Sermons on Fake Religion:

04 - James 1:26-2:13 Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Aug 22, 2021

This is the 4th of 11 Studies in the Book of James and talks about the need to control the use of our tongues, defines pure and undefiled religion and the warns against discrimination against the poor in the church.

James 1:26 26 “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. After speaking about trials, seeking wisdom, money, temptations and obeying the word of God, James now turns his attention to what it means to be ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27, James 2:1-13, James 1:18, Matthew 6:24

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Why People See Christians As Weak Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

Boasting or bragging is excluded because it elevates you to the pinnacle of importance. It’s sad to say this, but religion is a great place to do just this – to brag about one’s morality

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Denomination: Baptist

The Transforming Power Of The Holy Spirit

Contributed by Patrick Usifo on Mar 19, 2018

How God changes a coward to a conqueror, a fearful man into a rock in His kingdom. Transformation is the difference between our faith and most religions of the world. As a continuous process, perfected on the day of the Lord.

More often in the church we hear testimonies of men and women saved by grace. In various ways we all joyfully testified of what God has done for us. On the other hand to speak of what God is doing in our life at any stage is hard to tell. Therefore the single, most important discerning ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

(Exodus 4:27-28) Aaron Is Sent To Meet Moses. Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 23, 2022

According to the Abrahamic religions, Aaron was a prophet, high priest, and the elder brother of Moses. Knowledge of Aaron, along with his brother Moses, comes exclusively from religious texts, such as the Bible and Quran.

(Exodus 4:27-28) Aaron is sent to meet Moses. According to the Abrahamic religions, Aaron was a prophet, high priest, and the elder brother of Moses. Knowledge of Aaron, along with his brother Moses, comes exclusively from religious texts, such as the Bible and Quran. Aaron has a vital role as a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 4:14

Denomination: Baptist

This Is War Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 9, 2024

As we continue to pursue the "true religion" that James encourages us to embody, we come face to face with a war that we face. Sure, there are battles with culture, but this war is within.

One of my favorite bands is the group “Switchfoot.” While I like their sound (it is unique and often very easily identifiable), what I like most is their lyrics. Switchfoot is a band that is made up of Christians. Their lyrics and songs have made their way onto both Christian and secular charts ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-12, Luke 16:13, Matthew 7:7-8, Exodus 34:14, Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 37:4, Matthew 5:3-4, 1 John 1:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The End Of The Age Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 30, 2021

As we approach the chaos of the end of the age, stay true to the Lord, stay calm in the crisis, and stay strong in the faith.

To start a discussion on core values, a youth pastor in Saskatchewan, Canada, asked his youth group: “What would you do if your doctor told you that you had only 24 hours to live?” The students talked about being with friends and family, and the discussion seemed headed in the right direction. But ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-14, Revelation 6:1-8, Revelation 6:12, 1 John 2:18, Daniel 9:27, Revelation 12:6, Revelation 13:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:3-5, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 1:11, Daniel 11:32-35  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Love Your Enemies Without Being A Doormat Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jun 10, 2025

The Bible teaches us to "love our enemies....

The Bible teaches us to "love our enemies" (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-36). However, this doesn't mean allowing them to take advantage of us or harm us without boundaries. In fact, setting boundaries and standing up for ourselves can be a form of love – love for ourselves and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-19

Watch Your Step

Contributed by Ronald Fair on May 31, 2002

The more carefully we attend to such practical lessons as this passage contains, the more shall we recommend our religion to others, and the more inward peace shall we find in our own souls.

Watch Your Step Scripture: Luke 17:1-5 Introduction: There is a story about a man who was a doctor of divinity, who lived with his son, who was a doctor of medicine. One day the telephone range and the D.D. answered it. “Is this Dr. Frank speaking?” “Yes” was the answer. “Are you the one who ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:1-5

Denomination: Methodist

Hiding Behind A Veil

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jun 21, 2005

We often suffer from "blurred vision" when it comes to religion or belief in God. We see what we want to see colored by the prejudices (veils) we have created or experienced.

Hiding Behind A Veil Exodus 34:29-35 / 2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:2 Intro: I once attended the wedding of a friend. When the bride started down the aisle, I noticed she was having a difficult time. It was as though she was intoxicated. As she neared the row where I was seated, I could see the ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Windswept

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 3, 2005

America is a land swept by the winds of change. Are they destructive? Yes, if we invest in religion without integrity and if we accept leaders committed to materialism. But refreshing winds are possible as we the church are in touch with the Spirit.

In the hills of eastern Kentucky, not far from where we once lived, there is a hidden-away estate called Windswept. If you crawl up the winding grade of US 421 to the wide place in the road called Morrill, off to your left there is a driveway that leads to a lovely stone house. Windswept was ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 8:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Parting Words Series

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Apr 12, 2009

We commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection annually and claim to personally experience the resurrection of Christ in our own lives. If however there is hostility toward the church and organized religion, something about the resurrection of Christ

• I showed a comic slide to start, which asked the question, "Did anyone hear what the chairman of the board’s parting words were?" The point is how we can walk through an experience, meeting, etc., and totally miss what it was all about. The big question facing us this morning is that very ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:9-20

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Scourge Of Legalism Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Sep 12, 2004

The problem with legalism is: 1. It turns a relationship of love into a religion of laws. 2. It turns people from encouragers into fault-finders. 3. It emphasizes outward conformity rather than inner transformation.

What an interesting story about the early church The Word of God has just spread to the Gentiles (non-Jews and people from other lands), and they have responded enthusiastically to its message. There were thrilling stories of healings, miracles and dramatic conversions. These new converts were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-5

Denomination: Methodist

The Trinity

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 2, 2012

The doctrine of the Trinity is a distinctive mark of Christianity. Though there are “triads” of divinities in many of the world’s religions and philosophies, none of these carries any similarities to the Christian teaching concerning the Trinity.

Title: What the Bible Says About the Trinity Scripture Reading: 1 John 5:7 Text: For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one (1 John 5:7) The doctrine of the Trinity is a distinctive mark of Christianity. Though there ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:7

Denomination: Baptist

Effective Christianity

Contributed by Scott Fields on Oct 9, 2013

Why is Christianity in America declining? Why are professions of faith and baptisms on the decline. Christianity is not a religion but a relationship. Church is not a place we go or something we do it is God's people doing His will.

I have a very serious question to start us off with this morning. Why is Christianity on the decline here in America? I am sure there are probably as many answers as there are people. • Could it be because Christianity is competing with so many other religions? • Could it be because ...read more

Scripture: John 5:31-42

Denomination: Baptist

Believers Or Decievers

Contributed by Horace Wimpey on Sep 25, 2015

Paul writes that if we are believers, we should realize that we are vessels that God resides in through the Holy Spirit. The world will try to deceive us and tell us that God reside within religion.

BELIEVERS OR DECIEVERS 1 Corinthians 3:16-20 (NLT) Intro: A dog food company’s latest product was not selling very well, so the president called a board meeting to discuss why. The advertisement department said the ads were great and going full speed ahead. The research and development ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:16-20

Denomination: Baptist