Sermons on Religious Rules:

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

The Hero's Hostile Takeover Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jan 23, 2012

When it comes to living life which rules you, law or love? Jesus brought this into sharp focus when it came to healing on the Sabbath and it brings us to confront just who is actually Lord of our lives.

Jesus, our Ultimate Action Hero is waging a battle against enemies who are keeping us captive and away from a relationship with God. He is in the middle of battling the Pharisees, members of the religious establishment of the day who desired power and control. They were oh so good looking on the ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Jesus Healed A Crippled Woman

Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on Mar 28, 2024

They were upset because this healing that the Lord was doing was not just a onetime deal, but because Lord healing of people on the Sabbath day which was a reoccurring source of contention between Himself and the religious rulers.  

10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.   12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Love

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Apr 23, 2007

There is only one power at work in the last week of Jesus’ life - not Pilate’s, not the religious leaders’ - but the power of His love for the world. This power kept Him silent and drove Him to the cross.

John 15:9-13 9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ...read more

Scripture: John 15:9-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Don't Be Foolish Serve God

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Feb 9, 2019

To establish that believers: should walk as wise, redeeming the time, and understanding the will of the Lord; and not as fools. This lesson will enlighten many believers; in fully comprehending the will of the Lord, in true conversion and religious service.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Don’t be foolish - walk circumspectly 2. Don’t be foolish - redeem the time 3. Don’t be foolish - understand the Lord’s will Remarks. 1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “Don’t Be Foolish Serve God.” The theme for this lectureship is: “Serving ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17, Joshua 24:15, John 8:30-32, Romans 6:17-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

30 The Book Of Galatians – Chapter 6:15-18 - Message 30 – Paul Bore The Branding Marks In His Body – Grace And Peace And Mercy Essential – Circumcision Of No Effect Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Apr 14, 2025

Paul bore the stigmata in his body, the branding marks because of faith, as did the Lord. He suffered much. Grace and mercy are looked at, and circumcision yet again. The new creation as opposed to keeping the Law. And wonderful Blandina tortured for faith.

30 THE BOOK OF GALATIANS – CHAPTER 6:15-18 - Message 30 – PAUL BORE THE BRANDING MARKS IN HIS BODY – GRACE AND PEACE AND MERCY ESSENTIAL – CIRCUMCISION OF NO EFFECT This is the last message in Galatians and I hope the series has helped you in the joy of the word of God. I trust God has blessed ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:15-16, 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 3:3, John 3:7, 1 Peter 1:3-4, 1 Corinthians 7:18-19, Galatians 5:5-7, 2 Corinthians 10:9-10, Zechariah 4:6, Isaiah 53:2-3, Isaiah 53:5, 2 Corinthians 11:23-25, Galatians 6:18, Galatians 6:17, Galatians 1:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Is Lord! Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 22, 2014

The freedom that Christ brings from legalism (strict adherence to the law) is critical for us to see today. This sermon leads us in answering the question: "How exhausting is it to pretend to be free, but live as a prisoner to other’s rules?"

Jesus is Lord! Mark 2:1-27 Introduction - Jesus is demonstrated in this book as a “servant” -- He is the ultimate servant; giving Himself clearly for all who will receive -- Key verse: Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sermon Of Woes

Contributed by Perry Anderson on Feb 12, 2019

If Jesus stood in your pulpit today, what sermon would He preach?

Sermon of Woes Matthew 23:13-33 13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 14 [Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:13-33

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Sermon # 4 - The Kingdom Of God Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on May 31, 2024

Jesus ushered in the Kingdom of God and revealed the deep truths about the same. As we allow God’s Kingdom to rule and reign within us, we will see tremendous growth and transformation in our lives.

We read in Mark 4:30, "What shall we say the Kingdom of God is like?" asked Jesus. "What parable shall we use to explain it? (GNB) In this series of messages, we are studying in detail some of the questions that Jesus asked. While Jesus lived here on earth, though He is omniscient, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:30, Mark 1:15, Zechariah 2:8, Luke 17:20-21, Matthew 13:10, Matthew 13:13, Mark 4:31-32, Matthew 5:8, Psalm 119:11, Hebrews 9:27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Revival-Light The Fire! (Ezekiel) Series

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Jul 2, 2003

The world is looking for God. Tragically and ironically, as the world is looking for God, God’s people are asleep in their pews, asleep in religious traditions and lethargy. CHURCH, IT IS TIME FOR REVIVAL!

Revival–Light the Fire (The Revival of Ezekiel) Ezekiel 37:1–14 INTRODUCTION The world is looking for God. Tragically and ironically, as the world is looking for God, God’s people are asleep in their pews, asleep in religious traditions and lethargy. CHURCH, IT IS TIME FOR REVIVAL! 1. The ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Shattering Sharethefaithaphobia

Contributed by Matthew Doebler on Aug 13, 2003

Teens are interested in religion and religious topics and yet we have such a tough time sharing our faith. Why? What can we do about it?

Youth Rally Sermon Shattering Sharethefaithaphobia There are a lot of phobias out there, aren’t there? You’ve heard of some of them, like aquaphobia, arachnophobia, xenophobia, but here are a few more: Peladophobia: fear of baldness and bald people. Chaetophobia: fear of hairy people. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

God's Condemnation Of All Men

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

GOD'S CONDEMNATION OF ALL MEN (EVEN THE MOST RELIGIOUS) DOES NOT CONTRADICT THE VALUE OF SPIRITUAL PRIVILEGES OR THE CONSISTENCY OF GOD'S OWN CHARACTER (HIS FAITHFULNESS AND JUSTICE) 1.

GOD'S CONDEMNATION OF ALL MEN (EVEN THE MOST RELIGIOUS) DOES NOT CONTRADICT THE VALUE OF SPIRITUAL PRIVILEGES OR THE CONSISTENCY OF GOD'S OWN CHARACTER (HIS FAITHFULNESS AND JUSTICE) 1. Spiritual Privileges Do Have Value (:1-2) Question: What advantage is there in being a Jew? Restated: What value ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What Went Ye Out To See?

Contributed by Steven Cook on Feb 12, 2003

This sermon deals with the 3 questions that Jesus asked the religious pharisees and scribes that looked for fault in him. They provide us an interesting study of today’s world as well.

“What Went Ye Out for to See?” Luke 7:24-28 Dr. Steven G. Cook I. Introduction A. Read Text – Luke 7:24-28 B. Background of John the Baptist – (John 1:6-8; 15-18) (John 1:19-34) C. Concerned about the ministry of John the Baptist, the Jewish leaders sent men to investigate. D. Many today are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:24-28

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' "Firsts" Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Apr 9, 2008

In the third sermon of the John series, Jesus performs his first miracle, connects with his first apostles, and has his first confrontation with the religious leaders in Jerusalem.

John’s Gospel #3 Jesus’ Firsts CHCC: January 20, 2008 John 1-2 INTRODUCTION: Today we’re going to look at Jesus’ Firsts in the Gospel of John. In chapters 1 and 2 John tells about Jesus’ 1st Apostles, his 1st Miracle, and his 1st Confrontation with the Religious Leaders. MY 1st thought was ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Wise And The Foolish

Contributed by Ron Hicks on Jul 3, 2006

Is all that religious stuff necessary? The foolish found out, as you will, when the rapture takes place and when you find the door shut in your face.

THE WISE AND THE FOOLISH Matt 25:1-13 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God