Sermons on Empty Ritual:

The Question Concerning Fasts

Contributed by Paul George on Sep 14, 2003

In the fourth year of the reign of King Darius of Persia a delegation was sent from Bethel to Jerusalem to “seek the favor of the Lord.”

In the fourth year of the reign of King Darius of Persia a delegation was sent from Bethel to Jerusalem to “seek the favor of the Lord.” The men who came from Bethel were not so bound to the priests they ignored or didn’t trust the prophets. They were not so impressed by the words of the prophets ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-15

Denomination: Holiness

You Haven't Repented Until You Change

Contributed by Ken Sowers on Dec 10, 2003

story of Nehemiah linked to repentance

August 4 Nehemiah - You Can 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 ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Give Thanks To The Lord Always

Contributed by Jason Zahn on Nov 19, 2001

As we count the blessings our Lord has given us we are moved to thank him every single day.

O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good His mercy endures forever! How many times have you uttered those words? If you’re like me you find yourself speaking those phrases right around mealtime. Unfortunately there are times that I’ve caught myself ripping through those words, not thinking ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7

Denomination: Lutheran

David & Goliath - The Battle Is The Lord's Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Apr 3, 2003

God is the one who saves, not by sword or spear, but by his power, by his word proclaimed in the gospel, by his Spirit who fills each one of us just as he filled David.

I guess this would be one of the best known, if not THE best known story in the Bible. In fact it’s so well known that David has become a metaphor for the victorious underdog. He’s the archetypal cutter down of tall poppies. The one who can overcome the greatest odds to win through to victory. But ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1-50, 1 Samuel 17:32-49

Denomination: Anglican

Successful Communication With God! Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Jul 17, 2009

Jesus gives us some things to embrace to ensure successful communication with God!

INTRODUCTION • VIDEO CLIP • SLIDE #1 • It is bound to happen sometime, it usually happens when we get into trouble. We are not sure where to turn for help; we feel helpless, powerless and lost. • What do we do? • Many times we turn to prayer. • Do you think prayer meant something to those on ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Amazing Grace: Verse Four Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Jul 24, 2009

This is the fourth in a four part series adapted from David Jeremiah’s book, Captured by Grace. It explores the man, melody and message behind John Newton’s timeless hymn Amazing Grace. Email me for the PowerPoint slides.

AMAZING GRACE: VERSE FOUR Scott Bayles, pastor Based on David Jeremiah’s Captured by Grace First Christian Church, Rosiclare, IL If you’re visiting with us this morning or you just happened to miss the past three Sundays, we’ve spent the last few weeks with our Bibles in one hand and a hymnal in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10

Denomination: Christian Church

Discover How To Build Your Life

Contributed by Michael Luke on May 23, 2008

Instructions from Jesus on how to build your life - used on Sunday we honored our graduates

SPECIAL DAY: HONORING OF GRADUATES TEXT: MATTHEW 7:24-29 TITLE: “DISCOVER HOW TO BUILD YOUR LIFE” OPEN: A. In just a few short weeks, the Class of 2008 will be graduating --We’re glad that each of you are here this morning and that we get the opportunity to honor your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

World Religions - 1 Islam Series

Contributed by Chris Surber on Nov 6, 2008

Islam is a religion of works founded by a warlord. The good news, however, as that grace and truth have been revealed in Jesus Christ.

A Christian’s Guide To World Religions Part-1 “What About Islam?” Galatians 2:17-21 Introduction A missionary in India spoke near a fountain on the subject, “Jesus, the Water of Life.” A Muslim interrupted, “Your religion is like this little stream of water, but Islam is like a great ocean!” ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:17-21

Denomination: Christian Church

Spiritual Fruit Or Religious Nuts?

Contributed by Douglas Turner on Dec 4, 2008

Lessons from the Withered Fig Tree

A sign posted outside a church on Highway 110 outside of Tyler, Texas once read, “God is looking for spiritual fruit not religious nuts.” Unfortunately, religious nuts abound everywhere, but in and out of the church, but spiritual fruit is rare. The importance though of bearing spiritual fruit in ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-26

Denomination: Baptist

Is Jesus Really Divine? Series

Contributed by Matthew Stoll on Dec 4, 2006

Using the DaVinci Code as a starting point for demonstrating Jesus really is the divine Son of God, and why this is important for us today.

Last week I began this sermon series called Counterfeit Christianity because of my concerns over how easily people across this country and around world have been led astray by believing some of the claims made about the Christian faith by a fictional book called The Da Vinci Code. My hope is that ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:21-26

Denomination: Methodist

Impacting Our Community For Christ

Contributed by James Powell on Dec 30, 2006

We are the Salt of the earth.

Impacting our Community for Christ It is about our attitude toward the World Mt 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Mt 5:14 Ye are the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Holiness

Parting Words Series

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Apr 13, 2007

EASTER reminds us of what mattered most to Jesus now that his work on earth was finished...He shared what he wanted his followers as far away as the 21st century, to remember.

Many of you have had the experience of standing at the bus stop, train station or the airline terminal sending your child off for that school trip or launching them into the scary world of university campuses. •Parting words – “Behave yourself; make me proud; don’t get into trouble; be careful who ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:9-20

Denomination: Salvation Army

"Jesus – Performs His First Miracle!” Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Aug 28, 2006

# 6 in series -A Study of the Book of John - “That You May Believe.” From this the first miracle we can learn four things about miracles.

A Study of the Book of John “That You May Believe” Sermon # 6 “Jesus – Performs His First Miracle!” John 2:1-12 This story begins with the words “On the third day,” that is to say just three days after His baptism in ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Avoiding Costly Mistakes - No Deal Series

Contributed by Don Jones on Oct 6, 2006

The message focuses on the costly mistake of saying "No Deal" to Jesus.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes - No Deal Luke 18:18-25 Pastor Don Jones West Glendale Baptist Church One of my favorite TV programs just came back on for its second season. It is called "Deal or No Deal". I honestly think people are mesmerized when they watch it. I am not sure if it is Howie’s ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

In His Name

Contributed by Tony Grant on Jan 16, 2006

Can a Christian pray when the name of Jesus is prohibited?

IN HIS NAME Great Falls and the Great Prayer Controversy John 14:13-14 10/09/05 2385 words Please turn in your Bibles to the gospel of John, chapter 14, verses 13-14. 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If in my name you ask me for ...read more

Scripture: John 14:13-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed