Sermons on Unhelpful Tradition:

The True Meaning Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Dr. Lewis W. Gregory on Dec 19, 2023

Everyone seems to have their own ideas about Christmas. Many are based on traditions but few are based on the Holy Bible. Christmas is a commemorative celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

INTRO: CHRISTMAS! There is a lot of talk about what it means, or at least what it should mean. Various cultures have developed different traditions surrounding this momentous event. It has certainly become significant to the retailers, since as much as 75% of their annual sales occur at this time. ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:4, Matthew 1:18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Women In Ministry - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Jan 5, 2024

The question of whether it is proper for a woman to preach or exercise leadership in the church has received much attention in recent years. Church traditions aside, what does the Bible say?

NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The Bible ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:12, Galatians 3:26-29, Exodus 15:20-21, Judges 4:4-5, 2 Kings 22:14, 2 Kings 22:18-20, Esther 4:7-8, Esther 4:13-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Manichaeans Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 7, 2022

ACCORDING TO ONE TRADITION, MANI INVENTED THE UNIQUE VERSION OF THE SYRIAC SCRIPT KNOWN AS THE MANICHAEAN ALPHABET, WHICH WAS USED IN ALL OF THE MANICHAEAN WORKS WRITTEN WITHIN THE SASANIAN EMPIRE,

THE MANICHAEANS DEFINITION OF MANICHAEAN 1: A BELIEVER IN A SYNCRETISTIC [1: THE COMBINATION OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF BELIEF OR PRACTICE 2: THE FUSION OF TWO OR MORE ORIGINALLY DIFFERENT INFLECTIONAL FORMS] RELIGIOUS DUALISM (SYMMETRY) ORIGINATING IN PERSIA IN THE THIRD CENTURY A.D. AND TEACHING THE ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

The Testing Of Pure And False Religion

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Feb 6, 2023

We need to make sure we test our religion to see if it has value or not. The heart of pure religion is not in the garb, the traditions, the rituals but is based in Love in action.

The Testing of Pure and False Religion By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: - Years ago I collected soda cans and turned them in for money at the recycling center. At the recycling center I would place all the cans I collect on a belt that went through the giant magnet and if the can was ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Apostolic

The Loving Grace Of God Series

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Jun 14, 2023

In the Wesleyan tradition, we can, by faith, receive God's redeeming gift of grace shown to us through prevenient grace, justifying grace and sanctifying grace.

I AM SURE THAT WE CAN THINK OF MANY REASONS WHY GOD CHOOSES TO SAVES US: TO BRING GLORY TO HIMSELF, TO APPEASE HIS JUSTICE, AND TO DEMONSTRATE HIS SOVEREIGNTY. OR, PERHAPS, IT COULD SIMPLY BE THAT HE LOVES US AND DESIRES TO SPEND TIME WITH US. HE IS A RELATIONAL GOD WHO SEEKS INTIMACY WITH ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:6-11, John 6:40, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 10:13

Denomination: Free Methodist

A Second Look At Freedom Of Religion Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 13, 2017

We must seek to meet those who have no connection to religious tradition but sincerely seek truth, goodness and beauty. Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the what and the whom they seek.

Thursday of 5th Week of Easter 2017 Joy of the Gospel The words of today’s Gospel could be a reflection on the Beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Ultimately our food, our clothing, our housing and our health care are not ends in themselves, but rather means to the end of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:22-31

Denomination: Catholic

What A Legacy! Series

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 1, 2018

In this summary of the series on the life of Peter, we explore the end of Peter's life left to us through history and tradition, and we explore how to leave a legacy like Peter's.

Introduction: A. There’s a story told of a group of tourists who were on a sightseeing tour of the Holy Lands. 1. The group came to one of the historical areas and a local exhibit owner offered to take the group into his exhibit to see the bones of the apostle Peter, for a small fee, of ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Onesimus Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 25, 2022

Onesimus is regarded as a saint by many Christian denominations. The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod commemorates him and Philemon on February 15. The traditional Western commemoration of Onesimus is on February 16.

Onesimus Bishop of Byzantium Installed 54 Term ended 68 Personal details Denomination Early Christianity Saint Painting depicting death of Onesimus, from the Menologion of Basil II (c.?1000 AD) Holy Disciple Onesimus Bishop of Byzantium Died c.?68 AD or 81-95 AD Rome (then Roman ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:10

Denomination: Baptist

Baptism PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Explore the significance of baptism in the Wesleyan tradition, emphasizing its role as an introduction into the church, a call to unity among believers, and a commitment to live a life worthy of our Christian calling.

Good morning, Church. We gather here today to delve into the rich and significant topic of baptism, a cornerstone in our Christian life. As we unpack this sacrament, we'll be exploring its meaning in the Wesleyan tradition, its significance in our Christian walk, and the call to unity it brings. To ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6

Topics: Baptism

More Than Hatch, Match, And Dispatch Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 13, 2000

The church is for far more than empty ceremony on occasions demanded by tradition; it is the steward of new life, with a rich and full experience that employs the diversity of gifts God has given it.

Last week you seemed to get a big charge out of my little story about going to a wedding rehearsal and wasting time waiting for a key person to arrive. When I said that I didn’t know what we’d do on Sunday afternoon if he didn’t show up, you let out a belly laugh. You assumed I was talking about ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Vital Signs

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Apr 27, 2007

Answers the question: Are you a bold pioneer who is exploring new non-traditional ways of expressing faith and interacting with the Body of Christ - or are you just skipping church and quietly backsliding?

Dakota Community Church April 29, 2007 Vital Signs I recently went to the doctor for a general physical. Besides being violated, and crying all the time for about three days, it was only mildly horrifying. I was sent home with a blood pressure monitor to keep an eye on my “stage one ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-25

Denomination: Mennonite

Danerous Wonder

Contributed by Jerry Mckee on Dec 12, 2007

The Christian walk has become too safe. We need to have the exciting wonder that children have. We need to explore our Christian faith without the safety of tradition.

Dangerous Wonder * Introduction * Would you agree that being a Christian today is boring? * Daughter loves to fall off of my lap head first. * What would happen if we all took Jesus’ advice and “became like little children?” * The obstacle of Dullness * Don’t you just hate dull people? * “The most ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Denomination: *other

White Unto Harvest Series

Contributed by Richard Mc Quinn on Feb 4, 2012

The Women at the Well served as an evangelist. Jesus loves all of us no matter who we are, what color we are and no matter with what traditions we were raised with.

WHITE UNTO HARVEST 2-5-12 New Liberty Christian Church, Veedersburg, IN with Rich McQuinn, Minister TEXT; JOHN 4:5-35 INTRODUCTION; We have just finished our Christmas celebrations and many folks are still paying on the presents that they bought for loved ones, In a number of weeks we will ...read more

Scripture: John 4:5-35

Denomination: Christian Church

Living Out The Gospel: Lessons From Titus

Contributed by Ronald Moore on Nov 14, 2023

The Apostle Paul, writing to Titus, outlines the qualities of those who are to lead with integrity and humility. In our Anglican tradition, we recognize the importance of bishops, priests, and deacons embodying these virtues.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, let us turn our hearts and minds to the Epistle of Titus, a letter that holds timeless wisdom for our journey of faith. As we explore the pages of Titus, may the Holy Spirit illuminate our hearts and guide us in ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

Washing Feet And A Kingdom Of Power Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 22, 2021

This passage gives us the dynamic example of Jesus washing feet. How can Jesus lay aside the traditional power structures to be able to live like that? The answer is in this passage.

PETER'S EMPHATIC "NO": Peter was deeply offended by Christ’s offer because he was still thinking of a traditional power structure. - John 13:6-10a. - The disciples were still expecting the inaugural of a traditional kingdom. - Rome was going to be overthrown, the Jewish nation was ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Denomination: Baptist