Sermons on Unhelpful Tradition:

Christmas Carols (3) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Nov 19, 2019

The tradition of singing carols at Christmas time can be traced all the way back to the very beginning. The Nativity story, as told in the first two chapters of Luke, actually contains 4 short songs. In Luke 2, the angels' song brigns praise to God and peace to the godly.

Christmas Carols (Angels) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christians Church: 12/13/15 For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been delving into the Carols of Christmas. Like I said before, even if you wanted to, there is no possible way for you to escape hearing Christmas songs over the next few ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:6-14

Denomination: Christian Church

The Heart Of Christmas

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Dec 12, 2021

Let’s not miss the heart of Christmas like those who missed it the first Christmas because they were too busy with their religion and traditions or looking for other things. And let’s not miss it because of the fear that has gripped our hearts over this current pandemic and the social unrest.

The Heart of Christmas Last week we talked about the Spirit of Christmas, and I thought this week I’d share with you about what I’d like to call “The Heart of Christmas.” But before I do, I’d like to share with you a story. A couple of days before Christmas two men decided to go sailing while ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6

Denomination: Foursquare

Sermon # 29 - The Power Of Preaching The Word Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Nov 27, 2024

Jonah preached and the people of Nineveh repented. Preaching the word of God should be taken seriously, should be based on the word of God. Here are some important aspects of preaching which when followed will certainly produce a bountiful harvest.

We read in Jonah 3:5, “The people of Nineveh believed God. They decided to stop eating for a time to think about their sins. They put on special clothes to show they were sorry. All the people in the city did this, from the most important to the least important.” (ERV) The people of Nineveh ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 3:4-5, Luke 24:27, Luke 24:32, Mark 7:7, Luke 6:2-3, Acts 17:22-23, Luke 3:10, John 6:28, Acts 2:37, John 16:8, Hebrews 9:27, Romans 10:12-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Are We Greatly Mistaken

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 25, 2018

What if we are greatly mistaken in our understanding of Christianity? If our ideas do not square with the Bible, will we change? As the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth, will we follow?

Preamble After preaching the lectionary through in these churches, I find myself drawn more and more to a year of preaching the texts the lectionary leaves out. My suspicions were aroused when I learned that Jude was eliminated, a letter which condemns many practices engaged in by the modern ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Realization Of God’s Guidance-2

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 28, 2025

2 of ? Luke records prophetic events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. God’s ‘guidance’(1:79) has been realized or brought to fruition. ?How is God’s guidance realized? God’s guidance is realized thru a Prophetic...

The REALIZATION Of GOD’s GUIDANCE-II—Luke 1:60-64(:57-80) Attention: 1:76-79—““And you, child[John], will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord[Jesus] to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:60-64, Luke 1:57-80

Denomination: Baptist

Excellence In Evangelism Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Oct 14, 2003

Three books have meant so much to me when it comes to the topic of evangelism and how I can best do this. One is by Joseph Aldrich, “Life-Style Evangelism.” He talks about crossing traditional boundaries to reach an unbelieving world. Another book is by R

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: After about 10 total years in ministry, I have learned that my spiritual gift-mix seems to include skills in teaching, training, equipping, encouraging, discipling, and leadership development among those who are already in the faith. However, I have found that being ...read more

Scripture: John 20:30-31

A New Year's Example For The Church Of The Living God

Contributed by Ray Searan on May 2, 2005

As we approach another New Year in a few days, many of us will continue a tradition that we have followed for hundreds of years. I am referring to the practice of making New Year’s resolutions. I am not going to tell you that whether or not you make New Y

A New Year’s Example for the Church of Jesus Christ Text: Ezra 7:10 (KJV) 10For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Ezra 7:10 (Amplified Bible) 10For Ezra had prepared and set his heart to seek the Law of the Lord ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 7:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Call And Look Unto God Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Aug 24, 2020

Our prayers today are so much about ourselves and with time we have lost that much needed touch with God. It has become more of a routine or duty. But it is time we turn to God, seek Him with our whole heart and return to the everlasting spring leaving behind the traditions!

Call and look unto the Lord We read in Psalm 91:2, I will say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." (GW) As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, if we were to take a moment to analyze our prayers, we would be surprised to know that most of them are ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:2

Denomination: Other

World Communion Sunday: Defining Our Community

Contributed by Troy Borst on Sep 28, 2016

All over the world, Christians of various flavors and traditions are focusing on the Lord’s Supper as a central distinctive of our faith. I like that! We are going to focus on Communion today as well! Let’s read from Luke 22 and discover how Jesus inst

Defining Our Community Luke 22:13-23 #WorldCommunion INTRODUCTION… COMMUNITY DISTINCTIVES (p) Every group we are a part of has rules, traditions, meanings behind phrases, and reasons for doing what they do when they gather together. These traditions or words make the group unique and give ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:13-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christmas Carols (1) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Nov 19, 2019

The tradition of singing carols at Christmas time can be traced all the way back to the very beginning. The Nativity story, as told in the first two chapters of Luke, actually contains 4 short songs.In Luke 2, Mary sings about God's mindfulness, might, and mercy!

Christmas Carols (Mary) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christians Church: 11/29/15 Now that Thanksgiving has passed the airwaves will be besieged by Christmas music. Even if you wanted to, there is no possible way for you to escape hearing Christmas carols over the next few weeks. In church, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:44-56

Denomination: Christian Church

Sermon # 49 - Value What God Values Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Feb 14, 2025

Jonah had more pity for the plant that gave him a little shade than for the people of Nineveh who had repented and thereby were saved from God’s wrath and judgement. May we learn to value people over things and traditions and love them like Jesus did.

We read in Jonah 4:10, “The LORD said to him, "This plant grew up in one night and disappeared the next; you didn't do anything for it and you didn't make it grow—yet you feel sorry for it!” (GNB) Jonah sat outside the city of Nineveh and eagerly watched to see what would become of ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:10, Matthew 12:9-10, Matthew 12:11-12, Luke 19:5-9, Matthew 19:14, John 4:4-26, Luke 5:12-16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

What Is Ash Wednesday For?

Contributed by Dorothy Lam on Jan 17, 2023

Having not grown up in the church tradition of Ash Wednesday and Lent, I had a lot of questions about what repentance as a practice could add to my devotion to Christ. I outline 3 benefits of repentance which helps us participate in God's salvation for his children.

If you spend any time with preschool age children, 3 year olds, 4 year olds, one thing they are known for is asking questions. They are at the age when the world is opening up to them. All day long they point and ask, What’s that? If you say a word they don’t know, which is most of the time, they ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:9-10, Philippians 2:12-13, 1 John 3:2-3, James 4:8-10, Ephesians 1:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

A Different Lifestyle: Following Jesus One Day At A Time

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jun 1, 2021

Following Jesus, I mean really following him... That's the mission. It's not a social club or a tradition. It's a vital experience, and it takes work. It's wonderful. It's beautiful. The feelings and experiences are so surreal.

Following Jesus, I mean really following him... That's the mission. It's not a social club or a tradition. It's a vital experience, and it takes work. It's wonderful. It's beautiful. The feelings and experiences are so surreal. It's like a dream really. It's ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:4

Denomination: Salvation Army

Entire Sanctification

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Nov 26, 2018

Is Entire Sanctification and a life of holiness possible? Must we always be enslaved to sin? Can we be set free from sin and become slaves of God as Scripture says?

Entire Sanctification Please stand as we read our newest memory Scripture together … Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:22-23, Matthew 3:11, Matthew 22:37-40, Colossians 2:20-23, Romans 6:22-23, Colossians 3:1-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

Valentine’s Day—it’s All About Love Series

Contributed by Dr. Lewis W. Gregory on Feb 7, 2023

Tradition has it that Valentine was a third century martyr who demonstrated his love through his life and sacrificial death. We all should aspire to this kind of love. When we love God with all our heart we can enjoy God's unconditional, sacrificial love.

We all need love; we all want love. We crave it; we work hard for it, yet all too often we come up short. There is only one kind of love that truly satisfies the deepest needs of the human heart. There is only one kind of love that actually makes a difference. There is only one kind of love that ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:8, John 3:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational