Sermons on Mystery Religions:

An Indoor-Outdoor Spiritual Barbeque

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 14, 2015

A damning indictment against stubborn unbelief, and a shocking redefining of 'family'...

AN INDOOR-OUTDOOR SPIRITUAL BARBEQUE. Mark 3:20-35. Belief crowds in towards Jesus, oblivious of walls (oblivious of the roof on one occasion), in the hope of a healing touch (Mark 3:20). Unbelief stands outside, questioning Jesus’ sanity. Some well-meaning acquaintances of Jesus wanted to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Curse Of Idolizing Family Over God. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 27, 2024

Idolatry is a serious offense against God, and one of the most subtle forms of idolatry is prioritizing family over our relationship with Him.

Idolatry is a serious offense against God, and one of the most subtle forms of idolatry is prioritizing family over our relationship with Him. Today, we'll explore the curse of worshipping idols over family and the importance of putting God first. Exodus 20:3-5 warns us, "You shall have ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:3-5, Matthew 10:37-39

Biblical Fasting

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jul 24, 2017

Fasting has been misused by mystics and sometimes remained a mystery to many committed Christians. Although opinions are mixed on the issue, I believe we can carve out a Biblical position that, while perhaps incomplete, will lay a good foundation.

Biblical Fasting (Matthew 9: 14-15) 1. This is perhaps the most awful pun you will hear. 2. Mahatma Gandhi went around barefoot quite often, and eventually his soles turned very tough and thick. Of course he also was a devout Hindu. Later in life he also fasted a lot, becoming thin and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:14-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Living Together In Personal Thanksgiving Series

Contributed by Kenneth Henes on Jun 23, 2004

Paul cites for us one attitude and one action that enable us to live together in personal thanksgiving.

LIVING TOGETHER IN PERSONAL THANKSGIVING Philippians 4:10-20 INTRODUCTION A. We have much to be thankful for in America, yet we are not always thankful. 1. "If the rich young ruler was rich, what am I?" by William Boice. Dear Lord, I have been re-reading the record of the Rich Young Ruler and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

1st Things 1st: "Salvation Is Found In Jesus Alone" Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Aug 23, 2005

Do Christians really believe that salvation is found ONLY through Jesus Christ?

There were a lot of things one could believe in in the ancient world… • There were all manner of Greek or Roman ‘gods’ one could worship… just take your pick! Epicureanism was a common philosophy. So was Stoicism. There were all kinds of mystery religions and pagan worship ideas. • There were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:8-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Deep Things Out Of Darkness

Contributed by James Dina on Jun 30, 2020

God can reveal everything in darkness, even the deep things that are in the darkness; because the darkness is not dark to Him, and the night is as bright as the day, darkness and light are alike to the Almighty God (Psalm 139: 12).

DEEP THINGS OUT OF DARKNESS JOB 12:22 “He discovers deep things out of darkness, and brings to light the shadow of death”. The attributes of God, as revealed in the Bible, are crucial to understanding the truth about God, who He is and what He does. He created everything according to His perfect ...read more

Scripture: Job 12:22, Isaiah 45:7, Genesis 1:1, Daniel 2:47, Psalm 139:12, Job 34:22, Daniel 2:22, 1 Corinthians 4:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Blind Guides Of The Blind

Contributed by Shane Williams on Oct 18, 2000

There is so much confusion in religion today that some people just don't know where to turn. Are the majority of these groups paying close attention to the doctrine or teaching of Christ?

"Blind Guides Of The Blind" "And after He called the multitude to Him, He said to them, "Hear, and understand. "Not what enters into the mouth defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man." Then the disciples came and said to Him, "Do You know that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:10-14, 1 Timothy 4:16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Face In The Crowd Series

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Mar 25, 2008

God’s anger is inflamed when humanity exploits itself but more especially in the name of religion. God will hold accountable, people who make worship a burdensome thing.

Michelle Sterling, Global Image Group: "Within the first three seconds of a new encounter, people evaluate you… even if it is just a glance. People appraise your visual and behavioral appearance from head to toe. They observe your demeanor, mannerisms, and body language and even assess your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:6-15

Denomination: Salvation Army

A Reasoning Faith

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Mar 2, 2009

Christian truth stands up to all criticisms from science, philosophy and religions. Either the Bible is the true inspired Word of God or the Bible is a book of fables and fairy tails.

A Reasoning Faith II Timothy 1:8-12 This morning our theme is “A Reasoning Faith” – know what you believe and why you believe. Here are some comments made by children on various teachings of the Bible. - Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. - Noah’s wife was called Joan of Ark. - Lot’s ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:8-12

Denomination: Free Methodist

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

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

"A Big Sigh Of Relief"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Jul 20, 2010

Religion that focuses only on the details of things you’re allowed or not allowed to touch or eat is dealing with worldly and perishable things. God is much bigger than that!

Colossians 2:6-23 “A Big Sigh of Relief” As Christians, it seems like we are always trying to add more stuff... …rules, regulations, don’t do this, don’t say that… “…you gotta have this, you gotta have that…” But in our Scripture ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-23

Denomination: United Methodist

What Sets Christianity Apart

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Aug 3, 2010

All of the religions of the world have works at their core; all except Christianity. Here is a great story of Jesus confronting the self-righteous works righteousness of His day, and ours!

Passage: Matthew 15:1-20 Intro: Christianity is unique among the religions of the world. 1. and we are going to see why it is in this passage. 2. it is a conversation of intense conflict, so much so that it made Jesus’ disciples nervous. 3. in an atmosphere of love and grace, Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical Free

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

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