Sermon Central
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An Insufficient Religion
Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 18, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Prominent psychologists have referred to man as being "incurably religious". The Bible supports this view. There is no shortage of religion in the world but there is a shortage of truth.
AN INSUFFICIENT RELIGION
"For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the covering so narrow that one cannot wrap himself in it." Isaiah 28:20
Prominent psychologists have referred to man as being "incurably religious". The Bible supports this view. There is no shortage of religion in the world…the shortage is in the truth.
I. Paul observed the religiosity of man: "Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said: ’Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you." Acts 17:22-23.
II. Man has developed religions of far-ranging design in an effort to satisfy this inexplicable craving to find spiritual fulfillment.
"Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man---and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things." Romans 1:22-23. Thus, Pagans worship gods of wood, stone, silver and gold.
“Intellectuals” (so-called) embrace skepticism, rationalism, naturalism.
Spiritists worship Satan, demons, and departed spirits.
III. When is "the bed too short to stretch out on"?
"Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2.
When that religion does not provide full and free pardon of sin.
When that religion does not give inner and lasting peace.
When that religion does not give glorious hope for the future.
IV. When is "the covering so narrow that one cannot wrap himself in it"?
When that religion depends on man’s righteousness to secure salvation.
When that religion depends on man’s good works to remain saved.
V. Only a religion based on eternal truth will meet man’s need.
Thus it must be a Christ-centered religion, a Christ-exalting religion, a Christ-serving religion.
