Sermons on Outward Religious:

Pretty Leaves

Contributed by James May on Feb 10, 2006

Jesus is looking for more than a beautiful appearance. He is looking for fruit to fill the void in the Body of Christ.

PRETTY LEAVES Pastor Jim May Matthew 21:18-22, "Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:18-22

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Ba Christian Vs Cultural Christian

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Mar 8, 2012

Cultural Christianity means to pursue the God we want instead of the God who is. It is the tendency to be shallow in our understanding of God, wanting Him to be more of a gentle grandfather type who pampers us and lets us have our own way. It is sensing a

Opening illustration: Throughout our life, Maureena and I have been exposed to a number of cultures but we have yielded to none, not even the one that we were born in. The weaning process takes a longer time for some than others. The impact that the culture has in the church in America is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:11-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Testing Of Pure And False Religion

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Feb 6, 2023

We need to make sure we test our religion to see if it has value or not. The heart of pure religion is not in the garb, the traditions, the rituals but is based in Love in action.

The Testing of Pure and False Religion By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: - Years ago I collected soda cans and turned them in for money at the recycling center. At the recycling center I would place all the cans I collect on a belt that went through the giant magnet and if the can was ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Apostolic

The Ark Of The Lord

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Oct 18, 2000

The story of the Ark’s return to Jerusalem is a sharp reminder of what happens if God’s instructions are flouted and the blessing that obedience brings.

THE ARK OF THE LORD I expect some of you will, like me, have wasted a couple of hours watching the film "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark". It’s a fantasy adventure story loosely based on the fact that the Ark of the Covenant was lost without trace nearly two and a half thousand ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 13:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

I Simply Must Have… Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Apr 4, 2011

God recreates the whole life of those who give up small ambitions and admissions.

Read Matthew 13.44-46. Pray. Introduction Matthew again pairs two parables to press on us all the more forcefully one point. Last week we heard two parables of hidden and growing power. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, small and insignificant, but hidden in the dirt it grows to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Tuesday: That Special Week Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Apr 2, 2007

Behind every question is an agenda or attitude of heart.

Tuesday: That Special Week (Matthew 21:23-22:40) 1. A couple was strolling along an ocean side beach and noticed a bottle floating in the water. They waded out toward it and saw it contained a note. They eagerly opened the bottle and read the note. It said: "I’m marooned on a tropical island. ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Responsibility Of Freedom

Contributed by Alvin Hathaway, Sr. on May 21, 2011

As we move ever closer to the idea of freedom, we must confront the reality that the coin of freedom has two sides: and on the opposite side is responsibility.

Sunday, November 9, 2008 “The Responsibility of Freedom Text: Galatians 5: 1 – 14 When Nelson Mandela, after 27 years in prison, won the election as President of South Africa, standing in the grand Stadium before hundreds of thousands of his people dancing, shouting, and ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Grace And The Hidden Chains Of Legalism

Contributed by Antonio Manaytay on Jun 24, 2025

This sermon discusses the danger of slipping to legalism after being saved by grace.

Scripture: Galatians 5:1 (NIV) "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Grace is a glorious gift. It is the unmerited favor of God lavished upon sinners who cannot earn their way to heaven. The ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

Twenty-Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A: Marriage Supper Of The Lamb

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Sep 2, 2023

Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfilment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness

At the wedding rehearsal, the bride told the priest that she was nervous that she would not remember what to do during the wedding. The celebrant told her that she only needed to remember 3 things. First the aisle, because that is what you'll be walking down. Secondly, the altar because ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Catholic

Consider Your Ways: Look Around (Sermon 1 Of 4) Series

Contributed by Ken Pell on Sep 10, 2014

When we allow the common to take priority over the call of God we will sense an emptiness that can only be solved by returning with a repentant heart.

CONSIDER YOUR WAYS: A CALL TO HOLINESS LOOK OUTWARD Haggai 1:1-6 Big Idea: When we allow the common to take priority over the call of God we will sense an emptiness that can only be solved by returning with a repentant heart. Supporting Scripture: • Psalm 51:1-12 • Lamentations ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-6

Denomination: Nazarene

Prevailing Proofs Of A Real Faith Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Jan 30, 2001

Reminders of who we are in Christ

PREVAILING PROOFS OF A REAL FAITH  God continually reminds of who we are in Christ: no longer in Adam. Behavior depends on seeing and recognizing who you are and the basic facts of your idenity. Backwards today: act first and then believe. Paul has been leading us step by step to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:14-17

Am I Good Enough? Series

Contributed by Brian Atwood on Feb 26, 2003

First sermon in series "Living Life on Purpose - Christ’s Answers to Man’s Questions". This is a question from John the Baptist.

Christ’s purpose-driven life was constantly arousing the curiosity of onlookers. Whether His followers or His enemies, people were so impressed with Him, or, in some cases, intimidated by Him, that they wanted to know how and why He had it all together - so they asked Him questions. Jesus used ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Fevers

Contributed by Steven Cook on Feb 12, 2003

This sermon is concerned with the problems that exist in the Christian’s life lending the need for revival.

“Spiritual Fevers” Luke 4:38-44 Dr. Steven G. Cook I. Introduction A. Read Text – Luke 4:38-44 B. This the 4th miracle of Jesus recorded in God’s Word. C. The first recorded miracle (Changing Water into Wine) revealed that Jesus is “The Creator of Life”. D. The second recorded miracle of Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

"Sound The Trumpet!" (Joel) Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 10, 2002

Heartfelt-repentance over empty ritual is needed

“Sound the Trumpet!” Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts Remember the sales slogan for Morton Salt? “When it rains, it pours.” Sometimes that’s true with blessings, and it’s often true with calamities. In Joel we see how God uses a devastating plague of ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:1-14

Denomination: Congregational

What I Have Is Not Who I Am

Contributed by James Westmoreland on Dec 5, 2005

Being thankful does not have much to do with what I have, but it has a lot to do with who I am.

What I Have Is Not Who I Am! 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 and Philippians 4:4-13 by Jim Westmoreland I may have a nice house and a refrigerator and a freezer full of food. I may have a good job or a great retirement income. I may have abundance and plenty and still not be a thankful person. If I am a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-13

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ