Sermons on Outwardness:

Rapture Ready--Living With Authentic Faith Matthew 23 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Sep 14, 2025

To be rapture ready, we must move from empty religion to authentic relationship with CHRIST. JESUS condemns hypocrisy and calls us to authentic faith expressed in humility, obedience, and servant leadership. Outward show can’t replace inward surrender. Be watchful. Be faithful. Be ready.

2025.09.14 Sermon. RAPTURE READY_LIVING WITH AUTHENTIC FAITH_WOE TO HYPOCRISY, YES TO HUMILITY Matthew 23 William Akehurst, HSWC Scripture Readings Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 5:20, Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 3:1-3, 2 Peter 3:9, John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Matthew 24:44, Matthew 23:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, Matthew 23:39  (view more)  (view less)

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

Precious Stones

Contributed by Ricardo Rodriguez on Jul 15, 2009

I Pet 3:3-4 “3Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quie

“Precious Stones” 11/26/2006 – Marsing, ID, 10/27/2007 – Caldwell, ID Ricardo Rodriguez – pastor_rr@yahoo.com I Sam 17:40 “And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’ bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:40

Denomination: Apostolic

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

Touching The World For Christ Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Oct 16, 2007

This is the fifth sermon in a series of five to help my congregation become more outward focused. It is based on the church outreach program titled - "Outflow". 1. God Sends You 2. God Changes You 3. God Enables You

Touching the World for Christ – Overflowing Outreach Over the past four 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 – ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

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

Mercy Instead Of Sacrifice

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 11, 2022

The Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with tax collectors. They thought they were better than Matthew, as they went around acting holy. Outward show doesn’t determine a person’s relationship with God. It's about the heart.

This morning I am going to touch on the subject of “hypocrisy.” It’s difficult to preach on this subject matter because none of us are without some form of hypocrisy in our life. Jesus told us not to point out the splinter in our brother’s eye until we have removed the log in our own eye (Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

Unlocking The Mystery Of Honor (Inspired By A Blog From Rabbi Curt Landry)

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on May 20, 2015

Honor can be mystery, shrouded in questions, defying a definite definition . . .HOW DO YOU DEFINE “HONOR”? 1 Tonight, honor will mean that you have a good name, outward respect of others, and that you walk in integrity.

Unlocking the Mystery of Honor (Inspired by a Blog from Rabbi Curt Landry) 4.29.2015 CFBC, Chester, IL Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker Introduction: A Honor can be mystery, shrouded in questions, defying a definite definition . . .HOW DO YOU DEFINE “HONOR”? 1 Tonight, honor will ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:12

Denomination: Baptist

Psalm 5 - Get The Inside Right First Series

Contributed by Rob De Jongh on Mar 15, 2021

God wants us to be right from within, and no amount of flattery on the outside will cover a rotten inside. We need to work on our own inner thoughts and desires first, so that the outward words and actions flow naturally from within.

In Psalm 5, David says this: "For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue." (Psa 5:9) Notice here that there are people who can flatter you and seem great on the outside, but ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 5:9, Psalm 51:6

Sacrificial Giving Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Sep 23, 2023

These two are pleasing sacrifices to God. The fruit of the lips, the fruit of the hands. Both are outward expressions of the inner heart. The words of the lips and the deeds of the hands have come from the bottom. Your inner heart is expressed through your outer face.

Text: Hebrews 13:15-21 Theme: Sacrificial Giving Greetings: The Lord is good and his love endures forever! Illustration: Today, I would like to leave with you three spiritual principles based on Hebrews 13:15-21. The pleasing sacrifices, pleasing lives, and pleasing works of a believer in ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:15-21

Denomination: Methodist

The Secret Self Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Dec 17, 2002

How do you get in good standing with God? Sometimes we mistake the outward signs of rightness for inward reality. In fact, the Lord urges us to examine the "secret self" and lay it bare to God and let His Son cleanse it. Are you willing?

Note: To hear an audio version of this message, go to www.LivingWatersWeb.com 2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Paul makes an abrupt ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:1-29

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Create In Me A Clean Heart

Contributed by Mark Baker on Apr 27, 2007

The born again man, or spirit man is spotless in the eyes of God, but our outward man has to be renewed, and reprogrammed to think and act like the Word of God says to think and act.God looks at our heart and sees things that no one else sees...

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. How does God do this? Is it automatic? The born again man, or spirit man is spotless in the eyes of God, but our outward man has to be renewed, and reprogrammed to think and act like the Word of God says ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Clap You Hands Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 20, 2010

God’s children are to sometimes worship Him with great enthusiasm and outward joy, to clap their hands to the Lord. And sometimes that worship is about Who God is; sometimes it is about what He has done or is doing. But sometimes it is about what He will

Clap You Hands (Psalm 47) 1. When a brand new believer, in 1974, my friend loaned his LP Album by Messianic Jewish group "Lamb." When I married Marylu in 1980, I married into Lamb albums. 2. One of the songs was titled, "Clap Your Hands, All Ye People," and was a paraphrase of Psalm 47. Preparing ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 47:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Test 6: Pride Test, Part 1 Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Nov 30, 2007

James asks his readers where their continual desire to fight amongst themselves comes from. And his answer is surprising. Rather than point his finger at an outward cause of their strife, he tells them it is because of each of their individual selfishne

1. What are the Prevailing Symptoms of selfish pride (4:2-5) 2. What is the Primary Source of selfish pride (4:6) 3. What are some Practical Solutions for selfish pride (4:7-12) JAMES 4:1 Two old friends were sitting on the front porch one Sunday afternoon when one of them began to confess to the ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-12

Denomination: Baptist