Sermons on Empty Ritual:

The Meaning Of Communion

Contributed by Steve Pearman on Feb 17, 2025

A sermon to preach before the sharing of communion

Introduction Today, we gather around the Lord’s Table to partake in Communion. It is a sacred act, one that has been observed by believers for over two thousand years. But why do we do this? What do the bread and the wine mean, and how does this ancient practice speak to us today? As we reflect ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:12-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-28

You Are What You Think

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 18, 2022

The Master calls us to ensure that our heart is pure rather than focusing exclusively on our external practises.

“[Jesus] called the people to him and said to them, ‘Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.’ Then the disciples came and said to him, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Vegetarian

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Dec 29, 2019

A study in the book of Romans 14: 1 – 23

Romans 14: 1 – 23 The Vegetarian 1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat and let not him who does not eat judge him who ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:2

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

A Citizen Of An Unseen Country

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 8, 2017

How we live reveals our understanding of who we are. As citizens of Heaven, Christians exhibit defined characteristics.

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:17-21

Denomination: Baptist

Unity Demands Theological Integrity

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 21, 2025

Christians are united through commitment to biblical truth, which is reflected in love for Christ and for His people. Professed love without theological integrity destroys unity.

“I have given [My disciples] your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify ...read more

Scripture: John 17:14-23

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Authority Over Demons Series

Contributed by Chris Hodges on Sep 7, 2003

To demonstrate that Jesus’ authority extends even to the spirit world in order to encourage all people to enthrone Him as Lord.

The Gospel of Mark #4: Jesus’ Authority Over Demons Text: Mark 1:21-28 Thesis: To demonstrate that Jesus’ authority extends even to the spirit world in order to encourage all people to enthrone Him as Lord. Introduction: (1) Jesus is now in Capernaum, which seemed to be “his ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:21-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Easy Religion

Contributed by Howard Parnell on Oct 3, 2002

Too many people today are trying to substitute easy and convenient religion for Spirit led sanctification. How does Jesus feel about that?

EASY RELIGION Jn. 2:13-22 INTRO. The Bible records a visit by Jesus to the temple at age 12 (Lk. 2:42); and then again at age 30 (text). (See 2:12) The Passover was a commemoration of the Exodus. In N.T. times the Passover sacrifice was ritually slaughtered in the Temple. A company bound ...read more

Scripture: John 2:13-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Plot To Kill Jesus Series

Contributed by Michael Wiley on Mar 2, 2004

An investigative look at Jesus’ last days before crucifixionToday we will begin a look at the scenes of Jesus last days before His crucifixion with an investigative eye. We will try to bring some points to life that the ordinary approach may have missed.

CSI: Jerusalem The Plot to Kill Jesus An investigative look at Jesus’ last days before crucifixion Michael Wiley 04/06/03 Introduction: Today we will begin a look at the scenes of Jesus last days before His crucifixion with an investigative eye. We will try to bring some points to life that the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Keeping The Sabbath

Contributed by Pete Nachtigall on Aug 23, 2003

A mandate that truly benefits the Church

The Sabbath The Sabbath is first mentioned in Genesis 2:1-3. God rested from His work. Was God tired? I don’t believe that He was tired. He made a conscious decision to cease His labor. So why did He institute this? The Law, OT, and the Sabbath Exodus 20:8-11 The big ten. Vs 8 – “Sabbath” means ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:1-3

Denomination: Holiness

The Weariness Of God Series

Contributed by Ed Wood on Jun 7, 2007

Malachi Series - 4 of 6.

THE WEARINESS OF GOD Malachi 2:17-3:8 INTRO: It is easy to forget but worth remembering that few things are forever. Fads and fashion, notions and nations, passions and possessions, even life on this planet — all come and go. But God remains constant. He is enduring and unchanging. His promises ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

False Pillars Of Salvation

Contributed by Larry Finley on Apr 24, 2008

Many people base their salvation on the wrong things

FALSE PILLARS OF SALVATION Romans 2:17-29 Matthew 7:22-23 (AMP) Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? 23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Baptist

"It's Jesus Or Nothing!"

Contributed by W. Alderman on Mar 8, 2006

This is a message showing what Paul discovered in Christ Jesus.

It’s Jesus Or Nothing Text: Philippians 3:4-14 Introduction: In this section Paul states his attainments. 1. He was so loyal a Jew that he had never lost the Hebrew speech. 2. He was not only a religious Jew, he was a member of their strictest and the most self-disciplined ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-14

Denomination: Baptist

How To Keep From Falling

Contributed by Fernando Cabrera on Oct 27, 2004

The three safeguards that will keep you from falling.

How to Keep from Falling By Pastor Fernando Cabrera Philippians 3:1-3:21 • Paul provides us with three safeguard for keeping what we have in Jesus • “it is a safeguard to you”…a safeguard from keeping us from falling 1. Guard your thought life (3:1-8) a. Watch them dogs i. Dogs intimidate others ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Message From Mary, The Mother Of Jesus

Contributed by Keith Buice on May 18, 2006

A Mother’s Day message for visitors and members that have a Roman Catholic background

A Message from Mary, the Mother of Christ. John 2:1-5 Introduction: Mothers. What can we say about them? Everything good and nothing bad. Eight-year-old Mary wrote her mother a note for Mother’s Day. "Dear Mother, here is the box of candy I bought you for Mother’s Day. IT IS VERY GOOD CANDY. I ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Most Difficult Word

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Jun 14, 2010

A simple message to encourage us to keep drawing nearer to God by deepening our personal, loving and intimate relationship with Him.

WHEN IT COMES TO STUDYING THE BIBLE, THERE ARE QUITE A FEW MIND-TWISTING CONCEPTS, STATEMENTS, AND WORDS SUCH AS "PROPITIATION," "BLOOD," AND "JUSTIFICATION." IF YOU THINK THOSE ARE RELATIVELY TAME, THEN TRY TO FULLY COMPREHEND THE BOOK OF REVELATION. BUT, SERIOUSLY, DESPITE THESE THINGS, I FEEL ...read more

Scripture: James 4:7-8, John 4:7-8

Denomination: Free Methodist