Sermons on Toxic Religion:

Five Anti-Growth Attributes To Avoid

Contributed by Sterling Franklin on Jul 17, 2011

Peter urges us as believers (especially new ones) to be nourished and grow closer to Jesus, and he highlights five anti-growth attributes that will keep us from doing so! Avoid the evil, cling to what is good!

Text: 1 Peter 2:1-3 1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Opening Prayer Paul wrote about the 'fruit' of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Purpose And Power Of Pentecost Series

Contributed by Jerry Lewis on Jun 17, 2004

Part 2 The Modern Day Church, For The Most Part, Has Lost The Power Of God. Just like Samson in the Bible, They don’t know that the Spirit of God has left them. They still have the form of Religion but have no power. But it’s a New Day of Restoration!!!

THE PURPOSE AND POWER OF PENTECOST Part 2 of 2 Acts 1:5-8 Acts 2:1-4; 12-18; 32-33 What in the world is Pentecost??? The word “ Pentecost” designates the 50th day after Passover, which was a Feast Day. Also known as the Feast of Weeks or Feast of Harvest. It was on this day, in the Book ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-18, Acts 1:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Devil's Doctrine

Contributed by Paul Hammons on Mar 13, 2007

Did you know that from the beginning of Genesis through Revelation the bible speaks about the two religions of the world? I know there’s Muslim – Hindu – J.W. – Mormon – Jews – Buddhist – Christian – and many more, but they all fall under one of two categ

The Devil’s Doctrine; Genesis 3:1-13 Did you know that from the beginning of Genesis through Revelation the bible speaks about the two religions of the world? I know there’s Muslim – Hindu – J.W. – Mormon – Jews – Buddhist – Christian – and many more, but they all fall under one of two categories. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-13

Let Us Fulfill The Dream

Contributed by Darnell Whitfield on Mar 12, 2011

We celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Across the United States of America and around the world people of all nationalities, of all genders, of many religions come to celebrate the greatness of a man who had a dream, the bible teaches us what Dr. K

Matthew 23:23 23Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24Ye blind guides, which strain at a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

"Looking Good Is Not Enough”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Aug 26, 2021

Jesus challenged the Pharisees..... religion is useless and worthless, ineffective when it substitutes a human plan of salvation for God's plan of redemption; when it rests upon man's works. (Illus. Pharisee robes and rules.) (Illus. what people do to look better)

In Jesus Holy Name Pentecost XIV August 29, 2021 Text: Mark 7:1-14 “Looking Good Is Not Enough” Recently “People” magazine selected the 50 most beautiful people in the world, I wasn't on the list. It was quite a blow. Years ago Cindy Crawford was a heartthrob for many men and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-14, Matthew 15:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

The Word Of Truth

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Jan 1, 2023

In today’s passage in James 1:19-26 we are going to learn that for religion to be pure and faultless it be based on listening and obeying the word which means keeping a tight reign on one’s tongue, taking care of the widows and orphans and to keep from being polluted by the world.

The Word of Truth James 1:19-26 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 Does your form of religion get you closer to God? Are the externals of your faith such as going to church regularly, almsgiving, prayer, fasting, reading God’s word, and singing a true reflection of ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Heart Of Christmas

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Dec 12, 2021

Let’s not miss the heart of Christmas like those who missed it the first Christmas because they were too busy with their religion and traditions or looking for other things. And let’s not miss it because of the fear that has gripped our hearts over this current pandemic and the social unrest.

The Heart of Christmas Last week we talked about the Spirit of Christmas, and I thought this week I’d share with you about what I’d like to call “The Heart of Christmas.” But before I do, I’d like to share with you a story. A couple of days before Christmas two men decided to go sailing while ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6

Denomination: Foursquare

Can't Buy Me Love! Series

Contributed by Greg Nance on May 9, 2003

Riches and Religion can make a bad mix. Jesus, who left the treasures of heaven to walk among us in the wilderness of sin and sorrows... His example shows us the way to true treasures! Don’t let the glitter blind you from the glory of eternity! Today’s

So you want to be rich, huh? 1 Timothy 6: 3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:3-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Graced From Shame (2nd Sunday) Series

Contributed by Kent Kessler on Dec 9, 2006

Has someone put a little "dis" on the front of your grace? Elizabeth knew what that was like. Her freedom was hindered, her past was haunting her, her conditions were less than what they should be, her religion was empty and she her efforts were fruitless

When I was little, if I had something on my face, my mother would often spit on a napkin or her thumb, reach over into my space and wipe the grit, or food, or dirt off of my face. It is a proven fact that a mother’s spit contains the same ingredients found in Formula 409! When we don’t look right, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25

Denomination: Methodist

Open Eyes And An Open Heart

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Mar 3, 2014

Let us reach out to those who are pushed aside like the Jews have been, those who are marginalized because of their race or religion or other prejudice. We should not fear that which we do not understand but rather we should seek to understand that which we fear.

Open eyes and an open heart Matthew 25:31-46NIV This week I helped my Mom with her citizenship. My Mother is an American citizen and proud of it. But here in Canada she is a landed immigrant and the last time she went through the border at Canada she was reminded that her landed immigrant ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How To Pray The Prayer Of Faith

Contributed by Tony Abram on May 2, 2010

Prayers are made all day long all over the world by all religions and even in hell, remember the rich man prayed in Luke 16 that Abraham would send the poor beggar to give him one drop of water. Most of all these prayers or perhaps none are ever answered.

HOW TO PRAY THE PRAYER OF FAITH Romans 8:14-171 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-7

Jesus Loves The Church

Contributed by David Scudder on Sep 13, 2010

I have met a lot of people who tell me that they believe in God, but they don't believe in organized religion. In other words, they don't care about going to church. Why does Christ love the church, or in our case, why does Christ love Bethel?

Purpose: To describe Christ's intimate connection with the local church. Aim: I want the listener to have an exalted view of the church. INTRODUCTION: I have met a lot of people who tell me that they believe in God, but they don't believe in organized religion. In other words, they don't care ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-32

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Way, The Truth, The Life

Contributed by Mark Baker on Mar 1, 2011

New Age religion and modernists say that there are many paths to God. Basically everyone has their own path to take, and regardless of the path it still leads to God. So regardless of the path taken you're going to get to God anyway, so what’s the big de

The Way, The Truth, The Life John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2. "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

He Alone.."Is The One True God"

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Jan 19, 2015

No one…Should ever under estimate the craftiness of the accuser when we see what's happening around the world today. So much of the accuser running too and fro masked in the name of religion..when do stand up and say "Enough is Enough?" How about Now?

He Alone.."Is The One True God" John 10:10-11 NKJ 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. We live in a day and age where the accuser..is pulling out all the stops He has never wavered ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-6, John 10:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Plastic Faith

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Sep 26, 2025

Artificial leaves look healthy but produce nothing. In Mark 11 Jesus exposes leaf-only religion: a fig tree with no fruit, a crowded temple with no prayer, faith without forgiveness, and leaders without surrender. He clears space for real life with God—fruit, prayer, forgiveness, and obedience.

An artificial plant looks impressive. But it produces nothing. You could easily buy one at a store with thought that it will "bring life to any room." And—sure—it brings the appearance of life. The leaves stay green. They never drop. It never needs water. In fact, if I tried to water it, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational