Sermons on The Outward Appearance:

Resurrection Appearance: John Believes (Lesson 1)

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 4, 2003

Series: Resurrection Appearance

INTRODUCTION: JOHN 20:1-10 What a resurrection appearance of Jesus is not? Not just His Spirit. "Handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have" (Luke 24:39). Not just a vision. (Daytime). "Behold My hands and My feet . . . handle Me" (Luke 24:39). Not just a ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

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

Thoughts PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 5, 2024

This sermon explores the profound connection between our thoughts and actions, emphasizing the importance of aligning our inner thoughts with our outward deeds.

Welcome, brothers and sisters in Christ, to this blessed gathering where we come together as a family, united under the banner of our Savior's love. We are here, not by coincidence, but by divine appointment. Each one of us has been called to this place, at this time, for a purpose. And that ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 23:6-8

Topics: Thinking, Heart

Jesus Appoints The Twelve Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Jul 4, 2010

Is your faith totally inward focused or does it have a gospel shaped outward focus as well? Are you one of Jesus disciples so you can serve him or just yourself? Are you not just a disciple but an apostle as well?

Imagine Jesus appeared in Melbourne today and was looking to form a band of disciples. What sorts of people do you think he might look for? People with influence? Media savvy types? University trained professionals? People who are good with words, good at presenting the right image? It’s ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:7-19

Denomination: Anglican

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

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

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