Sermons on Religion As Ritual:

Do We Have Pigeon Religion?

Contributed by John Gaston on Aug 3, 2022

The Bible does NOT say, "the Spirit came on Jesus as a pigeon." Doves have 8 character differences from pigeons. Just as the dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, so "pigeon religion" is a counterfeit of the Holy Spirit. Let's seek the Dove!

DO WE HAVE PIGEON RELIGION? John 1:29-33 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A doctor went out and bought a brand new Ferrari GTO, that can top out at 250 mph. He took it out for a spin and stopped at a red light. 2. An old man on a moped pulled up next to him. He asked, “What kind of car ya got there, ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29-33

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Heart Of Religion Is Loving God And Neighbour Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 8, 2024

Some may view religion as a set of rules or dogmas, but Jesus reveals its true heart. Let’s explore into His teachings.

In Mark 12:29-31, a scribe asks Jesus, "Which commandment is the most important?" Jesus replies, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength...and you shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:29-31, Matthew 6:14-15

The Kind Of Religion We Should Lose

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jan 25, 2022

Sometimes we hear people say, “I am about to lose my religion.” Well, there is at least one kind of religion that would be good for people to lose.

The book of James speaks about such a religion. It is called the religion of DEAD FAITH. James evidently had some in his congregation who should have lost their religion. The book of James is living proof that our circumstances change but mankind never changes. We have evidences of that today ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-26

Denomination: Baptist

Powerless Religion Or Spirit-Filled Life

Contributed by Derek Geldart on May 24, 2025

The sermon challenges believers to reject hollow religiosity and instead pursue a Spirit-filled life marked by inward transformation, daily surrender, and the visible fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Powerless Religion or Spirit-Filled Life 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Ephesians 5:15-18; Galatians 5:22-26 In an age when appearance often replaces authenticity, and spiritual reputation can mask spiritual emptiness, we must ask ourselves how does one identify the highly religious among us? Is it not often ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Why All Religions Will Come To Jesus

Contributed by John Gaston on Apr 17, 2024

Jesus said, “Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to Me.” God has revealed Himself to the world. All sincere seekers of God will eventually come to Jesus!

WHY ALL RELIGIONS WILL COME TO JESUS John 6:45 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: HOW WILL YOU EVER LEARN? 1. I heard the story of a nine-year-old girl who returned from Sunday school and as her father was sitting down with his newspaper after a delicious Sunday lunch, she asked him some questions. 2. ...read more

Scripture: John 6:45

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Christianity Is A Practical Religion Lesson 9 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 7, 2025

God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

1. Christians believe salvation is by faith alone and apart from works. Good works without faith in God will not save (Eph. 2:8-9). 2. Christians also believe faith that fails to produce good works is dead. Faith in God without good works will not save (James 2:14-26). 3. Paul, the great champion ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:4, Ephesians 2:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Part 10 - Matthew 12:24-30 - God, You Are So Narrow Minded And Inflexible! Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Oct 23, 2010

No wonder people see Christians as uncaring when they hear these words used like a sledge hammer against any OTHER RELIGION or against anyone who does not believe in Christ. It implies that God is UNLOVING and rigidly bent on sending people to hell.

Part 10 - Matthew 12:24-30 - GOD, YOU ARE SO NARROW MINDED AND INFLEXIBLE! There's a fictional story of the soldier in the American civil war who did not want to fight with anyone. In an attempt to remain NEUTRAL, he dressed in Union pants and a Confederate jacket. Unfortunately BOTH SIDES shot ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:24-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

It's All About Religion (Part 15 ) Series

Contributed by Denis O'callaghan Ph.d. ,th.d., D.d., D. Phil. on Sep 22, 2012

We are looking at what Jesus "really meant" and in doing so I hope that at this point you have come to at least consider that what you were taught about Christ Jesus, His claims, attitudes, actions warrant a reasoned second look.

Part 15 It’s All about "religion" I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. So I ran over and said 'Stop! don't do it!' 'Why shouldn't I?' he said. I said, 'Well, there's so much to live for!' He said, 'Like what?' I said, 'Well...are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-8, Exodus 30:19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Faith Of Our Fathers

Contributed by Jon Lipka on Feb 26, 2012

God's chosen people must recount His mighty acts among themselves.

“Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you” (Dt. 4:1,2). Keeping the law was to be Israel’s fame among the nations. Israel was not to be known for its wealth (although Solomon’s riches were ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Anglican

What Makes A Church Ugly? Ephesus Pt 5 Series

Contributed by Kent Kessler on Oct 14, 2010

The problem with Ephesus is they were doing so much inside the walls they never went out. They were a “come-and-get-it” church and not a “go-and-get-them” church. This church saw their culture as something you stay away from.

“What Makes a Church Ugly?” Ephesus. Revelation 2:1-7 The world tries to get it right, but in all of its wisdom it can never measure up to the truth of God—it is all foolishness. LOVE is not a feeling to be lost—but it can be forsaken. LOVE causes us some great and full ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Methodist

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 29, 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

Known By God Series

Contributed by Chris Surber on Dec 20, 2011

Man's religion is at war with God's revelation.

Introduction A number of years ago I had an experience while working on my undergraduate degree in biblical studies that so shocked me that it has stayed with me. For the final exam in a systematic theology course, I understood the assignment to be to write a series of brief essays on several ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

Denomination: Christian Church

Refresh My Strength Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Oct 16, 2009

Jesus came with an invitation not a list of religious rules and rituals.

PATTERN: DEDUCTIVE TEXTUAL – EXPOSITORY Introduction: The top 10 reasons you are too busy to pray today: 1. You wake up feeling rested, then realize your alarm should’ve gone off an hour ago. 2. Your spouse is away on a two-day business trip that’s lasted all week. 3. None of the clean clothes you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Wesleyan

Jesus, Lord Of The Sabbath Series

Contributed by Joel Preston on Mar 22, 2012

In these verses we see more controversy between Jesus & the Pharisees. On the surface, the point of contention was keeping the Sabbath. The Pharisees were going to get very upset about Jesus & His disciples picking grain on the Sabbath, as well as Jesus h

The Gospel of Mark #7 – “Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath” Mark 2:23-3:6 Intro – 1. How many of you prayed this prayer, “Now I lay me down to sleep…?” (Quote) Unfortunately, I also used to pray, “Now I lay me down to rest…” (Quote) 2. ILL ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical Free