Sermons on religious unbelief:

Journey Through Acts (Part 3) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Jan 16, 2024

In Acts 3, the healing of a beggar leads to a homily by Peter, which leads to harassment from the religious leaders.

The Journey: Following Jesus through Acts (3) Scott Bayles, pastor Scripture: Acts 3 Blooming Grove Christian Church: 7/9/2017 If you were with us the last couple weeks, you know we began a ten-week journey through the book of Acts. The very first followers of Jesus weren’t what you might expect. ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church

Charity

Contributed by Phillip Smith on Sep 19, 2024

There seems to be a great divide in the accepted meanings for charity and love. In religious terms, Christians think they are one in the same.

When someone speaks of charity or uses the term charity, we immediately turn to the belief someone did a good deed for another who is poor or in need. Sometimes we associate the term with a foundation which accepts monetary donations for the poor. In contrast, with the term love, (which we often ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, 1 Corinthians 12:25-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Did They Kill Jesus? - Mark 2:6-3:6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 29, 2023

Mark uses five conflicts between Jesus and the religious authorities that show how the animosity began and grew.

Five Conflict Stories Does Jesus Christ strike you as a likeable guy? The type of guy most people would look up to and respect, even if they disagreed with his teachings? Most people would say “yes,” but think about how his life ended. It ended in his early 30’s with the crowds in Israel begging ...read more

A Big God For Mothers Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 9, 2021

Imagine when Paul told his Jewish mother about his conversion. Imagine when his religious mother heard that her favorite son threw off all his religious accomplishments and call them “dung.” She would, no doubt, be crestfallen.

Today is Mother’s Day! Mothers need a big God. Any and every mother would have proud to have a son like Saul of Tarsus. Find Philippians 3 with me as we are going read Saul/Paul’s profound story. Sons and daughters that are great achievers often make their parents proud. Yet, in Saul we have ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:2-16

Denomination: Baptist

We Must See Jesus

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Jan 23, 2001

Only personal, significant contact with our risen Lord brings about true faith and obedience. All else is only ritual, and religious rhetoric. We MUST see Jesus!

Although it seems in my own experience that the account of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus is primarily used when preaching during the Easter season, I am sure that through the years it has been a favorite passage for many preachers, as well as lay students of the scriptures. This ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Orthodox

Take A Stand On Key Issues: Addiction, Abortion, & Marriage

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 2, 2021

The silence of the church on key issues of our day is deafening. By remaining silent on these issues, for fear of controversy, the church unilaterally makes itself irrelevant.

The silence of the church on key issues of our day is deafening. By remaining silent on these issues, for fear of controversy, the church unilaterally makes itself irrelevant. When it's just a social club, or even a Christian fellowship of worship, well... something very important is missing. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:11

Denomination: Salvation Army

How To Trigger A Great Awakening

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on May 3, 2021

Ultimately the Holy Spirit is the only one who can trigger a great awakening in your area. Yet the Spirit is willing. God works through people. He asks "Who will go?" Who is willing to say: "Here I am Lord, send me!"

Ultimately the Holy Spirit is the only one who can trigger a great awakening in your area. Yet the Spirit is willing. God works through people. He asks "Who will go?" Who is willing to say: "Here I am Lord, send me!" That is the beginning. We become willing to be a vessel ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-21

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Futility Of Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 14, 2022

Religious exercise can become a snare if in our efforts we fail to seek the Lord. Religion for the sake of religion is a dreadful snare.

“Like a pregnant woman who writhes and cries out in her pangs when she is near to giving birth, so were we because of you, O LORD; we were pregnant, we writhed, but we have given birth to wind. We have accomplished no deliverance in the earth, and the inhabitants of the world have not ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

3 Simple Rules For Making A Marriage Work Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Sep 12, 2022

In the next few moments, I want to help you celebrate marriage, whether married, divorced, or single. God gave us marriage for our happiness. God gave us marriage to be a blessing in our lives. Your marriage can serve as a catalyst for your relationship with God.

When I say the word “marriage,” what do you think? Are you a little jaundice about the idea of marriage? I spoke to a lady recently who said when I got married I was looking for the ideal, instead, the marriage became an ordeal, so now I want a new deal. One day, a man went to the Super Bowl, ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 2:10-16, 1 Kings 11:4

Denomination: Baptist

The Dangers Of Fault Finding Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 24, 2025

Fault finders usually do not see any good in the efforts of other people. They put on the air of perfection and act as if they are incapable of making mistakes. Such people easily offend others through their actions and speeches. They focus on everyone’s faults except theirs.

As Christians, we're called to build each other up, not tear each other down. Yet, fault finding is a subtle sin that can creep into our lives, damaging relationships and hindering our walk with God. The Pharisees: A Classic Example In John 8:3-11, the Pharisees brought a woman caught in ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 18:21, John 8:3-11

For To Us A Child Is Born

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Dec 23, 2016

The concept of hope as set forth in Isaiah 9:1-7 shows us that just as God dispelled the darkness at creation, so he will bring light into a world made dark by sin and unbelief.

Scripture Tonight is Christmas Eve. During Advent, I have preached a series of messages on the Old Testament Scripture Readings that I am calling, “Advent in Isaiah.” In about 740 BC God called Isaiah to be a minister of his Word to Jerusalem and the southern kingdom of Judah. The culture had ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Two Conversion Stories Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Dec 18, 2000

Two examples of religious decisions one false conversion (Simon the Sorcerer) and one true conversion (Ethiopian Treasurer).

Two Conversion Stories Acts 8:5-40 The hero of Acts chapter 8 is Philip. Philip was one of the seven chosen to oversee the distribution of relief to the widows. Philip is the first person and the only person in the New Testament called an evangelist (Acts 21:8). It is interesting to consider that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:5-40

Denomination: Baptist

How To Do Church Planting Research Of A New Area

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 13, 2001

How to Do Church Planting Research of a New Area Profile of Yola-Jimeta, Nigeria, Religious & Social Conditions

How to Do Church Planting Research of a New Area Profile of Yola-Jimeta Religious & Social Conditions Information supplied by Peter Bartimawus Fellow Indigenous Contributors: Ayuba Betso, Jessy Chinjeli, Gasmis Bambuka, Garko Wilberforce, Maina Wakili, and Fiyau Amawo Adapted for use by ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Ordinance Of Holy Communion

Contributed by Ed Warfield on Mar 1, 2008

Communion is more than a religious tradition. It is a gateway into the presence of God. It holds the promise of cleansing, healing, intimacy and fellowship.

The Ordinance of Holy Communion Intro.: Why do we celebrate communion? Is it just to remember the Lord? Does this ancient tradition have any real significance in today’s church? First shadow of communion: Gen. 14:18, And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:16

Denomination: Charismatic

Artificial Righteousness: Glorifying In The Flesh Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on May 4, 2009

Glorifying in the flesh is a form of Artificial Righteousness which is motivated by 1) Religious Pride, 2) Cowardice, & 3)hypocrisy.

The news has been filled with week with statistics, world wide reports, deaths and fear from the H1N1 human influenza virus, previously known as swine flu. One of the most distasteful elements of this situation has been the various reactions to it. Minute by minute coverage from many news agencies ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:11-13

Denomination: Other