Sermons on Empty Ritual:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Righteousness Of God Preserves A Sinful People

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Feb 7, 2025

A Nation on the Edge

Introduction: A Nation on the Edge My brothers and sisters, We stand at a crossroads, much like Judah in the days of the prophet Jeremiah. A nation filled with promise yet drowning in rebellion, a people chosen yet blind to their calling, a land meant for righteousness, now polluted by ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:3-9

Denomination: Methodist

5. The Prodigal Son Comes Home (A Message Of God's Unconditional Love) Series

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Nov 25, 2025

God waits for you like a father watching the horizon for his lost child. No matter how far you have wandered, His arms remain open to welcome you home today.

5. The Prodigal Son Comes Home (A Message of God's Unconditional Love) Introduction: Understanding the Heart of the Father Before we explore this profound story from Luke 15, we must understand what Jesus wanted to teach us. He told this parable to religious leaders who criticized Him for ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, Luke 15:18-19, Luke 15:22-24, Luke 15:29-30, Luke 15:31-32, Luke 5:31-32, Leviticus 11:7, Romans 3:23, Proverbs 14:12, Isaiah 55:7, 1 John 4:8, Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 3:19, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Ache For Meaning

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 29, 2025

Every human ache for meaning is the soul remembering its Maker—God’s embrace disguised as longing, inviting us home to relationship and rest

(When the Soul Remembers God) It began with a phone call. My oldest son’s voice was steady at first, then it trembled. He’s forty-one now—bright, competent, a systems manager for a defense company, respected by his peers. On paper, everything about his life says success. Yet that afternoon, ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:11, Matthew 11:28, Philippians 2:13, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Luke 15:17-20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Heart Of Faith: When Love Transcends Duty Series

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Oct 30, 2024

We are called to let love guide our actions, even when it takes us in unexpected directions.

The Heart of Faith: When Love Transcends Duty Intro: We are called to let love guide our actions, even when it takes us in unexpected directions. Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:2-6, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 12:28-34. Reflection Dear Sisters and Brothers, In a quiet town, an older woman named ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:2-6, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Other

Living For Christ In A Postmodern World

Contributed by Ezekiel Ette on Oct 21, 2017

It is possible to live the Christian life and still live responsibly and fully in a world of diversity.

Living for Christ in a Postmodern World The Rev. (Dr.) Ezekiel Ette Matt. 22 : 15 – 22 We live in a confusing time indeed, a time when what is reality and truth are considered controversial, yet we follow a savior who is the way, the truth and the life” (John 14 : 6). There was a time when many ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22

Denomination: United Methodist

Paul's Cry For Trust In Christ Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jan 15, 2013

Why would we place our faith and trust in the human elements of this world if we had Christ as our Savior? Paul asks the same question of the Colossian believers!

Colossians 2:16-23 [NLT] January 16, 2013 Oak Park Baptist Church – Wed Bible Study Series Colossians Bible Study Paul’s continues his teaching against the heresy: So far we have seen how Paul has greatly encouraged the fellowship in Colossae AND has given a great picture of just who ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

Denomination: Baptist