Sermons on Pharisaical Religion:

"Looking Good Is Not Enough”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Aug 26, 2021

Jesus challenged the Pharisees..... religion is useless and worthless, ineffective when it substitutes a human plan of salvation for God's plan of redemption; when it rests upon man's works. (Illus. Pharisee robes and rules.) (Illus. what people do to look better)

In Jesus Holy Name Pentecost XIV August 29, 2021 Text: Mark 7:1-14 “Looking Good Is Not Enough” Recently “People” magazine selected the 50 most beautiful people in the world, I wasn't on the list. It was quite a blow. Years ago Cindy Crawford was a heartthrob for many men and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-14, Matthew 15:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

The Heart Of Christmas

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Dec 12, 2021

Let’s not miss the heart of Christmas like those who missed it the first Christmas because they were too busy with their religion and traditions or looking for other things. And let’s not miss it because of the fear that has gripped our hearts over this current pandemic and the social unrest.

The Heart of Christmas Last week we talked about the Spirit of Christmas, and I thought this week I’d share with you about what I’d like to call “The Heart of Christmas.” But before I do, I’d like to share with you a story. A couple of days before Christmas two men decided to go sailing while ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6

Denomination: Foursquare

The Word Of Truth

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Jan 1, 2023

In today’s passage in James 1:19-26 we are going to learn that for religion to be pure and faultless it be based on listening and obeying the word which means keeping a tight reign on one’s tongue, taking care of the widows and orphans and to keep from being polluted by the world.

The Word of Truth James 1:19-26 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 Does your form of religion get you closer to God? Are the externals of your faith such as going to church regularly, almsgiving, prayer, fasting, reading God’s word, and singing a true reflection of ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-26

Denomination: Baptist

Can't Buy Me Love! Series

Contributed by Greg Nance on May 9, 2003

Riches and Religion can make a bad mix. Jesus, who left the treasures of heaven to walk among us in the wilderness of sin and sorrows... His example shows us the way to true treasures! Don’t let the glitter blind you from the glory of eternity! Today’s

So you want to be rich, huh? 1 Timothy 6: 3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:3-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Graced From Shame (2nd Sunday) Series

Contributed by Kent Kessler on Dec 9, 2006

Has someone put a little "dis" on the front of your grace? Elizabeth knew what that was like. Her freedom was hindered, her past was haunting her, her conditions were less than what they should be, her religion was empty and she her efforts were fruitless

When I was little, if I had something on my face, my mother would often spit on a napkin or her thumb, reach over into my space and wipe the grit, or food, or dirt off of my face. It is a proven fact that a mother’s spit contains the same ingredients found in Formula 409! When we don’t look right, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25

Denomination: Methodist

Jesus Loves The Church

Contributed by David Scudder on Sep 13, 2010

I have met a lot of people who tell me that they believe in God, but they don't believe in organized religion. In other words, they don't care about going to church. Why does Christ love the church, or in our case, why does Christ love Bethel?

Purpose: To describe Christ's intimate connection with the local church. Aim: I want the listener to have an exalted view of the church. INTRODUCTION: I have met a lot of people who tell me that they believe in God, but they don't believe in organized religion. In other words, they don't care ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-32

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How To Pray The Prayer Of Faith

Contributed by Tony Abram on May 2, 2010

Prayers are made all day long all over the world by all religions and even in hell, remember the rich man prayed in Luke 16 that Abraham would send the poor beggar to give him one drop of water. Most of all these prayers or perhaps none are ever answered.

HOW TO PRAY THE PRAYER OF FAITH Romans 8:14-171 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-7

He Alone.."Is The One True God"

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Jan 19, 2015

No one…Should ever under estimate the craftiness of the accuser when we see what's happening around the world today. So much of the accuser running too and fro masked in the name of religion..when do stand up and say "Enough is Enough?" How about Now?

He Alone.."Is The One True God" John 10:10-11 NKJ 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. We live in a day and age where the accuser..is pulling out all the stops He has never wavered ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-6, John 10:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Open Eyes And An Open Heart

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Mar 3, 2014

Let us reach out to those who are pushed aside like the Jews have been, those who are marginalized because of their race or religion or other prejudice. We should not fear that which we do not understand but rather we should seek to understand that which we fear.

Open eyes and an open heart Matthew 25:31-46NIV This week I helped my Mom with her citizenship. My Mother is an American citizen and proud of it. But here in Canada she is a landed immigrant and the last time she went through the border at Canada she was reminded that her landed immigrant ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Way, The Truth, The Life

Contributed by Mark Baker on Mar 1, 2011

New Age religion and modernists say that there are many paths to God. Basically everyone has their own path to take, and regardless of the path it still leads to God. So regardless of the path taken you're going to get to God anyway, so what’s the big de

The Way, The Truth, The Life John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2. "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Plastic Faith

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Sep 26, 2025

Artificial leaves look healthy but produce nothing. In Mark 11 Jesus exposes leaf-only religion: a fig tree with no fruit, a crowded temple with no prayer, faith without forgiveness, and leaders without surrender. He clears space for real life with God—fruit, prayer, forgiveness, and obedience.

An artificial plant looks impressive. But it produces nothing. You could easily buy one at a store with thought that it will "bring life to any room." And—sure—it brings the appearance of life. The leaves stay green. They never drop. It never needs water. In fact, if I tried to water it, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Greed Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Oct 8, 2011

Americans do not go to church any more: they have switched religions; they now attend the Temple of Greed!” We didn’t invent greed. Greed has been around as long as there have been people, and stuff to lust after. In every era of human history, there have

Greed Proverbs 28:25, Luke 12:15, Philippians 4:12, 2 Corinthians 9:6 Several men were in the locker room of a health club after exercising. Suddenly a cell phone on one of the benches rings. A man picks it up and the following conversation ensues: 
Hello?" "Honey, It's me." "Hi!" "Are you ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:15

Denomination: Methodist

The Way, The Truth & The Life

Contributed by Larry Grant on Oct 7, 2023

We have had some Christians today raised in our churches who have said that this position is too exclusive for them because every religion has some intrinsic value! Saints, God has called you out of darkness into the light to tell others that Jesus is the only way!

John 14:3-6 (NKJV) "The Way, The Truth & The Life" October 8, 2023 ‘This text takes place’ - After the miracles, after the teaching, after the preaching, after the Passover Supper, after the washing of their feet, after Satan entered Judas and betrays Him, Jesus now speaks to His ...read more

Scripture: John 14:3-6

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 52: Gourmet Preaching Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 14, 2018

Preaching lessons from the best sermon ever given, the Sermon on the Mount.

Lesson Goal In this lesson I hope to teach some features of a rich sermon gleaned from the greatest sermon of all time, the Sermon on the Mount for a sermon filled with splendid content. Lesson Intro Have you ever sat through one of those sermons where you wished you could remember every line, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Legitimate Use Of Rituals Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 29, 2024

For a person to be declared righteous by God, rituals/sacraments are unnecessary. Justification is by faith alone. So, what is the value of rituals like water baptism and the Lord's Supper? Using Romans 4:11, this message seeks to answer that question.

Intro Last week we expounded Romans 4:9-12. There Paul used Abraham’s experience to prove circumcision is not a prerequisite for justification. In that study, we did not have time to talk about why God gave Abraham the rite of circumcision. If it is of no value for justification, then what is its ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-25, Genesis 17:1-14, Genesis 9:12, Exodus 12:13, Jeremiah 31:31-33, Colossians 2:1-13, 1 Corinthians 9:2, Deuteronomy 30:1-6, Acts 2:38  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic