Sermons on Outward Piety:

Character Amnesia (Loss)

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 19, 2011

Some people appear to have “character amnesia” of a different sort. When faced with a dilemma, they seem to “forget” the right thing to do and instead choose the easy way out. Character is who we are; it’s not something we “forget.” Those who have a loss

Opening illustration: It seems that young people in China are beginning to forget how to write the characters that comprise the beautiful calligraphy of their traditional language. Some are calling the phenomenon “character amnesia.” Heavy usage of computers and smart phones often means that ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:1-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

People Of Praise Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Mar 7, 2011

God's people are those who trust Him for their righteousness and receive their praise from Him, not from man. The true Jew (from Judah- Praise) is one who is experiencing transformation from the inside out.

People of Praise Romans 2:17-29 Intro: One of the lessons I’m beginning to learn in my life and ministry is that less can often be more. Less exercise can become more health problems. Less food can become more quality of life. Less is also more when life becomes too complicated and we try to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Religious Play-Acting

Contributed by David Dunn on Nov 9, 2025

Jesus frees us from religion’s stage—calling us from performance to presence, from spotlight to sunlight, to live unmasked before the Father.

Religious Play-Acting The Sermon on the Mount opens with blessing and ends with a choice: sand or rock, appearance or obedience. Between those two poles, Matthew 6 sits like a quiet heart—Jesus’ exposition of motive. Here the Lord shifts from what disciples do to why they do it. He moves from ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-18, Luke 18:9-14, Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 23:27, John 4:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Religion Gone Bad

Contributed by Monty Newton on Nov 12, 2012

Religion goes bad when our lives are not marked by genuine humility and heartfelt generosity.

Title: Religion Gone Bad Text: Mark 12:38-44 Thesis: Religion goes bad when God is not the object of our devotion. Introduction (Disclaimer… this introduction may not be for the faint of heart.) I am fascinated by some of the reality programming on the Discovery Channel. One of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Detestable Incense, Meaningless Offerings Series

Contributed by Chris Surber on Dec 20, 2011

Human religion is at war with God’s revelation.

Introduction Having lived in several years in cold northern climates in my life, but having grown up in California, I am amazed at the difference between winter and spring as it relates to the appearance of a snowy place. In the height of winter in Northern Michigan, for example, snow covers ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-20

Denomination: Christian Church

The Father's Purpose Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Aug 7, 2012

The PURPOSE of the Father is to transform us into the likeness of the CHARACTER of Christ, which is expressed by the FRUIT of the Spirit. We are to heed God's call by surrendering to Him, cooperating with Him, and remaining in Christ.

Matt 28:19-20 – we are not called to make converts, but to make DISCIPLES who would obey Christ in everything. That’s LIFE CHANGE. In today’s world, the emphasis on good character is being gradually eroded. • In the past, we look at leaders as people with good character ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How To Talk To God Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Nov 15, 2012

A study of the Gospel of Luke 18: 9-14

Luke 18: 9-14 How To Talk To God 9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Never Forsaken

Contributed by Luther Sexton on Feb 26, 2019

This psalm was composed when David was an old man (Psalm 37:25); and apart, therefore, from the fact that it is the work of an inspired writer, it has special value as expressing the result of the observations of a long life on a point which perplexes the good in every age. Barnes

NEVER FORSAKEN SCRIPTURE: Psalm 37:25 “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” INTRODUCTION: This psalm was composed when David was an old man (Psalm 37:25); and apart, therefore, from the fact that it is the work of an inspired ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:25, Psalm 1:3, Psalm 37:23

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Surest Path To Great Reward In 2023 Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Dec 27, 2022

Jesus reveals the surest path to God's greatest rewards. So, Jesus begins talking about the importance of right motives in serving, in giving, in praying and in fasting. Seek first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness...

Sermon: The Surest Path To Great Reward Text: Matthew 5:20; 6:1-8; 16-18, 33 Matthew 5:20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! Matthew 6:1-6 “Watch out! Don’t do ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20, Matthew 6:1-8, Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 6:33, 1 Kings 3:9-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

Rejoice In The Lord PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 31, 2024

Explores the centrality of Christ in salvation, our circumstances before salvation, and our conversion through Christ, emphasizing our thrilling relationship with God.

Good morning, beloved family of God. It is indeed a joy and privilege to stand before you today, not because of who we are, but because of who He is. We gather in this sacred space, not to celebrate our own works or wisdom, but to honor and adore the One who is our wisdom, our righteousness, our ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-6

Topics: Salvation, Before

Servant

Contributed by Ricky Tuttle Thd on Jan 5, 2019

What is a Servant of the living God?

“Servant” Genesis 2:7-8, 15 1-6-2019 AM Make me a servant Humble and meek Lord let me lift up Those who are weak And may the prayer Of my heart always be Make me a servant Make me a servant Make me a servant today Songwriters: KELLY FAYE WILLARD © Universal Music Publishing Group I was ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:7-15

Denomination: Baptist

I Am The Light Of The World PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 25, 2023

Good morning, church family! We're diving right into the heart of the Gospel of John today, specifically John 8:12-20, where Jesus makes one of His most profound declarations, "I am the light of the world." Now, that's a statement that calls for our attention, isn't it? It's a bold claim that ...read more

Scripture: John 8:12-20

Topics: Jesus, Light

The Separation Of The Sheep And The Goats PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 27, 2023

Explores Matthew 25:31-46, emphasizing the importance of serving others as a reflection of our faith and a path to eternal life.

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a blessing to be gathered together in the house of the Lord, to lean into His word and be nourished by His truth. We find ourselves today at the foot of a majestic and humbling passage of Scripture. We stand on the precipice of a profound ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Topics: Separation

Don't Wanna Be A Pharisee

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Oct 23, 2006

The Pharisees were a group that wanted holiness in their lives and obedience to God, yet Jesus rebuked them more harshly than any other group. Where did they go wrong? How can we avoid their error?

Don’t Wanna Be A Pharisee TCF Sermon October 15, 2006 Let me tell you about two groups of people. The first group of people is deeply concerned about holiness. They are students of the Word of God. They are very careful about obedience to God. They take very seriously God’s admonishment to be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:23-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Last Straw Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Apr 3, 2003

It wasn’t enough that Saul had Go’s Spirit within him. He also needed to respond to the Spirit’s prompting with obedience. We need to listen to God’s voice and respond as he would have us respond. "Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed tha

When you think about it, being a Christian is a simple thing at one level, but it’s a multifaceted thing at another. And it’s so easy to get confused about what matters. At one level all you need is faith in Jesus Christ. At another level you need to be in a Church, you need to read your Bible. You ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-35

Denomination: Anglican