Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Take Me To The River

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Jun 23, 2025

The message is telling us the story of Naaman and what the river gave him.

Take Me to the River 2 Kings 5:1-14 1. Water in the summer time is simply fun isn’t it? • Kayaking, boating, fishing, diving, snorkeling, parasailing • Water is also necessary for survival water carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, regulates body temperature, aids digestion, and helps remove ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Denomination: Methodist

Warnings And Responsibilities For Priests In Leviticus Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jun 23, 2025

The warnings and responsibilities outlined in Leviticus for priests serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life dedicated to God.

Consecration and Accountability Leviticus emphasizes the importance of consecration and accountability for priests. In Leviticus 21, God instructs Moses on the requirements for priests, including physical perfection and moral purity. Priests were to avoid contact with dead bodies, except for ...read more

Jesus Answering The First-Century "karens" He Encountered Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 13, 2025

All of them were survivors, in the strict sense, each party with its own quirks. The Pharisees stood behind the Law.

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Course 2025 Have you ever wondered just why it was that the Pharisees, who seemed to be everywhere Jesus went, were such prigs? These days we might even call the “Karens,” although I’ve known real Karens and they weren’t so judgmental as the Pharisees. I think the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8, Luke 9:3, Psalm 116:12-18, Exodus 11:10, Exodus 12:1-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Worship The Lord Series

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Dec 4, 2022

Many of the Psalms are psalms of worship. Worship is something that has little appeal to the overly practical man. God only accepts worship in spirit & in truth. Therefore we must be instructed on how to worship in a way that pleases God.

Part of this Psalm was written in response to the bringing home of the ark after it had been captured by the Philistines. David was so pleased and this is how he responded. • Worship to God is not merely what you do in church but how you respond to the circumstances that take place in your ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 29:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Understanding Ash Wednesday: A Spiritual Journey SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

This sermon explores Ash Wednesday in depth, answering three key questions: What is Ash Wednesday? How do we observe it? And what is its spiritual value?

As Christians, we gather together regularly to study God's word and grow in our faith. Each time we come into God's presence, we draw closer to Him and experience His love and guidance. The Holy Spirit fills our souls with the joys of heaven as we surrender ourselves to God. Death is an inevitable ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:19

Topics: Ash Wednesday, Spiritual Value

True Thanksgiving Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Nov 25, 2024

The Bible defines thanksgiving as an act of worship, where individuals acknowledge God's sovereignty and express gratitude for His blessings.

Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition in many cultures, where individuals come together to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. However, true thanksgiving goes beyond a mere holiday or ritual. It's a heart attitude that reflects a deep-seated appreciation for God's ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:5, Ezekiel 14:3-4

Religion Condemned Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 25, 2008

James exposes the difference between religion that comforts us and religion that reveals the power of Christ among us.

JAMES 1:26 RELIGION CONDEMNED “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” Someone has said, “You can’t believe half of what you hear, but you can repeat it.” This points out a real problem in the church today—we ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26

Denomination: Baptist

A Perfect Christian Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 15, 2008

Many Christians that are thought to be mature demonstrate immaturity through their speech. James confronts Christians, demanding that they look at what is said and how they say it.

JAMES 3:2-5a A PERFECT CHRISTIAN “We all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: ...read more

Scripture: James 3:2-5

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas - Part 3

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Oct 9, 2020

Last time we learned that both Jews and Gentiles, before Christ, were in bondage the "elements of the world." The “elements of the world” referred to the principles of non-Christian humanity, that is, humanity outside of Christ.

(Gal 4:1 NKJV) Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, (Gal 4:2 NKJV) but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. (Gal 4:3 NKJV) Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Jesus Is The Answer

Contributed by John White on May 25, 2019

The great feast of the loaves and fishes has ended. The holiday spirit and sense of sensationalism has subsided. The Lord has concluded His great sermon on the meaning of the eternal bread of life.

Jesus Is The Answer John 6:66-69 "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will you also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal lie. And we believe and are sure that ...read more

Scripture: John 6:66-69

Denomination: Baptist

Overcoming Discouragement Series

Contributed by Robert Robb on Mar 15, 2001

Haggai encourages God’s people who have become discourged in God’s Work

Studies in Haggai Study 6 Ch 2v 1-9 Introduction One of the greatest joys that a minister of the gospel can experience is to see his ministry bearing fruit in the lives of his people. To see for example men and women brought through the preaching of the Word to the point where they become acutely ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 2:1-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Pursue Reconciliation Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Mar 16, 2005

Christ calls his followers to be different from the world. We show this difference in our efforts to reconcile relationships.

(based on Southeast Christian Church’s “Living a Life of Integrity”) SERIES: “WORDS OF WISDOM FOR KINGDOM LIVING” TEXT: MATTHEW 5:17-26 TITLE: “PURSUE RECONCILIATION” INTRODUCTION: A. A young insurance salesman had just completed a training seminar in which the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The High Ministry Of Lamp Dressing

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Sep 7, 2006

This message is concerned with the importance of living a clean and godly life.

NOTE: I TOOK AN OIL LAMP AND LIT IT JUST PRIOR TO READING THE TEXT AND ALLOWED IT TO BURN THE ENTIRE TIME THAT I PREACHED THIS MESSAGE. THE EFFECT WAS VERY GOOD ESPECIALLY WHEN I GOT TO THE POINT ABOUT THE WICK AND THE OIL OF THE LAMP. Exodus 30:7 KJV And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 30:7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Confront And Conquer

Contributed by Daniel Olukoya on Sep 21, 2005

If you require only three bullets to finish the enemy and you take 1,000 with you, there is no harm in that; you will bring back the rest.

Matthew 11:12: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 17:21: Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. MFM has been accused of subjecting people to fasting and prayers but here is an ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Discipleship: Getting Your Bearings Series

Contributed by Chris Kelly on Oct 31, 2006

Learn how each Psalm in the Songs of Ascent (120-134) describe the exciting life of the modern day follower of God as we climb and grow in our relationship with Christ.

Discipleship: Getting Your Bearings June 2, 2002 Our map for this “Great Adventure” is found in 15 short Psalms from the book of Psalms, (chap. 120 – 134). These Psalms are called the “Songs of Ascent”, because they were sung in sequence by Israelites as they traveled to Jerusalem for their ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan