Sermons on Unhelpful Tradition:

Rebuild Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 15, 2015

The people of Israel return from exile and rebuild the temple.

Ezra 1:1-4, 3:1-4, 10-13 “Rebuilding” INTRODUCTION The self-improvement industry is a billion dollar business in the United States. Zig Ziegler is still selling thousands of books even though he has been dead for several years. Tony Robbins and a list of big hitters in the ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Dec 18, 2017

This Christmas carol lists many things that make it the most wonderful time of the year. And while kids jingle-belling and parties and caroling are all fun and wonderful, the song fails to mention the one thing that truly makes Christmas wonderful-Jesus.

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR The title of the sermon is taken from the popular Christmas song of the same name. The songwriter declares it's the most wonderful time of the year and then goes on to say why. The kids jingle-belling along with holiday greetings and gay happy meetings ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:5-8, Colossians 2:6-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Proof Of Gospel Conversion Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 25, 2018

Paul shows how certain events before he was saved, when he was saved, and after he was saved all prove his message was received from God and how we can testify to God’s radically changing grace.

This week we celebrated the life of our own: Babi: Maria Polomska. Through the tributes, one theme ran throughout: The life of a woman lived for the glory of God. Her love, and hope were expressed in her confidence and readiness to go home to the Lord. Even through she couldn’t always directly ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:13-24

Denomination: Other

Hope Set Before Us

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 15, 2022

We need tradition to guide us, but often our traditions lie in the past fifty to seventy years. Our tradition should reach back further; like 2000 years ago! The anchor for our traditions should be in Jesus, not the inventions of men.

This evening we’re going to discuss the topic of “tradition.” If you have ever seen the musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” then you probably recall a rather large Jewish man singing about tradition throughout the entire performance. You may recall that tradition was a dreaded word to the young ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

Be Practical, Not Legalistic Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Oct 30, 2021

Jesus taught the Pharisees how He desires sincere love for people over meaningless ritual, and how He desires grace over legalism. Those who adhere to ritual and tradition are often unable to love others or worship God.

In our message today, we will see how Jesus taught the Pharisees that forgiveness and grace toward others is a necessity before worship. The capacity to extend love and mercy is something that must be present in a person’s heart before he or she is able to worship the Lord in spirit and truth, as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

What Church Doctrine Should I Be Following?

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Sep 23, 2025

Church leadership, at the top, has created numerous doctrines, rules and regulations. Which should I follow?

What Church Doctrine Should I Be Following? Luke 11:37–54 Rabbi Dr. Rev. Michael H. Koplitz 37 Now when He had spoken, a Pharisee asked Him to have lunch with him; and He went in and reclined at the table. 38 When the Pharisee saw this, he was surprised that Jesus had not first ceremonially washed ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:37-54

Denomination: United Methodist

What To Do Now

Contributed by Richard Tow on Feb 1, 2016

Pastor Richard discusses the significance of the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) that occur this month. These days are to be spent in prayer, fasting, and consecration to God

What To Do Now! 
 (09-06-15 www.LifeChurchSpringfield.org) Next Sunday is ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 23:23-43

Denomination: Charismatic

The Traditional Jewish Marriage & It's Relationship To Christ's Return Series

Contributed by Rev. Bruce A. Shields on Mar 2, 2004

This sermon illustrates the relationship between the traditional Jewish marriage practices, and how it directly relates to the Church being the Bride and Christ the Groom, as well as the Second coming! Praise God!

The Traditional Jewish Marriage and its Relationship To the Promise of Christ’s Return Scripture Reading Matthew 26: 27, 28 – “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:27-28

Denomination: Bible Church

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

Christian Freedom

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 18, 2019

Are we truly free or still in bondage? Let’s learn that being saved from sickness and bondage to vain traditions are somewhat similar. Let’s discuss healing, slavery to man-made religious rules and freedom in Luke 13:10-17.

Are we truly free or still in bondage? Let’s learn that being saved from sickness and bondage to vain traditions are somewhat similar. Let’s discuss healing, slavery to man-made religious rules and freedom in Luke 13:10-17. Healed Luke 13:10 One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

A Purpose Filled Love - Purpose Driven Life Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 7, 2004

Many people down thru the ages have been "purpose driven"... but have failed to understand the most important part of what makes us a Christian. Do you know what might have been missing in their lives?

OPEN: A mother looked out a window and saw Johnny playing church with their three kittens. He had them lined up and was preaching to them. The mother turned around to do some work. A while later she heard meowing and scratching on the door. The cats were obviously upset and frightened. She ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Have Yourself A Mary Little Christmas!

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Dec 7, 2001

Let’s Do Incarnation Day Instead! Warning: Take your Xanax before reading!

Have Yourself A Mary Little Christmas! Luke 10:38-42 I will admit it from the start that I am not enthralled about Christmas. Yes, when I was a kid I was into it like every other kid. What ruined it for me? Going to Bible College and studying the Word, Church History and various other ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42, 1 Corinthians 11:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

His Name Is John!

Contributed by John Butler on Jul 14, 2009

What was so important about the name of John the Baptist? Could it be the fact that it broke the back of tradition?

His Name Is John How many came to have church this morning? I’m not talking about just going through the motions today! I’m not talking about coming in here and playing church! You can play church on your on time. Amen? How many came to really have some church in the house of God this ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:57-63, Luke 1:13-63

Clean Heart Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Oct 9, 2009

If we want to find life and joy in our relationship with Christ, we must focus on Scripture not tradition, and focus on a clean heart not clean hands.

Clean Hearts (Mark 7:1-23) Alan Kraft, in his book, Good News for Those Trying Harder, shares a story about a time when his wife borrowed his car and heard a CD he had loaded in the sound system. The song touched her. When she asked him about it, he was able to recite the lyrics, but was unable ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical Free

How To Kill A Church

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Nov 3, 2011

This message deals with how the members of a church can kill the church without recognizing it.

How To Kill A Church Calvary 10/9/2011 Ephesians 4:1-6 Psalm 133 3 John 1:5-13 We have a started a new series for the next four weeks and the topic is “Moving Things To The Next Level.” There are times in our lives, when we want to get one result, but we actually ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:5-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed