Sermons on Religious Legalism:

Where The Bible Speaks... Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 23, 2007

Does it matter if matter if we change Bible terminology? If we add to God’s thinking because we think we can "improve" upon His Word? Consider these thoughts.

OPEN: A man once told of purchasing his first pickup truck. And he also bought a book on gasoline engines because he was afraid of being ripped off at the service station. He wrote: “The first time I took the truck in for repairs, I smugly wrote down what the problem was and what needed to be ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 30:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Turning The Other Cheek

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

The religious leaders of the world can quote their wise and holy men in ways that show they too have many of the values of the Sermon on the Mount. But they have nothing to match the teachings of Christ on the love of one's enemies.

Almost everybody agrees with the Sermon on the Mount in general, but almost nobody can agree to the specifics of the last part of chapter 5. Even Nikita Krushev, an atheist, when he was the leader of Russia, could say he agreed with the Sermon on the Mount, for even in Russia they do not consider ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

The Pressures Off Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on May 7, 2008

2000 years ago a religious guy met Jesus and was told he was headed down the wrong road and needed to make a u-turn that led to a life where the pressure is off and was never the same again.

The Pressures Off Never The Same Again (8) I hope you are getting pumped up about taking the One Month To Live Challenge. NEXT WEEK – we will kick off the series with an Easter Message. AND THEN – things will really start to rock and roll the week of March 30th when we launch our One Month ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Should You Fear God? Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

We think that grace means there’s nothing to fear in our behavior. And so the sanction of judgment has no place in our lives. But God is gracious and calls us back today to fear the behavior that leads to destruction.

I heard about a young boy that went off to one of these extremely expensive universities, and the bills were coming in monthly to these parents and they were struggling to keep their head above water. One day his mother received a letter from him and he said: “Dear Mom, I’m writing to inform you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-21

Denomination: Baptist

Pure In Heart: Defined Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 10, 2023

In this sixth beatitude, we must understand the standard Jesus is setting with the with the phrase "pure in heart.". If we set the standard too low, we fail to enter into the fullness of the blessing. If we set it too high we forsake the pursuit as futile.

Intro We are studying the Beatitudes with an interest in how to position ourselves for revival. What attitudes of heart are conducive to experiencing more of God’s grace and participating in what he is doing. The Beatitudes provide insight for participating in the kingdom of God because this is the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 5:21-28, Psalm 51:6-7, 1 John 1:7-9, Psalm 66:18, Matthew 6:1-24, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Jeremiah 17:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Are You Living By Rules Or A Relationship? Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 9, 2006

Are you still trying to obey rules and observe rituals to earn God’s favor?

INTRODUCTION During this Grace-Robbers series we have noted there are many people who are still trying to live under law instead of grace. Rules and laws can often be ridiculous, and even funny. Here is a list of ten actual laws from different states. 1. In Alabama it is illegal for a driver to ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

Adoption

Contributed by David Scudder on Aug 21, 2010

The word "adoption" is an action noun, so it acts like a verb, i.e. the Holy Spirit performs the act of adopting. In Roman law an adopted child had the exact same position and privileges as a natural born child, e.g. legal standing, or inheritance.

Purpose: To show what spiritual adoption is and what a great privilege it is. INTRODUCTION: ADOPTION huiothesia ^5206^, from huios, "a son," and thesis, "a placing," akin to tithemi, "to place," signifies the place and condition of a son given to one to whom it does not naturally belong. The word ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Honor Your Father And Mother Series

Contributed by Michael Sawyer on Nov 16, 2013

This covers the commandment to honor our father and mother. Rather than looking from a legal standpoint or even looking at how they could do better as parents, the Bible is telling us that we are responsible for giving honor to those God has put over us.

Honor Your Father and Mother Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. With the start of the fifth commandment, we move from a framework of relationship to God and start to focus on the relationship we have ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:12

Denomination: Baptist

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 Basics Of Being A Consecrated Believer

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Sep 21, 2004

In the midst of civil and religious ruin, harsh living conditions and spiritual apathy Ezra is used by God to revive Israel as he demonstrates the basics of being a consecrated believer.

THE BASICS OF BEING A CONSECRATED BELIEVER Ezra 7:6-10 EZRA 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Introduction: The Israelites returned to Jerusalem after having been taken into Babylonian captivity for 70 ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 7:6-10

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

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

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