Sermons on Religious Extremists:

Fanaticism Taken Too Far?

Contributed by Mark Armstrong on Apr 22, 2019

A Good Friday talk from the point of view of Jesus and religious fanaticism.

Fanaticism Taken Too Far? Israel Folau (an Australian Christian sporting personality) has been in the news lately for expressing unpopular views—for quoting an unpopular part of the Bible on his personal Instagram page. Is his belief in heaven and hell fanaticism taken too far? Is Australian Rugby ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:7-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Raising Of Lazarus And The Plot To Kill Jesus.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 8, 2022

Religious leaders resisting the 'signs' of Jesus' authenticity.

THE RAISING OF LAZARUS AND THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS. John 11:38-57. 1. The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:38-45). Far from being unable to prevent death (cf. John 11:37), Jesus was about to overcome death in what was to be the seventh and final significant ‘sign’ (prior to Jesus’ own death and ...read more

Scripture: John 11:38-57

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Dangers Of A Form Of Godliness

Contributed by Jovanni Dinsay on Mar 17, 2025

• Many people today claim to be spiritual or religious, but is that enough to save them

Having a form of godliness refers to outwardly appearing to be righteous or spiritual, but lacking the inward reality of a vibrant, personal relationship with God. Characteristics of having a form of godliness Some common characteristics of having a form of godliness include: • Attending church or ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Mic Drop Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jun 9, 2025

Final clash in the debates between Jesus and the religious establishment. Who is the Messiah?

Background to passage: This is final exchange in the volley between Jesus and the religious leaders since he entered Jerusalem as a king on a donkey a few days earlier. Jesus will give a couple of long sets of teaching (chapters 23-25) before the events directly leading to his death commence. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:41-46

Denomination: Baptist

Take Him To His Mother

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Sep 27, 2004

A Mother’s Day sermon that reinforces the value of a mother in a child’s life. An ounce of mother is worth a pound of preacher.

2 Kings 4:17-20 -- “17 And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.” “18 And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.” “19 And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:17-20

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Example Do You Set For Your Children's Faith

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Aug 18, 2016

What does it mean when we say, “We engage to religiously educate our children.” This is not saying that we will educate our children in religion. It says we will religiously educate.

Last week we learned that the Gospel is all that matters. I hope we all left here with that thought embedded in our hearts so that everything in our lives will revolve around the Gospel. Well today we’re going to go a step further with that thought as we think about the message we send to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

Relating To Jesus Outside Religion Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on May 22, 2008

Helping ourselves and others relate to Jesus not as one who started a new religion… nor who can be known merely through religious tradition… but who defies religious confines… and who seeks relationship.

Intro – One of the more interesting dynamics in my own process of having ‘holy conversation’ is when someone asks what I do. When they discover I’m a pastor… I’ve seen all sorts of things go off. Discomfort with their behavior, discomfort with what they then expect from me, or even just ...read more

Scripture: John 4:4-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Woman Caught In Adultery

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Apr 15, 2013

Taking a look at the dynamics involved in Jesus' encounter with the religious leaders and with the woman caught in adultery. The religious leaders set the trap, Jesus turned it back on them and in the end the woman was released from her trap.

The woman caught in adultery John 8:1-11 1) Setting the trap (Vs. 1-6a). Unlike today, the sin of adultery was a serious crime in biblical day-punishable by death. We don’t know how she was caught in the act. Perhaps it was a set-up. And the Pharisees could’ve brought her to Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11, Romans 8:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Disgusted Or Delighted? Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 28, 2018

A stark contrast between religious hypocrites and a faithful woman. The religious show-offs were mostly interested in what they could GET out of life. And the poor widow as interested in all she could GIVE.

INTRODUCTION My younger brother, Dan, and I are a lot alike. He serves as a Minister of Education and Senior Adults at a church in Conway, Arkansas. One thing we have in common is that we both have a sense of humor leaning toward puns and groaners. You’ve endured plenty of my groaners through the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

Religion Without Reality Series

Contributed by Don Emmitte on Aug 11, 2014

Many people seem to be content to trust their own efforts and religious practices to make them acceptable before God. We need to be aware that religious activities are only good when they express an inner reality.

Religion Without Reality Romans 2:17-29 Romans Series (Part 6) Sermon by Don Emmitte, Grace Restoration Ministries Take Your Bibles Please… But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Baptist

From The Worst To The Best Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 23, 2021

Paul tells us in verses 13 and 14 that he was always a very religious man, and he was zealous in his commitment to Judaism. Paul becomes a great example of both the danger and value of being religious.

Mary Marrow had just arrived in China as a missionary when the Boxer Rebellion broke out in 1900. The leaders of China blamed the missionaries for the problems of the land, and mobs began to violently persecute the Christians. They were dragged from their homes and forced to stomp on a cross or ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:13

Adultery Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 11, 2022

Adultery is extramarital sex considered objectionable on social, religious, moral, or legal grounds. Although the sexual activities that constitute adultery vary, as well as the social, religious, and legal consequences, the concept exists in many cultures.

Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:27-30 (Adultery) Jesus states, "Whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery." Adultery Matthew 5:27–30 — The New International Version (NIV) 27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

He Is Risen. He Is Risen Indeed!

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Mar 15, 2002

What makes Jesus stand out from other great religious leaders?

Swanton Novers 31-03-02 Stiffkey 20-04-03 He is risen. He is risen indeed. (Acts 10:34-43) One of the things that has really struck me is the number of churches here in the countryside - especially in Norfolk (England), where there are ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:34-43

Denomination: Anglican

Taking Christ Out Of Christmas

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Dec 30, 2002

What would happen if we took all of the Religious elements out of Christmas?

Have you noticed that every year people seem more intent on secularizing Christmas? They wish you a “Happy Holiday” or “Seasons Greetings” then have presentations at school that make no mention of the Manger or the Wise Men let alone the Christ Child. Now I may be a little overly sensitive but ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11

Denomination: Wesleyan

A New Beginning

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 20, 2007

A challenge contrasting the new life in Christ with the religious life that satisfy the most of mankind.

JOHN 3:1-16 A NEW BEGINNING “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered him, ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-16

Denomination: Baptist