Sermon Central
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Rejecting Religion For Something Real
Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Sep 13, 2010 (message contributor)
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1. "Real Life”
Contributed on Sep 13, 2010
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus describes two very different men, who took two very different approaches to connecting with God, which resulted in two very different outcomes.
Today we begin a new series on rejecting religion for something real. The “something real” is the way of Christ (Christianity), which is not a religion, but a relationship with the living God. Too many non-believers wrongly think of Christianity as “just another religion,” and, sadly, many of ...read more
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2. "Real Relationship”
Contributed on Sep 19, 2010
Jesus doesn’t invite us to practice a religion, but to participate in a relationship.
In this series, we want unbelievers to understand that Christianity is not a religion. The way of religion is about impersonal rules, while the way of Christ is about a personal relationship with God. But we also want believers to understand that Christianity is not designed to be lived as a ...read more
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3. "Real Truth"
Contributed on Sep 28, 2010
Whether or not we encounter God’s truth when we study the Scriptures is determined by the approach we take to them.
In this series, we want unbelievers to understand that Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship. We also want believers to understand that the way to life the Christian life is not by religion. Many unbelievers have concluded Christianity is a religion because believers have taken a ...read more
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4. "Real Power"
Contributed on Sep 29, 2010
We cannot please God by means of our own effort, but only by means of the Holy Spirit’s power.
God calls on everyone to reject the idea that they can justify themselves by their own good works. That’s what everyone who has yet to come to Christ is doing - seeking to justify themselves in the sight of God, in the sight of others or in their own sight. Religion leads to the “comparison ...read more
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5. "Real Significance"
Contributed on Oct 18, 2010
Jesus tells us how to bear fruit that will last.
(READ TEXT) We are called to reject religion & place our faith in Christ, so we might experience real life, enter into real relationship, understand real truth, know real power, enjoy real freedom & live a life of real significance. The key verse in our passage for today is John 15:16. As we ...read more
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6. "Real Community”
Contributed on Oct 21, 2010
God calls us to encourage one another and hold one another accountable to pursue our love relationship with Christ.
Many non-Christians mistakenly assume Christianity is just another religion. This is partly because many Christians have taken a religious approach to the Christian life. Rather than focusing on a growing love relationship with Christ, they focus on “dos and don’ts,” and proving they are right by ...read more
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7. "Real Purpose”
Contributed on Oct 29, 2010
We need to be sure we avoid being distracted from setting our hearts on developing a growing love relationship with God.
In Matthew 6, Jesus emphasizes our love relationship with God. He uses the word “Father” 11 times, showing the importance of that relationship. Our relationship to the Father as His children is a most remarkable and incredible relationship. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a ...read more
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8. "Real Relevance"
Contributed on Nov 8, 2010
How can believers demonstrate to nonbelievers that the message of the Christian faith is relevant?
In his book, Intellectuals Don’t Need God and Other Modern Myths (Page 73), theologian Alister McGrath tells about his friend’s stamp collecting hobby. His friend, he says, “is perfectly capable of telling me everything I could possibly want to know about the watermarks of stamps issued during the ...read more