Sermons on Morning Ritual:

The Meaning Of Baptism

Contributed by Bill Huffhine on May 27, 2004

Understanding the true meaning of Christian baptism through an examination of the Jewish ritual of proselyte baptism.

One of the greatest joys that I have as a pastor is when an individual who is far from God visits our community of believers, begins to hear the voice of God calling them to a higher place, a fresh beginning, a new life, and that person responds to the call of God by committing their life to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-13

Denomination: Free Methodist

Know Your Profits And Losses Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Jul 23, 2015

We either believe that Jesus Christ alone is sufficient for a life of faith or He is not.

“Living a Joy-Full Life: Know Your Profits and Losses” Phil. 3:1-11 I recall a conversation that took place during a Consistory meeting of another church I served. It was about requirements for who should serve on Consistory. Some wanted to add guidelines to what the Scriptures have ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Are You Living By Rules Or A Relationship? Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 9, 2006

Are you still trying to obey rules and observe rituals to earn God’s favor?

INTRODUCTION During this Grace-Robbers series we have noted there are many people who are still trying to live under law instead of grace. Rules and laws can often be ridiculous, and even funny. Here is a list of ten actual laws from different states. 1. In Alabama it is illegal for a driver to ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Star Of Jesus Series

Contributed by C Vincent on Dec 6, 2009

What was special about this star and why did the three wise men make such a long journey?

Num 24:17 "I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel Remember Jacob’s name was changed to Israel by God Because he was changed from cheating schemer into the seed where from Christ would come Reading Matt 2:1-10 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Best News Ever Heard Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Apr 3, 2015

Mary Magdalene is the first one to announce THE BEST NEWS EVER HEARD

The First Announcement of The Best News Ever Heard John 20: 11-18 What a difference a few days makes! On Friday night most of us gathered for probably the most somber event in all of history when the cries of “Crucify Him” were realized as the King of Glory took all the wrath of God ...read more

Scripture: John 20:11-18

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson: C.m.2: The Testimony Of Jesus, The Spirit, And The Bride Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 21, 2019

It is fitting for the sacred Scripture to close with a reference to the Holy Spirit. He is the Author of the Book and the One who has inspired every chapter, every verse, and every line. He is the omnificent genius behind this miracle in words, the Bible.

Tom Lowe 3/1/18 Book of Revelation Commentary Topic # C.M.: CONCLUDING MATERIAL (22:6-21) Lesson: C.M.2: The Testimony of Jesus, the Spirit, and the Bride (Rev. 22:12-17) Scripture (Rev. 22:12-17, KJV) 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Be Practical, Not Legalistic Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Oct 30, 2021

Jesus taught the Pharisees how He desires sincere love for people over meaningless ritual, and how He desires grace over legalism. Those who adhere to ritual and tradition are often unable to love others or worship God.

In our message today, we will see how Jesus taught the Pharisees that forgiveness and grace toward others is a necessity before worship. The capacity to extend love and mercy is something that must be present in a person’s heart before he or she is able to worship the Lord in spirit and truth, as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Security Systems Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

Our security in the face of an awesomely holy God is no longer in elaborate rituals and barriers but in Jesus Christ.

As you all know I flew to Minneapolis between Christmas and New Year’s. And since the terror alert is at orange, inspections are more thorough and lines are longer. Also both the Minneapolis and Philadelphia airports have X-ray machines for the checked baggage. Fortunately the standards aren’t so ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The First Evangelists

Contributed by Tim Zukas on Mar 26, 2005

Easter Morning - the Church as a movement

10 Things You Never Hear in Church 1. Hey! It’s my turn to sit in the front pew! 2. I was so enthralled, I never noticed your sermon was 35 minutes long. 3. Personally I find volunteering at church much more enjoyable than watching basketball. 4. I’ve decided to give our church the $500 a month I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Lord's Supper Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Dec 22, 2012

We see how Jesus transformed a ritual, meant to commemorate the greatest deliverance of God’s people, into a new ritual to commemorate and give assurance that the sacrifice he was about to make would bring about a far greater deliverance.

Introduction Last week we studied the “last supper” that Jesus had with his disciples. We noted how Jesus was in control of the events that were leading to his sacrifice as the Passover Lamb. This morning we will see how he transformed a ritual, meant to commemorate the greatest ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:22-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Last Supper

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Feb 19, 2003

Communion is not merely a ritual. It is fellowship and involvement in the life of Christ and His Body, "The Church".

THE LAST SUPPER 1 COR. 11:17-34 Pastor Greg Mc Donald But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part, I believe ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, 1 Corinthians 11:20-33

New Wine With Jesus

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 15, 2013

The passing of old things, and the ushering in of new.

NEW WINE WITH JESUS. John 2:1-11. The Gospel of John provides us with an unashamedly theological overview of the person of Christ. We are introduced to our Lord under the Genesis motif “in the beginning” (John 1:1), and as the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Throughout the book, John’s preferred ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sin Is A Heart Problem! Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Aug 3, 2014

How God tells you to live is infinitely more important than how others think you should live! This is what Pharisees couldn't grasp. The challenge for us also is: Do not get a big head about it and become arrogant and/or unteachable.

Sin … It’s a Heart Problem! Mark 7:8-23, 1 John 1:8-10 Introduction - Jesus is demonstrated in this book as a “servant” -- Key verse: Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:8-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Holy, Whole, And Free! Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jun 13, 2018

If you want to take care of the sin problem in your life, don’t depend on religion. Instead, enter into a real relationship with Jesus Christ, and let Him make you holy, whole, and free.

Pastor and author John Ortberg talks about a time early in his marriage when he and his wife sold their Volkswagen Beetle to buy their first really nice piece of furniture. It was a sofa. It was a pink sofa, but for that kind of money, Ortberg says, “It was called a mauve sofa.” The man at the sofa ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Experiencing The Passover

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Apr 4, 2020

We have an unique experience in the midst of this pandemic

Exodus 12:27  That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S, Passover who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. 1 Corinthians 5:7  Purge out therefore the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:27, 1 Corinthians 5:7

Denomination: Baptist