Sermons on Burdensome Religion:

From Religion To Relationship Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on May 21, 2012

As Jesus ministered to Nicodemus, He focused on moving him from relgion to a relationship.

This morning, as we continue to learn how to be more effective ministers for Jesus by studying how He ministered, we’ll come to what is undoubtedly the most well known verse of Scripture in the entire Bible. We see the reference to that verse on signs at sporting events, printed on the bottom ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Losing My Religion Series

Contributed by Ken Pell on Mar 2, 2013

God is head over heels in love with you!

LOSING MY RELIGION An Introduction to the Sermon Series, “The Misunderstood God**” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Big Idea: God is head over heels in love with you! INTRO: In a few minutes we will be reading from 1 Corinthians 13. But, may I ask you a few questions first? • How many ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Denomination: Nazarene

Consequences Of Bad Religion

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 24, 2013

THE JEWISH NATION HELD A PRIVILEGED STATUS WITHIN THE ROMAN EMPIRE, AND THE SANHEDRIN FEARED THAT JESUS WOULD GAIN A LARGE FOLLOWING, CAUSE A CIVIL UPROAR, AND ANGER THE GOVERNING ROMAN EMPIRE. IF THAT HAPPENED, these religious leaders would lose their...

5-16-2004 Title: Consequences of Bad Religion Text: John 11:47-48, 53 Scripture Reading: John 11:45-53 Introduction CHRIST DIED DURING Passover week in Jerusalem. It was the HIGH HOLY WEEK ...read more

Scripture: John 11:45-53

Denomination: Baptist

Religion, Reformation, Or Relationship

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Nov 1, 2017

What matters is not what religion you are or cleaning up your act. What matters is your relationship with Christ.

Religion, Reformation, or Relationship Matthew 12:34b-50 Traditionally, on New Year’s Day, many people make resolutions. About 85% of those made are for some form of self-improvement. While most of those who make resolutions are sincere, only 8% ever achieve their goal. How many times have you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:34-50

Denomination: Baptist

What Is True Religion? Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Sep 21, 2013

What does James mean by pure and undefiled religion?

A Study of the Letter of James James 1:26-27 September 18, 2013 Read Scripture:James 1:26-27 [show scripture] 26If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself. 27Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Baptist

The Cure For Wearisome Religion Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Feb 22, 2014

Jesus came so that we could step off the treadmill of "law" and into the glory of His Grace.

Law and Gospel: The Cure for Wearisome Religion Matthew 11:25-30 I have never cared to much for exercising on a treadmill: I think it may be my overwhelming desire to be practical, even with effort and exercise; I hate to walk in one ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30

Denomination: Baptist

Losing Your Religion

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Apr 12, 2021

As a Pharisee, Nicodemus believed that God’s law had to be strictly observed and that strict observance was necessary in order to obtain God’s blessing.

TITLE: LOSING YOUR RELIGION SCRIPTURE: ST. JOHN 3:1-10 The first appearance of Nicodemus we see are found in the scriptures as read in our text. Nicodemus went to seek out Jesus at night. He was afraid to be seen with Him in the day. When Nicodemus met Jesus, he said he believed Jesus came from ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Two Kinds Of Religion

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 3, 2021

Our churches will always be faulty, but God still works within His church? Purpose: How would Jesus judge today’s church? Plan: Let’s discuss two opposite ways that people operate within the church in Mark 12:38-44.

Prelude Our churches will always be faulty, but God still works within His church? Purpose: How would Jesus judge today’s church? Plan: Let’s discuss two opposite ways that people operate within the church in Mark 12:38-44. Outward Show Mark 12:38-39 Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

The Problem With A Religion Of Rules Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 11, 2022

Two Sabbath stories bring out some key dangers of a rules-based religion.

- We have two stories here that both look into the rules the religious leaders had back in Jesus’ day concerning the Sabbath. THE PROBLEM WITH A RELIGION OF RULES: 1. WE ARE SELECTIVE ABOUT WHICH RULES WE PAY ATTENTION TO. - Matthew 12:1-5, 9-11. - The Pharisees considered themselves to be the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Sunday Morning Religion

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 19, 2022

You can ride by most churches and they have a church sign outside telling the public what time their church services start.

But I have a problem with some churches posting on their church signs they worship God between 11 to 12 . According to the Word of God this is somewhat misleading! HOW IS IT MISLEADING? It implies we worship the Lord one hour a week and this is not what the Bible teaches we christians should be ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:16-25

Denomination: Baptist

Religion That Makes A Difference Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 5, 2021

James uses very confrontational language as he drives home the point that if we don't put God's Word into practice, then why did we bother to hear it. Religion that makes a difference is religion leads to godly language, godly love, and godly lifestyle.

Introduction: A. I heard about a man who came into worship late one Sunday. 1. He asked someone in the back of the auditorium, “Is the sermon done yet?” 2. The person wisely answered, “The sermon has been preached, but it has yet to be done.” 3. Wow! You talk about a statement that is truthful and ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

False Religion Is Worthless

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Apr 26, 2023

Jesus talks about two kinds of people, those who are wise and those who are foolish. those who are going after religion and those who desire to have a personal relationship with Him.

False Religion is worthless Jeremiah 7:1-29 Good morning everyone- so glad you chose to join us. If you would turn to the Old Testament book of Jeremiah Chapter 7 We just finished a series on Abiding in Christ- being connected to God, connecting to others and being sensitive to those that do ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:1-11

Denomination: Nazarene

Wrong About Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 30, 2024

If we focus on our tenets to the exclusion of focusing on the will of the Lord, we are in danger of drifting into Pharisaical Religion. If we allow this to happen, we will displease the Lord and oppose Him.

“When the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Norms Of Pure Religion Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Mar 7, 2025

The foundation of a pure religion is the Bible, not just hearing and considering its implications nevertheless acting in accordance with the LORD's Word.

Theme: Pure Religion and its Norms Text: James 1:27   Greetings: The Lord is good and His love endures forever! Introduction: "YOU WILL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY, THE LORD YOUR GOD." Holy God expects this Holy Race with specific morals, spiritual practices, and a useful social ...read more

Scripture: James 1:27

Denomination: Methodist

The Futility Of Empty Religion Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 10, 2025

As Christians, we often find ourselves caught up in the routines of religion, attending church services, participating in rituals, and even performing good works.

As Christians, we often find ourselves caught up in the routines of religion, attending church services, participating in rituals, and even performing good works. However, if our lifestyle remains contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible, we must confront the harsh reality that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23, Galatians 5:22-23