Sermons on Empty Ritual:

The Fruit Of The Tree Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 19, 2020

The Sycamores of the Middle East are highly prized. And it was one such highly prized and valuable tree who's limbs held a despised and sinful man. Why was he despised and what difference did Jesus make in his life?

OPEN: The story of Zacchaeus only occurs in the Gospel of Luke. It seems to me that its possible that, as Luke interviewed people for his Gospel, he may have spoken with Zacchaeus - and the man’s story stood out to him. It’s also possible, given that Zacchaeus’ name is used here, that he was known ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Heart Of The Matter: When Tradition Makes A Trespasser

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Oct 4, 2025

This sermon delivers Jesus' powerful warning that religious traditions can become a dangerous substitute for God's commands, leading to a worthless worship from a heart that is far from Him.

Introduction: The Danger of Good Habits Traditions can be wonderful things. They give us a sense of identity and rhythm. They connect us to our heritage and to our families. In the life of faith, traditions and habits—like coming to church, praying before a meal, or reading our Bibles—can be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Come And Drink (Hix)

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Nov 16, 2012

The reason your life might stink, is because your life has become a stagnant storage tank instead of rivers of living water!

John 7:37-39-On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those ...read more

Scripture: John 7:37-39

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus! The Giver Of Abundant Life Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Aug 27, 2010

John desired his readers to know and understand that Jesus brought to this life a 'new wine' that would change their lives forever, and for us today the book of John reveals that not only did Jesus come to die for our sin, but He also came to bring unspea

SERMON BRIEF Date Written: February 2002, edited August 2010 Date Preached: August 29, 2010 Church: OPBC (AM – Lord’s Supper Service) FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS Series: Recognizing and Responding to the Living Word Title: The Giver of Abundant Life Text: John 2:1-11 ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Sons Of God Series

Contributed by David Welch on Jul 3, 2018

Message 8 in our Galatians series declaring the wonder of our sonship.

Chico Alliance Church “Sons of God” True freedom comes by grace through faith in Christ I. Paul Possessed the Correct credentials 1-2 Paul taught only what he received directly from Christ Himself. II. Paul Proclaimed the Correct Concept of Grace 2:15-4:31 Right standing before God comes only ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:15-17, 1 John 3:1-3

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Circumcision Of The Heart

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Jul 26, 2021

It is not that belonging to the visible community of God’s people is unimportant. It is. But salvation is not won by any external associations. When we depend on such things, we become less than what God wants us to be.

Alba 7-25-2021 CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART Romans 2:25-29 There is that old saying, “Do as I say, not as I do.” That doesn’t really work does it? Lately we have had some politicians live by that motto. They gave various restrictions for their communities, but didn't live by them, themselves. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:25-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Distinction Between Churchianity And Christianity Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 26, 2025

Let's explore this concept through a biblical lens.

In today's world, many people claim to be Christians, but their actions and beliefs often diverge from the teachings of the Bible. This phenomenon has been referred to as "churchianity"which is a superficial adherence to Christian practices and traditions without a genuine ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21

The Focus Of A True Faith

Contributed by Gerald Steffy on Oct 4, 2009

The focus of a true faith is centered in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

THE FOCUS OF A TRUE FAITH—Colossians 2:16-23 Proposition: The focus of a true faith is centered in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Objective: My purpose is to challenge God’s people to put all their focus on Jesus Christ and to turn aside to other false teachings. INTRODUCTION: Here’s a ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

Denomination: Baptist

Easter 2025

Contributed by Michael Nesmith on Apr 21, 2025

Once again here we are gathered on this glorious Easter morning to celebrate. But this is not just a meal of remembrance and celebration of a one-time event as is the Passover of old.

This morning. We come together to celebrate Easter. We believe in and celebrate the empty tomb – the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. However, His resurrection, this most wonderous of all miracles, and all these worship services would mean nothing for us without the reason of the resurrection. ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-9

Denomination: Catholic

Stump

Contributed by Roy Fowler on May 29, 2021

Isaiah has been purified and set on a course by God. He finds out there will be a stump, small amount of people, that will carry the message forward.

Sermon Title: Stump. Scripture Text: Isaiah 6:1-8; 9-13 Isaiah6:1-8 NLT Isaiah’s Cleansing and Call *This was written 740 years before Christ. 6:1Itwas in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8, Isaiah 6:9-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Empowered Lives Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 9, 2007

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest watershed event in human history. Our world will never be the same, and living in the reality of the resurrection our lives will never be the same either.

John 20:1-8 “Great Expectations” INTRODUCTION What do you do with an empty tomb? John is very brief in his description of the events of Easter morning. Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and found it empty. She ran to Peter and the beloved disciple to tell them that someone had stolen Jesus’ ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

The Heart Matters Most - Lessons From Matthew 15 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jun 12, 2025

GOD cares more about the condition of your heart than the traditions you keep. GOD desires genuine inner purity and authentic faith, not religious performance. True righteousness comes from a transformed heart, not outward tradition.

2025.06.15.Sermon Notes. The Heart Matters Most – Lessons from Matthew 15 When Religion Misses the Point William Akehurst, HSWC Reminder: It’s Father’s Day Scripture: Matthew 15:1-39, Isaiah 29:13, Psalms 51:10, Psalms 139:23-24 INTRODUCTION: JESUS confronts the religious leaders for honoring ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-39, Isaiah 29:13, Psalm 51:10, Psalm 139:23-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Seeing Jesus Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 23, 2007

The story of Mary Magdalene at the tomb of Jesus teaches us many things about when and how Jesus reveals himself to us.

John 20:1-2, 11-18 “Seeing Jesus” INTRODUCTION For several Sundays, we have been walking with Jesus as he has sent his face toward Jerusalem traveled toward the cross. Our time with Jesus has been a time of learning. While Jesus has not instructed us in things that our society considers ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Autarkia: Our Full Sufficiency In Christ

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Jun 5, 2007

This is a sermon starter for Preaching out of the second chapter of Colossians showing our all sufficiency in Christ. Autarkia is the Greek word used in the text for "all sufficiency".

“Autarkia” (Greek) “Fully Sufficient” Colossians 2:10-23 “In Him you have been made complete” There are certain things that tend to clutter up the simplicity we have when we are complete in Christ. II Cor 11:3 spoke about those who are deceived, having been led astray from the simplicity and ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:10-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The New And Living Way

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Mar 13, 2009

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, MUST BE OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY IN LIFE.

IN THE BOOK, THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BY M. SCOTT PECK, THERE IS A WONDERFUL DEFINITION OF LOVE. PECK DEFINED LOVE IN THIS BOOK AS "THE WILL TO EXTEND ONESELF FOR THE PURPOSE OF NURTURING ONE’S OWN AND ANOTHER’S SPIRITUAL GROWTH." IF THERE HAS BEEN ANYONE IN HUMAN HISTORY WHO HAS DONE JUST THAT, IT ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:11-25

Denomination: Free Methodist