Sermons on Religious Apathy:

What's Going On Around Here?

Contributed by Rev Ken Shedenhelm on May 1, 2013

In the so-called mainline churches, many members cling to the adage, "We've never done it that way before!" As the religious people in Jesus' time discovered, hanging on to the old will blind us to the new thing that God is doing in our midst.

Our lectionary passages this morning concern radical change, perhaps none more radical that Peter's vision in the 11th chapter of Acts. Most of us don't give much thought to what we eat and, if we do, our concern is more with calories than holiness. We don't consider food groups to be "clean" or ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:14-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Betrayed But Not Bitter Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 12, 2004

The three stages of betrayal are examined by discussing Judas’ behavior. It is not only important that we guard our hearts so that we do not become betrayers; but it is also important to respond correctly when we are betrayed. Jesus provides an example fo

Betrayed But Not Bitter Fortifying the Foundations # 31 John 13:18-38[1] 3-28-04 Intro Our text this morning in John 13 deals with the issue of betrayal. With a kiss, Judas betrayed Jesus. The thing that makes betrayal so painful is that by its very nature it comes from someone you trust. In ...read more

Scripture: John 13:8-38, Hebrews 4:15

Denomination: Charismatic

Pursuing God’s Purpose For Your Life Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Aug 31, 2020

Most people never discover the true purpose for their lives. In the text. Philippians 3:12-14. we have a revelation of what life is all about. This message examines 4 points of understanding that undergirds a meaningful Christian life.

We are progressing in a study of Philippians; our text today is in chapter 3. In this chapter we are given a revelation of what life is all about. Sadly, most people never discover the true purpose of their lives. In fact, most Christians never grasp it. They often pursue the same goals that the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-29, Philippians 2:12, Amos 6:1, Revelation 3:16-17, James 1:23-25, Hebrews 12:1-5, 1 John 2:15-17, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Luke 12:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

What Went Ye Out To See?

Contributed by Steven Cook on Feb 12, 2003

This sermon deals with the 3 questions that Jesus asked the religious pharisees and scribes that looked for fault in him. They provide us an interesting study of today’s world as well.

“What Went Ye Out for to See?” Luke 7:24-28 Dr. Steven G. Cook I. Introduction A. Read Text – Luke 7:24-28 B. Background of John the Baptist – (John 1:6-8; 15-18) (John 1:19-34) C. Concerned about the ministry of John the Baptist, the Jewish leaders sent men to investigate. D. Many today are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:24-28

Denomination: Baptist

Revival-Light The Fire! (Ezekiel) Series

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Jul 2, 2003

The world is looking for God. Tragically and ironically, as the world is looking for God, God’s people are asleep in their pews, asleep in religious traditions and lethargy. CHURCH, IT IS TIME FOR REVIVAL!

Revival–Light the Fire (The Revival of Ezekiel) Ezekiel 37:1–14 INTRODUCTION The world is looking for God. Tragically and ironically, as the world is looking for God, God’s people are asleep in their pews, asleep in religious traditions and lethargy. CHURCH, IT IS TIME FOR REVIVAL! 1. The ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Shattering Sharethefaithaphobia

Contributed by Matthew Doebler on Aug 13, 2003

Teens are interested in religion and religious topics and yet we have such a tough time sharing our faith. Why? What can we do about it?

Youth Rally Sermon Shattering Sharethefaithaphobia There are a lot of phobias out there, aren’t there? You’ve heard of some of them, like aquaphobia, arachnophobia, xenophobia, but here are a few more: Peladophobia: fear of baldness and bald people. Chaetophobia: fear of hairy people. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

God's Condemnation Of All Men

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

GOD'S CONDEMNATION OF ALL MEN (EVEN THE MOST RELIGIOUS) DOES NOT CONTRADICT THE VALUE OF SPIRITUAL PRIVILEGES OR THE CONSISTENCY OF GOD'S OWN CHARACTER (HIS FAITHFULNESS AND JUSTICE) 1.

GOD'S CONDEMNATION OF ALL MEN (EVEN THE MOST RELIGIOUS) DOES NOT CONTRADICT THE VALUE OF SPIRITUAL PRIVILEGES OR THE CONSISTENCY OF GOD'S OWN CHARACTER (HIS FAITHFULNESS AND JUSTICE) 1. Spiritual Privileges Do Have Value (:1-2) Question: What advantage is there in being a Jew? Restated: What value ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

It's Time To Build The Lord's House

Contributed by Abraham Shanklin on Jun 17, 2003

The first message from Haggai to the ruling politician, the religious priest and the returned people addresses the unfinished house of God. For eighteen years God’s work was delayed.

It’s Time To Build The Lord’s House Scripture Reference: Haggai 1:1-15 INTRODUCTION In 586 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar invaded and overthrew Jerusalem. The city was raised to the ground and the temple was completely destroyed. God’s people were taken into Babylon as captives and there they remained for ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Battlefield Wounds Of Christ

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Apr 14, 2006

Jesus means for the Communion service to be a lot more than just a religious observance, but to keep fresh in our minds the act of sacrificial love He has for us.

Turn your Bibles to Matthew 27: 28 – 31 Title: The Battlefield Wounds of Christ Theme: Remembering His Cost was Our Gain Introduction: When I first got started in the Arabian Horse business, my parents and I attended a special coronation celebration for a beautiful Arabian Stallion. On a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:28-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Nurtured In The Faith Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 30, 2009

Jesus was brought up in a family that actively participated in the religious traditions and rituals of their faith. Being brought up in the community of believers prepared Jesus for his earthly ministry.

Luke 2:41-52 “Nurtured in the Faith” INTRODUCTION Have you noticed how quickly Christmas is celebrated and then forgotten? The stores have already started removing their Christmas decorations and replacing them with Valentines Day. The radio stations have stopped playing Christmas Carols, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Denomination: Lutheran

Pollution In The Soul Series

Contributed by Terry Blankenship on Apr 27, 2009

Jesus is confronted by the religious elite that His disciples weren’t washing correctly. Jesus tells the Pharisical hypocrites they have more problems than that to worry about.

Pollution in the Soul Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem. Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Wise And The Foolish

Contributed by Ron Hicks on Jul 3, 2006

Is all that religious stuff necessary? The foolish found out, as you will, when the rapture takes place and when you find the door shut in your face.

THE WISE AND THE FOOLISH Matt 25:1-13 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Fly High - Acts Part 7 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 20, 2006

God uses ordinary even notorious people to do his work for the Kingdom of God. Paul the religious terrorist meets Grace and changes into the Preacher of grace and mercy.

“Fly High” - Acts part 7 On the lighter side of life: Picture from Jennifer Opening Illustration: Religion has produced more terrorists than non-religion. Just take a look at the Middle East and also at The Crusades. Also take a look at this article RELIGIOUS TERRORISM Tragically, all major ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus' "Firsts" Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Apr 9, 2008

In the third sermon of the John series, Jesus performs his first miracle, connects with his first apostles, and has his first confrontation with the religious leaders in Jerusalem.

John’s Gospel #3 Jesus’ Firsts CHCC: January 20, 2008 John 1-2 INTRODUCTION: Today we’re going to look at Jesus’ Firsts in the Gospel of John. In chapters 1 and 2 John tells about Jesus’ 1st Apostles, his 1st Miracle, and his 1st Confrontation with the Religious Leaders. MY 1st thought was ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

To An Unknown God

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 15, 2010

Our world is incurably religious and is filled with people on a spiritual search. We find it easy to talk religion, but our calling is to share our relationship with the living Christ.

We are incurably religious! Wherever you go, you will find that people are religious. We are groping for something we never quite find. Ride with me up and down Sixteenth Street, here in the city, or out New Hampshire Avenue, past Colesville. The architecture is ample proof that people are ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-33

Denomination: Baptist