Sermons on Mateo 23:16:

Religion Vs. Relationship

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 9, 2022

This message contrasts religion and relationship, showing that religion is not to be desired. However, a relationship with Jesus is to be highly treasured. Why? Religion brings about death, but relationship brings about life.

Whenever you hear of the word “religion,” what comes to mind? Perhaps attending a church service, someone worshipping a Buddha statue, a baptismal service, someone reciting a chant or prayer, someone fasting, people praying to the east every hour, someone making an animal sacrifice, or someone ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

In Word, In Power And In The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 21, 2021

If we are, in the words of one of the saints, going to be a "spectacle of saints," what better time to be alive than now, when the Church is encircled by enemies from both the left and the right.

Monday of 21st week in Course This is a great time to be alive and to be a Christian. Now it’s not a very convenient time to be a Christian. In fact, with threats of terror coming from every part of the world, it’s not even a very convenient time to be alive. But greatness does not very often ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:13-22, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Denomination: Catholic

Tough Love

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 1, 2020

A warning not only for Israel then, but for the church now. The long-suffering of God.

TOUGH LOVE. Matthew 23:13-39. 1. Jesus spares not to warn those who are on the path to “the damnation of hell” (Matthew 23:33), using such expressions as “woe unto you” (eight times), “hypocrites” (seven times), “blind guides” or “fools and blind” (five times), “ye serpents, (ye) generation of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:13-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Woe To The Hyprocrites!

Contributed by James Jack on Apr 11, 2009

Jesus’ stinging tirade against the hyprocrites and heretics is a righteous condemnation of false religion.

I get worked up about a lot of things. I get worked up when they change the words to old hymns that are favourites of mine. I get worked up at umpiring and refereeing decisions – perhaps not as much as St. George supporters, but worked up nonetheless. I get worked up when Damien takes the last ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39

Denomination: Anglican

Prayer For Saving Grace Series

Contributed by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid on Jan 17, 2020

Greetings in the Holy Name of Jesus Yahshuah, My brothers and sisters, the love of God is with us, for without His love, there is no us.

Prayer For Saving Grace by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid (January 17, 2020) “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-10, 1 John 4:7-10, Matthew 16:23, Matthew 23:1-38, Matthew 16:1-28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Friends

The Tyranny Of The Experts

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 3, 2021

A study of the danger posed when experts assume control over a society, over a community, or over a church. The message is a call to participatory Christianity.

“Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-36

Denomination: Baptist

Which Shepherd Are You Choosing? (Pt. 2) Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 19, 2022

This exposition of Zechariah 11:7-17 examines Zechariah's prediction of Christ's rejection at his First Advent and the consequences of that rejection. The timeless truth taught is: when the leadership God sends is rejected, the judgment that follows is bad leadership.

Intro We concluded last week with God instructing Zechariah to take on the role of a shepherd. Follow with me as we read Zechariah 11:4. “This is what the Lord my God says: ‘Shepherd the flock marked for slaughter.”i That is the assignment God gives Zechariah. He is to represent the Lord as a good ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 11:1-17, Matthew 15:14-15, John 1:1-11, Matthew 23:1-39, Matthew 26:14-16, Matthew 27:1-10, Revelation 19:20, John 11:1-48, Galatians 5:15-23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

What Jesus’ Grief Over Jerusalem Reveals Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Mar 30, 2023

The reasons for grief are many, such as the loss of a loved one, the loss of health, or the letting go of a long-held dream. Dealing with a significant loss can be one of the most difficult times in a person's life. Jesus sees God’s dream for Jerusalem slipping away.

Sermon: What Jesus’ Grief over Jerusalem Reveals Matthew 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 38 And now, look, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-36, Matthew 23:37-39, Acts 7:51-53, Proverbs 29:1-2

Denomination: Methodist

Rebuking And Correcting Sins Of Others Is Not Hatred Nor Self-Righteous. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 9, 2025

In this sermon, we'll explore biblical examples of loving rebuke, demonstrating that correcting others is not about hatred or self-righteousness, but about restoring and edifying the body of Christ.

Rebuking and correcting the sins of others is often misunderstood as an act of hatred or self-righteousness. However, the Bible teaches that correcting other is a necessary aspect of loving and caring for them and a mark of true care and concern. As Christians, we are called to love one another, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-14, Matthew 23:1-36, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

A Covenant Community Communicates Clearly Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 30, 2024

As James closes his letter to exiles, he concludes with instructions on three different topics - communication (oaths), prayer, and care. This sermon looks at the first of those in the context of a covenant community.

In the run up to the 1988 Presidential Election, Vice President George H.W. Bush famously said “Read my lips: no new taxes.” He was running on a platform of consistency. He sought to take the policies and success of the Reagan years into a new term. He, in essence, swore an oath, made a promise ...read more

Scripture: James 5:12, Romans 12:5, Ephesians 4:25, Matthew 5:34-37, Matthew 23:16-22, Matthew 19:22, Zechariah 8:14-17, Psalm 32:3-4, 1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Glorious Servant Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Oct 17, 2024

Jesus came to speak—listen to Him. Jesus came to suffer—trust Him. Jesus came to save—tell the world. And Jesus came to rule--bow before Him for that’s what true success is all about.

Several years ago, the Tokyo Times carried a report about a 19-year-old man who was desperate to get to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. So he hopped a bus and demanded that the driver take him there. He was hijacking the bus, but few of the passengers were concerned. For one thing, the hijacker wasn’t ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-7, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 23:15-33, John 6:66-68, Hebrews 4:12, Acts 3:13-18, 1 Peter 2:23, Acts 3:19-21, Romans 11:15, Acts 13:46-47, Philippians 2:5-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

What Is This World Coming To?

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Jun 15, 2023

All of us at one point and time have asked this same question, "What is this world coming to?" What IS this world coming to? Join me and find out what just may shock you as being the answer to that question.

All of us at one point and time have asked this same question, "What is this world coming to?" What IS this world coming to? What is REALLY going on out there today? Every day, we hear about unspeakable violence happening in our schools, our shopping malls, department stores and even ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 9:17-20, Matthew 23:1-39

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sermon # 40 - Mercy Instead Of Judgement Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jan 10, 2025

Jonah freely accepted God’s mercy but wanted God’s judgement to be given the people of Nineveh. God’s word reminds us that it is not our prerogative to judge others, but rather to be merciful to them, just as God is merciful to us.

We read in Jonah 4:4, “Then the LORD said, "Do you think it is right for you to be angry?" (ERV) The God who created heaven and the earth asked Jonah the prophet, if he thought it was right to be angry with Him, very much like a parent would enquire of their child, who is upset with ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:4, 2 Peter 3:9, Psalm 103:1-2, Luke 7:36, Matthew 23:13-36, Luke 7:37-38, Luke 7:40-46, Luke 7:1-3, Matthew 5:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Bad Religion SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Oct 24, 2023

An exposition on Matthew 23:1-25. Christianity is not about making converts to dogma but making converts to love.

Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. As we gather here today, we find ourselves on the precipice of a journey, a journey that will take us through the winding roads of faith, the valleys of doubt, and the mountains of revelation. We are here to embark on a pilgrimage through the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-25

Topics: Toxic Religion

God's Perspective On Sin Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jun 8, 2025

God's justice requires punishment for sin...

God's Holiness: The Bible emphasizes God's holiness, which demands justice and righteousness (Leviticus 11:44-45, Isaiah 6:1-5). Consequences of Sin: Sin has consequences, as seen in Romans 6:23, which states that the wages of sin is death. God's Justice: God's justice requires ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:10, Matthew 23:1-36