Sermons on Religious Legalism:

Faith Beyond Religion: Following Jesus In Truth And Life Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 3, 2026

In a world where religious practice is often measured by attendance, ritual, and tradition, the call of Christ is far deeper. Faith is not merely religion; it is a vibrant, personal trust in the living God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Faith Beyond Religion: Following Jesus in Truth and Life Introduction Today we step into a topic that strikes at the heart of what it means to truly follow Jesus: faith and religion—how they intersect, yet are profoundly different. In a world where religious practice is often measured by ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1, Micah 6:6-8, Romans 10:9-10, Galatians 5:1, James 2:14-17, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 15:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Identification Of Worship Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Oct 27, 2019

As Jesus talked with the woman at the well, He revealed much regarding worship. Through their conversation we discover there are two distinct types of worship - Religious worship and Righteous worship. All worship will fall into one of these categories.

The Identification of Worship John 4: 19-24 This is a portion of a very familiar passage of Scripture. I’m sure that most of us have heard the account of the woman at the well many times. She was a woman who was shunned and rejected by those who knew her. She was an outcast of society due to the ...read more

Scripture: John 4:19-24

Denomination: Baptist

"a Carnival Of Corruption" Lent 3

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Feb 28, 2024

Carnival time is often a time of chaos. Jesus created chaos because of the corruption in the Jerusalem temple. The cleansing of the temple is the "judgement" of God against commercial robbery of the poor by the religious establishment. Jesus is the replacement.

In Jesus Holy Name Lent III March 5, 2024 Text: John 2:19-20 Redeemer “A Carnival of Corruption” Carnival time in New Orleans or Brazil always shows a crush of humanity going crazy. We have seen videos of “Smash ...read more

Scripture: John 2:12-24, Luke 19:43-45

Denomination: Lutheran

The Mystery Of The Holy Communion

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 4, 2025

The Holy Communion is not a religious ritual to be taken lightly. It is a divine mystery with deep spiritual meaning, power, and blessing. When we partake of it with faith, reverence, and understanding, we receive life, healing, restoration, and intimacy with the Lord.

THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY COMMUNION By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 Supporting Texts: Matthew 26:26-29, John 6:53-56, Luke 24:30-31, Exodus 12:1-14 INTRODUCTION: The Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a divine mystery instituted by Jesus Christ Himself. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

My Last Week Lesson 7 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 6, 2023

The last words of a person, will reflect his character and purpose in life. “The religious leaders had announced that anyone seeing Me must report it to the authorities so I could be arrested” (John 11:58).

Note: All Scripture references in this lesson are from The Bible by Jesus unless otherwise noted A. MY LAST WEEK “The religious leaders had announced that anyone seeing Me must report it to the authorities so I could be arrested” (John 11:58). The Week That Changed The World: April A.D. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, Luke 23:34

Denomination: Baptist

Sabbath & Sunday Worship Series

Contributed by Don Aldrich Tamayo on Jul 7, 2023

Both hold religious significance. Sabbath observed on Saturday, rooted in biblical commandment. Sunday worship prominent in Christianity, honoring resurrection. Diverse practices, historical transitions. Respect for both traditions essential for understanding and coexistence.

[Opening] Good morning/afternoon, brothers and sisters. Today, we gather together to delve deeper into the profound and sacred topics of the Sabbath and Sunday worship. These observances hold deep religious significance, both within and beyond the Christian faith. Let us embark on a transformative ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11, Genesis 2:2-3, Deuteronomy 5:12-15

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

What Seems Right To A Man Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Nov 27, 2025

With the death of Samson, the record of Israelite Judges comes to an end. There is no further talk of foreign oppressors or heroic liberators. Instead, the final chapters recount 2 stories - both shedding light on the religious and moral standards of the time..........

November 29, 2025 At the beginning of the wilderness journey, God had declared that He would be Israel’s God and they would be His people: Exodus 6:7 - I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the ...read more

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Broken Altar - When Worship Becomes Work Series

Contributed by Barry Tallis on May 2, 2025

The first in a four part series confronts the subtle drift from passionate devotion to empty religious routine, challenging believers to recognize the cracks in their spiritual foundations and commit to rebuilding authentic altars of worship in their daily lives.

INTO: Today we're kicking off a brand-new series that's going to challenge your spiritual comfort zone and reignite your relationship with God. We're talking about being SET APART in a world that wants you to fit in! Have you ever felt like your relationship with God has become more ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 29:13, 1 Kings 18:30, Romans 12:1

A Life Aimed Toward God (Zechariah 7:1-7) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Mar 14, 2026

Sometimes, our religious practices are more important to us, than to God. And God asks three questions, to help the post-exilic community (and us) wrestle with what's actually important to him.

This morning, we continue our study of the book of Zechariah. Today, we find ourselves entering into a new section of Zechariah that runs from chapter 7 to chapter 8. This little section of Zechariah is often described as being a collection of prophetic sermons. It's mostly pretty ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-7

What Is Faith? Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 28, 2025

Faith is not just a religious idea—it is the spiritual force that connects us to God's power and purpose. It is confidence in God’s Word, conviction in the unseen, and commitment to act according to God’s truth.

WHAT IS FAITH? By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Hebrews 11:1 Supporting Texts: Romans 10:17, James 2:17, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Mark 11:22-24 INTRODUCTION: Faith is one of the most central and powerful themes in the Christian life. It is the foundation upon which our relationship with God stands ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1, Romans 10:17, James 2:17, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Mark 11:22-24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

This Man Receives Sinners

Contributed by Timothy Shumer on Apr 28, 2002

The self-righteous religious rulers of Jesus’ day didn’t want much to do with sinners - but that was precisely the point of Jesus coming to earth! They wouldn’t receive sinners, but Jesus would ~ and He did! Will you?

The custom of the family visiting around the dinner table = Perhaps a lost art + Some = My family = Enjoyed visiting during meals = But also after, living room + And then we would play cards and that’s when the real visiting began + Some = My wife’s family = Loved to linger at the table after the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Seeing Clearly Series

Contributed by Tim White on Mar 5, 2012

Jesus' healing of the blind man in Mark 8 illustrates four points: 1) Some people just want to come out of the darkness. 2) Our ministry can sometimes only lift the darkness. 3) The religious expectations of others can be harmful. 4) There are times when

Seeing Clearly Mark 8:22-26 Seeing is a strange thing. An infant can see a john deer tractor and not benefit from it. A farmer can see a jar of smashed carrots and not be drawn to it. A doctor can see blurry images on a glass slide and be excited about what it tells him. A preacher can see three ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:22-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Grandparents Bible Series

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jul 12, 2011

When it comes to religious instruction and example we can see that Jacob gave his grandson’s four important things to remember him by and to help point his grandchildren to the true and living God. You and I can do the same thing today for our Grandchild

The Grandparents Bible Text: Gen. 48 Developed from the study by Ruth & Elmer Towns http://elmertowns.com/books/unpublished/Grandparents/GrandparentsoftheBible%5BETowns%5D.pdf Illustration: A few years ago there was a cartoon that showed a little child stumbling over some stones in the road. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 48:1-22, Genesis 48:1

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

We Must Pay The Price Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 4, 2019

we must discern as families how to respond to the attacks of secular culture, and use our assets, out time, talent and treasure, to restore beauty to our worship, teach religious and moral truths to our communities, and do everything we can to show goodness to the world–to become saints.

Epiphany 2018 The Cost of Discipleship When we compare the stories we have been reading in St. Luke’s Gospel with the reading today from St. Matthew, we are tempted to wonder if this is a story about two different families. On Christmas day we see Mary and Joseph being turned away from every inn ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-6, Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Catholic

Justification By Faith Alone Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Jun 2, 2010

Since that time of Cain and Abel there has been two distinct lines of works and faith in man’s religious life. Whosoever follows the way of man (like Cain), whatever it is, follows Satan’s lie. The person who follows God’s way follows the way of Abel, t

Justification by Faith Alone Galatians 2:11-21 Introduction Guilt is a universal plague of sinful mankind. Every person feels guilty. Consequently every person tries in some way to alleviate their guilt. Primitive tribesmen sought to ease their guilt by appeasing the imagined gods who were ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-21

Denomination: Baptist