Sermons on Religious Legalism:

Departure From The Faith (Full) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Apr 14, 2017

To establish that the Holy Spirit predicted a “departure from the faith” that resulted in religious apostasy and the rise of denominational institutions throughout the world. This lesson describes the failures of the Reformation Movement and the successes of the Restoration Movement.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. The Retraction Movement 2. The Reformation Movement 3. The Restoration Movement Remarks. 1. In this lesson we will be discussing the theme: “The Departure from the Faith.” It should be noted that Paul begins our lesson describing “the retraction movement” or “the departure ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, 1 Timothy 4:1-5, 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Revival Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 5, 2021

Revival is not only a good word used in Scripture, it is also a good and positive experience. When rightly understood, we will long for it in the religious realm as we do in all other areas of life.

Clovis Chappell, the great Southern preacher and author, said in one of his messages, "What announcement could the average pastor make to his people next Sunday that would create less enthusiasm, less approval, less holy expectancy, then that he would soon to begin a revival?" ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 85:6

Fourth Of July America Your Bone & Flesh

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Jul 3, 2021

For the church in the USA, the Fourth of July is always problematic. While not a religious holy day, there is an expectation from many that at least some recognition of the day is required So this sermon looks at Freedom and ralationship.

Your Bone & Flesh SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR B MARK 6:1-13 When I think of the term Flesh-n-Bone what comes to mind is the Rapper. Born Stanley Howse and known to his fans as Flesh-n-Bone, this Ohio-bred hip hop artist rose to fame as a member of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony this young man ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:1-13

Denomination: United Methodist

An Outline For Acts 6:8-15

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jul 30, 2021

Stephen was a willing worker for the Church in the days of the Apostles. There were some people, including religious leaders, who didn't like him and made plans to do something to him.

An Outline for Acts 6:8-15 Introduction: Stephen was one of the original seven men chosen to assist the apostles (see Acts 6:1-7). He was able to more than just assist in distribution of food, as he performed “great wonders and miracles among the people” and even engaged in dialogue with members ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

(Exodus 4:27-28) Aaron Is Sent To Meet Moses. Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 23, 2022

According to the Abrahamic religions, Aaron was a prophet, high priest, and the elder brother of Moses. Knowledge of Aaron, along with his brother Moses, comes exclusively from religious texts, such as the Bible and Quran.

(Exodus 4:27-28) Aaron is sent to meet Moses. According to the Abrahamic religions, Aaron was a prophet, high priest, and the elder brother of Moses. Knowledge of Aaron, along with his brother Moses, comes exclusively from religious texts, such as the Bible and Quran. Aaron has a vital role as a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 4:14

Denomination: Baptist

"Magic, Mystery, Miracle”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Dec 20, 2022

The theme is take from Leonard Sweet the message of Christmas. In our society, there are two great religious holidays—Christmas and Easter. The green wreath of Christmas is juxtaposed to the Good Friday wreath of thorns.

In Jesus Holy Name December 24, 2022 Text: Matthew 1:20b-23 Christmas Eve - Redeemer “Magic, Mystery, Miracle” Christmas is here. I’m sure you went through rolls of scotch tape in order to decorate all the Christmas gifts. Your scotch tape was probably made by the 3M ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:20-23, Luke 2:4-14

Denomination: Lutheran

The Judgment Of The Almighty Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Sep 12, 2022

The Old Testament prophets predicted a day so alarming that even those who are religiously careless wake from their moral sleepiness. They frequently refer to it as “that day” when the nations are judged.

It is widely regarded as one of the best films of all time, Shawshank Redemption was released nearly thirty years ago in 1994. It became an instant classic telling the tale of an innocent man in prison who eventually gains his freedom through a satisfying escape plan. And if watched any TV in the ...read more

Scripture: John 8:33, Romans 12:19, Malachi 3:17, Malachi 3:2, Acts 17:30-31, Luke 6:23, Matthew 19:28, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Romans 2:5, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, 1 Corinthians 5:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Understanding Why We Pray Series

Contributed by Antonio Manaytay on Jul 3, 2024

Prayer is more than a religious duty; it is the heartbeat of our relationship with God. Understanding why we pray can transform our prayer lives, making them more vibrant and meaningful.

Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I want to delve into an essential aspect of our Christian walk: prayer. Prayer is more than a religious duty; it is the heartbeat of our relationship with God. Understanding why we pray can transform our prayer lives, making them more ...read more

Scripture: James 5:16

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Unexpected Jesus (Sermon 2) Defying Expectations Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 4, 2024

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently defied expectations. Whether it was the religious leaders of the day, the multitudes, or even His own disciples, Jesus was always more than people anticipated.

The Unexpected Jesus (Sermon 2) Defying Expectations Introduction Today, I want to take you on a journey to explore a profound and often surprising aspect of our Saviour—what I like to call "The Unexpected Jesus." Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently defied expectations. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:21-22, Matthew 28:18, Mark 1:40-42, Luke 7:13, Isaiah 53:3-5, Philippians 2:6-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Holy But Haughty – The Trap Of Spiritual Pride Series

Contributed by Dr. John D. Wentworth on Jun 23, 2025

"Spiritual pride is the most dangerous of all religious diseases. It feeds on orthodoxy, grows in the shadows of ministry, and disguises itself as righteousness while it quietly kills humility." — Jonathan Edwards

Title: Holy but Haughty – The Trap of Spiritual Pride Text: Luke 18:9–14 (ESV) “ He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God Manages His Vineyard Well

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Mar 18, 2025

Jesus reworks the old parable of the vineyard to fit the new barbarism. He directs the moral at the human vineyard managers, the religious and secular men who treat the Law and Temple as their personal fiefdom.

Friday of the Second Week of Lent 2025 St. Matthew’s Gospel is moving toward its climax, which is called Holy Week. Frequently we see Jesus crossing swords verbally with his adversaries. Jesus was an out-of-towner, considered a religious zealot and “hick” by the secular and religious authorities ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:22, Genesis 37:3-4, Genesis 37:12-13, Genesis 37:17-28, Psalm 105:16-21, Matthew 21:33-43, Matthew 21:45-46, Matthew 21:44, John 11:49-51  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Escaping The Trap Series

Contributed by David Asch on Feb 16, 2005

How do we escape the traps of life, religion, etc? How do we get out, how do we keep out? In this message we discover the keys as we see some religious leaders try to trap Jesus.

ESCAPING THE TRAP Mark 12:13-27 INTRO: Pitch the hamster – feeling trapped. A hum-drum existence, punctuated by brief moments of excitement. Eat the food. Run on the wheel. Over and over again. Not able to be all a hamster could be. You could tell it was getting to her – more urgent climbing and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:13-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

#16 Who Is Jesus?—2 Opinions, 1 Truth Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on May 3, 2020

Jesus’ family thought He was insane and the scribes though He was demon possessed. This led to Jesus teaching on the unforgivable sin.

#16 Who Is Jesus?—2 Opinions, 1 Truth Series: Mark May 3, 2020 Chuck Sligh TEXT: Please turn in your Bibles to Mark 3:20. NOTE: PowerPoint presentation is available for this sermon by request at chucksligh@hotmail.com. Please mention the title of the sermon and the Bible text to help me find the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-30

Denomination: Baptist

Lord Of The Sabbath Series

Contributed by Timothy Mills on Oct 13, 2002

Exegetical, verse-by-verse exposition of John 5:1-17. "The only teaching more dangerous than liberalism is legalism, but Jesus is Lord. In Ch.1, Jesus is Lord of creation; in ch. 2, disciples, customs, & Temple; in ch. 3 plan of salvation; in ch. 4, gend

1) He is Lord of the Sabbath: Jesus went to an unnamed, but obligatory, feast. Jesus went to church habitually, Luke 4:16 “and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath.” His habit was to go to synagogue on the Sabbath. Worship on Sunday should be our habit as it was Jesus’. The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:16, John 5:1-17

The New Life In Christ (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Andy Payne on Nov 22, 2010

If we are trying to live our lives under our own steam then we are under legalism. Jesus has set us free from rules and regulations in how we live our life – so we can freely worship Jesus and experience freedom living for him.

Romans “The New Life in Christ” Romans 5:1-8:39 Intro: Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome addresses: 1. Who needs to be a Christian? 2. Why I need to be Christian? 3. How Can I become a Christian? 4. How does a Christian live his/her life? We have already looked to the first ...read more

Denomination: Baptist