Sermons on Vain Traditions:

Heaven – It Is Not What Most People Think

Contributed by Robert Sickler on Nov 15, 2011

Probably one of the most messed up Christian concepts is that of heaven, our final destination, which is nothing like the pictures created by our church traditions!

Heaven – it is not what most people think Illustration The two professors stood nose to nose as they shouted at one another. “The craters on the moon are the result of volcanism,” cried one. “You are an idiot,” screamed the other, “the craters on the moon are ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-25

Denomination: Christian Church

What About The Women? Series

Contributed by Johnny Wilson on Aug 30, 2010

Too many times, even modern believers allow the male-dominated nature of our traditions to overshadow the fact that God calls female leaders, too.

The Bible is certainly a male-dominated book that reflects a male-dominated culture. Even if we separate the history in the Bible from World History, we see that human history is full of tales of testosterone-driven leaders using the force of military might, personal strength, and personal charisma ...read more

Scripture: Judges 4:1-24

Denomination: *other

Focus On Jesus Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jan 29, 2015

We easily get sidetracked from our walk with God in our traditions or preferences. The key to worship and a walk of faith is to focus on Jesus above ourselves.

1. Pulpits A preacher described a special interest he had as a guest speaker to various congregations. "Whenever I preach in a church I haven't been to before, I am always anxious to stand behind the pulpit to get a feel for it. I want to stand there and look out at the still empty pews and imagine ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Power Of Life In Abundance Series

Contributed by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel on Jun 14, 2023

Many spiritual and religious traditions have studied the power of life in abundance. It refers to the idea that life is about survival and thriving and experiencing joy, love, and fulfillment.

THE POWER OF LIFE IN ABUNDANCE written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, June 14, 2023 "The thief does not come except to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10 INTRODUCTION Humans are unable to ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Widow's Mite Series

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Apr 30, 2018

The story of the widow's mite has been used to show Christians what their attitude toward giving should be. This message challenges that traditional and longstanding teaching.

Growing up I don’t think I heard a teaching about the widow’s mite that did not take the widow and make her the standard by which all of us are to give when it comes to our giving. “This poor widow woman came to the altar and gave her last mite. She did that for the Lord! What an example she is to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-44, Leviticus 19:17-19, Matthew 6:1-2, Luke 20:39-47, Luke 21:1-5, Matthew 22:34-46, Matthew 23:1-14, Micah 6:6-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Enough With Jesus Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Apr 15, 2016

We have all we need with Jesus for our walk with God. We don't need works or traditions along with him, just Jesus.

1. Orange You Glad! ...the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit. Colossians 1:5-6 As a young man, Anthony Rossi emigrated from Italy. He sailed into New York harbor, but his plans were to move to the South and become a farmer. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Following The Example Of Shepherds

Contributed by Steve Pearman on Dec 9, 2024

Let’s move beyond the surface of festive traditions and embrace the deeper meaning of the season. Like the shepherds, let’s seek and encounter the living Christ.

Introduction Christmas is a season of joy, light, and celebration, but it’s also a time of profound reflection. As we revisit the familiar story of the shepherds who encountered the newborn Christ, we find not just a historical account, but a pattern for how we too can respond to the reality of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Pentecost Sunday: Maintaining Our Pentecostal Heritage Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 4, 2025

Maintaining our Pentecostal heritage is not just about preserving tradition—it’s about guarding the fire, power, and purpose of the Holy Spirit in our generation.

PENTECOST SUNDAY: MAINTAINING OUR PENTECOSTAL HERITAGE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Acts 2:1-4 Supporting Texts: Joel 2:28-29, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Jude 1:20, 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Zechariah 4:6 INTRODUCTION: Pentecost marked the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church, ushering in a new ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Source Of Our Strength Series

Contributed by Stephen Smarowsky on Mar 26, 2008

1. Where are you drawing your strength from? 2. Are you relying on tradition, law, race, rank, religion, or sincerity? 3. Do you expect recognition when helping out someone in need?

The Source of Our Strength- Philippians 3:1-11 Introduction: We all fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others around us. For some reason we think we are better than those to whom we are comparing ourselves with and we think that makes us right with God. We find ourselves picking at the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Imitating Christ Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jul 16, 2007

Seeing selfish ambition, vain conceit, discord, from persecution, Paul called on the church to “conduct themselves in a manner worthy” of their calling and not "of" the world. Just as Christ sacrificed Himself for the sake of others, we also are to offer

INTRODUCTION A. LIFE TODAY IS NOT WHAT CHRIST INTENDED 1. We live in a “dog eat dog” world. 2. “SELF” rules We may view ourselves as did the Pharisee depicted by Jesus who prayed, “God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. I ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

#8 -- Work Series

Contributed by Derek Melanson on Nov 17, 2006

Work is given to us by God, is done in vain apart from Him, and can be a means of worship--because God calls us to trust Him so that we do not find ourselves eating the bread of "anxious toil."

The reality of work Just imagine—it’s the end of a morning or afternoon or evening of hard work, and you’re very, very tired. But you look around your house, and the floors are swept and clean, the dishes are done, the laundry folded and put away, and even the bathroom fixtures are sparkling; and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 127:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The 10:30 Whistle Series

Contributed by W Pittendreigh on Jun 24, 2005

If prayer is meaningless, then we are taking the name of the Lord in vain everytime we say, "Our Father, who art in heaven." Thus the first petition of the Lord’s Prayer is a request that we keep his name holy.

I have been told by a socologist that Ware Shoals, SC, has the distinction of being one of the last true old fashioned mill towns in the South. The term mill-town, as used by this sociologist, doesn’t mean that you have a mill and a town; but rather that you have a mill and a town that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Solomon's Succinct Summary

Contributed by Robert Austin on Aug 23, 2022

As we conclude our study of this book, I want us to think back. Consider the journey that Solomon has taken us on in this book. He started off in 1:1 by saying, “Everything is futile. Everything is Vain.”

And then he walks us through all the experiences, all the pursuits, all the different ways he tried to find meaning in life. And now, after all these lessons, we come to Solomon’s Succinct Summary. His conclusion can be remembered by dividing it into 4 “R’s”, Rejoice, Remember, Reflect and ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Satisfaction

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Oct 1, 2017

The Rolling Stones sang a song titled, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” Mick Jagger’s song perfectly describes the theme of the book of Ecclesiastes. Life without God at its center is vain, meaningless and unfulfilling.

Satisfaction Chuck Sligh October 1, 2017 BIBLE READING: Psalm 63:1-8 TEXT: Please turn in your Bibles to Ecclesiastes 1. INTRODUCTION Illus. – I remember one time as a teenager waiting in the car while my mother was talking with someone. I turned the key and flipped on the radio and heard a ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

God Will Reward Everyone According To Their Work

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 6, 2025

The work of the Lord is not in vain. Every act of service, no matter how little, is recorded before the throne of God. Our God is a righteous Judge who does not forget the labour of love we show toward His name.

GOD WILL REWARD EVERYONE ACCORDING TO THEIR WORK By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Revelation 22:12 “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 3:8-15, Galatians 6:7-9, Hebrews 6:10, Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:12

Denomination: Assembly Of God