Sermons on Pure Religion:

Rapture Ready--Living With Authentic Faith Matthew 23 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Sep 14, 2025

To be rapture ready, we must move from empty religion to authentic relationship with CHRIST. JESUS condemns hypocrisy and calls us to authentic faith expressed in humility, obedience, and servant leadership. Outward show can’t replace inward surrender. Be watchful. Be faithful. Be ready.

2025.09.14 Sermon. RAPTURE READY_LIVING WITH AUTHENTIC FAITH_WOE TO HYPOCRISY, YES TO HUMILITY Matthew 23 William Akehurst, HSWC Scripture Readings Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 5:20, Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 3:1-3, 2 Peter 3:9, John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Matthew 24:44, Matthew 23:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, Matthew 23:39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

No Publicity Stunt: Missing God In Plain Sight Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Oct 16, 2024

How do you explain that when people want to curse, they don’t say, “Muhammed,” but they swear by saying the words “Jesus Christ”? Why do Muslims, Sikhs, Mormons, Unitarians, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Deists all find a way to incorporate Jesus into their religion?

Have you heard someone say, “I wouldn’t bet the farm on that if I were you?” There are a lot you cannot of people you cannot count on. But there’s one you can bet the farm on, and His name is Jesus. Find John 7 with me, if you will. Jesus finds Himself poked and prodded by the public in every ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-36

Denomination: Baptist

Pergamos: The Church That Married The World (Revelation 2:12-17)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 19, 2023

The church located at Pergamos wanted to "have it both ways". They were doctrinally pure, but at the same time were slipping into compromise with the world. They were trying to "falter between two opinions" (1 Kings 18:21). It didn't work then, and it doesn't work now.

The city of Pergamos, the next stop in our look at the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3, was the capital city of Asia Minor (present day Turkey). The city was known for its political power, intellectual achievements, and, like the other cities, a hub of pagan worship. It was also a wealthy ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21, Revelation 2:12-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The God Who Answers By Fire Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 15, 2025

1 Kings 18 is a divine call to revival. When a nation turns away from God, He raises voices like Elijah—bold, prayerful, and uncompromising. The God who answers by fire is still alive today. He is calling His people back to the altar, back to pure worship, and back to a place of total surrender.

THE GOD WHO ANSWERS BY FIRE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Kings 18:1-46 Supporting Texts: Malachi 3:18; Hebrews 12:29; James 5:17-18; Jeremiah 20:9; Psalm 24:3-5 INTRODUCTION: 1 Kings 18 is one of the most dramatic and powerful chapters in Scripture. Israel was in deep apostasy, with the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:1-46

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Awake, Thou That Sleepest

Contributed by John Wesley on Apr 4, 2006

"Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." Ephesians 5:14 In discoursing on these words, I shall, with the help of God, -- First. Describe the sleepers, to whom they are spoken: Secondly. Enforce th

I. 1. And first, as to the sleepers here spoken to. By sleep is signified the natural state of man; that deep sleep of the soul, into which the sin of Adam hath cast all who spring from his loins: That supineness, indolence, and stupidity, that insensibility of his real condition, wherein every man ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:14-15

Denomination: Methodist

Tell It To The Church Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 26, 2011

The missing component of the contemporary church may well be discipline. The message explores the purpose and implementation of discipline in the church.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20

Denomination: Baptist

Seven Habits For Spiritual Health

Contributed by Richard Tow on Dec 7, 2022

How do believers maintain spiritual vitality and finish well? This message examines seven lifestyle habits that sustain the believer in the long run. Professor Robert Clinton found that only one-third of leaders finish well. These disciplines help us finish well.

Intro Welcome to this Legacy Ministry College chapel service. We take as our subject today: Seven Habits for Spiritual Health. What are the essentials for a successful life journey in Christ? It is one thing to begin a journey; it is another to finish that journey. To finish and finish well, you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Matthew 22:37-40, John 15:5, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Timothy 4:1-10, Joshua 1:1-8, Matthew 16:24-25, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew 4:1-4, Matthew 6:33  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Purpose And Power Of Pentecost Series

Contributed by Jerry Lewis on Jun 17, 2004

Part 2 The Modern Day Church, For The Most Part, Has Lost The Power Of God. Just like Samson in the Bible, They don’t know that the Spirit of God has left them. They still have the form of Religion but have no power. But it’s a New Day of Restoration!!!

THE PURPOSE AND POWER OF PENTECOST Part 2 of 2 Acts 1:5-8 Acts 2:1-4; 12-18; 32-33 What in the world is Pentecost??? The word “ Pentecost” designates the 50th day after Passover, which was a Feast Day. Also known as the Feast of Weeks or Feast of Harvest. It was on this day, in the Book ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-18, Acts 1:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Devil's Doctrine

Contributed by Paul Hammons on Mar 13, 2007

Did you know that from the beginning of Genesis through Revelation the bible speaks about the two religions of the world? I know there’s Muslim – Hindu – J.W. – Mormon – Jews – Buddhist – Christian – and many more, but they all fall under one of two categ

The Devil’s Doctrine; Genesis 3:1-13 Did you know that from the beginning of Genesis through Revelation the bible speaks about the two religions of the world? I know there’s Muslim – Hindu – J.W. – Mormon – Jews – Buddhist – Christian – and many more, but they all fall under one of two categories. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-13

Let Us Fulfill The Dream

Contributed by Darnell Whitfield on Mar 12, 2011

We celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Across the United States of America and around the world people of all nationalities, of all genders, of many religions come to celebrate the greatness of a man who had a dream, the bible teaches us what Dr. K

Matthew 23:23 23Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24Ye blind guides, which strain at a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

"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

21st Sunday After Pentecost. October 13, 2024. Series

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 4, 2021

Year B, Proper 23.

Job 23:1-9, Job 23:16-17, Psalm 22:1-15, Amos 5:6-7, Amos 5:10-15, Psalm 90:12-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31. A). HOPE IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS. Job 23:1-9; Job 23:16-17. “When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). An active faith may question suffering - but it will ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:1-9, Job 23:16-17, Psalm 22:1-15, Amos 5:6-7, Amos 5:10-15, Psalm 90:12-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Walk The Walk Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Sep 26, 2024

James challenges his readers and us to not just listen to the Word but do what it says.

James: Practical Faith  James 1:19-27 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church  09-22-2024 Jesse Jesse loved church! He was there every Sunday on his pew at First Baptist Kearney, Missouri. He was born a Baptist and had been baptized in the creek. He killed a man in a ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Baptist

Divine Wisdom Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 30, 2008

What does wisdom from above look like? What would happen in a church displaying such heavenly wisdom? James gives us the answer to these questions.

JAMES 3:17, 18 DIVINE WISDOM “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown by those who make peace” James called for people of wisdom to identify themselves. Those who ...read more

Scripture: James 3:17-18

Denomination: Baptist

We Exist To Serve

Contributed by Chris Talton on Jan 19, 2002

This is the third in a five-part series on why we exist as a church.

May 20, 2001 Luke 10:30-35 ¡§We exist to serve¡¨ INTRODUCTION A boy stopped before a large marble plaque in the church. "What are all those names for?" he asked the minister. ¡§Sonny," said the minister, "those are in memory of all the people who died in the service." The boy replied: ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:30-35

Denomination: Baptist