Sermons on Legalization:

If It’s Ok, Is It Ok? Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Mar 31, 2021

Marijuana. Yes, this is a message prompted by the legalization of recreational marijuana use in our state. How should a believer approach this?

Question to be asked: OK, now that marijuana has been legalized, is there anything wrong with using it? Intro: I’m driving up Perryville. There, on the right-hand side, there’s a line of people standing out in the cold. I’ve noticed them there since very early on this year, nearly every day. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 Corinthians 16:13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Holiness God’s Standard For All People

Contributed by Pastor Glen Key on Jul 16, 2011

The Word of God in 1 Corinthians 1:30 explains to us that Jesus is our sanctifier and without him we cannot be holy. Some Christians emphasize biblical standards of holiness. Some call this legalism, and unfortunately sometimes it is legalism.

Holiness to be God’s standard of living for His people. The Word of God in 1 Corinthians 1:30 explains to us that Jesus is our sanctifier and without him we cannot be holy. Some Christians emphasize biblical standards of holiness. Some call this legalism, and unfortunately sometimes it is ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:3-6

Denomination: Church Of God

Empty Stomachs Series

Contributed by John Harvey on May 15, 2008

Empty stomachs, legalistic worship and stubborn hearts lead to missing Christ’s work in our lives.

“Empty Stomachs, Legalistic Worship, and Stubborn Hearts” May 18, 2008 Me: Some stuff really bugs me: poor cell phone etiquette, driving with a blinker on, people writing checks at the grocery store. All this stuff just really bugs me and I have been trying to understand why. Basically what I ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The L Card

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Feb 26, 2013

Been slinging the L card about? Be sure you know what it means.

Heard a preacher today say that the only ones who use the term legalist are the ones under conviction. No, he was not a fighting Fundie. He was a non-denom. I had that handle laid on me many times over the years by people who did not know what it really meant. I had just hit on a problem they had ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Stumblingblock Or Steppingstone?

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 20, 2012

We can have unity without uniformity. And just because you CAN do something in your Christian liberty doesn’t mean you SHOULD.

Stumbling Block or Stepping Stone? Romans 14:13-23 Audio: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/121212.mp3 In Divisions Over Debatables we looked at gray areas of the Christian life. The discussion was about how we are to treat other Christians who see things differently than we do. We are a diverse ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Go Back! Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Sep 5, 2013

Legalism is a real temptation for us because we're wired to DO something. We have learned that we earn our bread by the sweat of our brow and we can't help but apply that to our spiritual life.

INTRODUCTION The book of Galatians has six chapters and they are easily divided into three themes. The first two chapters are doctrinal. Paul reminded the believers the Gospel of grace is the only true Gospel. The two middle chapters are personal, and the last two chapters are practical. ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Expectations When Following Christ Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Oct 16, 2012

THE LIFE OF A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST IS FULL OF CONSTANTS. THERE IS THE CONSTANT OF AN ABUNDANT LIFE. THERE IS THE CONSTANT THAT JESUS WILL NEVER LEAVES YOU OR FORSAKE YOU. THERE IS THE CONSTANT THAT WE ARE A NEW CREATION IN CHRIST JESUS.THERE IS THE CONST

EXPECTATIONS WHEN FOLLOWING CHRIST ACTS 10:24-48 INTRODUCTION: THE LIFE OF A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST IS FULL OF CONSTANTS. THERE IS THE CONSTANT OF AN ABUNDANT LIFE. THERE IS THE CONSTANT THAT JESUS WILL NEVER LEAVES YOU OR FORSAKE YOU. THERE IS THE CONSTANT THAT WE ARE A NEW CREATION IN CHRIST ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:24-28

Denomination: Baptist

Gambling Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Oct 23, 2012

Is the prohibition of gambling in the Covenant of Christian Conduct just a legalistic rule or a natural outflow of loving God completely and love others as ourselves?

A year or so ago we took several months to review the sixteen Articles of Faith found in the Manual of the Church of The Nazarene. These subjects included what we believe about the Triune God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Scriptures, Sin, Atonement, Salvation, the Church, the Sacraments, the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:8-10

Denomination: Nazarene

Matthew 5 - Part 11 - Quick, I Think I Need A Lawyer! Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Dec 31, 2009

When it comes to the law, I am not merely an in-law (one whose relationship with God is based on a set of rules and regulations) or an outlaw (one who wants to live outside the law). I need a lawyer!

Matthew 5 - Part 11 - I think I need a lawyer? I once went to court on behalf of young mother with an intellectual disability. She was a difficult person and the Department of Children’s Services had decided, in their wisdom, to apply the letter of the law and take away her child. It was my task ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Called To Freedom

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 4, 2010

The message explores some of the implications of our freedom in Christ, encouraging believers to walk as free people.

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. “Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Falling From Grace Series

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Jul 13, 2010

Speaking on grace has seemed one sided…when you speak of unconditional forgiveness, limitless love, & boundless acceptance. It’s just screaming to be abused and misused... here are three loop-holes:

Speaking on grace has seemed one sided…when you speak of unconditioned forgiveness and limitless love and boundless acceptance… * The scent of sandal arises when you tell sinners that; “No matter what, God loves you and can forgive you.” or that “No amount of effort and works impresses God any ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:4

Denomination: Baptist

How Sweet The Sound Series

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Jul 13, 2010

What is Grace? “that which brings delight & pleasure” It’s anything that makes God smile! It’s sweeter than the sound of sin, of the law, and of works...

* What is Grace? Common definition- “unmerited, undeserved favor” o “that which brings delight & pleasure” – anything that makes God smile o Grace is in an unusual category of N/V words-(both nouns & verbs) Love, Joy, Hope, and Faith – both a ‘thing’ and something you ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:24

Denomination: Baptist

Part-Time Christians

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Nov 7, 2011

We are either born-again, or we are not; there is no in-between.

Part-time Christians November 6, 2011 Morning Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: We are either born-again, or we are not; there is no in-between. Focus Passage: Matthew 23:23-28 Supplemental Passage: But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:23-28

Denomination: Baptist

The Joy Of Living A Grace-Based Life

Contributed by Brandon Cox on Nov 9, 2011

Every believer in Christ has a right standing with God, and can therefore walk in spiritual confidence! We can move from living by rule-keeping to living by grace.

How Most of Us Live - Based on rules - For the approval of others - For our own version of success Romans 5:1-5 Our State vs. Our Standing John Phillips talks about the difference between our standing as believers, and our state as believers. Our standing is that we are perfect and righteous, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Grace Then, Now, And Always Series

Contributed by Daniel J. Little on Nov 30, 2011

We not only come to Christ through the pure grace of God, we also remain in Christ and live the new life of the Holy Spirit only through grace.

Eph 2:1-10 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: *other