Sermons on burdensome religion:

The Two Sons Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jun 29, 2014

Performance-based religion is a dead-end. We’re faced with a choice: -Slavery or freedom; -Righteousness by keeping the law, or righteousness by faith in God’s promises.

Introduction: A man asked Jesus how to get to Heaven. In typical Jewish fashion, Jesus answered the question with a question: “What do you think?” The man suggested, “By keeping the law,” and Jesus said (with a smile), “Fine, do that and you’ll make it!” ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:21-31

Denomination: Congregational

Be Led By The Spirit

Contributed by Jeff Van Wyk on May 25, 2013

We need to be open to the leading of God’s Spirit. We can so easily be bound by religion and follow rules that are either man-made or man-interpreted.

Be led by the Spirit Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Peter was bound by religion and in order for him to be open to change, God showed him a vision of unclean animals that descended from heaven. God told Peter to eat the unclean animals, but ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:14

Denomination: Charismatic

Jesus Fact Or Fiction Series

Contributed by Rick Thiessen on Mar 17, 2016

Are there good reasons to believe that Christian Theism is the most plausibly true religion? If so, Jesus demands our attention, our faith, our love and our total devotion.

SE051814 HOW I MET MY SAVIOR 4. Jesus: Fact or Fiction? (SLIDE) INTRO: We’ve been building a Christian worldview from scratch this month, and here’s what that looks like from the GROUND UP: - (SLIDE) First, we have to believe Truth exists. - (SLIDE) Second, we looked at the competing Truth claims ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:13-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Resurrection Of Lazarus Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Nov 1, 2017

Can Jesus raise the dead? The big question in any religion concerns death. Death is a great mystery. And life is a great mystery, but life is practically meaningless if there is no resurrection of the dead.

Perea to Bethany Lesson: Resurrection of Lazarus John 11:1-44 Introduction Jesus’ public ministry is over and now He is concentrating on His private ministry. He centers on individuals and He is no longer reaching out to the nation of Israel. The raising of Lazarus from the dead occurred ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Denomination: Baptist

The Fruit Of Goodness Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 9, 2021

Jesus blasted all religion that failed the test of goodness. If people are not made good by their faith, their faith is no good. God is good, and what is not good is not of God. That is Biblical theology in a nutshell.

A young boy had been sent to his room for bad behavior. After awhile he emerged and told his mother he had thought it over and prayed about it. "That's wonderful", said the mother. "If you ask God He will help you be good." The boy responded, "But I didn't ask God ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Manifestation Of Glory Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 9, 2022

The rejection of God’s Manifestation of Glory is seen through 1) Humanity’s Rationalization (Romans 1:22), and 2) Humanity’s Religion (Romans 1:23).

Romans 1:22–23. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. (ESV) For over a century, Eerdmans has been an important institution within the broader evangelical movement, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:22-23

Denomination: Other

Christians Are Persecuted Severely Worldwide: Ancient Thessalonica To The Modern Era

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 27, 2021

Did you know that today in our modern world Christianity is the number one most persecuted religion in the world? Christians face murder and death for their faith every day.

Did you know that today in our modern world Christianity is the number one most persecuted religion in the world? Christians face murder and death for their faith every day. A great deal of persecution occurs in the following countries: Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, India, China, and the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:10-12, 1 Thessalonians 1:3-6, Matthew 25:31-46, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Denomination: Salvation Army

Perspective And Persuasion (March 20, 2009)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Oct 15, 2022

Unlike Agrippa, Festus would not have been familiar with the prophets, like Agrippa because he was not as familiar with the Jewish religion. Paul was speaking soberly about his subject.

ACTS 26: 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." 29 And Paul said, "I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains." PERSPECTIVE AND ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:28-29

Denomination: United Methodist

Serving God

Contributed by Grant Adams on Feb 19, 2024

Howard Ingram had an old saying, “Many Christians have just enough religion to make them miserable.” Serving God should be one of the greatest things in the world.

Many Christians have a wrong idea, view, and attitude toward serving God. There are those today that do not love God’s service. It should be the greatest thrill and joy of our lives. John 15:16; tells us that we are chosen by God. Many, when talking or preaching about service, want to tune you ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17, John 6:66, Matthew 25:26

Denomination: Baptist

"The Real Sinner's Prayer"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Jul 21, 2004

In the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, we see that you can’t impress God. Having "religion" doesn’t impress God. The Publican gives the REAL "Sinner’s Prayer".

“The REAL Sinner’s Prayer” Luke 18:9-14 INTRODUCTION: Jesus loved to speak in parables. They grabbed people’s attention. If Jesus said, “Once upon a time, there was a man who ….”, then everybody stopped to listen to the story Jesus was about to tell. It’s like … when I stop to tell a joke … ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Following The Polls?

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Feb 6, 2008

People have different opinions as it relates to religion. That’s what makes faith real and authentic. People should not be coerced into believing something; they must come to their own faith.

Dr. Wayne A. Lawson Perfected Praise Worship Center, Oklahoma City, OK Delivered on Sunday, February 3, 2008 Title: Are You Following The Polls? Scripture: St. Matthew 16:13-17 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Uniqueness Of Christ

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Apr 19, 2011

When we compare the religions of the world, we quickly see that biblical Christianity is an unique faith because Christianity stems from the uniqueness and superiority of its founder Jesus Christ.

The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ Psalm 86:7-12 When we compare the religions of the world, we quickly see that biblical Christianity is an unique faith because Christianity stems from the uniqueness and superiority of its founder Jesus Christ, the greatest man who ever lived. The psalmist declared ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 86:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

More Than The Cloak Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on May 2, 2011

Many people settle for the cloak of respectable religion. They claim to believe what everyone else believes – no more and no less. But Jesus came to call us into a growing relationship with him.

Me (my dilemma or question / Key Question) In a recent NCAA cross-country championship held in Riverside, California, 123 of the 128 runners missed a turn. One competitor, Mike Delcavo, stayed on the 10,000 meter course and began waving for fellow runners to follow him. Delcavo was able to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:12-29

Denomination: Wesleyan

A Terrorist Turns To Jesus Series

Contributed by Doug Warren on Mar 25, 2006

Saul’s experience on the Damascus Road proves that God is more powerful than any Terrorist. Saul’s "religion" was keeping him from "relationship"with Jesus Christ.

Intro: Suppose Osama Ben Laden, Sadaam Hussein, or another famous terrorist leader was reported to have been converted to Christ. While many would be skeptical most would agree that God’s power had been at work and a Miracle had taken place. Such a miracle happened to the terrorist named Saul. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Put The Church In Order

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Dec 8, 2013

Titus defines God ordained leaders. 1- They are blameless in life and religion 2- They are Spirit controlled rather than uncontrolled 3- They are committed to God’s word in teaching

INTRO.- Out of order. Don’t you just hate that sign? And especially when you want to use an ATM or an elevator or a vending machine or a public restroom (particularly on a cruise ship!). HAVE YOU EVER HAD THAT EXPERIENCE? Of course, if a restroom was “out of order” that might ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:5-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ