Backyard Religion

1) Backyard Religion doesn’t take sin seriously. (17:1-2)

----------Godly sorrow vs. worldly sorrow (2Cor. 7:10)

2) Backyard Religion worships in spirit but not in truth. (17:3-6)

---------“There’s a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death.”

---------“Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord...” (Mt. 7:21-23)

3) Backyard Religion focuses on ritual not on righteousness. (17:10-13)

----------Isaiah 1:11-17

----------Psalm 40:6-8

4) Backyard Religion won’t stand up during the storms of life.(chp.18)

----------Mt. 7:24-27

Religion of our own making is not usual in the United States. People take a little from here and a little from there plus what they think is right and come up with there own faith. Most will not build a shrine in their backyard as in this story but they have Backyard Religion none the less.

Any type of faith that does not take sin seriously is not true faith. Verses 1 and 2 of chapter 17 show that this religion was one that did not stand for holy living. God is a holy God and will not stand for anyone who winks at sin. Sin costs Jesus his life and it is serious business. It’s the only thing that seperates us from God.

Backyard religion worship in spirit but not in truth. Both are needed for true worship. Verses 3-6 of chapter 17 show a person who is exicited and enthused about thier religion but one who is not as excited about truth.

Backyard religion is one of ritual. I do this and then my god has to do that. God is not a god who can be manipulated but saying the right things or performing the right dance. He is sovergein and responds to righteousness and relationship. Verses 10 -13 of Chapter 17 show a faith that is focused on getting the right preacher and then God will act. Biblical

faith is focused on the individual and thier own approach to God.

Chapter 18 shows how a faith can crumble when its built on shaky ground. When times get tough Backyard religion will not stand up.