Sermons on Religious Ritual:

Batteries Not Included #6 Everything Has Changed Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Dec 15, 2020

The birth of Jesus signifies the beginning of new reality. In the same way, our first experience with Jesus is a lifelong mission to announce and usher in a little of God’s kingdom in the here and now.

Four weeks ago, we began a new series entitled: Batteries Not Included. There is nothing more frustrating than wanting play with your new toys and finding out the package had this hidden line - batteries not included. We started this series by talking about the Hope, given in the understanding we ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

New Wine With Jesus

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 15, 2013

The passing of old things, and the ushering in of new.

NEW WINE WITH JESUS. John 2:1-11. The Gospel of John provides us with an unashamedly theological overview of the person of Christ. We are introduced to our Lord under the Genesis motif “in the beginning” (John 1:1), and as the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Throughout the book, John’s preferred ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

But Pastor Said

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Feb 25, 2024

At the BEMA or the Great White Throne it will be about what you did with what He said.

While it grieves me that so many people in the world are running around fat, dumb and happy in their sin while on their way to Hell it grieves me even more that there are so many fat, dumb and happy people in churches that are still in their sins because they have ritual without reality and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:10-12, 2 Peter 1:10, 2 Timothy 2:15, Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Baptist

Good News On Good Friday

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Apr 6, 2007

Good Friday is Good News, especially if we are experiencing something of the pain and anguish of Good Friday ourselves. God knows and God cares - God has been there Himself, in Jesus.

I received an email from a friend this week which reminded me of something which a 3 year old boy is alleged to have said. It seems that the little boy was convinced that God’s first name was Harold and that God spent most of his time painting and modelling and drawing; because he began the Lord’s ...read more

Scripture: John 19:1-6

Denomination: Anglican

Not Everyone Who Calls Lord, Lord, Will Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 10, 2025

In this sermon, we'll explore few examples of individuals who, despite their claims of devotion, may not necessarily inherit the kingdom.

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus issues a serious warning: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." This passage serves as a sobering reminder that mere profession of faith is not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23, 2 Corinthians 13:5

Easy Yokes And Light Loads

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jul 3, 2008

Through his life, his teachings and his presence, Christ Jesus has given us the right tools to handle with ease every burden life can throw at us.

Matthew 11: 16 – 19; 25 – 30 / Easy Yokes and Light Loads Intro: We live in a fast, instant kind of society. We want what we want and we want it right now! We have microwaves, drive-through fast food, pizza delivery, drive-up banking, drive-through car washes, e-mail and “instant messaging.” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:16-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Prepare To Meet Thy God

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jan 1, 2023

Where is your walk with Christ? Do people see Christ in you?

This is the story of Amos. He was a common man, sheepherder, a layman; dedicated to serving God and his actions spoke for him. God told Amos to warn the Israelites of judgment coming because of their disobedience, complacency, idol worship, they oppressed the poor, they were hypocritical, and they ...read more

Scripture: Amos 4:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

His Ways Are Higher!

Contributed by Bala Samson on Oct 25, 2013

His ways are higher! He would equip you well for the job!

His ways are higher! Isaiah 55:9 " For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” I desperately needed God to release help for me; with truckload of work, I had very few hands to do it. Top priority was one more ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:9

Denomination: Pentecostal

Countercultural Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 8, 2023

Did Jesus seek to be culturally relevant or bring new faith to an old culture? Were there people who criticized and ridiculed Him? Let’s find out in Matthew 9:9-26.

Did Jesus seek to be culturally relevant or bring new faith to an old culture? Were there people who criticized and ridiculed Him? Let’s find out in Matthew 9:9-26. How did Jesus call some of His disciples? Is that a picture for anyone who chooses to follow Him? As Jesus passed on from there, He ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-26

Denomination: Baptist

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 Power Of The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jan 23, 2009

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not a ritual but real; it is the coming of a Person. It is not about a program but a power. It is not about propaganda but witnessing.

Jesus gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem…” • They need to wait. No time frame was given but they were called to wait. • Apparently this is really important. They need to receive the gift the Father has promised – the baptism of the Holy Spirit. • They are not to leave the city until ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Love Breakts The Rules Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 31, 2005

In the story of Jesus healing the paralytic, we see the love of the man’s friends and the love of Jesus coming breaking the rules in order to change lives.

Matthew 9:2-7 “Love Breaks the Rules” INTRODUCTION What is love? Love is a popular word in the English language. Perhaps its popularity has led to its over use and its loss of meaning. Certainly “I love spaghetti,” means something very different from the, “I love you,” that we whisper to our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:2-7

Denomination: Lutheran

The Rapture Of The Bride (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Stephen Smith on Jun 1, 2020

A message that examines the close parallel between the ancient Hebrew wedding ritual and the marriage of Christ and the Church.

Pt 7: The Rapture of the Bride (part 2) The Hebrew Wedding and the Rapture As I pointed out in my last message ('The Rapture of the Bride pt 1'), there appears to be significant misunderstanding concerning the nature and purpose of the Lord's 'parousia' ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:17, Matthew 1:19-20, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 3:20, James 4:4, 1 Peter 1:18, Titus 2:11-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Colossians 3:1, Revelation 22:20-21, Ephesians 5:31-32, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 1:4-5, John 17:19, John 14:2-3, Matthew 26:27-28, Matthew 24:36, Ephesians 5:25-26, Song of Songs 1:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

The Compassion Of Christ – Matthew 9 Part 1 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Mar 15, 2025

Despite the continued opposition of the religious leaders, JESUS continues to fulfill his mission and show compassion for those in need. Dealing with Sin and Sickness, and our calling to not only follow HIM, but to help bring others to HIM. The LORD of the Harvest call you, "Help Wanted"

BIG IDEA. OPPOSITION INCREASES, HEALING MINISTRY CONTINUES. Despite the continued opposition of the religious leaders, JESUS continues to fulfill his mission and show compassion for those in need. Dealing with Sin and Sickness, and our calling to not only follow HIM, but to help bring others to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:1-38, Mark 2:14, Romans 5:8, Matthew 5:3, Hosea 6:6, Ephesians 2:14-18, Ephesians 2:16, Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Peter 3:9, Isaiah 6:8-9, James 5:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Counterfeit Christianity: The Cult Connection

Contributed by Dave Kinney on Feb 12, 2005

With every ounce of religious freedom comes great weighty responsibility to defend religious truth. I firmly believe that we can know religious truth! Just as we know that there is truth in science and math, there is spiritual truth found only in Jesus

Counterfeit Christianity: The Cult Connection Jude 3,4 The year was 1783, when America officially recognized its independence from England. A fiery pastor named Ezra Stiles steps into his pulpit with a sermon entitled, “The United States Elevated to Glory and Honor”. In it he predicts that in due ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:3-4

Denomination: Baptist