Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Message 3 - 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3 - Paul’s Great Desire To Connect With The Saints At Thessalonica Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 29, 2022

Paul really loved the believers at Thessalonica. His concern for their welfare was so great he sent Timothy to them and he earnestly prayed for them day and night. In their suffering he prayed they would stand firm in holiness.

MESSAGE 3 - 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 3 - PAUL’S GREAT DESIRE TO CONNECT WITH THE SAINTS AT THESSALONICA {{1Thessalonians 3:1 “Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, 1Thess 3:2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:6, Romans 5:3-5, 1 Thessalonians 3:7, 1 Thessalonians 3:8, Philippians 2:12-13, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Peter 2:21, Philippians 1:29, Psalm 119:71, Psalm 119:67, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 3:4-6, 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Acts 17:10-15, 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Clean Up Our Act

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Aug 3, 2022

God told Israel you need to clean up your act by washing yourself and make yourself clean.

“Clean Up our act” Isaiah 1:1-20 1. God expects not meaningless sacrifice (The ritual stuff) but sacrifice that are meaningful (sincerity) • 11 “The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?” says the LORD. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-20

Denomination: Methodist

The Sign Of The Sabbath Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 12, 2017

Why would Jesus heal a man on the Sabbath and then tell the man (in violation of the Sabbath rules of the Pharisees) to pick up his mat and walk?

OPEN: There’s a story I read once of 3 umpires who were talking about the feeling of power they had on the baseball field. As they talked about what gave them this sense of empowerment, the 1st umpire said – “I call ‘em as I see ‘em.” The 2nd smiled and said, “That ain’t nothing. I call ‘em as ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Hollow Places And Gushing Rivers

Contributed by Richard Laraviere on Sep 5, 2007

The passion behind the cry of Jesus that if any thirst, let them come unto him and drink.

Hollow places and Gushing Rivers Text: John 7:37-39 / John 17:3-that you might know me A. Background of this setting: 1. The feast of Tabernacles- was a solemn, yet joyful procession each day from the temple to the Gihon Spring- the spring which fed the reservoir we know as the ...read more

Scripture: John 7:37-39

Denomination: Mennonite

The Wonder Of Jesus’ Baptism Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 3, 2013

Why did John baptize Jesus? And why so quickly? Granted Jesus said it was to "fulfill all righteousness", but what exactly could that mean?

OPEN: A little girl wanted to get baptized but her mother wanted her to attend some classes to make sure she knew what she was committing herself to. After one of the classes, her mother asked, "Honey, what does baptism mean?" Thinking hard, the little girl the finally said, "Well, it isn’t the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Doing Without God Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 23, 2017

God tells us that those who are outside of Christ are "without God". What does that mean to those outside of Christ and what does that mean for us INside of Christ?

OPEN: Back in 1959, Charleston Heston starred in a movie that is still considered one of the greatest movies of all time --- Ben Hur. It was a Biblical epic that is still known for its climatic chariot race where Heston (the hero of the film) was intent on destroying his hated enemy. Just ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 127:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

Jesus The Path To Peace Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 17, 2017

Peace on earth? With wars and rumors of wars what possible peace could the angels be announcing? And how does the baby Jesus fit into all this?

OPEN: I love to sing Christmas Carols, so this morning I want you to stand and sing 3 verses of “Silent Night” with me. 1. “Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

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