Sermons on Religious Unbelief:

Jhhemtyd Part 5: Outward Appearance Vs. Inward Reality

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Mar 30, 2009

Part five of this series on Jesus’ words to the religious leaders regarding their hypocrisy.

Jesus Hates Hypocrisy Even More Than You Do! Part 5 – Outward Appearance vs. Inward Reality Matthew 23:25-28 January 25, 2009 Me/We: I’m wondering something: in all our weeks of looking at the issue of hypocrisy as Jesus talks about it, has anyone gotten the idea that being a hypocrite is a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:25-28

Denomination: Wesleyan

Life-Changing Encounters With Jesus: The Lame Man At The Pool Series

Contributed by Jonathan Mcleod on Mar 17, 2008

Don’t let religious traditions become more important that people.

The religious leaders did not ask, “Who healed you?” but rather, “Who told you to do this on the Sabbath?” They were more concerned about a broken rule than a miraculous healing. According to the Pharisees, carrying a mat on the Sabbath was work and was therefore unlawful. It did not break an ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

A Question Of Motive Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Jun 6, 2011

Jesus deals with the motivation in which one carries out their religious devotion.

“A Question of Motive.” Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18 Jesus has just finished describing the incredibly high standards of behavior required of those who would be His disciples. In verse ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-8, Matthew 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Bob's Legacy

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Jan 9, 2015

Don't just be religious. Make your life a spiritual quest.

Bob’s house was well built, by which I mean that his life was well-grounded. That’s what the Bible means – at least, most times – when it talks about building houses. We saw in Proverbs where it says, “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:38-48

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Luke And Compassionate Christ Series

Contributed by Bryan Fink on Feb 18, 2012

To remind people that Christ had a heart for those outside the religious ones.

[S] If someone asked you to tell them about the Jesus you know, what would you tell them? And would what you tell them resemble the Jesus revealed in the gospels or would Jesus resemble someone else? We’re in the third week of a series entitled “Jesus as They Knew Him.” A ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:16-30

Denomination: Methodist

The Dangers Of A Form Of Godliness

Contributed by Jovanni Dinsay on Mar 17, 2025

• Many people today claim to be spiritual or religious, but is that enough to save them

Having a form of godliness refers to outwardly appearing to be righteous or spiritual, but lacking the inward reality of a vibrant, personal relationship with God. Characteristics of having a form of godliness Some common characteristics of having a form of godliness include: • Attending church or ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Fanaticism Taken Too Far?

Contributed by Mark Armstrong on Apr 22, 2019

A Good Friday talk from the point of view of Jesus and religious fanaticism.

Fanaticism Taken Too Far? Israel Folau (an Australian Christian sporting personality) has been in the news lately for expressing unpopular views—for quoting an unpopular part of the Bible on his personal Instagram page. Is his belief in heaven and hell fanaticism taken too far? Is Australian Rugby ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:7-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Mic Drop Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jun 9, 2025

Final clash in the debates between Jesus and the religious establishment. Who is the Messiah?

Background to passage: This is final exchange in the volley between Jesus and the religious leaders since he entered Jerusalem as a king on a donkey a few days earlier. Jesus will give a couple of long sets of teaching (chapters 23-25) before the events directly leading to his death commence. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:41-46

Denomination: Baptist

The Raising Of Lazarus And The Plot To Kill Jesus.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 8, 2022

Religious leaders resisting the 'signs' of Jesus' authenticity.

THE RAISING OF LAZARUS AND THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS. John 11:38-57. 1. The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:38-45). Far from being unable to prevent death (cf. John 11:37), Jesus was about to overcome death in what was to be the seventh and final significant ‘sign’ (prior to Jesus’ own death and ...read more

Scripture: John 11:38-57

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus And The Pharisee's Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jun 11, 2014

Jesus confronted the Pharisee’s with straight talk to get them to change their ways. He wanted them to see the error in their thinking, behavior and change. He wanted them to see their legalistic – non grace attitude which was driving them away from Heaven and not toward Heaven.

Video from sermon central: Shoes and Judging Theme: Let’s Talk Series 3: Straight Talk What is it? Straight talk from a redneck: 1. Darlin. You’re hotter than donut grease at a fat man convention. 2. Duct tape is like "The Force." It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Brings A Smile To God's Face?

Contributed by Richard Schwedes on Nov 8, 2018

A sermon in the character of an observer who was seeing the events that unfolded in Mark 12:38-44, where he see the difference between the religious rulers and the widow, and we explore not only what this means for us but what this story reveals about God.

I will never forget that day. I was sitting near the back waiting to worship and out of the corner of my eye I could the one everyone was talking about. This is the one who was challenging some of the religious authorities, not with violence but with love and something called grace. And there ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Lutheran

Uncovering The Truth Of False Prophets. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 29, 2024

False prophets come from the sources of Satan, the world, and the human heart.

The false prophets at the end times refer to individuals who claim to speak on behalf of God but promote false teachings and lead people away from the truth. The Bible warns about the rise of false prophets in the last days, who will: 1. Appear as sheep but inwardly be ravenous wolves (Matthew ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1, 2 Timothy 2:17-18, Mark 7:20-23

Preaching The Gospel Of Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Aug 22, 2024

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands us to "Go and make disciples of all nations

Why we have to preach the gospel: We have to preach the Gospel because: 1. *God commands it*: Jesus instructs us to “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). 2. *Souls are at stake*: People without Christ are lost and destined for eternal separation from God (John 3:36). 3. *The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 9:16-17

Stirred Up Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 28, 2023

If you want all that Jesus has for you, recognize that He is God and trust Him with your life.

Pastor Tullian Tchividjian talks about losing his car keys at least twice a year. He’s late for a meeting or an appointment and can’t find his car keys. Does that ever happen to you? I know it happens to me far more times than I care to admit. He’s certain that either his wife or one of his ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-47, Colossians 2:9

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Heart Of Your Problem Is The Problem Of Your Heart Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 25, 2018

The reason we like traditions, whether it’s washing your hands or dressing up for church, is that it is something we can do outwardly and feel good about ourselves.

INTRODUCTION Part of this message is about traditions. Why do we do the things we do? Sometimes we do them because we’ve always done them the same way and we never questioned the reason. Growing up, I had exactly the same breakfast every morning: two fried eggs, bacon, grits, and toast. And the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Baptist