Sermons on Empty Ritual:

What Jesus Left Behind Series

Contributed by Dana Chau on Dec 16, 2003

Discover the six things Jesus left behind before he ascended into heaven.

During the past 2 Sundays, we’ve looked at who Jesus was and why Jesus came. We concluded that Jesus was more than an influential religious leader and a moral teacher, but that He was the Son of God, equal to God. We found the purpose for his coming was to free mankind from the poverty of living ...read more

Denomination: *other

Are You A Baptist ...?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Sep 21, 2003

What makes you a Christian or a Baptist?

Are You Baptist By Birth? I run into many folks who they tell me that they were born Christians and raised in a Christian home. Many times I find out that these folks are not really Christians as some get saved later. Others have fruits that belie their profession. The Jews thought because ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-9, 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Denomination: Baptist

The Baptism Of The Lord

Contributed by Paul Humphrey on Jan 8, 2006

Jesus’ baptism was a declaration of what he was about to do. At the time of his baptism, his eyes were already fixed upon the cross, that we might have cleansing and new birth.

Baptism of the Lord 2006 Dr. Paul G. Humphrey For audio version go to http://www.forministry.com/USTNUMETCVFUMC/Sermon.dsp?sermonsite_action=view_sermon&sermonsite_sermonid=9246 Mark 1:4-11 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Reflections On Halloween

Contributed by Chris Tiller on Oct 31, 2005

How does a Christian deal with Halloween in a way that glorifies God?

Halloween can be a troubling holiday. Many of us carry fond memories of Halloweens long ago, back when we were growing up. Many of us remember it as innocent fun—a special day just for children. I remember dressing up in silly costumes and going door to door begging for candy. When I was ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Born Blind Series

Contributed by John Walls on Sep 24, 2001

How Christ can change a life

BORN BLIND John 9:1-7 Introduction: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" is what Paul the author of Hebrews tells us. But we live in a time that says "show me and I will believe." This has found its way into the realm of the church. A Bible ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

From Our Blunders To God's Best

Contributed by Dana Chau on Nov 5, 2002

Discover the five steps to moving from avoidable major mistakes in our lives to God’s best for our lives.

This morning, I want us to look at avoidable major mistakes. For instance, many spend a great deal of time training for our career but spend almost no time in developing their marriage and family. As a result, they have weak or strained relationships with family members. This mistake is major, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: *other

Learning To Be Thankful

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 20, 2006

This is a good sermon around Thanksgiving time.

Introduction: A. I hope that everyone had a happy Thanksgiving Day! We surely did. 1. We all have so much to be thankful for, don’t we? 2. One teacher asked her students to write a composition entitled “What I’m thankful for on Thanksgiving.” One boy wrote, “I’m thankful that I’m not a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Recognizing The Sovereign

Contributed by Kyle Blanton on Mar 26, 2008

Not so much a description of "whosoever" or "elect" as it is a recognition of the sovereignty of God and His right to do what He chooses.

Recognizing the Sovereign Romans 9:14-33 3-30-08 a.m. (PDBC) This passage of scripture has presented the church with much difficulty. Here we have the clashing of philosophies regarding “Whosoever” and the “Elect”. I admit that I wasn’t looking forward to dealing with it this week. I know that ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:14-33

Denomination: Baptist

Mercy Not Sacrifice

Contributed by Chris Surber on Jun 6, 2008

Today, let us be reminded by the words of Jesus, "But go and learn what this means: "I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE." For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." (Matthew 9:13 NKJV)

Mercy Not Sacrifice, Matthew 9:9-13 Introduction There is the story of the man who came down from the North Carolina Mountains. He was all dressed up and carrying his Bible. A friend saw him and asked, "Joe, what’s happening? Where are you going all dressed up like that?" Joe said, "I’ve been ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

Denomination: Christian Church

A Look At The Manger

Contributed by Jim Kane on Jan 12, 2007

Christmas Eve 2006 Sermon

(Slide 1) We have spent this Advent season coming alongside Joseph and the Shepherds, experiencing an unforgettable Christmas play, and the hanging of our Christmas greens. This morning though we are going to make a stop at the most important place of Advent – the manger. (Slide 2) Last week 27 of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:16

Denomination: Church Of God

Ready To Risk? Series

Contributed by John Harvey on Sep 10, 2006

In order to get all we can out of our relationship with God we must risk all we are.

Dare to Pursue “Ready to Risk?” September 10, 2006 Introduction: Risks can be scary. Risks can be life-changing and exhilarating, or they can be disasters. Some risks are easy to take and others come with considerable calculation of the costs. One constant thing about life is that we are going to ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Lord's Supper Series

Contributed by Keith Andrews on Jun 13, 2006

This is a sermon presenting the basics of the Lord’s Supper.

The Last Supper Sermon by CH (CPT) Keith J. Andrews 1 Corinthians 11:27-34 All Scripture marked NKJV: The New King James Version. 1996, c1982 (1 Co 11:23). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. Nearly five years after the 9-11 attacks people continue to argue about how to memorialize the people who died in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:27-34

Denomination: Baptist

Like Ezekiel, We Are Also Called

Contributed by Ron Hietsch on Jul 21, 2006

We are called to give God the best of our talents, a fair amount of time and a tenth or more of our gross income. Have we turned our backs on God? Will we get to mourn our misfortune along the banks of a foreign river?

July 23 2006 --- 7th Sunday after Pentecost ---- Ezekiel 2:1-5 Grace Mercy and peace from God the Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The prophet Ezekiel is the type of man that I enjoy reading about. He lived during a time of international upheaval. The balance of power in the area ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 2:1-5

Denomination: Lutheran

Plugging The Leak In Your Joy Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 20, 2006

Billy Sunday observed "If there’s no joy in your religion, you’ve got a leak in your faith." In a world that is often discouraging and frustrating, how can a Christian keep the Joy of the Lord as their strength?

OPEN: In 1937 architect Frank Lloyd Wright built a house for industrialist Hibbard Johnson. One rainy evening Johnson was entertaining distinguished guests for dinner when the roof began to leak. The water seeped through directly above Johnson himself, dripping steadily onto his bald head. ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Two Kinds Of Memorial Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Jan 18, 2011

Our history matters - that’s why God establishes memorials - so we’ll remember what he’s done for us.

By Rev Heather Cetrangolo Lately, when I look in the mirror, there are a few things that bother me. I notice that my top lip has a particular dip in it that is exactly like my mother’s. I also have a slight overlap in my front-two teeth just like she does. I’ve noticed that I have the exact same ...read more

Denomination: Anglican