Sermons on Pure Religion:

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

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

Christians Are Persecuted Severely Worldwide: Ancient Thessalonica To The Modern Era

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 27, 2021

Did you know that today in our modern world Christianity is the number one most persecuted religion in the world? Christians face murder and death for their faith every day.

Did you know that today in our modern world Christianity is the number one most persecuted religion in the world? Christians face murder and death for their faith every day. A great deal of persecution occurs in the following countries: Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, India, China, and the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:10-12, 1 Thessalonians 1:3-6, Matthew 25:31-46, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Denomination: Salvation Army

Resurrection Of Lazarus Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Nov 1, 2017

Can Jesus raise the dead? The big question in any religion concerns death. Death is a great mystery. And life is a great mystery, but life is practically meaningless if there is no resurrection of the dead.

Perea to Bethany Lesson: Resurrection of Lazarus John 11:1-44 Introduction Jesus’ public ministry is over and now He is concentrating on His private ministry. He centers on individuals and He is no longer reaching out to the nation of Israel. The raising of Lazarus from the dead occurred ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Denomination: Baptist

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

The Fruit Of Goodness Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 9, 2021

Jesus blasted all religion that failed the test of goodness. If people are not made good by their faith, their faith is no good. God is good, and what is not good is not of God. That is Biblical theology in a nutshell.

A young boy had been sent to his room for bad behavior. After awhile he emerged and told his mother he had thought it over and prayed about it. "That's wonderful", said the mother. "If you ask God He will help you be good." The boy responded, "But I didn't ask God ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Serving God

Contributed by Grant Adams on Feb 19, 2024

Howard Ingram had an old saying, “Many Christians have just enough religion to make them miserable.” Serving God should be one of the greatest things in the world.

Many Christians have a wrong idea, view, and attitude toward serving God. There are those today that do not love God’s service. It should be the greatest thrill and joy of our lives. John 15:16; tells us that we are chosen by God. Many, when talking or preaching about service, want to tune you ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17, John 6:66, Matthew 25:26

Denomination: Baptist

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

Go! And Be Healed Through Faith In Jesus - Luke 8:43–48 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 17, 2025

True healing flows from faith in Jesus—not from rituals, not from religion, not from worldly remedies, but from a personal, life-transforming encounter with the Lord of all.

Go! And Be Healed Through Faith in Jesus - Luke 8:43–48 Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank You for the healing power that flows from Jesus Christ. Open our hearts today to understand what true healing means. Let our faith be stirred, our burdens lifted, and our lives transformed as we place ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:43-48, Leviticus 15:25-27, Matthew 9:29-30, Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24, James 5:15, Matthew 11:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Mephibosheth: A Picture Of God's Divine Grace And Undeserved Favor Series

Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Sep 5, 2016

Grace is a dirty word for the devil. It's the power behind the gospel - not creed, religion, philosophy. Grace is God reaching somebody like me - God's favor that is unearned, undeserved, unrepayable. We see it in David's encounter with Mephibosheth.

DAVID SERIES: A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART - PART 14: MEPHIBOSHETH - A PERFECT PICTURE OF GOD'S GRACE 2 SAMUEL 9: 1 Now David said, ¡§Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan¡¦s sake?¡¨ 2 And there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Denomination: Charismatic

Being Like God Series

Contributed by Andy Payne on Aug 23, 2009

In our modern world we don’t have room for God. We have sent humans to the moon, and cured a great many diseases and illnesses. Perpetrating the myth religion was invented by scientifically naive people.

INTRODUCTION: God created the world In our modern world we don’t have room for God Send man to the moon Cure diseases and illnesses Perpetrating the myth Religion was invented by scientifically naive people Not understanding the world and the natural laws that govern it Created God to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Mission Sunday

Contributed by John Dobbs on Jul 1, 2022

I want to help frame the idea of “mission work” in a way that includes opportunities for Christians and the church.

Note: This sermon is written by Daniel Kirkendall, prepared for July 3, 2022. Honduras Sunday As I share about my experience in Honduras and the opportunities that are available to us here at Forsythe, there are a few questions I want us to think about moving forward. John just wrapped up a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:44, Luke 9:23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Come Out From Among Them ...

Contributed by Jerry Smith on Feb 2, 2014

God says, “come out from among them…” Why? Because our Heavenly Father is holy. Are we presenting the image of our Father in heaven (like Jesus Christ was), or are we presenting the image of the world?

OPENING * Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:17). God says, “come out from among them…” Why? Because our Heavenly Father is holy. Are we presenting the image of our Father in heaven as ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Benefits Of Intimate Communications 

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Why do you suppose that some people are able to maintain intimate communications with God when others cannot? In this passage we are given some insights into how the apostles experienced benefits from their pure spiritual communications.

Why do you suppose that some people are able to maintain intimate communications with God when others cannot? In this passage we are given some insights into how the apostles experienced benefits from their pure spiritual communications. 1. Dr. Luke writes, "While they were ministering to the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

On The Edges Of Timnah Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Sep 9, 2007

How close to the world can you get without getting into trouble? Samson finds out and the results are less than pleasant. Learn about how to keep your purpose pure as you live in the world as a Christian.

There’s an old saying that goes: "when you journey through the vineyards, you’ll eventually eat the grapes." I’ve wandered through a vineyard or two, watched them harvest the grapes about this time of year. They sure do taste sweet. But what if along with the sugar came warfarin, an anticoagulant? ...read more

Scripture: Judges 14:1-20

Denomination: Calvary Chapel