Sermons on Religious Ritual:

Preparing Your Heart For Jesus Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Dec 17, 2020

What does true repentance look like? This message is based on John's ministry against a backdrop of political turmoil and religious oppression.

Introduction We’ve spent the last few months leading up to Christmas and the birth of Christ talking about how the world was being prepared by God religiously and geopolitically for the arrival of Christ. We saw prophetic fulfillment and covenantal fulfillment through the coming of Jesus Christ, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:4, Luke 15:7, John 1:12, Matthew 3:5, John 1:1, John 18:24-28, John 11:50, Matthew 14:1-13, Luke 1:75, Matthew 3:6, Luke 3:1-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

The Herodians Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 25, 2022

Known for their sensuality and corrupt living, the Herodians were supporters of the policies and government of the Herodian (Herod) family. They were a political rather than religious party.

Herodians Who Were The Herodians? Have you heard about the Herodians? Who were they, and why is it important to know about them? What was the Herodian? The Herodium is sometimes called Herodeion, and Israel knows it best as "Herodion." According to Josephus, the Jewish historian hired by ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:6

Denomination: Baptist

Lord Of The Sabbath ( Matthew 12:1-14)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Mar 23, 2025

In this chapter, Jesus teaches the true meaning of the “Sabbath” and how it is to bring glory to God, not to be used as a religious weapon. The hostility towards Jesus was starting to grow.

Before we undergo any further study of this chapter, it would be helpful to understand the concept of the “Sabbath”. According to the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8), the Sabbath was set aside as one day in seven to cease from labor and take a rest from all unnecessary activity. Exodus 31:15 ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 31:15, Colossians 1:16-17, Hosea 6:6, Matthew 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Caught In The Act

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Apr 8, 2023

If what Peter and John and the others claim is true, what will happen to the religious establishment? They'll have to kill the movement to survive themselves.

Good morning. This is Hannah Batyoel from Inside Jerusalem, reporting on a breaking story that began late yesterday afternoon when two Galileans were arrested for creating a disturbance in the temple precincts. But first, a backgrounder from our religion correspondent, Shlomo Yehudi. Good ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-20, Acts 3:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Jesus With Authority

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Mar 27, 2024

The authority of Jesus was questioned by the religious leaders. Jesus did not his source of authority to those wicked inquirers. But Bible reveals that his authority is unquestionable.

Text: Matthew 21:23-27 Theme: Challenge of Jesus’ Authority Introduction: The authority of Jesus was questioned while he was teaching in the Temple in Jerusalem, as reported in all three synoptic gospels: Matthew 21:23–27, Mark 11:27–33 and Luke 20:1–8. During the time of Jesus, chief priests, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-27

Denomination: Methodist

A Biblical Warning For Evil And Wicked Priests. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 8, 2024

Throughout history, the church has faced numerous challenges, including the threat of evil and wicked priests who have infiltrated the ranks of religious leadership.

The Bible warns us about these individuals, who masquerade as servants of God while perpetuating evil and leading the faithful astray. This will explore the biblical concept of evil and wicked priests, their characteristics, and the consequences of their actions. Unfortunately, many churches are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:11, Acts 5:1-11, 1 Timothy 5:17-20, Jeremiah 23:1-2

New Testament Religions

Contributed by Kyle Campbell on Aug 15, 2022

It would be an understatement to say that the religious world is in a state of confusion. With hundreds of denominations in this country and thousands of religions worldwide, it’s sufficient to say that many people simply don’t know what’s going on.

Introduction. You likely know that sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Therefore, in order to get back to God, we need religion. The word “religion” basically means to “tie or bind back to God again.” This fundamental belief in sin and redemption has fueled the development of many varied ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:13-14, Acts 26:5, James 1:26, James 1:27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

Faith Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on May 17, 2021

So, let’s push aside everything we have read on the internet about faith, put the secular books down that make an attempt to define Christian faith, and let’s take hold of a different understanding of faith from what the world describes.

After taking a week off from our series last Sunday to celebrate Mother’s Day, we return today. I hope all our mothers had a wonderfully blessed day and I hope your family showed their love and appreciation to you on your Special Day because you are so special to us. Today’s Holy word is FAITH. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-6, Isaiah 26:3

Denomination: Baptist

What Makes Me Good Enough

Contributed by Lewis Martin on May 24, 2025

Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I good enough?” Good enough to be accepted. Good enough to belong. Good enough—for God.

"What Makes Me Good Enough?" Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I good enough?” Good enough to be accepted. Good enough to belong. Good enough—for God. Most of us try to answer that question by performing. We stay busy. We work hard. We try to do the right things, avoid the wrong ones, and ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:13-17, Galatians 2:11-21

Denomination: Nazarene

Jesus Verses Self-Centered Religion

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Sep 16, 2002

Jesus attacked self centered religion and warns us not to be apart of the traditions of men because their motives are self-centered not God-centered. Scripture

Jesus verses Self-centered Religion Thesis: Jesus attacked self centered religion and warns us not to be apart of the traditions of men because their motives are self-centered not God-centered. Scripture Texts: Matthew 9:2-17: 1Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:1-17, Luke 19:41-44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Rend Your Hearts And Not Your Garments

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Oct 20, 2014

The book is important because the sad reality is instead of being a nation founded on THE FREEDOM OF RELIGION we seem to be turning into the nation founded on THE FREEDOM FROM RELIGION. We as a nation now behave as though the Bible is to old fashioned.

(This is not an original sermon. It draws heavily upon points from sermon by Robert Massey’s manuscript from 2002. Sermon has been adapted and expanded upon with my thoughts and direction of Holy Spirit) TITLE: REND YOUR HEARTS AND NOT YOUR GARMENTS SCRIPTURE: JOEL 2:1 / 12-14 Joel is ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Is Jesus The Only Way To God? Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Jul 26, 2005

Not all roads lead to heaven. Jesus is the only way to the Father.

SERIES: “ANSWERS FOR SOME OF LIFE’S DIFFICULT QUESTIONS” TEXT: JOHN 14:6 TITLE: “IS JESUS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD?” INTRODUCTION: A. You’ve probably never heard of Walter Chaplinsky but in 1940, he caused quite a ruckus in Rochester, New Hampshire. ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Nowhere To Run, Nowhere To Hide! Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Nov 8, 2022

Israel acted as if God did not see their heart and their attitude. God saw all the meeting and plans with Egypt. God saw the attitude towards His word. How strange that so many people think that they can hide from God.

Sermon: Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide! Scripture: Isaiah 30:1-14 NLT “What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins. 2 For without consulting me, you have gone down to ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 30:1-14, Isaiah 26:3-4, Psalm 139:1-10, Isaiah 28:20, Jeremiah 5:30-31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

Next Stop Heaven Series

Contributed by Josh Brown on Nov 11, 2021

The book of John shows us that Jesus Christ is devine and set apart. This separation of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our HOPE. Join us this Sunday as we discover the importance in never failing to know, defend, and share the truth that Jesus is God.

Sermon: Next Stop Heaven Series: The Gospel of John John 8:13-30 Introduction Today we’re resuming our series in the Gospel of John where we are going verse by verse, word by word and examining the life of Jesus Christ through the eye’s of the Apostle John. Today, I want to start off by telling ...read more

Scripture: John 8:13-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ