Sermons on Religious Ritual:

The Wicked Tenants (October 8, 2017).

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Aug 14, 2020

The text for today is almost a mirror image of how religious leaders who were so called qualified, failed miserably for those who relied on their leadership.

THE WICKED TENANTS Text: Matthew 21:33 - 46 Back in 2002 I was helping my oldest sister Teresa clean up her condo. She and her husband lived there while my brother-in-law was studying to be a doctor at the Medical University of South Carolina in Columbia. I had remembered what the place ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46

Denomination: United Methodist

How Is Jesus’ Way Different From The Law? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 8, 2021

This passage highlights how different what Jesus is bringing is from what the religious teachers were offering. How exactly is Jesus' way different?

THE JEWS' PLAN: 1. THEIR SYSTEM WAS THE LAW. - John 7:21-24. - The miracle that is referred to in v. 21 is almost certainly the healing at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15). John records miracles after that, but that was the miracle that brought out the issue of healing on the Sabbath. ...read more

Scripture: John 7:14-24

Denomination: Baptist

In Memory Of Christ, More Than An Ordinary Memory Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 31, 2024

The one commandment that Christians have kept, religiously, over the twenty centuries of the Church is “This is my Body. . .This is my Blood. . .do this in memory of Me.”

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ 2024 The 20th century English priest and convert, Msgr Ronald Knox, used to say that if you go over all the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ, you find instructions for leading an exemplary Christian life, including the Ten Commandments and the rather ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, Mark 14:22-26

Denomination: Catholic

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

If You Want To Walk On Water You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat

Contributed by David Parks on Oct 3, 2020

If you are going to follow Jesus, you must, by faith, be willing to step out of the safety of your comfort zone and "do something religious."

IF YOU WANT TO WALK ON WATER YOU’VE GOT TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT Text: Matthew 14:22-33 Introduction: 1. John Ortberg is an exceptionally talented writer who can catch your attention with his titles. 2. One book was Titled Everyone is Normal Until You Get to Know Them. 3. Another one is Titled, If ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Build On Rock, Not Sand Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 2, 2017

" pray for our young religious and seminarians, for all of us will be judged on the basis of where we build–on the firm rock of obedience to God, or on shifting sand."

Thursday of the First Week in Lent Reformation & Revolution It is the happy decision of the Church that brings us so much of the prophet Isaiah as we celebrate the time of expectation, the time of Advent. Isaiah was a prophet of hope in a time of social and religious and political upheaval. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-27

Denomination: Catholic

Resurrection Sunday: Jesus Is Alive Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 18, 2025

Resurrection Sunday is not a mere religious occasion—it is the celebration of the greatest victory in the history of mankind. It is the day we declare without shame or apology that Jesus is alive!

RESURRECTION SUNDAY: JESUS IS ALIVE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Luke 24:1–7 Supporting Texts: Romans 6:9–10, Revelation 1:18, John 11:25–26, Acts 2:24, 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 INTRODUCTION: Resurrection Sunday is not a mere religious occasion—it is the celebration of the greatest victory in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Taking Christ Out Of Christmas

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Dec 2, 2023

If Christmas has become a "cultural" holiday, This message looks at what happens when we try and take out all of the religious elements.

Have you noticed that every year, people seem more intent on secularizing Christmas? They wish you a “Happy Holiday” or “Seasons Greetings” and then have presentations at school that make no mention of the Manger or the Wise Men, let alone the Christ Child. Now, I may be a little overly sensitive, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Wesleyan

To Judge Or Not To Judge Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Aug 7, 2024

In this text Jesus is like "when it comes to judging others the world and the religious do it this way, but I say to you do it my way"

“To Judge Or Not To Judge, Now That’s A Really Good Question” Matthew 7:1-6 OKAY - I want to start off our time together this morning by reading 2 passages of Scripture, and then I will pray us into our time of study. The first passage is in Luke 18 beginning at verse 9... To some who were ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Rejection, Spiritual Blindness, Occupation Of The Heart. Matthew 12.22-50 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on May 11, 2025

1. The religious leaders' continued rejection of Jesus reveals their hardened hearts, leading to their spiritual blindness and condemnation. 2. OCCUPY your heart with JESUS.

2025.05.11. Sermon Notes. MATTHEW 12.22-50 REJECTION, SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS, OCCUPATION OF THE HEART WILLIAM AKEHURST, HSWC SCRIPTURES: Matthew 12:22-50, Acts 19:13-16, 1 Timothy 1:13, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 2:2, John 19:30, John 5:24, John 16:8-11, 1 Timothy 3:16, Romans 1:3-4, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:22-50, Acts 19:13-16, 1 Timothy 1:13, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 2:2, John 19:30, John 5:24, John 16:8-11, Romans 1:3-4, John 16:12-14, John 15:26, Acts 3:14-15, Acts 3:17-19, 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 3:17, John 6:40, Hebrews 2:11, 1 Timothy 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Walking Close With God Daily Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 10, 2025

To walk closely with God daily is not a religious routine, but a personal and intentional lifestyle. It involves a continuous, living relationship with the Lord marked by love, obedience, fellowship, and dependence.

WALKING CLOSE WITH GOD DAILY By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Micah 6:8 Supporting Texts: Genesis 5:24, Amos 3:3, Psalm 63:1, Galatians 5:16, John 15:4-5 INTRODUCTION: To walk closely with God daily is not a religious routine, but a personal and intentional lifestyle. It involves a continuous, ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:8, Genesis 5:24, Amos 3:3, Psalm 63:1

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Works Of Faith PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 9, 2024

This sermon explores the importance of faith in Christ as the foundation of our righteousness, rather than adherence to religious law, as illustrated in Galatians 2:11-21. Key

Greetings, beloved family in Christ. It is a joy to be with you once again, in this sacred space where our hearts unite in worship, our souls find solace in His presence, and our spirits are nourished by His Word. Today, we turn our gaze upon a passage that is a treasure trove of wisdom and ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-21

Topics: True Faith

God's Priests, Providence And Plans Series

Contributed by Robert Robb on Mar 17, 2001

Lessons from the priests, from God’s Providence and from God’s plans

Limavady Reformed Presbyterian Church Rev Robert Robb Studies in The Book of Haggai Study 7 Introduction We come this morning to the last of our studies in the book of Haggai. Last week we considered the message that Haggai brought to the people on the 21st day of the seventh month, just four ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 2:10-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Fleeing Fugitive Faces Frightened Fellows Series

Contributed by Mack Armstrong on Mar 6, 2008

Ceasing their prayers, the frightened sailors took up a time honored ritual of casting lots. When the lots fell to Jonah, he knew he had to confess. He ran from God-but he could not run now: it was time for the truth.

JONAH 1:7 FLEEING FUGITIVE FACES FRIGHTENED FELLOWS I. FAILURE: A. Fates. B. Faith. C. Fanaticism. II. FINDINGS: A. Facts? B. Fortitude? C. Focus? III. FIXATION: A. Foreigner. B. Feelings. C. Forlornness. The scene before us in these first seven verses of Jonah, Chapter One ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:1-7

Denomination: Methodist