Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Answer Number One: The Cross Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Mar 3, 2015

There is really one answer to a divided church and that is THE CROSS. It is the cross that reveals the love of God.

Up to this point in the first chapter of 1 Corinthians we have been discussing the divided church. There is really one answer to a divided church and that is THE CROSS. So that is our focus this evening. Paul emphasizes in verse 17 that words of human wisdom are not the answer for a divided ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25

Denomination: Baptist

Come And Drink

Contributed by Stephan Brown on May 16, 2002

Demonstrates the fulfillment that comes through the Living Water of God to those who are spiritually thirsty. Can have evangelistic application as well as application for hurting believers.

Come and Drink John 7:37-39, “37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "If you are thirsty, come to me! 38 If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within." F33 39 (When he said ...read more

Scripture: John 7:37-39, John 4:4-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Blessed People

Contributed by Rev. Duraimony Dickson on May 13, 2022

Jesus taught us is to challenge us and to encourage us.

The Blessed People Today, let's meditate on the gospel according to Matthew, chapter 5. The sermon that Jesus delivers is affectionately called the sermon on the mount. In my opinion, the sermon on the mount is more like a devotional on the mount. But traditionally, we call it the Sermon on ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Confession Of Sin And Prayer For Forgiveness.”

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Sep 6, 2001

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SEPTEMBER 16, 2001 Psalm 51:1-20 Title: “Confession of sin and prayer for forgiveness.”

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SEPTEMBER 16, 2001 Psalm 51:1-20 Title: “Confession of sin and prayer for forgiveness.” This is the best known of the seven traditional penitential psalms, 6; 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143, and one of the most moving prayers in the Old Testament. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Put Your Pencils Down

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Sep 1, 2001

A Labor Day and Communion message, dealing with the sources of satisfaction in work. Designed for audience participation.

Labor Day, and school is starting again. I wonder, do they still do the same things as when I was in school? Do they still have the same rituals? Maybe not. Things do change. Dodgeball, for example. Now that was THE game in my day. You had the right to throw the ball as hard as you could and ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Disputing Disputable Matters

Contributed by Robert Sickler on Jan 6, 2016

We are not all at the same level of spiritual maturity, and we do not all walk the exact same path with Jesus; therefore, let us not get disagreeable over opinions.

Disputable Matters Illustration – The Hatfield and McCoy feud (1863–1891) In most cases, when a dispute ends in violence there is a bit of history behind the dispute. Probably the most famous dispute in America was between two families living in the West Virginia/Kentucky area along ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1

Denomination: Christian Church

Lessons From Jeremiah – Part 5 – Injustice Against God; Treachery And Demonism Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 9, 2024

Jeremiah preached to an unjust and wicked nation facing judgement. Headship in marriage, injustice, and wimps in churches, charlatans in church positions are covered. Israel/Judah changed its God for idols and all in leadership they were corrupt.

LESSONS FROM JEREMIAH – PART 5 – INJUSTICE AGAINST GOD; TREACHERY AND DEMONISM PART 5 - Jeremiah 2:4-12 CHAPTER 2 [A]. THE ADDRESS TO THE NATION; THE LORD PLEADING WITH THEM {{Jeremiah 2:4-8 Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. Jeremiah ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:4-8, 1 Samuel 15:22-23, Jeremiah 2:9-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Two Baptisms And Thanksgiving

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Nov 20, 2018

In Matthew chapter 3 we see John the Baptist speaking of two different baptisms; the baptism of repentance and baptism with the Holy Spirit. Are they the same or are they complimentary?

Two Baptisms and Thanksgiving Please stand as we read our newest memory Scripture together … Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12, Matthew 3:11, Malachi 1:10-14, Romans 6:17-18

Denomination: Nazarene

Can I Get A Refill?

Contributed by Kraig Pullam on Dec 30, 2015

Christ's first recorded miracle, the turning of ordinary water into extraordinary wine, becomes a picture of Christ bringing joy in the midst of sorrow.

One of my favorite movies of which I will boldly, blatantly and unashamedly admit is the sequel “Bad Boys II.” It is a funny/amusing/somewhat comical/quite insightful movie whether you like or not with Martin Lawrence (of which I am a die hard fan/admirer/aficionado) and Will Smith and ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Pitiful Sight

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 29, 2011

An illustration of people groups who today do ’penance’ to earn God’s favor highlights Paul’s admonition to the Jews who made so many pitiful attempts at gaining God’s salvation He wants to freely give away. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, Powerpoint

A Pitiful Sight Romans 4:9-25 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/PitifulSight.html Every hear a great throng of people make pilgrimage to the Shrine of Guadalupe in Mexico, a site where supposedly the Virgin Mary once stood...however unlikely that is. They go there hoping to get her attention, and to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:9-25

Denomination: Baptist

Cleanliness And Spiritual Purity. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Nov 29, 2024

In the Bible, filthiness and uncleanness are often associated with the presence of evil spirits.

The phrase "cleanliness is next to godliness" is a well-known adage that emphasizes the importance of physical cleanliness in relation to spiritual purity. While this phrase is not directly found in the Bible, it is rooted in biblical principles that highlight the connection between ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:10-12, Isaiah 57:15

Only Believe

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jun 28, 2021

A sermon for the Sundays after Pentecost, Year B, Lectionary 13

June 27, 2021 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Mark 5:21-43 Only Believe Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Time is a relative phenomenon. As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun. But there are other times ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Lutheran

Character Study Of The Samaritan Woman Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 26, 2025

The Samaritan woman’s story is one of redemption and transformation. She moved from a sinful past to becoming a bold witness for Christ. Her life teaches that no one is too lost for Jesus to save, and that a true encounter with Him leads to a transformed life and a desire to share the gospel.

CHARACTER STUDY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN – WOMAN AT THE WELL By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: John 4:1-30 "But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." – ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Supernatural Boldness Requires Pure Motives

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

SUPERNATURAL BOLDNESS IN PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL REQUIRES PURE MOTIVES AND PROPER CONDUCT (THE MARKS OF SPIRIT-FILLED CHURCH PLANTERS) A.

SUPERNATURAL BOLDNESS IN PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL REQUIRES PURE MOTIVES AND PROPER CONDUCT (THE MARKS OF SPIRIT-FILLED CHURCH PLANTERS) A. Supernatural Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel Can Be Identified by the Power of the Holy Spirit in the Context of Persecution (:1-2) Illustr.: Just as you use ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Pray Like This

Contributed by James Beam, Jr on Nov 10, 2005

Jesus disciples were drawn by his intimate walk with His Father. This text reveals how prayer is shaped by what’s in our heart & in our Father’s heart.

Welcome & Theme Introduction 1. What one thing could make the church more powerful than anything else? What one thing could ensure that your life was as good as it can be? What one thing could turn your family into the place that everyone loved to stay? 2. That ONE thing is an intimate, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ