Sermons on Religious Extremists:

Simon Magus Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Sep 11, 2022

Simon magus, also known as Simon the Sorcerer or the Magician, was a religious figure whose confrontation with Peter is recorded in Acts 8:9–24. The act of simony, or paying for the position, is named after Simon, who tried to buy his way into the power of the Apostles.

Simon Magnus Simon and Peter were intense rivals until Simon challenged Peter's authority and fell out of the sky. Simon magus, also known as Simon the Sorcerer or the Magician, was a religious figure whose confrontation with Peter is recorded in Acts 8:9–24. The act of simony, or paying for ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-24

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Christ: Our Divine Teacher, Part 1

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 30, 2021

John 3 introduces us to Nicodemus, a religious man who seemed sincere in wanting to know more about Jesus. He received the greatest lesson in that a real relationship with God is made possible only by the finished work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection.

The third chapter of John's Gospel gives us a portrait of the Lord Jesus as the Divine Teacher. He has already been presented as the Light, The Word of God, the Lamb of God, and the Messiah. Now He gives His attention to teach us how to flee the darkness of this world and come to the Light, ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-21, John 7:51, Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 4:12, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Numbers 21:4-10, Acts 16:31, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus’s First Public Events, Part 2 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Oct 5, 2025

As Jesus confronted the "false religious" on-goings in the Temple, we must ask if we are willing to confront sin, cast it out, and live a life devoted to Him? Or, will we allow our own desires and emotions to lead us?

John, Part 9 Series: Jesus’s First Public Events, Part 2 John 2:12-22 - Welcome to Seasons – intro – we are so glad you’re here today; dismiss children -- Continuing series; REM: John less focused on chronology; purpose (redeem) - Read John 2:12-22 / Pray Point 1 – Confronting Sin ...read more

Scripture: John 2:12-22, Psalm 69:9, Revelation 3:15-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Expressions Of Worship Series

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Aug 23, 2005

I would propose to you that God wants you to worship Him in spirit and truth. He longs to deliver His people from the religious bondage that comes from legalism, traditionalism, denominationalism and faddism. Our Lord longs for His church to look into G

Turn your Bibles to Colossians 3:16 Title: Expressions of Worship Theme: Connecting with God in the Song Service “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Christian And The Tongue

Contributed by Curtis Kittrell on Sep 13, 2001

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Peacemakers are continua

The Christian and the Tongue By Pastor CG 1. The Mark Of Perfection. (James 1:26; 3:1-12; Proverbs 12:18; 13:3; 15:4; 18:8, 21; Luke 6:45; 1 Peter 3:10; Romans 3:13) James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Happy Are The Clean Minded Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Mar 16, 2011

As Paul was well aware, the Christian life is an unrelenting conflict between our sinful nature and this spirit or heart that God puts in us at our conversion. So the questions are not which church should I attend, am I doing the right religious things? B

If you have read the Gospels you have heard Jesus rebuke the Pharisees, the upstanding religious leaders and lawmakers in Ancient Israel. Well, we don’t know the half of it. They weren’t just talking about the 10 Commandments when they spoke of the laws. Here are some of the over 600 man made rules ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:8

The Wrong Horse

Contributed by Jeffrey Powell on Mar 29, 2010

Preached Palm Sunday 2010. Many religious people of Jesus' day thought they were winning by killing Jesus. They, like many today inside and outside the church let their isn and pride stand in the way of a true relationship with Christ and lost the race. T

Luke 19vv25-48 The Wrong Horse Two Kentucky farmers who owned racing stables had developed a keen rivalry. One spring, each of them entered a horse in a local steeplechase. Thinking that a professional rider might help him outdo his friend, one of the farmers engaged a crack jockey. The two horses ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-48

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon 1: The Gathering Storm Series

Contributed by Charles R. Swindoll on Feb 15, 2008

While Jesus was indeed gentle and kind, He also took a bold stand against sin. In fact, when confronting evil dressed in the garb of religion, His formidable anger took many by surprise. He sharply rebuked the religious leaders in Israel for turning their

The Gathering Storm Selected Scriptures Sermon Series: Jesus: The Greatest Life of All From the Bible-Teaching Ministry of Charles R. Swindoll Introduction While Jesus was indeed gentle and kind, He also took a bold stand against sin. In fact, when confronting evil dressed in the garb of religion, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Fatal Flaws Of Religion Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 17, 2006

As we finish Romans 2 this morning, we’re going to learn that many believers today are “cheater Christians,” because they’re fooling themselves and others. Too many religious people have pretty packaging on the outside but have downsized the amount of sp

The Fatal Flaws of Religion Romans 2:17-29 Rev. Brian Bill 6/25/06 I’ve been fascinated and frustrated about something for many years. Have you noticed how companies are shrinking the size of their products while keeping the packaging the same? The result is less product while the price stays ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Baptist

Unmasking The Hypocrite Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 16, 2008

Jesus did something no one else had done...He stood up to the religious bullies that were leading people astray. There’s much we can learn about hypocrisy here. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint.

Unmasking the Hypocrite Matthew 23:1-39 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/UnmaskingHypocrite.html This is Jesus’ last public message before He dies on the cross. It is stunning...a scathing denunciation of false religion and hypocrisy. Let’s set the scene: Jesus is speaking to 3 groups of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39

Denomination: Baptist

The Way Of Salvation

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Aug 14, 2004

When you look around at the religious world one soon learns that there are many ideas concerning the way of salvation. Some people encourage you to "Choose the Church of Your Choice," but do we really have that choice? The bible teaches that when one co

The Way of Salvation Ephesians 2:8¡X10 INTRODUCTION When you look around at the religious world one soon learns that there are many ideas concerning the way of salvation. Some people encourage you to "Choose the Church of Your Choice," but do we really have that choice? The bible teaches that ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Avoid The Offense

Contributed by Andre King on Sep 15, 2015

In John 3 Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus, a religious man, about religion yet Jesus doesn't offend Israel's teacher with His superior knowledge. How can we imitate Jesus in this. How can I avoid offending and taking offense?

IT SEEMS THAT THE OLDER I GET, THE MORE I AM OFFENDED. I’M OFFENDED BY A LOT OF THE MUSIC I HEAR ON THE RADIO. I’’M OFFENDED BY MANY OF THE THINGS I SEE ON TELEVISION AND IN THE MEDIA. I’M OFFENDED BY BUMPER STICERS. BY TEE SHIRTS. BY THE TITLES OF BOOKS. I’M ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Faith Of Able Series

Contributed by William D. Brown on Jul 3, 2014

In this study we'll notice what kind of faith God recognizes, both Able and Cain had been told by their parents Adam and Eve the only kind of sacrifice that God would except, Cain is a picture of religious people trying to get to heaven by WORKS.

#2 ~ Heb. 11: 4 ~ABEL~ (HALL OF FAITH CHAPTER) 4-19-14 Today we'll continue with our study of Hebrews chapter 11: -- often called "the hall of faith chapter" also the "catalog of the faithful." -- Paul, or the writer first mentioned the O.T. faithful back in Heb. 6:12. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:4

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Vs The Temple

Contributed by David Yarbrough on Mar 7, 2012

The Passion Week was not Jesus vs the Jewish religious leaders, or Jesus vs Rome...it was Jesus vs the Temple. A different perspective on a text we look at every year. Two kingdoms approach Jerusalem from two opposite directions at the same time with t

Jesus VS The Temple Palm Sunday (2012) Mark 11:1-11 Chronological Bible 10/23 pg. 1410 Mark 11:1–3 (NLT) Jesus’ Triumphant Entry As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Cyprus And The Proconsul Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 21, 2017

Satan is busy with great men and men in power, in order to keep them from being religious, for their example will influence many. Saul is called Paul for the first time, and never again is he called Saul. Saul was his Hebrew name; Paul was his name....

August 20, 2014 By: Tom Lowe Title: Cyprus and the Proconsul (13:4-12) Scripture (Acts 13:4-12; KJV) 4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:4-12

Denomination: Baptist