Sermons on Ritual:

The Yoke And The Burden

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 13, 2013

What does it mean that Jesus imposes a light yoke and easy burden?

The short passage we just heard from St. Matthew can be interpreted on many levels, but I’d like to focus on what the original meaning probably was. The image given is of a pair of oxen, tied together with a heavy wooden yoke, and harnessed to a plow. Jesus promises a yoke that is easier, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Catholic

The Right Way To Fast For God

Contributed by Craig Condon on Jun 9, 2015

When we respond faithfully to those people God puts before us, we will also fulfill part of God's purpose for our lives---and we will be worshiping God in a faith-filled manner.

We all know the story of the three wise men who came to see the baby Jesus after he was born, but did you know that there is a story about a fourth wise man? The story says that he left with the other three to follow the start in search of the baby Jesus. Along the way he was constantly distracted ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-12

Denomination: Anglican

Disregarding Tradition And Taboo (Matthew 15:1-39)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Aug 20, 2025

In this chapter, we read about the Lord Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees yet again, and of His mercy to a Gentile woman whose daughter was possessed by a demon.

Coming from Jerusalem, the Pharisees asked Jesus why His disciples did not perform the traditional ritual of washing one’s hands before eating. This ceremony had been established by the “elders” and had nothing to do with hygiene alone, but was instead an elaborate ritual that involved not only ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-39, Isaiah 29:13, Mark 7:24-30, Mark 8:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Transfigured.

Contributed by Roy Fowler on Feb 22, 2023

Sermon about Jesus and three of his Disciples being touch and taught by God.

Sermon Title: Transfigured. Scripture Text: Matthew 17: 1-9 The Passion of Christ is the story of Jesus Christ's arrest, trial and suffering. His Transfiguration took place 40 days before His Passion, so it is always closely tied to the Crucifixion. Six days after ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Sweet Aroma... Or A Foul Stench?

Contributed by Stephan Brown on Sep 27, 2001

Shows the ways in which our lives can be pleasing to God: repentance; genuine holiness from the heart; and offering our lives as a sacrifice to God.

When I was studying for this sermon, I found it very interesting the emphasis put on the sense of smell in Scripture. When we think of the most important senses, we may think of something like sight or hearing. In fact, if you had to give up one of your five senses, it might just be the sense of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-38

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Put Your Pencils Down

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Sep 1, 2001

A Labor Day and Communion message, dealing with the sources of satisfaction in work. Designed for audience participation.

Labor Day, and school is starting again. I wonder, do they still do the same things as when I was in school? Do they still have the same rituals? Maybe not. Things do change. Dodgeball, for example. Now that was THE game in my day. You had the right to throw the ball as hard as you could and ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

A Priest, A Sacrifice And A Tabernacle

Contributed by John Stevenson on Oct 18, 2000

When our daughter Sky was born, we were planning to have the delivery through natural childbirth.

When our daughter Sky was born, we were planning to have the delivery through natural childbirth. Nowadays this sort of thing is quite commonplace, but in our era it was considered to be quite an innovation. I was to be in the delivery room with Paula. As Paula was prepped for the delivery, I was ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:1-14, Hebrews 9:1-23

Robinson Crusoe's Text

Contributed by Stephen Fournier on Sep 13, 2003

Sermon on prayer

ROBINSON CRUSOE’S TEXT PSALM 50:15 I want to begin today by reading to you some excerpts from Daniel DeFoes book’s Robinson Crusoe. If some people knew that the book Robinson Crusoe actually contained the gospel they might seek to have it removed from the shelve. What we see in the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 50:15

Denomination: Bible Church

The Passover Is Instituted Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 21, 2022

Passover, also called Pesach is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelite's Exodus from slavery in Egypt, which occurs on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, the first month of Aviv, or spring.

THE PASSOVER IS INSTITUTED Exodus 12:1-20 (KJV) 1 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 This month shall be the beginning of months: the year's first month. 3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Fruit Of Half-Hearted Service Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Aug 23, 2005

A continuation of the service from the book of Malachi

The Fruit of Half-Hearted Service” Malachi 3:13-15 As we have made our journey through the book of Malachi, we have seen the Lord pile indictment upon indictment against the people. The nation of Israel has strayed far from God in both word and deed. Evil abounded in the land. Unbelief is the ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:13-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Wise Messiah-King Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Apr 6, 2009

Jesus Christ is not only the Messiah King of Israel, He is the Savior of the all who believe and the source of the believer’s righteousness before God.

The Wise Messiah-King (Jeremiah 23:5-6) 1. This past year was quite a year for Kokomo. Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama visited our town. Crowds gathered to see them. Some were supporters, others were undecided, and others wanted to see such famous people. 2. Although these visits brought ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:5-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Heart Of Faith: When Love Transcends Duty Series

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Oct 30, 2024

We are called to let love guide our actions, even when it takes us in unexpected directions.

The Heart of Faith: When Love Transcends Duty Intro: We are called to let love guide our actions, even when it takes us in unexpected directions. Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:2-6, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 12:28-34. Reflection Dear Sisters and Brothers, In a quiet town, an older woman named ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:2-6, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Other

Backyard Religion

Contributed by Mark Atherton on Apr 28, 2001

a faith of our own making will not cut it

1) Backyard Religion doesn’t take sin seriously. (17:1-2) ----------Godly sorrow vs. worldly sorrow (2Cor. 7:10) 2) Backyard Religion worships in spirit but not in truth. (17:3-6) ---------“There’s a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death.” ---------“Not everyone who says ...read more

Scripture: Judges 17:1-13

Denomination: Holiness

Why Shepherds?

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 20, 2008

Jesus was revealed to the shepherds because He was the true Lamb of God.

December 22, 2008 Sacramentum Caritatis He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and on them he has set the world. Why was the first revelation of the newborn ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-56

Denomination: Catholic

The Cure- Religion Is Not Enough Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Nov 13, 2022

This is the 124th sermon in the series "Action". This is the 4th sermon from Romans.

Series: Action [#124] THE CURE- RELIGION IS NOT ENOUGH Romans 2:17-29 Introduction: We have studied many different areas of sin in just 2 chapters of Romans. This morning’s sermon may point out 1 of the most dangerous problems in the Church- Religion. I do understand that Christianity is a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Baptist