Sermons on Religious Leaders:

Legalism Versus Love

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

We are in a world of great religious competition. We will all tend to follow one of these two strategies: The legalistic or the loving, the rule book power, or relationship power.

We live in a world where competition is a master motive. When the news reach Russia in 1945 that the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Stalin ordered secret scientists to find a way to catch up to the U.S. Andrei Sakharov was only 24 years old then, but his brilliant mind was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20

Legalism Versus Love Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 17, 2021

We are in a world of great religious competition. We will all tend to follow one of these two strategies: The legalistic or the loving, the rule book power, or relationship power.

We live in a world where competition is a master motive. When the news reach Russia in 1945 that the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Stalin ordered secret scientists to find a way to catch up to the U.S. Andrei Sakharov was only 24 years old then, but his brilliant mind was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20

"A Good Minister” Series

Contributed by Ed Taylor on Aug 1, 2008

To be so nourished and fed in God’s Word so you can instruct, lead, and guide the flock as a pastor.

1. Remember, we’re studying through a note that was written from the aged, the seasoned, a mature Apostle Paul. a. To the young, growing, maturing protégé Timothy. 1 Tim. 3.14-15 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fool’s Gold Series

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Apr 2, 2023

Look at the pictures on the screen. Which one shows real gold, and which one shows fool’s gold, also known as pyrite? Pyrite is usually found as angular pieces and is brittle.

Look at the pictures on the screen. Which one shows real gold, and which one shows fool’s gold, also known as pyrite? Pyrite is usually found as angular pieces and is brittle. Thin pieces of pyrite will break with pin pressure, while gold ore will bend or dent because it’s very soft. Still, the two ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Christianity Vs Other Religions

Contributed by Pastor Renji George on Jul 20, 2024

Before you choose a religion, you need to know about the person who is centred around (icon) in that religion. Ask yourself, what good qualities you can follow in that leader. Why did he come? How did he live? What did he teach? Where did he come? Where did he go?

Look for Ten good qualities in that leader. Look for ten good qualities of the followers. Look for ten good qualities of that religion or faith. Ask yourself again, where would you end up if you follow that person and his teachings in your life. You are trusting someone completely and following ...read more

Scripture: John 1:12, Acts 4:12, John 3:16, John 1:1-14, John 10:10, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 22:12-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Clean Hands Or Clean Heart? Series

Contributed by Joel Preston on Jun 10, 2012

In this passage, Jesus is dealing with very religious people who allowed their traditions replace the authority of God’s Word. Jesus is not impressed with religious ritual or tradition, rather He is concerned with the condition of our hearts.

The Gospel of Mark #18 – “Clean Hands or Clean Heart?” Mark 7:1-23 Intro – 1. ILL – A man was watching the news one night when it was reported that a car was going the wrong direction on the freeway. The man knew his wife was on that freeway and became very concerned ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Dangerous Discipleship

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 26, 2018

To be a follower of Christ is almost certain to be costly. Many turn from following Christ because they fear what it may cost. They are willing to be religious, but hesitate to embrace discipleship. We are called to embrace dangerous discipleship.

“When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So, the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and ...read more

Scripture: John 12:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

Lord Of The Sabbath ( Matthew 12:1-14)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Mar 23, 2025

In this chapter, Jesus teaches the true meaning of the “Sabbath” and how it is to bring glory to God, not to be used as a religious weapon. The hostility towards Jesus was starting to grow.

Before we undergo any further study of this chapter, it would be helpful to understand the concept of the “Sabbath”. According to the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8), the Sabbath was set aside as one day in seven to cease from labor and take a rest from all unnecessary activity. Exodus 31:15 ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 31:15, Colossians 1:16-17, Hosea 6:6, Matthew 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Hero's Power, Position, And Person Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jan 31, 2012

When the religious authorities fail in their attempt to trip up Jesus with the Scriptures they descend to character assassination. They come dangerously close to eternal separation from God. How can that happen?

No one could deny that Jesus was different than anyone who had ever walked the earth. The words He spoke rang true and reamed His opponents. His actions were unmatched—healing, setting people free from possession and disease. His enemies, the Jewish leaders of the day, tried to trip Him up ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:6-35

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Repentance Not Excuses (2 Samuel 12)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 8, 2025

Is the mark of a real leader is repentance, not excuses? Let's begin in 2 Samuel 12.

Is a real leader someone who is ready and willing to repent like David? How many just make excuses like Saul? What about us? Let’s begin in 2 Samuel 12. How tactful was Nathan the prophet in addressing David’s gross sins? Then the Lord sent Nathan to David. And he came to him and said, “There ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"Servants Of Jesus Not Self" 1 Cor. 4 Pt 4 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jun 10, 2008

Scripture makes it clear that we as followers of Jesus need to be servants and not self-centered – we are to serve each other in the Body and root out any self-seeking behavior so as to please God. We are all called to be servant-leaders!

“Servant of Jesus not self” Opening Illustration: Today’s clip comes from the movie “Bella” it addresses the subject of selfishness – In the clip one brother challenges the other brother about how selfish he is – his leadership in running his restaurant is all self-centered – he is selfish and he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Second Look At Freedom Of Religion Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 13, 2017

We must seek to meet those who have no connection to religious tradition but sincerely seek truth, goodness and beauty. Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the what and the whom they seek.

Thursday of 5th Week of Easter 2017 Joy of the Gospel The words of today’s Gospel could be a reflection on the Beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Ultimately our food, our clothing, our housing and our health care are not ends in themselves, but rather means to the end of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:22-31

Denomination: Catholic

How To Separate Ourselves From The Sins Of The Pharisees

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jul 22, 2004

Jesus gives us a challenge He gave about the Pharisees. He wants us to show mercy and love to those who need salvation, not just go through the motions of our own religious beliefs

How to Separate Ourselves From the Sins of the Pharisees Jesus said to them, "Be careful and on your guard against the leaven (teaching, corruption, hypocrisy) of the Pharisees and Saducees." (Matthew 16:6) Jesus said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves in the eyes of men. But God ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:6-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Don't Move Those Rocks!

Contributed by John Crowe on Jul 25, 2016

A sermon focusing on Religious Freedom special thanks to, Joey Nelson, Bill Huth, Congresman Jack Kingston, Solomon

Don’t move those rocks! Proverbs 22:28 July 24, 2016 River Bend Baptist Church INTRO: Turn in your Bible to Proverbs 22:28. While you are turning there; let’s start off a little differently today. I want to remind you of some wise saying of Solomon. Proverbs 9:8 Do not rebuke a ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 22:28

Denomination: Baptist

Breaking The Law...for God's Sake

Contributed by David E. Watters on Aug 14, 2011

Matthew 15: 10-20 - Barclay stated that this Scripture was 'one of the supreme contests in history'. Two religious viewpoints clash with what Jesus says. Jesus again points to what is really important.

Good morning. Laws are important in any society in order to keep peace and order. But there are laws and then there are laws. Here are some laws that are still on the books in our state of Kansas. • In Derby, it is illegal to hit a vending machine that stole your money. • In Dodge ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:10-20, Matthew 15:1-20

Denomination: Methodist