Sermons on Practicing Religion:

Building My Life On Jesus Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Jan 3, 2019

The more I focus on what I am doing for God the more likely I am to miss what God is doing in me.

NOTE: This is a manuscript, and not a transcript of this message. The actual presentation of the message differed from the manuscript through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is possible, and even likely that there is material in this manuscript that was not included in the live ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Real-Igion

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Feb 21, 2012

In today’s passage, James wants to keep us from the deception that being religious is merely going through a set of rituals and motions. James doesn’t want us to be deceived into thinking the more I exemplify religious behavior the more spiritual I am. Le

REALIGION James 1:26-27 INTRODUCTION: Preventing deception is a major theme for James (1:1:16, 22, 26). In today’s passage, James wants to keep us from the deception that being religious is merely going through a set of rituals and motions. James doesn’t want us to be deceived into ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Following Jesus Without Denominationalism Series

Contributed by Sam Baker on Mar 25, 2012

There were a lot of questions that came in from the last message, so hopefully in this message; I will be able to answer some of them . . .

Following Jesus without Denominationalism Part 7: ‘Further Thoughts Related to Authority in Religion’ I never would have thought I would have gotten so many responses to the last message, but I thank GOD that so many of you have taken such an active interest to this Email Ministry, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:38

Denomination: Pentecostal

Moving Past Religion That Weighs You Down Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 18, 2010

This message looks at the burdensome approach to religion that the Pharisees had and what Jesus offers instead.

PHARISEE RELIGION: “Got-to’s” and guilt lead to a heavy burden. - Matthew 23:4. - Cf. v. 3 – The Pharisees don’t practice what they preach, so they’re putting out a standard, but the “unwashed masses” don’t know how to avoid the guilt. In the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:4

Denomination: Baptist

A Talent For The Ridiculous! Series

Contributed by David Smith on Apr 30, 2012

We’ve reached a familiar story in the book of Matthew – the parable of the talents.

It’s a parable I’ve known since my youth - one I am quite familiar with – and having been in this parish almost 21 years now, it’s one that I am reaching for the 7th time even since I’ve been here, which is why it is all the more astounding that I’ve never ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

New Wine, Skinny Jeans Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Apr 8, 2021

How does the gospel relate to our lives, our religions, and our methods?

Introduction I want to open this morning with a challenge for you. No matter who you are, your position or title; no matter what kind of degree you hold, or how long you’ve been coming to church. No matter how much or how little you read your Bible, no matter if you think I’m right or I’m wrong; ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:33-39, Matthew 6:2-6, Matthew 6:16-18, Acts 19:1-7, 1 Corinthians 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

Embracing Change — Making Room For Pure Religion

Contributed by Ron Auch Jr on Jun 1, 2025

Change is never easy. But in the Kingdom of God, change is often the doorway to growth. The Church has always been called to adapt—not by compromising truth, but by shedding old forms that no longer serve the mission.

“Embracing Change — Making Room for Pure Religion” Authentic Worship, Missional Evangelism, and the Call to Genuine Relationship Todays Scriptures: • James 1:27 • Matthew 4:19-22 • Acts 10:34-35 • John 4:23-24 • Matthew 28:18-20 Change Isn’t a Threat—It’s a Call Change is never easy. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:27, Matthew 4:19, Matthew 4:20, Matthew 4:21, Matthew 4:22, Acts 10:34-35, John 4:23-24, Matthew 28:18-20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Embracing Change — Making Room For Pure Religion Series

Contributed by Ron Auch Jr on Jun 8, 2025

Change Isn’t a Threat—It’s a Call Change is never easy. But in the Kingdom of God, change is often the doorway to growth. The Church has always been called to adapt—not by compromising truth, but by shedding old forms that no longer serve the mission.

Sermon 1 “Embracing Change — Making Room for Pure Religion” Authentic Worship, Missional Evangelism, and the Call to Genuine Relationship Key Texts: • James 1:27 • Matthew 4:19-22 • Acts 10:34-35 • John 4:23-24 • Matthew 28:18-20 Change Isn’t a Threat—It’s a Call Change is never easy. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:27, Matthew 4:19-22, Acts 10:34-35, John 4:23-24, Matthew 28:18-20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Harvest At The End Of The Age Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Oct 14, 2004

Parables for Christian Living, Pt. 1

THE HARVEST AT THE END OF THE AGE (MATTHEW 13:24-30, 36-43) One summer (2007), Pastor Michael, a Chinese missionary with our denomination, was on furlough from his work in Peru. He and his wife decided to visit Los Angeles area pastors to share about their work with coworkers and friends they often ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-43

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Are You Religious? (Part Three) Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jan 23, 2017

What does it mean to become polluted by the world? To be polluted means our thinking and behaviors are of the world. We are subscribing to its philosophies and ideals. We are liviing in accordance with the sinful nature. So how do we become unpolluted?

ARE YOU RELGIOUS (part three) Recap: Last week we looked at the beginning of James 1:27, "Religion as God the Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." We looked at why orphans and widows and it's because these are among the most vulnerable, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:27, James 2:15-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus, The Light Of The World PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 30, 2023

This sermon aims to explore the profound truths in John 8, highlighting Jesus as the Light of the World who reveals and condemns sin, not to shame us, but to guide us towards repentance and transformation.

Good morning, family in Christ! Let's dive into some rich and enlightening truths from the Word of God today. We're going to be exploring John 8, where Jesus boldly declares Himself as the Light of the World. Let's consider the contrast between Jesus and religion, which often gets murky in today's ...read more

Topics: Contrast, Jesus, Religion

Religions, Aren't They All The Same Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Feb 6, 2019

In this message we will attempt to help answer the question whether or not all religions are the same.

Religions: Aren’t They All The Same Ephesians 2:11-21 I’d like to ask you a few questions as we begin our time together today… They are real easy questions to answer. OKAY – here we go. • Is every soft drink the same? • Is every french fry the same? • Is all music the same? • Is all fried ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6, 1 Peter 3:15, Ephesians 2:11-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When Religion Isn't Enough Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 13, 2019

True religion isn't about external rituals, but it is about relationship and wholehearted devotion.

A. One day, many years ago, a well-respected British minister took the trolley early Monday morning from his home in the suburbs to the church in downtown London. 1. He paid the driver as he got on the trolley, and being pre-occupied with his busy schedule and the needs of his church he didn’t ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Do All Faiths/Religions Lead To God Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on May 18, 2016

A study of eternal destinations

Do All Faiths/Religions Lead to God Luke 23: 32 - 42 32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:32-42

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Spirit Of The Antichrist

Contributed by Jose R. Hernandez on Apr 11, 2011

Today I want to speak to you about something that some of you may find alarming or controversial. Today I want to speak to you about the spirit of the antichrist.

Today I want to speak to you about something that some of you may find alarming or controversial. Today I want to speak to you about the spirit of the antichrist. Before proceeding, I wish to make two very important clarifications. Number one, I would like to make it perfectly clear that my ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:18-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible