Sermons on empty ritual: showing 841-855 of 34,774

What Time Is It?

Contributed by Sheila Crowe on Aug 23, 2009

It is time for new beginnings, a time for resurrection; a time for emptiness to be filled, a time of obedience and time for us to live by eternal time not ordinary time.

This week, in fact, next Sunday, Gene and I will celebrate our 29th anniversary….now grant it it isn’t as long as Marion and Mary Sue have been married but none the less it is still an amazing achievement considering….well enough said. When we got married, we had a small simple ceremony at my ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Sin Of Taking Advantage Of Others Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 13, 2024

Taking advantage of others is like draining their soul, leaving them empty and dry. It may fill our pockets, but it drains our humanity.

In the Bible, God teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to treat others the way we want to be treated. But sadly, there are those who choose to exploit and manipulate others for their own gain. In Leviticus 19:13, God says, "Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 19:13, Matthew 18:23-35

Joy Comes In The Morning

Contributed by Edward Hardee on Mar 30, 2024

Resurrection message dealing with Mary Magdelene meeting Jesus at the empty tomb. Jesus found her weeping but she left full of joy.

Title: From Weeping to Joy Theme: To show how Mary Magdalene went from weeping in her life to joy. Text: John 20:1 – 18 Note: Part of the idea for this message came from Unshakable Hope by Max Lucado ch. 11 John 20:1-18 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18, Psalm 30:5

Denomination: Church Of God

A Living Faith (Hebrews 11)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 27, 2024

Did the patriarchs and matriarchs of old leave us an example of a living faith or empty belief? Let's discuss this in Hebrews 11.

Is faith the assurance of things hoped for, the proof of things not yet seen? Did the patriarchs and matriarchs have a faith that pleased God? Do we believe that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him? Let’s discuss this in Hebrews 11. What is faith? Did faith make the ancient ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Six Steps Out Of Lack (Each Of The Six Could Be Part Of A Series.)

Contributed by Carlton Coon on Aug 25, 2024

The marriage feast at Cana would have been identified by lack. Except a handful of servants obeyed Christ, which changed empty to abundance.

Eleven Precious Verses open the story. John 2:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the ...read more

Scripture: John 2:9-11, John 2:1-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

What The Lord Knows.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Sep 16, 2024

The optimist says, the cup is half full. The pessimist says, the cup is half empty. The child of God says; “My cup runneth over.”

What The Lord Knows. Palm 1:1-6NKJV What does the Lord know? Maybe a better question is, “What does the Lord not know.” He’s Creator of physics, nuclear science, he designed Jets and rockets plus anything else that comes into the future. God did it first; God is the Master Designer! Psalm ...read more

Denomination: Church Of God

Jesus Explains Why All Things Must Be Made New Series

Contributed by Jerry Hillyer Ii on Jul 7, 2008

This is an examination of Jesus’ words to the Pharisees and disciples of John concerning fasting and new wine.

Jesus Explains Why Things Must be Made New Matthew 9:14-17 Introduction A little later John’s followers approached, asking, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees rigorously discipline body and spirit by fasting, but your followers don’t?” Jesus told them, “When you’re celebrating a wedding, you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:14-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christmas Eve Service

Contributed by William Akehurst on Dec 23, 2012

We know that HE CAME, HE TAUGHT, HE DIED, HE ASCENDED, AND HE LEFT...The Empty Stable, The Empty Tomb, All Fulfilling the WORD of the LORD He LEFT behind, HIS SPIRIT, HIS GOSPEL, HIS WORD, HIS VICTORY, and HIS PROMISE that HE would return again. All you

2012.12.24 Christmas Eve Service The Empty Stable, The Empty Tomb, Waiting for HIS return. William Akehurst, HSWC From GOD's WORD, we know.... HE CAME, HE TAUGHT, HE DIED, HE ASCENDED. AND HE LEFT... The Empty Stable The Empty Tomb Fulfilling the WORD of the LORD He LEFT behind, HIS SPIRIT, HIS ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fish And Spit

Contributed by Andrew Chan on May 17, 2001

Response to the challenge of God’s call from an unrepentant prophet, Jonah.

Jonah 2 “Fish and Spit: The Challenge in Jonah .” Can you imagine what it is like to be inside a fish like Jonah? He said in v.5 “seaweed was wrapped around my head” This is like sushi in reverse. All rolled up in seaweed, but thankfully not dipped in wasabi and soy sauce? Hey maybe that’s a ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 2:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Price Of Freedom: Blood

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 9, 2006

The price of political freedom has been the blood of our soldiers (a very high price indeed). But the price of our spiritual freedom is even greater —it cost the blood of God’s own Son.

The Price of Freedom: Blood Exodus 12:1-13[1] 7-3-05 Freedom—it’s a sweet word for us Americans. This weekend we are celebrating our political liberty. Aren’t you glad that we can come together like this and worship God without being afraid that some Gestapo is going to kick in the door and ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:1-13

Denomination: Charismatic

Panic Room

Contributed by Carla Powell on Apr 20, 2002

References the movie "Panic Room" (Jodie Foster). Recalls the disciples’ reaction to hide out in a locked room after finding the tomb empty. The "Panic Room" can be both a safe haven and a well-fortressed prison.

"Panic Room" - Easter 2A April 7, 2002 - John 20:19-31 This week I saw the newly-released movie "Panic Room". In this movie, "Jodie Foster plays a wealthy single mom with a teenage daughter. They buy a fancy brownstone in NYC that has a ’panic room’, a fortified hi-tech room in the center of ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Lutheran

Why A Christian Should Not Celebrate Halloween

Contributed by Ronnie Thrower on Oct 25, 2001

Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate? Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship? Or is it just a harmless vestige of some ancient pagan ritual?

WHY A CHRISTIAN SHOULD NOT CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate? Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship? Or is it just a harmless vestige of some ancient pagan ritual? In North ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12

Denomination: Baptist

Free As A Bird

Contributed by William Yates on Apr 17, 2004

We read in Lev. 14 of the ritual that persons healed of leprosy would go through. One bird was sacrificed and another set free. We who are in Christ need to see ourselves as birds set free.

Free As A Bird Leviticus 14 Cleansing From Infectious Skin Diseases 1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "These are the regulations for the diseased person at the time of his ceremonial cleansing, when he is brought to the priest: 3 The priest is to go outside the camp and examine him. If the person has ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 14:1-7

What Makes You Think You Can Come Here?

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 17, 2010

Lent, 1986, Communion: We should never be intimidated from the Lord's Table by ritual, shame, or weakness. It is hosted by one who offers us mercy and grace, paid for by His blood; so come boldly.

In the South Africa of apartheid, I suppose, nearly anything is possible. And so I do not expect that this story, improbable as it sounds, is untrue. If anything, I expect it could be multiplied many, many times over. At any rate, the story is that one day an Afrikaner, one of the ruling class in ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

Famous Amos Series

Contributed by Sterling Franklin on Mar 13, 2011

Israel was guilty of oppressing the poor and needy and perverting justice, despite ritually worshipping God in sacrifice and worship. Are our actions backed by an authentic heart? Are we displeasing God despite 'doing all the right things'?

"Famous Amos" What can we learn from this shepherd and fig-tender - turned - prophet? Given at Glorious King Jesus (GKJ), March 13, 2011 Sterling C. Franklin Text: Amos 5:1-27 (Read Text) Opening Prayer This is a very serious message from Amos! What were the people doing? We see here in the ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:1-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational