Sermons on Pagan Ritual:

Mystery Babylon In The Roman Empire : The New Testament Backdrop Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Jul 7, 2015

Babylon's mysteries did not go away with Babylon, but have been passed on through the world empires. We now come to Rome, the "Babylon" of New Testament days.

9: PAGAN ROME We have danced through nearly 4000 years of history in a startlingly short time. Most moderns agree that the things I have portrayed so far are a true picture of the events that took place, the philosophies that prevailed, the religion that dominated. No need to overwork something ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Zechariah #16: Superficial Religion Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jun 27, 2022

This exposition of Zechariah 7:1-6 explores the issue of the inner motives behind our service to the Lord. How many people go to church, give their money, fast, etc. and are baffled by God's lack of response. Why is there so little power in the church? The text addresses all that.

Intro Our text today is in Zechariah 7. Last week we examined the capstone of the eight visions.i The crowning of Joshua, the High Priest, was a symbolic act prophesying Messiah. Unlike any other, Messiah would be both priest and king. All the promises of God are yea and amen in Him.ii The eight ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-14, Matthew 23:5, Colossians 3:23, Philippians 2:3, Isaiah 1:12-15, Proverbs 4:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

How To Worship With Integrity

Contributed by Greg Addison on Nov 5, 2008

Worship of God has been described as the chief end of man’s existence. In order to be effective, however, man must worship God with integrity. That means we worship Him with our entire life and person and not simply out of ritual or habit. True worship c

HOOK: Let me ask you a question: Why are you here tonight? Several layers to the question: Why are you here tonight? Why are you here tonight? Why are you here tonight? Man is a religious being. We live in a religious society. For all that religion, society isn’t much different or changed. To ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Worship Is A Verb

Contributed by Rev Ken Shedenhelm on Aug 10, 2013

We worship God in the way we live. Worship is a matter of obedience and service: if we love God with all of our hearts and treat others as if they were Christ, we are worshiping God faithfully. Church ritual will never replace real worship. We must repent

Everyday Christianity with Pastor Kenn Shedenhelm Biblical and theological thoughts on life and events in life. Some will come packaged as sermons- some simply as reflections. Classic Like most of Israel’s prophets, Isaiah was concerned with matters of mercy and justice, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Part 2 - Unity Without Group Think Series

Contributed by Eddie Snipes on Mar 29, 2006

Part 2 of this message looks at the difference between Unity and Groupthink. Unity is based on faith and the knowledge of Christ while group think is based on persuasion and group pressure.

Unity and Sound Doctrine (Part 2) Unity Vs. Group Think One of the most powerful tools in the enemy’s arsenal is Group Think. There is a big difference between Group Think and Unity and it is just as much the Christian’s responsibility to avoid Group Think as it is to be unified. The Bible does ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

Words My Mark

Contributed by G W Bill Elliott Jr on Dec 23, 2019

I know… the saying is, “Mark My Words”, but this is my way of helping you see what I saw… learn what I observed, and hopefully get your marks all in the right places… working for you… not working against you.

I know… the saying is, “Mark My Words”, but this is my way of helping you see what I saw… learn what I observed, and hopefully get your marks all in the right places… working for you… not working against you. Marks? See… getting through life unscathed is quite a daunting task. Now, unscathed ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2, John 6:27, 2 Corinthians 1:22

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Persian Beauty Contest Series

Contributed by Greg Van Heukelom on Dec 15, 2020

People today like to watch the show ‘The Bachelor’ or ‘The Bachelorette’ and yet the reality is this Persian contest was set up only for one person, the King. A big question for today: HOW can God use a pagan King and Esther---unfaithful (to the Jewish) laws. And yet God is in CONTROL

Persian Beauty Contest Esther 2 18 Oct 2020 Hello! I'm Pastor Greg of Calvary Reformed Church. This video is the second video in a series of Esther, an Old Testament book about a Jewish young lady who becomes Queen of Persia. Persia, in the 400 BC’s, was one of the greatest capitals of ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Christian Mind Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 3, 2021

We need to be constantly asking ourselves how our thinking on any issue is uniquely Christian. We need to ask, can a good pagan without Christ, and without revelation think the same as I do? If so, what does Christianity have to say on the issue that is of any unique value?

The first fly said to the second fly, "Human beings are funny aren't they?" "Why do you say that," responded the second fly?" "Well," said the first, "they spend a pile of money building a beautiful ceiling, and then always walk on the floor." From ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2

The Singer

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 6, 2016

Thinking of worship through examining Jesus' singing of the hymn before His Passion.

“When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” [1] Jesus was a singer; on four occasions Scripture informs us that Jesus sang. I cannot help but wonder what songs Jesus sang. Perhaps my training in the sciences compels me to ask such questions; nevertheless, I ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:26

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Religious? Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jan 9, 2017

Typically, a person's idea of being religious is just going through rituals and practices associated with the faith. In James 1:26-27 God defined what it means to be religious. So regardless of what we think it means we need to learn what God said it is.

ARE YOU RELIGIOUS? (part one) James 1:26-27 INTRODUCTION: When people would ask me if I was religious I would say, no, because to me, being religious kind of had a negative connotation. Because typically, a person's idea of religious is going through rituals and practices associated with the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27, James 3:2-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unwavering Faith Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 18, 2017

Our liberty should 1) Never cause a brother to stumble (v. 13), 2) grieve or be devastated (vv. 14–15); 3) never forfeit our witness for Christ (vv. 16–19), 4) tear down His work (vv. 20–21), or be either 5) denounced or flaunted (vv. 22–23)

Most churches include dedicated, faithful believers whose consciences do not allow them to participate in or approve of certain practices. The Apostle Paul described those who exercise their legitimate liberty as “stronger believers”. Those who feel restricted in exercising legitimate liberty as ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:13-23

Denomination: Other

We Are Not Ignorant Of Satan’s Devices Or Schemes – Part 9 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 8, 2023

Three schemes are examined to see Satan’s division and hurt in the human race. The wide net of PLEASURE is first; followed by the corruption of CHRISTMAS and EASTER; followed by what FEMINISM is doing to our world. These might be hot issues but Satan has created the trouble to damn people

WE ARE NOT IGNORANT OF SATAN’S DEVICES OR SCHEMES – PART 9 We continue researching the various schemes Satan uses to ensnare, deceive and ruin humanity. The bible says we are not ignorant of Satan’s schemes (devices). We need to recognise them in order to combat them. I have attempted to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-2, Ecclesiastes 2:1, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Joshua 24:15, James 4:1, James 4:3, 2 Peter 2:13, Luke 8:14, Matthew 2:3-6, Genesis 1:27, 1 Timothy 2:12-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Taking Heed To God's Word Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 4, 2022

The evidence of our Christian sincerity is demonstrated in the way we treat one another. God's word to His people is that we would love our neighbor as ourselves. Zechariah confronts this matter with a reminder of Israel's historical experience.

In Zechariah 7 a delegation came from the Jews in Bethel asking the question: “Should I mourn and fast in the fifth month, as I have done for so many years?”i During the 70 years of exile in Babylon, the Jews had been observing four fasts in memory of the destruction of Jerusalem. The most ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-14, Matthew 22:37-38, James 1:27, Matthew 10:39, Luke 6:38, 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Isaiah 30:1-11, 1 Peter 1:1-16, Exodus 9:12, Proverbs 28:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Foundation For Worship

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 25, 2019

Study of worship as outlined in the Tenth Chapter of Hebrews.

“Since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

True Communion

Contributed by Greg Allen on Apr 16, 2006

I honestly don’t know if Jesus is glorified through crackers and grape juice. And I wonder what he must think when we come together, go through our little religious ritual and leave with the same me-first mentality that we came in with.

Today I want to look at the different viewpoints of the last supper from the 4 gospels. Traditionally only 3 of the gospels are credited with recognizing the last supper, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Let’s look at those: Matthew 26:20-30 20When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-35

Denomination: Independent/Bible