Sermons on Religion As Ritual:

Week 1 Salvation Series

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Apr 28, 2023

First in a series of seven.

SALVATION I. Introduction Acts 16:29-31 (29) Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, (30) And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (31) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:10, Acts 4:2

Denomination: Baptist

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

"god So Loved The World...those O So Famous Words" Series

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Feb 26, 2019

read the passage in John 3... the sermon will be preached in the first person. Nicodemus will tell his story and give his testimony.

Title: those o so famous words… John 3: 1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is Jesus Still Relevant In The Post-Modern Time?

Contributed by Antonio Manaytay on Oct 5, 2025

We are living in what many call the post-modern age — an age of progress and paradox. We have advanced in knowledge, yet many feel empty inside.

Introduction: The Age of the Unchurched and the Overwhelmed Brothers and sisters in Christ, We are living in what many call the post-modern age — an age of progress and paradox. We have advanced in knowledge, yet many feel empty inside. We are more connected than ever, yet loneliness has become ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:8, Mark 8:36

Denomination: Pentecostal

Lost And Not Knowing It Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Mar 28, 2013

This message examines the difference between being religious and being a Christian.

Do you believe that there are people in the world who are lost and don’t even know it? The vast majority of these people are very religious. They do religious things, they talk using the religious jargon and they even dress correctly. In the world today there are approximately 4,200 different ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"The Problem With Being Good" Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Aug 7, 2017

It has been said that there are really only three ways to live in life. One is the way of the rebellious. The second is the way of the religious and the third is the way of the redeemed.

“The Problem with Being Good” Philippians 3:1-11 It has been said that there are really only three ways to live in life. One is the way of the rebellious. The second is the way of the religious and the third is the way of the redeemed. We see all three of these being played out in the parable of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Denomination: Baptist

#12 Parties, Patches And Wineskins Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Mar 16, 2020

This message describes Jesus' response to the Pharisees because His disciples did not fast. The Pharisees opposition stemmed from a defense of the status quo. Jesus came to smash the status quo and create something new and superior.

#12 Parties, Patches and Wineskins Series: Mark March 15, 2020 Chuck Sligh Several ideas and illustrations for this sermon were adapted from David Dykes’ sermon on SermonCentral.com, Old Whiners or New Wineskins. TEXT: Mark 2:18-22 – "And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

How Is Christianity Different From World Religions? Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 20, 2009

We live in a world where there is a mixture of cultures, nations, races and religions on an unprecedented scale. In 24 hours it is possible to reach almost anywhere in the world and the advances in modern broadcasting allows us to experience ‘live’ event

How is Christianity different from world religions? We live in a world where there is a mixture of cultures, nations, races and religions on an unprecedented scale. In 24 hours it is possible to reach almost anywhere in the world and the advances in modern broadcasting allows us to experience ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

That Old-Time Religion: Job's Friend Bildad Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 4, 2009

When we are in distress, we do not want doctrine. We want a fresh encounter with God, we want listening friends, and most of all, we want, and have, a Redeemer.

Years ago the church of which I was then a member had an evening ice-cream social and service out on the church grounds one summer Sunday. It was a gently warm night, and as the sun went down and a little chill crept into the air, as the stars began to come out and faces began to disappear into the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

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

"I Don't Beleive In Organized Religion"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Jun 7, 2011

A sernon for Pentecost.

Acts 2:1-24, 36-41 “I Don’t Believe in Organized Religion” By: Ken Sauer, Pastor of East Ridge United MEthodist Church, Chattanooga, TN eastridgeumc.org It is somewhat popular these days to say something to the effect of, “I don’t believe in organized ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-41

Denomination: United Methodist

Give Me That Old Time Legalistic Religion

Contributed by Bobby Brewer on Oct 10, 2021

Jesus and Paul experienced opposition from the legalists of their day, as will you and I. None of us are completely immune from its’ affects and we too must guard our hearts from presenting a message and lifestyle that God never intended

Series: We’re on a Mission from God Message: Give Me that Old Time Legalistic Religion Text: Acts 22:22 Big Idea: Jesus had numerous confrontations with the legalists, who among other reasons, sought to kill Him for healing on the Sabbath (Mt. 13:14). Paul also experienced opposition from the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 22:20-22, Acts 22:22

The Great Pillars Of Society: Morality & Religion

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 26, 2021

There is something missing from our republic. It's something obvious, something vital. It brings light to the mind and thoughts of glory into action. Yet it's missing. It's gone somewhere; but where has it gone?

"The great pillars of all government and of social life are virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor... and this alone, that renders us invincible." -Patrick Henry, Letter to Archibald Blair, January 8 1799 There is something missing from our republic. It's something ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Denomination: Salvation Army

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

Confirmation Can We Coexist With Other Religions?

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Sep 6, 2017

Often I see this bumper sticker... I always want to say: “Really? Have you even investigated the “teachings” of each religion represented?” In reality this bumper sticker flows out of tolerance without "Truth" (quotes from Ravi Zacharias.

In Jesus Holy Name June 5, 2016 Text: Acts 4:12 Series: The Story Confirmation Redeemer (Note the title uses the bumper sticker "COEXIST" Every so often I see this bumper sticker on someone’s car. I always want to say: “Really? You must live in a dream world. Have you ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran