Sermons on The Outward Appearance:

Palm Sunday: Appearances Can Be Different To Reality

Contributed by Steve Pearman on Apr 3, 2020

On Palm Sunday, things were not as they appeared

Things aren’t what they appear to be. And in life, some things are also not what they seem. For example, we can make assumptions about things and systems and people, and maybe we steer clear of something because it seems like something we don’t like. Maybe we look at a food or a venue or a type of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-14

The Roles Of Women In The Church Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on May 20, 2005

This is among the most controversial sections in the Bible. Paul appears on the surface to be against women, but if you look at the context there is much more here - and more important issues than how we dress and act.

There is no doubt that 1 Timothy 2 is among the most controversial passages of Paul’s writings. In this chapter it appears as if Paul calls men to pray and women to shut up - while dressed in sackcloth and ashes - staying home barefoot and pregnant. Although it is short - only 15 verses - it is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-15, 1 Timothy 2:15

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Abraham Factor Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 13, 2008

God did more than start a "religion" with Abraham. He started a "relationship" - a relationship that models what God desires to do in our lives.

OPEN: A third grader once wrote a homework assignment where he was supposed to "Explain God." "One of God’s main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn’t make grown-ups, just babies. I think because ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is That Your Final Answer Series

Contributed by Todd Randolph on Mar 8, 2001

Paul’s appearance before King Agrippa.

Tonight I would like to continue the “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire” theme. I don’t know if you have noticed when you watch the show, but on the first five questions Regis rarely asks the contestant if that is their final answer. Typically, this is because these first five questions are meant to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:24-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"behave Yourself"

Contributed by David Nolte on May 6, 2020

We must avoid even the appearance of sin

“Behave Yourself!” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV David P. Nolte You have heard the duck test – “If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, waddles like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck” That suggests that something can be identified by its habitual characteristics. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

15. David’s Anointing - God’s Choice (1 Samuel 16) Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Aug 27, 2025

When God chooses a leader, He looks not at appearances, but at the heart. His plans are always unfolding, even in quiet fields and unlikely places. While men elevate the impressive, God prepares the faithful.

David’s Anointing - God’s Choice June 4, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 16 When God chooses a leader, He looks not at appearances, but at the heart. His plans are always unfolding, even in quiet fields and unlikely places. While men elevate the impressive, God ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

When Women Quit Looking In The Mirror

Contributed by John Gaston on May 8, 2019

Some women gave up their mirrors so the bronze Laver could be built. What remarkable women, what a remarkable sacrifice, what a remarkable change of heart; abandoning the outward image of Eve to develop the inner image of Jesus.

WHEN WOMEN QUIT LOOKING IN THE MIRROR Ex. 38:8 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: THEY CAUGHT A MERMAID 1. Three guys were out fishing one day when, out of the blue, they caught a mermaid who said she’d grant each of them a wish if they’d set her free. 2. “Okay,” said the first guy, “double my IQ.” The ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 38:8, 1 Peter 3:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Heart Of The Matter Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jul 17, 2005

Learn from the mistakes of the Pharisees: (1) Don’t be too caught up by the outward, it’s the heart that counts; (2) Don’t be too caught up by what man thinks; it’s what God thinks that counts.

We are all creatures of habit. We do many things over and over again. • There is nothing wrong with that. There will surely be routines in life. • But the danger comes when we get so accustomed to them, that we no longer understand the reason why we are doing them. • If fact, we may have lost its ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-9, Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

God Is No Respecter Of Persons

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 6, 2025

God’s justice is impartial, and He does not judge based on external appearances, wealth, status, or influence. The Scriptures emphasise that righteousness is rewarded, while wickedness invites judgment, regardless of a person’s position.

GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Romans 2:11 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 3:10-11, Acts 10:34-35 INTRODUCTION: God’s justice is impartial, and He does not judge based on external appearances, wealth, status, or influence. The Scriptures emphasise that righteousness is ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:11, Isaiah 3:10-11, Acts 10:34-35

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A No Good Lying Fig Tree

Contributed by Ron Theis on Jul 1, 2010

A Warning to all those who APPEAR to be fruitful, but are not.

A No Good Lying Fig Tree Matthew 21:17-20 INTRO A. No one likes A Liar! 1. There was a world renowned theologian and philosopher several years ago who used a story to illustrate this point. 2. It was a story about a monkey and a coon dog. 3. This world famous theologian’s name was Jerry ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:17-20

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover - Year B - Proper 18

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Sep 1, 2021

How do we react to others - are we quick to judge on appearance, and can we learn to be hearers and doers of the word?

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. It was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, the congregation had just settled into their service and had begun to sing the first hymn, when their attention was disturbed by a young man who was aimlessly wandering down the aisle. He was unkempt, ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-17, Mark 7:24-37

Denomination: Anglican

Whitewashed Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 30, 2012

Christians can't settle for lives whitewashed on the outside--looking good. Our lives need to be inwardly transformed.

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 “Whitewashed” INTRODUCTION Most of us spend a fair amount of time making ourselves look good on the outside. Here, in Arizona, we may not be into suits and ties for men, or business attire for women. We may not live the credo, “dress for ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Lutheran

Modesty Series

Contributed by Dean Rhine on Nov 12, 2012

The need for modesty

1 Timothy 2b: Modesty 10/12/08 Turn with me this morning to the second chapter in the book of 1 Timothy. Timothy is towards the end of the New Testament, in the second half of the Bible. We saw that this is a letter from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, his young protegé. Paul left Timothy at Ephesus ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:10-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Saul: The King Who Fell From Grace Series

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Mar 5, 2009

Lent Mid-week 2: Message based on (but not adapted from) Concordia Publishing House mid-week lenten series. Saul was chosen to be the Leader of God’s people. By choosing to disobey God, he lost God’s blessing and his position as king. Our King of kings

Do you remember the last time that you decided to make a big change in your life? I’m not talking about doing something that is a part of daily life and living – like really wanting to go watch a movie or having an ice cream cone – I’m talking about something really huge – something that would ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:10-23

Denomination: Lutheran