy Payne on Jun 24, 2009

What is is that God wants of me? God doesn’t want religion he wants faithfulness.

1/ God’s purpose ... God wants us to live for him. The law was given so people could demonstrate their faithfulness and love for him. That would over flow into love for other people. People have turned their back to live for themselves. Many of these people are religious (Christian even) They ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

How Broad Is The Kingdom Of God: Series Introduction Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on May 15, 2007

How should we worship? Nine Biblical characters debate what worship should look like. This was an intro to a series based on Gary Thomas’ "Sacred Pathways" and Richard Foster’s "Streams of Living Water"

How Broad Is The Kingdom Of God: Series Introduction various Scriptures Jan 8, 2006 Intro: • “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 • “David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might.” 2 Sam 6:14 • “Ahab went to meet Elijah. When ...read more

Scripture: John 4:21-24

Denomination: Baptist

Return To Me Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 11, 2023

In Joel 2:12-17, the prophet renews his impassioned plea to return unto the Lord through a call for repentance. This call has two facets in first a 1) Personal (Joel 2:12–14) then a 2) Corporate response (Joel 2:15–17) to God.

Joel 2:12–17. 12 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:12-17

Denomination: Other

Get Your Head Out Of The Sand Part Ii Series

Contributed by Bobby Roger on Feb 2, 2004

a message about the reality of God’s judgment

THE REALITY OF GOD¡¦S JUDGMENT or GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE SAND Part Ii Amos 3-5 ¡§Prepare to meet thy God¡¨ Amos 4:12 I. AMOS¡¦ FIRST MESSAGE: A WARNING OF GOD¡¦S IMPENDING JUDGMENT (chap. 3) II. AMOS¡¦ SECOND MESSAGE: A WARNING OF GOD¡¦S IMMINENT JUDGMENT (chap. 4) A. Because Of What They Had ...read more

Scripture: Amos 4:1-13

Denomination: Baptist