Sermons on Idols In The Temple:

Are You A Church Builder?

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Mar 16, 2021

The work in Christ’s church will not get done in a hurry. We don’t even have a target date for completion. But this is what makes the difference for our church building: It’s the work of our Lord! It’s the church that Christ bought with his precious blood.

Are you a church builder? Do you see it as your responsibility to serve the church of Christ? To strengthen it, and to grow it? You should, because that’s the calling given to you by the Lord God! Sometimes we like to leave church-building work to the experts. We leave the physical aspects of the ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 6:13-22, Revelation 3:14-22, Haggai 1:3-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Withered Fig Tree.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 17, 2022

Today’s passage brings together two events which are not unrelated to each other: the cleansing of the Temple, and the withering of the fig tree. Both are figurative of the state and changing status of the old Jewish faith at the dawn of the gospel era.

THE WITHERED FIG TREE. Mark 11:12-33. I. The Barren Fig Tree. Mark 11:12-14; Mark 11:20-26. As we see Jesus approaching the fig tree (Mark 11:12-13), we need to recollect that Jesus is God. The fig tree is a well-known symbol of Israel: ‘every man under his vine and his fig tree’ (cf. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Royal Visitor

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Aug 20, 2023

Are you ready for the king's visit?

It had been just another Sabbath, so to speak, when it all began. Zechariah the priest had been doing it all his life, coming up to the temple in Jerusalem, just like his father and grandfather before him, all the way back to when Haggai and Zerubbabel had finally gotten the people to rebuild the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:68-79

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"You're Fired!" Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Nov 30, 2004

What are the Idols in the marketplace, what might happen to you if you refuse to bow down?

Singing the Songs of the Lord in a Strange Land November 7, 2004 Daniel 3 “You’re Fired!” The Story We have followed Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, & Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego) through exile from their land, to being chosen for training in the King’s court. They honoured God by refusing ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:1-30

Denomination: *other

Idolatry, Man's Natural Instinct Series

Contributed by Robert Baldwin on Aug 21, 2004

Natural man is an idolator, he will create a god in his mind if he has no other

Idolotry, Man’s Natural Instinct Jonah 1:6 Intro. The philosopher speaks of a god shaped vacuum in man’s heart. Many modern preachers preach about man seeking God. Through out history we read of men worshipping idols and gods of their own making, many today worship a god created in their own ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:6

Denomination: Baptist

Egypt And The Golden Calf Series

Contributed by Leo Launio on Oct 16, 2003

Idolatry is not simply worshipping an idol. Idolatry is not giving God first place in our hearts.

December 8, 2002 A. Review 1) Saturday evening—we studied “The Valley of Baca” a) From this study, we’ve learned that in our Christian journey towards the Promised Land we will experience some difficulty. This is the Valley of Baca. Also known as the Valley of Tears. 2) Saturday morning—we ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:1-35

Denomination: Adventist

Pictures Don't Lie Series

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Apr 30, 2006

Don’t get stuck in your image of God, lest it too become an idol

Title: Pictures Don’t Lie Text: Exodus 20:4-6 FCF: Don’t get stuck in your image of God SO: Intro: There’s an old saying, “Pictures don’t lie,” and when it comes to my sexy physique, sadly I suppose it’s true. But in this age of images, I wonder how often that is. It wouldn’t really be of much ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Cross Of Christ Is But A Symbol Of Our Faith

Contributed by Ronald Harbaugh on Mar 21, 2009

The cross is but a symbol of the death of Christ for our redemption. Let us not turn the cross into an idol.

4th Sunday in Lent, March 22, 2009 “Series B” Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, as we move through this season of Lent, and closer to our celebration of your Son’s passion, help us to gain a deeper ...read more

Scripture: John 3:14-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Be Faithful To The Deliverer Series

Contributed by Paul Carlson on Dec 17, 2015

PROPOSITION: Because Christ is the Deliverer, you must forsake your idols and follow Him.

Be Faithful to the Deliverer Judges 2 I. Refuse to follow heathen gods! 2:11-15 A. God recognizes our idolatry (11-13). 1. The Israelites abandoned the LORD. 2. The Israelites worshipped other gods. B. God responds to our idolatry (14-15). 1. God is angered by ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"jesus The Heavenly Light Of This World Series

Contributed by Gordon Weatherby on May 31, 2021

AS the Light was being lit in the temple for the "Illumination of the Temple Ceremony" Jesus made he declaration that He is the Light Of The World.

JESUS, THE HEAVENLY LIGHT OF THIS WORLD John 8:12-30; 9:5 Greenmount and O’Leary Churches of Christ May 30, 2021 Video Link: https: //youtu.be/YE8NQOKbcHA INTRODUCTION: 1.) How comfortable are you functioning in darkness? A.) I live on Maple Street in O’Leary. where there are streetlights, ...read more

Scripture: John 8:12-30, John 9:5, Isaiah 9:2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Timeline Of Restoration Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Jun 25, 2016

A sermon examining the restoration that is possible for those who have turned from the Heavenly Father.

A Timeline Of Restoration Haggai 2:10-19 Chuck Swindoll shared the following story "A few years ago, an angry man rushed through the Rijks Museum in Amsterdam until he reached Rembrandt's famous painting "Nightwatch." Then he took out a knife and slashed it repeatedly before he could be stopped. A ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 2:10-19

Denomination: Baptist

Mandatory Worship

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Mar 20, 2016

The whole creation--including us--is designed to worship the one true God. If we don't cry out, the stones will worship God. We need to become 24/7 worshipers, constantly aware of God's presence and guidance.

Luke 19:28-40 Mandatory Worship What do these sayings have in common? He’s telling it like it is. She’s speaking for America. He’s calling for a political revolution. She’s going to restore the American dream for hardworking families. He’s going to make America great ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40

Denomination: Baptist

Servant Quarters Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Apr 14, 2010

A study of chapter 42 verses 1 through 20

Ezekiel 42: 1 – 20 Servant Quarters “ 1 Then he brought me out into the outer court, by the way toward the north; and he brought me into the chamber which was opposite the separating courtyard, and which was opposite the building toward the north. 2 Facing the length, which was one ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 42:1-20

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Consider Your Ways: Look Backward ... And Forward (Sermon 3 Of 4) Series

Contributed by Ken Pell on Oct 5, 2014

Looking backward is a catalyst to look forward and provides confidence that what God began in the past he is still doing today.

Consider Your Ways: A Call to Holiness “Look Backward… and Forward” Haggai 2:1-17 Big Idea: Looking backward is a catalyst to look forward and provides confidence that what God began in the past he is still doing today. Supporting Scripture: • Psalm 133 • Philippians ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 2:2-17

Denomination: Nazarene

Jesus’s First Public Events, Part 2 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Oct 5, 2025

As Jesus confronted the "false religious" on-goings in the Temple, we must ask if we are willing to confront sin, cast it out, and live a life devoted to Him? Or, will we allow our own desires and emotions to lead us?

John, Part 9 Series: Jesus’s First Public Events, Part 2 John 2:12-22 - Welcome to Seasons – intro – we are so glad you’re here today; dismiss children -- Continuing series; REM: John less focused on chronology; purpose (redeem) - Read John 2:12-22 / Pray Point 1 – Confronting Sin ...read more

Scripture: John 2:12-22, Psalm 69:9, Revelation 3:15-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational