Sermons on legality:

Give Me That Old Time Legalistic Religion

Contributed by Bobby Brewer on Oct 10, 2021

Jesus and Paul experienced opposition from the legalists of their day, as will you and I. None of us are completely immune from its’ affects and we too must guard our hearts from presenting a message and lifestyle that God never intended

Series: We’re on a Mission from God Message: Give Me that Old Time Legalistic Religion Text: Acts 22:22 Big Idea: Jesus had numerous confrontations with the legalists, who among other reasons, sought to kill Him for healing on the Sabbath (Mt. 13:14). Paul also experienced opposition from the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 22:20-22, Acts 22:22

#30 The Problem Is The Heart Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Oct 12, 2020

The Pharisees and scribes were all wrapped up in rules and externals.

#30 The Problem Is the Heart Series: Mark Chuck Sligh October 13, 2020 The Pharisees and scribes were all wrapped up in rules and externals. In Mark 7:1-23, Jesus taught that what pleases Him most is worship from the HEART. NOTE: PowerPoint or ProPresenter presentations are available for this ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Freedom Day

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 5, 2023

All our days were given by God and belong to God; but on the Sabbath day he gives us freedom as well.

Leah didn’t know why she kept coming to the synagogue. She counted the days up in her head... every seven days for eighteen years, it had to be at least 400 times, she thought. At first people were sorry for her, and someone would take her arm to help her up the steps to section reserved for the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Who Cares?

Contributed by David Nolte on Aug 26, 2019

Like the Psalmist, some think, "No one cares for my soul."

“Who Cares? Luke 13:10-17 David P. Nolte Fred Craddock was a seminary professor and a preacher, but he liked to attend his home church whenever he could. He was supposed to go out of town one Sunday morning to speak, but it was within driving distance so he went to an early service at his ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Saul/Paul: The Consummate Legalist Finally Gains Perfection Lesson 10 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 19, 2023

Law keeping begins with a head issue, and following Christ begins with a heart issue.

A. SAUL’S LAW KEEPING WAS IMPERFECT 1. He was a flawed law keeper (Philippians 3:4-6). 2. He hated Christ and persecuted Christians. “Saul was consenting to his (Stephen) death … great persecution against the church … went from house to house … throwing them into prison” (Acts ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-2, Romans 7:19

Denomination: Baptist

When You Can’t Draw Near - Mark 7:1-13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 23, 2023

Legalism is an insidious problem because it allows your heart to drift far from God while making you think you’re doing great spiritually.

Mark 7:1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 2 saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were “unclean,” that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-13, Matthew 15:1-9

The Law And The Believer Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Mar 13, 2024

What does the Bible teach about our relationship with God's Law

Dr. Bradford Reaves CrossWay Christian Fellowship Hagerstown, MD www.mycrossway.org We are here now in the heart of Romans, what I would consider the approaching the pinnacle of Paul’s message to the Church in Rome. As we approach this point in Paul’s letter, we have before us some profound and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:1-6, Romans 7:7-13, Romans 7:14-23

Denomination: Brethren

Joy Contest: God Vs. World - Psalm 4:2-8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 6, 2025

David gets more joy from the smile of God than unbelievers would have even if they got everything they desire.

Psalm 4:1-8 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God (lit God of my righteousness). Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. 2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 4:2-8

The Spring Of Persistent Public Love

Contributed by John Piper on Mar 29, 2007

Marking the Two-Hundredth Anniversary of the Abolition of Legal Slave Trading in Britain

The title of this message is long and full of historical significance: “The Spring of Persistent Public Love, Marking the Two-Hundredth Anniversary of the Abolition of Legal Slave Trading in Britain: A Sermon on Martin Luther King Weekend.” I hope to weave together three things: 1) a biblical ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

Does ‘abandoning The Faith’ Mean Losing Your Salvation? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 16, 2015

An examination of the difficult phrase "abandoning the faith" and its proper context of legalism, not salvation.

THE MAIN QUESTION: Does “abandon[ing] the faith” mean losing your salvation? - 1 Timothy 4:1. - This is one of those passages where the wording immediately lends itself to thinking about eternal security. What does it mean that “some will abandon the faith”? Does it mean ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Grace: The Great Escape Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Sep 5, 2013

Grace is God’s ability to declare us to be free from the prison and faith is the only key that unlocks the prison door.

INTRODUCTION One of my favorite WWII movies is “The Great Escape,” released in 1963. My favorite scene is where Steve McQueen, who became a superstar after the movie, escaped from the German soldiers by riding a motorcycle through a field. He jumped a fence on his motorcycle, but was ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:15-25

Denomination: Baptist

Dancing, Wine And The Bible (Part 3, Legalism The Spirit Of Witchcraft) Series

Contributed by Jose Gomez Sr. on Mar 6, 2006

Dance and wine was and is a natural part of celebration in the jewish culture and Jesus was very comfortable with it.

Exposing the truth of legalism (part 3) Rev.Jose Gomez Sr. le•gal•ism 1 : strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code that restricts free choice> le•gal•ist one that views things from a legal standpoint; especially : one that places primary ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Adultery Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 11, 2022

Adultery is extramarital sex considered objectionable on social, religious, moral, or legal grounds. Although the sexual activities that constitute adultery vary, as well as the social, religious, and legal consequences, the concept exists in many cultures.

Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:27-30 (Adultery) Jesus states, "Whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery." Adultery Matthew 5:27–30 — The New International Version (NIV) 27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Religious Challenge

Contributed by John Knight on Apr 14, 2003

Overcoming religiosity and legalism. (a piecing together of three sermons from sermoncentral)

The Religious Challenge Mark 7:1-13 Introduction: Christmas phonies My experience with religious phonies Christian legalists made them that way I. Pharisees As Imitations Respected religious leaders Keepers (guardians) of the Law Became a members only club Jesus defines them by 7 ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-13, Mark 7:8-13

Denomination: Holiness

Gambling – What Does One Really Stand To Lose

Contributed by Don Mcclain on Jan 22, 2003

Legalized gambling is harmful public policy that should be vigorously opposed at all levels.

INTRODUCTION A. GAMBLING DEFINED Merriam-Webster, - to play a game for money or property American Heritage® Dictionary - To bet on an uncertain outcome, as of a contest. - To play a game of chance for stakes. - To take a risk in the hope of gaining an advantage or a benefit. World Book ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:9-18, Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational