The Appearing - Week 5

The sermon examines the tension between religious ritual and genuine relationship with Jesus, particularly in the context of the Passover story where Jesus cleanses the temple. It argues that ritualistic behavior can become a mindless performance, devoid of true engagement with God, and warns against mistaking outward actions for inner righteousness. The speaker uses the analogy of a polluted river to illustrate how ritual can poison one's spirit, and shares a personal anecdote about a misunderstanding regarding river baptisms. He emphasizes that true righteousness comes from faith in Christ, not from outward acts, and encourages listeners to allow God to diagnose their hearts and to surrender to a life-giving relationship with Jesus. The sermon concludes with an invitation to embrace this authentic connection, exchanging ritual for a transformative, moment-by-moment relationship with Christ.