Sermons on Works Vs Justification:

Is It Really Legalism?

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Apr 8, 2016

A study which identifies the difference between true and false legalism.

During my decades of Christian ministry, the terms “legalism” and “legalist” have progressively been bandied-about within modern churches and their preachers/pastors. These terms have, primarily, been used to describe and condemn those Christians and churches that believe ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unmasking Satan’s Strategies: Discernment Vs. Suspicion (Part 3) Series

Contributed by Joseph Ondu on Apr 4, 2023

Discernment develops in a climate of humility. Suspicion thrives in pride. If your church is filled with pride, competition, and a religious spirit, it will also be filled with suspicion.

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. ( Hebrews 5:14) Brethren, we are dealing with a crafty enemy who always desires to keep on fighting the wrong battles. He is so cunning that if you are ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:11, Hebrews 5:14

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Truth Matters! Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Aug 24, 2019

1. We must not hate the truth (vs. 25; 30; 32-36). 2. We must hunger for the truth (vs. 25-29). 3. We must trust the truth to hold us (vs. 28-31).

The Truth Matters! The Gospel of John John 7:25-36 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - November 30, 2016 (Revised August 23, 2019) BACKGROUND: *Please open your Bibles to John chapter 7. Tonight in vs. 25-36, we are going to focus on the vital importance of truth. But before we get ...read more

Scripture: John 7:25-36

Denomination: Baptist

Unmasking Satan’s Strategies: Discernment Vs. Suspicion (Part 4) Series

Contributed by Joseph Ondu on Apr 4, 2023

SUSPISCION IS LIKE AN ORDINARY STONE; DISCERNMENT IS LIKE A SPECIAL STONE OF GREAT VALUE LIKE “DIAMOND.” Most of humanity are walking around with the ordinary stone of suspicion in their hands and throwing it at others.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8) SUSPISCION IS LIKE AN ORDINARY STONE; DISCERNMENT IS LIKE A ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:8, 1 John 5:4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Jesus Wants Us To Be Great Commission Christians Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jun 14, 2023

And we can... 1. Because Jesus will overcome our doubts (vs. 16-18). 2. Because Jesus has all authority (vs. 18). 3. Because Jesus has many ways for us to help (vs. 18-20a). 4. Because Jesus will always be with us (vs. 20b).

Jesus Wants Us to Be Great Commission Christians The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 28:16-20 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared June 14, 2023 - Revised June 22, 2023) MESSAGE: *Today in Matthew 28 we will focus on the Lord's Great Commission to take the good news about Jesus Christ all over the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Baptist

A Great Cloud Of Witnesses: Faith-Living Vs. Me Centered Life Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Aug 25, 2024

How to walk "by faith" in a me centered world

Faith is a mystery to the world. It seems crazy. It seems stupid. But I’ll tell ya what’s stupid. I’ll ya what’s dumb. What’s dumb is trying to control my own life and manipulating events to make things I want happen. It just doesn’t work. And even if it does work, I’m not happy. I get exactly ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-12, Hebrews 11:32-38, Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Salvation Army

Breaking Point: Faith That Saves Vs. Faith That Doesn't Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Mar 10, 2021

At the height of popularity, Jesus makes hard statements that thin the crowds. He says many of his disciples didn't really believe. And they fell away. What's the difference between the faith that saves and the kind of faith that doesn't? This story reveals that truth.

I’m sure that there are many of us here who have known or encountered people who were strong Christians from everything we could tell, but who have, for one reason or another, fallen away from the faith. They no longer claim to believe, they do not practice what Christ taught, they no longer ...read more

Scripture: John 6:59-66, 1 John 2:19, John 3:16, John 6:47

Denomination: Bible Church

The Greatness Of God’s Body, The Church

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jan 30, 2013

Here God talks about: 1. Our placement in the Body of Christ (vs. 12-13). 2. Our profit to the Body of Christ (vs. 14-23). 3. Our purpose in the Body of Christ (vs. 15-26).

The Greatness of God’s Body, the Church 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - July 15, 2012 *How do you feel about your body? -Denn Guptill says: “Most of us would rather not think about our bodies, and if we do we probably don’t think very complementary things. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Denomination: Baptist

God's Great News From The Story Of Mary

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Nov 24, 2022

1. God wants to give us His grace (vs. 26-30). 2. God wants to calm our fears (vs. 29-30). 3. God wants to teach us about His kingdom (vs. 31-35). 4. God wants us to believe in His miraculous power (vs. 36-37). 5. God wants us to become His faithful servants (vs. 38).

God's Great News from the Story of Mary Luke 1:26-38 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared November 23, 2022) SCRIPTURE READING: *Please open your Bibles to Luke 1:26. Did you ever wish you could go back to the first Christmas? Back to Bethlehem, back to the angels, the shepherds, and the baby ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

Rejoicing In Hope Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Feb 24, 2008

In this sermon we look at a third blessing of justification, a third possession in Christ, which is rejoicing in hope.

Scripture In the first four chapters of his letter to the Romans the apostle Paul explains how we come into a right relationship with God. The good news of God is that we can come into a right relationship with God by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. This is called justification by ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:2

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Joy Contest: God Vs. World - Psalm 4:2-8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 6, 2025

David gets more joy from the smile of God than unbelievers would have even if they got everything they desire.

Psalm 4:1-8 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God (lit God of my righteousness). Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. 2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 4:2-8

Jairus’ Daughter: Fear Vs. Faith - Mark 5:35-43 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 2, 2023

Jesus turns death into sleep. Trust not only in God’s power but also his timing. Learn to read your circumstances like you read the Bible.

Mark 5:22-43 Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet 23 and pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live." 24 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:35-43, Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 8:40-56

Part 28: God's Directions For Distressing Times Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 21, 2019

What should we do in troubled times? 1. Ask for God’s assistance (vs. 1,9). 2. Talk about your trust in God (vs. 3, 4, 11). 3. Be educated about our enemies (vs. 1-2; 5-7). 4. Remember that God remembers us (vs. 8). 5. Pour out your praise to the Lord (vs. 4; 10-13).

Great Prayers of the Old Testament God's Directions for Distressing Times Psalm 56:1-13 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - March 1, 2015 (Revised September 21, 2019) BACKGROUND: *In the KJV, the introduction to Psalm 56 says: "To the chief Musician upon ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 56:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Great Wisdom About God From An Eyewitness Of Christ Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Aug 5, 2020

John gives us some great wisdom about God: 1. God gives us a limited revelation (vs. 20-22). 2. God gives us a worthy obligation (vs. 22). 3. God gives us needed clarification (vs. 23). 4. God deserves our glorification (vs. 24-25). 5. God gives us a confident expectation (vs. 24-25).

Great Wisdom about God from an Eyewitness of Christ The Gospel of John John 21:20-25 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - September 5, 2018 (Revised August 5, 2020) MESSAGE: *Please open your Bibles to John 21. This chapter records the third appearance of our Risen Savior after He ...read more

Scripture: John 21:20-25

Denomination: Baptist

God's Great Faithfulness

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 11, 2015

God’s great faithfulness: 1. Brings hope in our darkest hour (vs. 21). 2. Is the source of our salvation (vs. 22-23). 3. Makes Him our greatest gift (vs. 24). 4. Guarantees His goodness to all who trust in Him (vs. 25-26).

God's Great Faithfulness Lamentations 3:21-26 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - March 23, 2014 (Revised and updated from sermon preached at McClendon Baptist Church on Nov. 23, 2008.) *Church: I think of Flight 370 that disappeared two weeks ago with 239 people on board. I also ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:21-26

Denomination: Baptist