Sermons on Empty Ritual:

The Message From The River Jordan

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 10, 2013

It is good to follow the crowds who listen to the Gospel, but it is better to follow the Jesus whom we preach!

THE MESSAGE FROM THE RIVER JORDAN. Mark 1:1-15. There is a huge geological fault in the earth’s surface separating ancient Judah from the mountains of Moab. Viewed from the villages around Bethlehem, it appears like a great chasm. The River Jordan flows along the bottom of the valley, feeding ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Being Should Equate To The Doing

Contributed by Egerton Gbonda on Sep 3, 2012

BE DOERS OF THE WORD

THE BEING SHOULD EQUATE TO THE DOING Our readings this morning i.e. the set of verses in Gospel of Mark chapter 7: 1-8, 14-15 and 21-23 coupled with the epistle reading of James chapter 1 verses 17 to 27 point to this fact (among others) that our outward doings should reflect our being. Therefore, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17-27

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

"Joshua Fought The Battle Of Jericho" Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Feb 7, 2016

This was the Lord of Host's battle, and His victory. The strategy was unconventional, but effective, and a reminder of the holy wrath of God upon wickedness.

God is depicted in the Book of Joshua as a Warrior--One who leads His people into battle and gives them victory. Throughout Scripture, God is referred to as the “Lord of Hosts,” literally “armies.” Joshua engaged the enemy in the Name and power of God, a holy conflict. ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 6:1-27

Denomination: Congregational

Éxodo 30. Que Transmites. Series

Contributed by Pastor: Jose Luis Dejoy on Feb 3, 2020

Lo que nosotros recibimos de los demás y de la vida misma no es por lo que somos, es por lo que transmitimos.

Lo que nosotros recibimos de los demás y de la vida misma no es por lo que somos, es por lo que transmitimos. Podemos ser muy buenas personas y a la vez transmitir cosas malas. En la antigüedad las cosas se las consagraba a Jehová con el fin de que esas cosas pudieran transmitir ...read more

Denomination: Bible Church

Mountain Glory & Valley Failure

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 22, 2022

Why was there glory on a mountaintop and failure in a valley? Let’s look at the transfiguration in Luke 9:28-42.

Prelude Why was there glory on a mountaintop and failure in a valley? Let’s look at the transfiguration in Luke 9:28-42. 1. Prayer “Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:28-42

Denomination: Baptist

More Than Skin Deep

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Dec 13, 2021

A Sermon for the 3rd Sunday in Advent, Year C

December 12, 2021 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Luke 3:7-18 More than Skin Deep Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. When composer Leonard Bernstein was the director of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, he was asked a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:7-18

Denomination: Lutheran

The Testimony Of John The Baptist

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 21, 2021

John the Baptist is presented in the prologue of John's gospel as the prophesied forerunner to the arrival of God's Messiah. He prepared the people of Israel for the Messiah by preaching repentance and obedience. Repentance was needed then, and in these last days as well.

So far in John's prologue to his magnificent account of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, we were introduced to the person and ministry of John the Baptist, described as "a man sent from God" (1:6) and who was to "bear witness of the Light" (1:7-8). He bore ...read more

Scripture: John 1:19-34, Luke 3:15, Malachi 4:5, Isaiah 40:1-3, Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Isaiah 53:4-7, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 2:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Ready To Surrender Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 13, 2021

When you understand God’s mercy and the wonders of salvation, when you are overwhelmed by Who God is, this should make you consider surrendering Your life to Him.

Ready to Surrender (Romans 12:1-2) 1. Airline personnel deal with the public, and anyone who deals with the public has stories. 2. Farida can’t even begin to count how many times she’s been asked to open a window or the emergency exit to “let some fresh air in.” Incredibly enough, this doesn’t ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Be A Copycat Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

What are the most tried and true teach methods? Imitation! Paul is a big advocate, if this passage is any indication. Let's use some children's games to help us learn how to live like Jesus--and cope with the consequences.

I. Introduction A. One of the more precious—and frustrating—parts of homeschooling (or educating young children in general) is teaching them how to write. Letter-forming does not come naturally to most of us, and it certainly doesn’t come by hearing a lecture on it. A child must see letters ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:17-21

Becoming The Real Deal Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Mar 10, 2021

Watch out for fakes! Whether we're talking about counterfeit products from the internet or people, the results are similar. We're disappointed, angered, distrustful. Fake stuff doesn't live up to our expectations. Become the "real deal."

Authentic: Becoming The Real Deal   • Fake Rolex in NYC for $50. (real deal is anywhere from $10-$15K USED) That street corner Rolex will eventually turn your wrist green and quit right after that. • If you shop online at all, chances are good you’ve bought counterfeit or fake ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:11-24, Matthew 23:3-7, 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Ephesians 4:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lesson 15. The Specific Evidence Of Response (James 1:26-27) Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 26, 2021

Obedience to God’s Word is never mandated nor vainly beneficial. It is transformational. Following God’s Word changes us. Certain things will follow. Obedience will make a difference, and as James shows us, he gives us examples of some of the changes to come.

Tom Lowe 2/7/2021 Text: James 1:26-27 (KJV) 26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Baptist

Corpus Christi: Solemnity Of The Body And Blood Of Christ

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Apr 27, 2020

“Heavenly bread, hellish misunderstanding.”

Some years ago there was a Scottish regiment stationed in Edinburgh Castle. Some of the regiment’s officers were devout men. And every evening they’d gather together and drink a toast. The toast went like this: "A clean sword and a dirty Bible." The clean sword referred to their ...read more

Scripture: John 6:51-58

Denomination: Catholic

Core 52 Week 35 - Communing With God And One Another Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Sep 1, 2020

It's dangerous to cut off the blood flow to your extremities. We risk damage when this happens. It's also very dangerous to cut ourselves off spiritually and relationally. Communion helps us to stay healthy and thriving.

You can listen to the sermon audio here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697261/5249032 Core 52 Week 35 - Communion With God and One Another Intro: • Dumb stuff we do as a kid - like wrapping a rubber band tightly around the end of your finger and watching it turn colors. o (You did it, or your best ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:19-20, Exodus 6:6, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, 1 Corinthians 10:17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Listen To My Voice Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Apr 25, 2021

The real question for us today is not, “Will God speak to me, to us today?” Instead, will we listen for that voice that is speaking? Jesus doesn’t say, “Listen and maybe I’ll have something to say.”

On this Fourth Sunday of Easter as you look at the lectionary the gospel lesson shifts from historical recounting of the events following to resurrection to Christological reflection. The goal is to assist us as we, like Mary and the disciples, seek to understand what happened and is happening to ...read more

Scripture: John 10:11-18

Denomination: United Methodist

Five Foolish Virgins

Contributed by Grant Adams on Feb 19, 2024

The most important thing a person cand do in this life is to get prepared for the next.

1. To get ready to meet God. it’s your responsibility to do. One day you will stand face to face with Christ. a. By death; Hebrews 9:27 b. By rapture; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 2. I said prepare, get ready. Does the bible really say that? Amos 4:17; Matthew 24:44 3. There are many today who have not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13, Hebrews 9:27

Denomination: Baptist