Sermons on Religious Rules:

Blessed Are The Upside-Down Series

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Jun 29, 2025

Jesus opens His Kingdom manifesto not with rules but with congratulations. He blesses the weak, the weeping, and the overlooked. These “blessings” are grace-filled announcements that reorient how we see God, ourselves, and the world.

Sermon Title: Blessed Are the Upside-Down Series Title: Kingdom Culture: Living the Sermon on the Mount Text: Matthew 5:1–12 Big Idea: Jesus opens His Kingdom manifesto not with rules but with congratulations. He blesses the weak, the weeping, and the overlooked. These “blessings” are grace-filled ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

All Will Be Well Series

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Feb 3, 2018

in spite of world tragedies we need to remember that 'all things WILL be well'

Mark 13:1-8 I had written this sermon last week since I was out-of-town at a training for the first of the week and then at Diocesan convention for the last two day. But in light of the events at Beirut, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Paris, I felt compelled to speak about those atrocities. The abhorrent ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:1-8, Mark 13:5-6

Denomination: Episcopal

Revival Must Start At Home

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 8, 2019

We long for revival, but revival seems to be delayed. Contemporary Christians must "break up the fallow ground" if we will ever experience revival.

“From the days of Gibeah, you have sinned, O Israel; there they have continued. Shall not the war against the unjust overtake them in Gibeah? When I please, I will discipline them, and nations shall be gathered against them when they are bound up for their double iniquity. “Ephraim was a ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 10:9-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Merciful Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 4, 2023

Most people think we should be merciful to other people. But is their understanding of mercy biblical? This message expounds the 5th Beatitude: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

Intro Our text today is Matthew 5:7: “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.”i Do you need mercy from God? Do you need a lot of mercy from the Lord? Do you need contined mercy from the Lord? Our answer to those questions alerts us to the importance of this text. Jesus is giving us a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, 1 Peter 1:3, Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 9:36, Acts 3:1-10, 1 John 3:17, Proverbs 19:17, Mark 10:47, Romans 10:10-14, Matthew 18:23-35, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 9:13, Micah 6:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Staying Grounded In A World Of Blurred Values Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 24, 2026

we are called to be a light in the darkness, shining with the truth of God's Word.

In a world where values seem blurred and virtue is often overlooked, it's easy to get caught up in the noise and lose sight of what's truly important. But as believers, we are called to be a light in the darkness, shining with the truth of God's Word. The Danger of Seeking ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1, Proverbs 13:4

The Heart Of The Matter: When Tradition Makes A Trespasser

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Oct 4, 2025

This sermon delivers Jesus' powerful warning that religious traditions can become a dangerous substitute for God's commands, leading to a worthless worship from a heart that is far from Him.

Introduction: The Danger of Good Habits Traditions can be wonderful things. They give us a sense of identity and rhythm. They connect us to our heritage and to our families. In the life of faith, traditions and habits—like coming to church, praying before a meal, or reading our Bibles—can be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

A Cheap Antiseptic To Deaden The Pain

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Apr 16, 2001

Chuck Swindoll says, "Much of our religious activity today is nothing more than a cheap antiseptic to deaden the pain of an empty life."

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED - 2015) ILL. Chuck Swindoll wrote, “Much of our religious activity today is nothing more than a cheap antiseptic to deaden the pain of an empty life.” Can that possibly be true? Well, have you ever asked yourself, “Why do I come to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5, 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Righteousness

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 22, 2004

This chapter is perhaps one of the greatest chapters in the Bible on salvation by faith alone. Many religious groups claim to believe in salvation by faith, but not in salvation by faith alone.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: James Dobson said, "When I went to my old high school in Texas I found my tennis trophies thrown away in the trash heap to make room for new ones in the trophy case. It made me realize that all human accomplishments are really nothing but trash that will not stand the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Jesus Name:

Contributed by William D. Brown on Dec 10, 2008

Let’s read the account of the lame man that was healed, and how the religious leaders of that day rebuked Peter and John for proclaiming Jesus, and the using of His name.

THE POWER OF JESUS NAME: Acts 3:1-16 + 4:1-20 Today we’ll talk for a little while about the power of the name of the Lord Jesus. First of all I want to read us the account of the lame man that was healed, and how the religious leaders of that day rebuked Peter and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Is There Any God Besides Me? Series

Contributed by Moy Hernandez on Oct 27, 2009

We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator. Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.

Is There Any God Besides Me? - Captain Erika Hernandez Isaiah 44:6-8 http://pomonacorps.blogspot.com/2009/02/is-there-any-god-besides-me-2-8-09.html Does anyone know how many faith groups there are in the world today? Over 4300 faith groups that we know of since 2007. Yet each one believes that ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 44:6-8

Denomination: Salvation Army

Part 1 - Genesis 17:1 - Sanctimonious And Self-Righteous, Or Blameless? Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Apr 7, 2010

OUTWARD FAITHFUL SERVICE. INWARD BLAMELESS DEVOTION. Not some RELIGIOUS, SELF RIGHTEOUS, SANCTIMONIOUS FAKE LIFE but a life that honours God from the inside out.

Part 1 - Genesis 17:1 - RELIGIOUS, SANCTIMONIOUS AND SELF-RIGHTEOUS, OR BLAMELESS? I was speaking to a man yesterday who is 95 years old. He still has all his mental faculties and is fascinating to speak with. Many old people can be rigid in their thinking but he has an ability to be flexible and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 17:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Intensifying Conflict

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on May 5, 2011

As the Passion of Christ draws near, the conflict intensifies with the Jewish religious leaders. We think conflict is always bad, but it is actually inevitable. What is the appropriate response?

Passage: Matthew 21:23-32 Intro: On our trip through Matthew, have you noticed the slowly intensifying conflict? 1. it has not been with Rome, but with the religious leaders of the Jews. 2. began in Sermon on the Mount, PP Matthew 5:43-44 3. over time, popularity of Jesus caused ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-32

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Take The Opportunity To Reach The Lost

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jun 24, 2020

MAYBE WE CAN GET SO BUSY DOING OUR RELIGIOUS PROGRAM THAT WE FORGET THE LOST GOING TO HELL? We must love the lost.

OPPORTUNITIES? NEVER FORGET THE BURDEN FOR THE LOST By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com Genesis 48 is known as the BRIDAL SEARCH chapter. Psalms 51 is known as the REPENTANCE chapter. I Corinthians 13 is known as the LOVE CHAPTER. Hebrews 11 is known as the FAITH CHAPTER. Come let us ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:4-8, Luke 14:9-10, Proverbs 4:25-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

Just Passing By Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Dec 24, 2014

This is sermon #2 in a series based on the Good Samaritan. This message focuses on the two religious men who passed by and failed to help the wounded man on the road to Jericho.

Just Passing By (from the series: Get off your Donkey) Luke 10:30-32 INTRODUCTION: This is the second in a 5 week series we’re doing called “Get off Your Donkey.” We’re taking time to focus on one of the most well known stories Jesus told: The Good Samaritan. Last ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:30-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ