Sermons on Religious Ritual:

Prayer Meeting In The Jerusalem Church

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Nov 30, 2014

The prayer the Jerusalem Christians prayed when Peter and John were released from the inquisition of the Jerusalem religious leaders teaches some important truths about prayer, which is the subject of this sermon.

Prayer Meeting in the Jerusalem Church Chuck Sligh November 30, 2014 NOTE: A PowerPoint presentation of this sermon is available upon request by emailing me at chucksligh@hotmail.com. TEXT: Please turn in your Bibles to Acts 4 (TO BE READ LATER) INTRODUCTION The first church in Jerusalem ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Baptist

The Retraction Movement (Lesson 1) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Mar 15, 2020

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 Remarks. 1. This is lesson one, in our sermon-series of the theme: “The Departure from the Faith.” It should be noted that Paul begins our lesson by describing “the retraction movement” or “the departure from the faith!” It should also be noted, ...read more

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

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Reformation Movement (Lesson 2) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Mar 15, 2020

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. 2. The Reformation Movement Remarks. 1. This is lesson two, in our semon-series of the theme: “The Departure from the Faith.” It should be noted that Paul begins our lesson by describing “the retraction movement” or “the departure from the faith!” It should also be noted, ...read more

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

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Restoration Movement (Lesson 3) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Mar 15, 2020

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. 3. The Restoration Movement Remarks. 1. This is lesson three, in our sermon-series of the theme: “The Departure from the Faith.” It should be noted that we began this series by describing “the retraction movement” or “the departure from the faith!” Recall, we stated, that ...read more

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

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"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

Social Justice And Critical Theory: Biblical Justice In An Age Of Ideological Civil War

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 27, 2021

There is an ideological civil war taking place in the United States, and in western civilization overall. This is a battle that displays itself along political lines, social lines, academic lines, and along religious lines.

Proverbs 21:15 "When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." There is an ideological civil war taking place in the United States, and in western civilization overall. This is a battle that displays itself along political lines, social lines, academic ...read more

Scripture: John 7:24, Proverbs 21:15, Proverbs 28:5, Galatians 3:26-29, Matthew 5:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Salvation Army

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

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

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

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

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

When Believers Lose Their First Love

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Oct 22, 2025

When believers lose their first love, their passionate devotion, intimacy, and zeal for God fade, leaving them with outward religious activity and an empty heart disconnected from true fellowship with Him.

WHEN BELIEVERS LOSE THEIR FIRST LOVE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Revelation 2:4-5 “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:4-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

Grounding Faith Series

Contributed by Joseph Rodgers on Jan 17, 2007

A series in James about possessing a foolproof faith. This message focuses on faith that is built upon the truth of God’s Word and the necessity of hearing God.

Foolproof – A Study of James GROUNDING Faith – James 1:19-27 Sunday AM Recap: We’re in a series in James about how to have a foolproof faith so that we won’t be fooled into thinking we have genuine faith when we’re only religious and so we can’t be fooled into embracing anything not of God. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Baptist