Sermons on Outward Piety:

"Defiled Religion, Defiled Hearts"

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Aug 25, 2008

God is concerned with true worship from the heart, not outward observances.

“The Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered around Him when they had come from Jerusalem, 2 and had seen that some of His disciples were eating their bread with impure hands, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Orthodox

A Lifestyle Of Hope Series

Contributed by Wes Richard on Feb 28, 2005

Inner transformation results in outward changes.

The other day a man told me what it is like to change from life as a long-time drug user to one who is drug free. It is not just a matter of quitting the drugs, but of replacing old friends with new ones, old activities with new ones, and old thought patterns with new ones. He said that people who ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

Simon: The Zealous Disciple Lesson 11 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 12, 2023

Inward obedience is reflected in outward actions.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto man.” Colossians 3:23, KJV “Whatsoever your task is, put your whole heart and soul in it, as work done for the Lord, and not merely for men knowing your real reward will come from Him.” Colossians 3:23, Philips A. WHY JESUS CHOSE ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:23, Matthew 16:18

Denomination: Baptist

A Critique Of Pharisaic Hypocrisy

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 20, 2014

To say and to do not, versus the grace of humility.

A CRITIQUE OF PHARISAIC HYPOCRISY. Matthew 23:1-12. Turning away from the Pharisees, Jesus addressed both the crowds and His own disciples (Matthew 23:1). From the outset, Jesus acknowledged the legitimacy of the Pharisees as a party within Judaism: they “sit in Moses’ seat” (Matthew 23:2). ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Clarifies Some Scripture For Us

Contributed by Howard Gunter on Feb 17, 2019

Jesus teaches us by expounding the interpretation of Scripture by emphasizing and contrasting our outward vs inward (spiritual) obedience.

Weekend Message/Devotion February 17, 2019 Matthew 5:21-24, 27-30, 33-37 Jesus Clarifies Some Scripture For Us Jesus is actually confronting these areas of the Law and expounding the interpretation beyond that of the scribes. How and why is He doing this? The how is of great importance. The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-24, Matthew 5:27-30, Matthew 5:33-37, 1 John 3:15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Impressing God: Harder Than You May Think; Easier Than You May Suppose.

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Nov 10, 2024

Simon Cowell is a familiar name to anyone who has watched shows like American Idol, The X Factor, and America’s Got Talent. He is the judge who’s usually scowling or looking totally bored. If you can get Simon to say something good about your performance, well, you may just be a star!

Simon Cowell is a familiar name to anyone who has watched shows like American Idol, The X Factor, and America’s Got Talent. He is the judge who’s usually scowling or looking totally bored. If you can get Simon to say something good about your performance, well, you may just be a star! As far as ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Lutheran

Living Your Christian Life In A War Zone

Contributed by Larry Wise on Mar 21, 2010

Spiritual Warfare

Living Your Christian Life in a War Zone I Peter 2:11,12 Dave Neighbors (a doctor in our church) was working in the emergency room last week when a man came running in and jumped on Dave’s back. The man started shouting, “One, two, three, four…” The security men pulled ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Advent Of Jesus Means The Advent Of Eden

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Dec 4, 2016

Jesus isn't just like an ambulance rushing to our rescue, he's also like a resort shuttle bus, for he is coming to take us to paradise.

Take a look at the two vehicles pictured on the screen. Which one is more like Jesus? The ambulance or the Disney-resort shuttle bus? On one hand since Jesus comes to rescue us from our sins and from eternal death, you could say that he’s like the ambulance. On the other hand Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10

Denomination: Lutheran

Overcoming False Humility And False Change Of Heart Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Dec 10, 2024

In this sermon, we will explore the biblical teachings on this topic, examining the characteristics of false humility and false change of heart, and providing guidance on how to overcome these counterfeit spiritual experiences.

As believers, we are often encouraged to cultivate humility and to seek a change of heart. However, the Bible warns us about the dangers of false humility and false change of heart. In this sermon, we will explore the biblical teachings on this topic, examining the characteristics of false humility ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:5

Reflective Mirrors

Contributed by John Mccormack on May 22, 2015

MAN LOOKS OUTWARD, GOD LOOKS INWARD!

REFLECTIVE MIRRORS OBSERVATION: EXODUS DESCRIBES GOD’S RESCUE OF HIS PEOPLE, THE ISRAELITES, OUT OF EGYPTIAN BONDAGE. HE MADE AN AGREEMENT WITH ISRAEL NAMED THE TEN COMMANDMENTS AT MOUNT SINAI. THESE COMMANDMENTS WERE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF GOD’S LAW. GOD DEMANDED ANIMAL SACRIFICES ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 38:8

Denomination: Baptist

Five Looks

Contributed by David Radcliff on Apr 22, 2017

Looking backward, upward, inward, outward and forward.

FIVE LOOKS Isaiah 45:22 I. THE BACKWARD LOOK. 1. This is to the Seed of the Woman; Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 2. This is to the Seed of David; Romans 1:3 ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 45:22

Denomination: Baptist

The Saints Of God

Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on Sep 14, 2020

A saint is described in the King James Bible dictionary as someone that is sanctified, a holy or godly person, one eminent for piety and virtue.

"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:" "To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:2, Colossians 1:2, Matthew 27:52

Denomination: Pentecostal

7 Blessings We Need In Our Life And Ministry

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Sep 20, 2020

1. PEACE 2. PROTECTION 3. PHYSICAL HEALTH 4. PROVISION 5. PIETY 6. POWER 7. PROGRESS

7 BLESSINGS WE NEED IN OUR LIFE AND MINISTRY OUTLINE 1. PEACE 2. PROTECTION 3. PHYSICAL HEALTH 4. PROVISION 5. PIETY 6. POWER 7. PROGRESS THE MESSAGE 7 BLESSINGS WE NEED IN OUR LIFE AND MINISTRY 1. PEACE SCRIPTURE REFERENCES *********************************** ACTS 9:31 Then the church ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:2

Denomination: Pentecostal

Mary Mother Of Jesus: Good Times And Noodle Salad Series

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Oct 27, 2006

By all outward appearances Mary looks cursed rather than blessed by God. Our outward circumstances do not necessarily mean God is not with us.

Why Does God Do This To Me? Have you ever felt this? I’m not sure there is anyone who hasn’t felt this way. Life is going just fine. Good friends. Stable Finishing Grad School, The Future is Bright. Whatever will happen next – it will be great. Look what happened to Katie and I…. Out of grad ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Honors Mothers

Contributed by Jerry Smith on May 8, 2014

So often when we read similar texts, the father is named first. But, in this case perhaps the Lord placed the mother first to show her importance to the family unit.

MOTHER’S DAY EXHORTATION Leviticus 19:3 Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. 1. GOD HONORS MOTHERS In most places, when God speaks relating to parents in the Bible, we usually hear about the father first. However, God speaking to the ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 19:3, Leviticus 19:1-3, 1 Timothy 5:4, 1 Timothy 5:8, John 19:25-27, 1 Timothy 5:2, 2 Timothy 3:15, 2 Timothy 1:5, Ephesians 6:1, Proverbs 23:22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible