Sermons on Religious Legalism:

Charity

Contributed by Phillip Smith on Sep 19, 2024

There seems to be a great divide in the accepted meanings for charity and love. In religious terms, Christians think they are one in the same.

When someone speaks of charity or uses the term charity, we immediately turn to the belief someone did a good deed for another who is poor or in need. Sometimes we associate the term with a foundation which accepts monetary donations for the poor. In contrast, with the term love, (which we often ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, 1 Corinthians 12:25-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Circumcision Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 22, 2024

Using OT Scripture, Paul proves in Romans 4:9-12 that circumcision is not a prerequisite for justification. Justification is by faith alone. Vital principles applicable today are taught in this passage of Scripture.

Intro Romans 4 naturally divides into sections: 1. Justification is by faith, not by works (vv.1-8). 2. Justification by faith is not dependent on ritual (vv. 9-16). 3. The kind of faith that leads to justification is exemplified by Abraham (vv. 17-22). 4. Justification is available now for all ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-16, Genesis 15:6, Galatians 6:12, Galatians 3:28-29, Romans 11:1-36, Romans 9:6-7, Luke 3:8, 2 Corinthians 5:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

A Big God For Mothers Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 9, 2021

Imagine when Paul told his Jewish mother about his conversion. Imagine when his religious mother heard that her favorite son threw off all his religious accomplishments and call them “dung.” She would, no doubt, be crestfallen.

Today is Mother’s Day! Mothers need a big God. Any and every mother would have proud to have a son like Saul of Tarsus. Find Philippians 3 with me as we are going read Saul/Paul’s profound story. Sons and daughters that are great achievers often make their parents proud. Yet, in Saul we have ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:2-16

Denomination: Baptist

Living In The Shadow Of The Cross Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Jan 30, 2012

The Apostle Paul has repeatedly warned the Galatian churches about getting caught up in legalism. The danger is not only because of what they will do to others or get caught up in with regards to their own lives but there is a danger in what they will tru

The Apostle Paul has repeatedly warned the Galatian churches about getting caught up in legalism. The danger is not only because of what they will do to others or get caught up in with regards to their own lives but there is a danger in what they will truly MISS OUT ON that God has to offer each ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:11-18

Becoming Men Of Integrity

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Nov 10, 2019

This is a Men's Day sermon for an inner-city church facing issues of poverty and legalization of marijuana in their community. It looks at David and his meeting with Ahimelek. David's lack of integrity had painful consequences.

Becoming Men Of Integrity 1 Samuel 21:1-9 Luke 13:31-35 11/8/2019 When you hear the word integrity, what other words come into your mind. Some words I think of are honesty, faithfulness, keeping your word, trustworthy, consistent, dependable, caring, righteous, justice and steadfast. Men ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 21:1-9, Luke 13:31-35

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Navigating The Ebb And Flow

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Dec 24, 2024

Jesus shared words to help John's disciples navigate change, as they were dealing with the loss of their leader. He also addressed the change of grace over legalism. This passage can be applied to change within the church.

I have entitled our message this morning, “Navigating the Ebb and Flow.” The expression “ebb and flow” is an idiom used to describe periods of highs and lows, and growth and decline, just like the rising and falling of the tides. It is essentially the idea that life is not always constant, but ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:14-17

Denomination: Baptist

One Nation Under God Series

Contributed by Johnny Small on Mar 4, 2002

Christians need to stand up for Christ and our religious freedoms. 7th of series of Taking Up Your Cross in Todays’ World.

One Nation Under God Let’s read: Mark 8:34-38 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38, Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Take A Stand On Key Issues: Addiction, Abortion, & Marriage

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 2, 2021

The silence of the church on key issues of our day is deafening. By remaining silent on these issues, for fear of controversy, the church unilaterally makes itself irrelevant.

The silence of the church on key issues of our day is deafening. By remaining silent on these issues, for fear of controversy, the church unilaterally makes itself irrelevant. When it's just a social club, or even a Christian fellowship of worship, well... something very important is missing. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:11

Denomination: Salvation Army

How To Trigger A Great Awakening

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on May 3, 2021

Ultimately the Holy Spirit is the only one who can trigger a great awakening in your area. Yet the Spirit is willing. God works through people. He asks "Who will go?" Who is willing to say: "Here I am Lord, send me!"

Ultimately the Holy Spirit is the only one who can trigger a great awakening in your area. Yet the Spirit is willing. God works through people. He asks "Who will go?" Who is willing to say: "Here I am Lord, send me!" That is the beginning. We become willing to be a vessel ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-21

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Dangers Of Fault Finding Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 24, 2025

Fault finders usually do not see any good in the efforts of other people. They put on the air of perfection and act as if they are incapable of making mistakes. Such people easily offend others through their actions and speeches. They focus on everyone’s faults except theirs.

As Christians, we're called to build each other up, not tear each other down. Yet, fault finding is a subtle sin that can creep into our lives, damaging relationships and hindering our walk with God. The Pharisees: A Classic Example In John 8:3-11, the Pharisees brought a woman caught in ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 18:21, John 8:3-11

The Futility Of Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 14, 2022

Religious exercise can become a snare if in our efforts we fail to seek the Lord. Religion for the sake of religion is a dreadful snare.

“Like a pregnant woman who writhes and cries out in her pangs when she is near to giving birth, so were we because of you, O LORD; we were pregnant, we writhed, but we have given birth to wind. We have accomplished no deliverance in the earth, and the inhabitants of the world have not ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

3 Simple Rules For Making A Marriage Work Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Sep 12, 2022

In the next few moments, I want to help you celebrate marriage, whether married, divorced, or single. God gave us marriage for our happiness. God gave us marriage to be a blessing in our lives. Your marriage can serve as a catalyst for your relationship with God.

When I say the word “marriage,” what do you think? Are you a little jaundice about the idea of marriage? I spoke to a lady recently who said when I got married I was looking for the ideal, instead, the marriage became an ordeal, so now I want a new deal. One day, a man went to the Super Bowl, ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 2:10-16, 1 Kings 11:4

Denomination: Baptist

How Shall You Escape Hell? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 28, 2006

One of the harshest questions Jesus asked was asked of the Pharisees: "How shall you escape Hell?" As much a byword of legalism as they were, we must be careful we don’t fall into the traps that ensnared them.

OPEN: Down thru the ages, there have been rare occasions when different printings of the Bible have been found to have small errors them · For example in 1653 Christians were upset to find that one Bible which declared: “Know ye not that the UNRIGHTEOUS shall inherit the kingdom of God?” · The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:15-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Awaiting With Hope

Contributed by Rev Silvester David on Jul 1, 2025

We live in a multi-religious society where everyone will champion the course of what and who they belief in as God or the way of life. Christians must be fully aware what makes Christ and Christianity so different and significant comparing to all other religions and religious teachers or ‘gurus’.

What is the significant difference between Christianity and all other religions? 1. All other religions teaches ‘Work Salvation’ – you work towards attaining salvation. Muslims – must fulfill the 7 pillars of Islam; Hinduism – Karma (do good get good, do evil get evil); Buddism – Charity increases ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-3

There Is One Hope Series

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Apr 12, 2023

Hope is something as important to us as water is to a fish. But with our current social and economic concerns, hope often seems illusive. Our political and legal systems are allowing outrageous things to go on. Just look at the news of this past week.

Alba 4-9-2023 THERE IS ONE HOPE Ephesians 4:4 This morning's message is entitled “There Is One Hope” from Ephesians chapter four, verse four. Hope is something as important to us as water is to a fish. But with our current social and economic concerns, hope often seems illusive. Our ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:4, 1 Peter 1:3, Luke 24:3-9, Luke 24:19-21, Romans 5:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ