Sermons on Outward Piety:

A Heart Full Of Grace Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Mar 5, 2012

Because God has made us righteous in Christ, He expects us to live righteously or with right behavior. Such behavior is the outward manifestation of the inward transformation, & the only sure proof that such inner transformation has taken place.

Matters of the Heart Series COLOSSIANS 3: 12-17 “A HEART FULL OF GRACE” In our text the Bible describes what God expects of the believer in response to what He has done for us by His Amazing Grace. Because God has made us righteous in Christ, He expects us to live righteously or with right ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Struggling With Sin Within During Suffering

Contributed by Gerald Steffy on Aug 24, 2009

Proposition: When you are suffering, it is easier to agonize over the loss of God’s outward blessing and proper relationship to God Himself, than keep an upbeat attitude and keep from sinning in one’s inward spirit.

STRUGGLING WITH SIN WITHIN DURING SUFFERING--Job 23:1-7, 15-17; 24:1, 4-6; 42:3-4 Proposition: When you are suffering, it is easier to agonize over the loss of God’s outward blessing and proper relationship to God Himself, than keep an upbeat attitude and keep from sinning in one’s inward ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Will He Really Come? Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Oct 15, 2021

Is revival the result of the outward things we do such as elaborate programs and new flashy buildings? Or is it the result of the inward man and what is happening inside us spiritually? What must happen before God’s presence will come?

If you have ever seen the Universal Studios movie “Field of Dreams” then you will more than likely recall that unforgettable scene where Ray Kinsella (played by Kevin Costner) is standing in the middle of a cornfield when he hears a voice say to him, “If you build it, he will come.” Ray then ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:11-22

Denomination: Baptist

How The Holy Spirit Can Lead You As He Led Abraham

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

The Holy Spirit gave Abraham great hope, buoyant expectations and an upbeat attitude about God’s will for His life, regardless of the outward circumstances. The Bible says, "Abraham was waiting expectantly and confidently as he looked forward to the city

How the Holy Spirit Will Lead You as He Led Abraham (Gen 15:1-20) Illustration: Into the shell of an oyster a tiny grain of sand finds its way. "The intruder, though microscopic, is a source of irritation and pain to the soft body of the oyster. Unable to rid itself of the unwelcome pebble, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fellowship: The Power Of Friendship Series

Contributed by Andy Payne on Oct 13, 2010

As believers we need to fight the urge to become insular and ward by only relating to our own kind – other believers. We need to be outward focused – developing a concern for those who are disconnected from the Father

Fellowship 1 John 1:3 Fellowship with other believers Fellowship with (or communion with) God the Father and his Son Jesus Two English words for fellowship 1. from Latin communio (sharing in common). 2. in Greek is κοινωνία, which is often translated as ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

You Can Do Everything In 2013

Contributed by Clarence Weaver Sr on Dec 31, 2012

Life in the spirit appears in the activities of man, transforming the outward into an inward life, and bearing witness to spiritual power, which is more significant than all material power because it alone to fulfills the character of a person. You can ma

You Can Do Everything In 2013 Philippians 4:12-13 Elder Clarence E. Weaver Sr I. Introduction Satan my brothers and sisters, does not attack believers in such a way that we should recognize him as being who he is. Instead, he comes disguised as the voice behind the theologian from the best ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:12-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Finding The Lost Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Oct 9, 2007

This is the fourth sermon in a series of five to help my congregation become more outward focused. It is based on the church outreach program titled - "Outflow". God wants us to seek the lost, rejoice when the lost are found, and keep looking.

Finding The Lost – Overflowing Outreach Over the past few weeks we have been looking at how God wants to give us an overflowing life – an abundant life. A life so full of His joy, His peace, and His love – that it spills over into the lives of those who are around us. In John ten – ten it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Women Quit Looking In The Mirror

Contributed by John Gaston on May 8, 2019

Some women gave up their mirrors so the bronze Laver could be built. What remarkable women, what a remarkable sacrifice, what a remarkable change of heart; abandoning the outward image of Eve to develop the inner image of Jesus.

WHEN WOMEN QUIT LOOKING IN THE MIRROR Ex. 38:8 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: THEY CAUGHT A MERMAID 1. Three guys were out fishing one day when, out of the blue, they caught a mermaid who said she’d grant each of them a wish if they’d set her free. 2. “Okay,” said the first guy, “double my IQ.” The ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 38:8, 1 Peter 3:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Don't Be Corrupted - Unleavened Vs. Leavened

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Aug 27, 2015

To show that we need to live lives in an unclean world. James 1:27 (Amplified Bible) External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care

I. EXORDIUM: Are you leavened or unleavened? I'm unleavened because I walk by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 2 Corinthians 5:7 (Amplified Bible) For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:20

Denomination: Pentecostal

Inward Intimacy With Christ

Contributed by Joe Dan Vendelin on Mar 2, 2024

Samson is a story of a man who had an outward consecration but was missing an internal intimacy. Our number one charge as believers is to maintain an inward intimacy with Christ and to work "with God" (instead of "for Him).

Being strong is important. King David told Solomon to “be strong, and show yourself a man” (1 Kings 2:2 ESV) when he gave his final exhortations to him before he passed away. Being strong is part of what we have to do in order to fulfill what God has called us to do. It is true that God has ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 2:2, Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 7:21-23, Proverbs 9:10, Romans 8:28  (view more)  (view less)

The Heart Matters Most - Lessons From Matthew 15 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jun 12, 2025

GOD cares more about the condition of your heart than the traditions you keep. GOD desires genuine inner purity and authentic faith, not religious performance. True righteousness comes from a transformed heart, not outward tradition.

2025.06.15.Sermon Notes. The Heart Matters Most – Lessons from Matthew 15 When Religion Misses the Point William Akehurst, HSWC Reminder: It’s Father’s Day Scripture: Matthew 15:1-39, Isaiah 29:13, Psalms 51:10, Psalms 139:23-24 INTRODUCTION: JESUS confronts the religious leaders for honoring ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-39, Isaiah 29:13, Psalm 51:10, Psalm 139:23-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Law Is Love

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Mar 3, 2006

A Valentines Day sermon. Many today think that love is a word that we use about something we like or desire. However God’s law is love, and it is commanded in His word to no love inward (ourself) but love upward and outward.

Intro: I found a great picture of the problem of man and the church in of all places Wal-Mart. I was walking by jewelry last Friday after lunch time and saw a shirt that was most interesting. It was interesting because of how little it said, but also how much it said. It carried the simple words ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:23-46

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer Keys - Repentance And Confession Series

Contributed by Mark Stepherson on Dec 8, 2011

Subtle sin hinders our prayer as surely as the blatant ones. It does not have to be blatant. It does not have to be an outward action. It does not have to be anything anyone else knows about. If we regard iniquity in our hearts the Lord will not listen.

“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Psalms 66:18 Before writing, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” before becoming a leader of the Reformation, before his 95 Theses, Martin Luther was a Catholic priest. One thing that did not change for ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 66:18

Denomination: Baptist

Dumb Dogs Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on May 14, 2013

Jesus is not impressed with the outward trappings of self-righteousness. He is impressed with a heart full of simple faith, which we find most often in the hearts of those we least expect. So like Jesus feed the "dogs" and touch the "dumb."

Dumb Dogs (Mark 7:24-37) I like this thought posted by Mike Atkinson in his daily email humor list some time ago. "If you can start the day without caffeine; if you can get going without pep pills; if you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains; if you can resist complaining and boring ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-37

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Life Of Integrity

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Sep 20, 2012

Integrity is the mark of true character. The best men needing redemption and mercy; or the outward walk before men, and the secret walk with God. As a man whose feet are firmly fixed upon even ground is apprehensive of no fall, so the pious worshippers of

Opening illustration: He was a politician noted for his integrity. Although this description might be viewed by some as a contradiction in terms, it certainly was used often and correctly to describe US Congressman Paul Henry. After the three-term member of the House of Representatives lost a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 26:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational