Sermons on Matthew 23:1-17:

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

Witnessing To The Culture Of Death Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Mar 7, 2020

We must work and pray, as St. Benedict told us to do. Work for the spread of the kingdom in our families and communities, and vote as a Christian must, for godly men and women who will resist the culture of death and legislate for life, peace, and goodness.

Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Lent 2020 For our first reading today, I have chosen to begin earlier in the first chapter of Isaiah than the Lectionary suggests, and to add the verses the Lectionary omits. The Lenten readings take a great deal of the very long prophecies of Isaiah, but they omit ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-20, Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Catholic

Warning: Pride Will Destroy Your Life

Contributed by Eduardo Quintana on Mar 10, 2020

"Warning: pride will destroy your life". We live in a nation of NO FEAR. We’ve all seen the bumper stickers, we’ve all read the T-shirts. NO FEAR! It’s not just an American slogan. It’s an American state of mind.

"Warning: pride will destroy your life". We live in a nation of NO FEAR. We’ve all seen the bumper stickers, we’ve all read the T-shirts. NO FEAR! It’s not just an American slogan. It’s an American state of mind. I would have no problem with it being the slogan of or our military. I would ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 9:19-20, Matthew 23:12, Romans 1:30, 2 Timothy 3:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Please Use The Servant Entrance

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Mar 23, 2020

We naturally want to be in control of our lives and focus on taking care of ourselves first. But Jesus set the example of being a servant.

If you were to ask me what my favorite TV show is right now, I think I would have to answer “West Wing.” I’m really enjoying the opportunity to see something of the inner workings of the white house and how policies come together. Today’s text, the story of the birth of Jesus, leaves me thinking ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20, Philippians 2:7, Matthew 20:26, Matthew 23:11

Living In The Kingdom 10 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Jan 20, 2022

In Part 10 of this series we examine what Jesus said about making an oath. In this message we see that as a Christian our word should be our bond - it should be proof enough of our intention or past actions. We should never have to make an oath to ensure someone believes what we are saying.

Living in the Kingdom 10 Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37; 23:16-18; Leviticus 19:12; Exodus 20:7 As I have been studying, meditating and preparing these messages based on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, I have been reflecting on conversations that I have had with people about the Bible and its ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37, Matthew 23:16-18, Leviticus 19:12, Exodus 20:7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

Living In The Kingdom Part 13 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Feb 11, 2022

In Part 13 of this series, we examine what Jesus said about our charitable giving being private. When we give to the church or do anything for those in need it should not be publicized in a desire to receive recognition for what we have done.

Living in the Kingdom 13 Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4; 23:2-5; Exodus 13:16; Numbers 15:38 I am continuing with my series “Living in the Kingdom.” This week we will begin examining what is recorded in the first four verses of Matthew chapter six. In these verses Jesus talks about those things we do ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4, Matthew 23:2-5, Exodus 13:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Brokenness - The Road To Power

Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on Feb 23, 2022

The most critical need of believers today is not power, but the spirit of brokenness. If we want to partake in the power of resurrection then we must first be enveloped in the fellowship of his suffering. Meekness is the price we pay for power.

TEXT: PSALMS 34:18; 51:17 "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." WHAT IS BROKENNESS? The most critical need ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:18, Psalm 51:17, Matthew 23:11-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Easter Preparations - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Todd Blair on Apr 4, 2022

How not to be a Pharisee

Before I start my message this morning, I want to run something past y'all and see what you think. I'm thinking we could start a new type of ministry for our church. I'm thinking we could minister, as we do, to the poor, the addicted and the incarcerated but also add a new ministry to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Transformation And Multiplication Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Apr 11, 2022

The ultimate result of Jesus Driven Discipleship is Transformation and Multiplication

April 09, 2022 A disciple is more than one who acquires information from someone who is smarter or more knowledgeable than they. There is the idea of relationship/community/intimacy. A disciple “adheres to” - holds fast to, clings to, bonds to, is attached to, is faithful to - the teacher. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:14, Matthew 4:18-22, Matthew 9:10, Matthew 15:32, Matthew 23:13-39, Acts 4:13, Matthew 19:27, Acts 1:8, James 1:1, 1 Peter 1:1-2, 1 John 1:1-3, John 6:67-69, Matthew 5:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Zechariah #16: Superficial Religion Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jun 27, 2022

This exposition of Zechariah 7:1-6 explores the issue of the inner motives behind our service to the Lord. How many people go to church, give their money, fast, etc. and are baffled by God's lack of response. Why is there so little power in the church? The text addresses all that.

Intro Our text today is in Zechariah 7. Last week we examined the capstone of the eight visions.i The crowning of Joshua, the High Priest, was a symbolic act prophesying Messiah. Unlike any other, Messiah would be both priest and king. All the promises of God are yea and amen in Him.ii The eight ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-14, Matthew 23:5, Colossians 3:23, Philippians 2:3, Isaiah 1:12-15, Proverbs 4:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Hypocrisy Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Aug 5, 2022

If Christians really love Jesus, why is there so much hurt in the church? Jesus confronted the hypocrisy of religious people and desires that his disciples walk in love.

INTRODUCTION • In our new series, Hot Topics, we will dig into six tough topics that people inside and outside the church often think about (even if we don't ask about them out loud!): • If Christians love Jesus, why is there so much hypocrisy in the church? • How can we trust the Bible? ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-36

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The New Temple Really Exists Now

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 19, 2022

What we should do, routinely and habitually, is commit ourselves to acting rightly and then do not expect any reward, any promotion.

Saturday of 20th Week in Course It’s always interesting when a reading from Scripture begins with the words “afterwards. . .” or “after this. . .” because when we hear those words we ask the question “after what?” So when we go back to chapter 42 of Ezekiel, we get the answer. Ezekiel, a prophet ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12, Ezekiel 43:1-7, Psalm 85:9-13

Denomination: Catholic

Wild Waves Of The Sea Casting Up Their Own Shame – Jude 1:13 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 24, 2022

Have you ever seen a wild sea with wild waves casting up from the sea floor filth and debris and putrid things? That is the next image Jude uses to describe false teachers. That is what their doctrines and behaviour are like. We then look at wild waves in scripture.

WILD WAVES OF THE SEA CASTING UP THEIR OWN SHAME – Jude 1:13 Jude has been decrying false teachers and using quite stunning metaphors to describe them. In previous messages we did these and saw that each one paralleled what Peter also wrote, for he too, addressed those bring havoc into the ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:13, Isaiah 57:20, Matthew 23:15, Revelation 16:11, Revelation 20:14, Jeremiah 51:42, 2 Samuel 22:1-7, 2 Samuel 22:5, Psalm 42:7, Psalm 107:23-29, Psalm 65:7, Matthew 8:23-27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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