Sermons on Counterfeit Religions:

Pure Religion

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Mar 4, 2012

A sermon about the contradiction between vain and pure religion.

“Pure Religion” James 1:22-27 Scripture Reading James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22-27

Denomination: Baptist

Ditchin' Religion

Contributed by Jason Jones on Mar 14, 2012

A sermon about how believers should not allow religion to dictate their lives, but how Christ should live through them.

Text:, Title: Ditchin’ Religion, Date/Place: NRBC, Carver Baptist Church, 3/11-12/12, PM A. Opening illustration: Quote from Not A Fan, page 25, about stadiums with enthusiastic fans, but no interested in the pain of following. Have a brief discussion on how we describe the best Christians ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

Hollow Religion Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 21, 2011

Faith is more than going through the motions and appearing holy. True faith seeks God's will and faithfully obeys it.

Isaiah 58:1-12 “Hollow Religion” INTRODUCTION One of the most difficult challenges in any relationship is keeping it fresh and growing. We are tempted to take our relationships for granted, to be distracted by other demands in our lives, and to ignore or neglect these precious ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

Lessons On Religion

Contributed by Martin Wiles on Sep 16, 2010

In the story of the Pharisee and tax collector, Jesus contrasts true and false religion.

Lessons on Religion Luke 18:9-14 INTRODUCTION A. Are some things what they don’t appear to be? 1. Have you ever thought you might not be who you think you are? 2. Is it possible to think you are a Christian when you’re not? 3. The world seems flat when you look at the horizon, Columbus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Answer To Religion Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Oct 20, 2010

Whenever religion is infused with independence, power, and control it becomes ultimate evil, but when it leads into the way of submission, sacrifice, and service it bears the ultimate goodness of God.

Much argument today is made about whether religion is helpful or harmful for society. Of course much of the discussion hinges on what we mean by religion. It‟s a topic that many of us could really go off on. But if I had to sum up what I see it would be this: whenever religion is infused ...read more

Scripture: John 5:16-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Religion And Government

Contributed by Sheila Crowe on Aug 6, 2009

We need to restore to society a common moral code by being a light of Christ actively involved in our communities. Religion should be in government but government must not be in religion

As we struggle to understand to live out our faith and God’s will in our lives, we know that God does in fact care about all of the issues we will address during our Tough Issues Sermon series. Can anyone who is a believer truly think that God does not care what we think regarding criminal justice ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: United Methodist

Fruitless Religion Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 27, 2010

If we want to bear fruit for the glory of God and lead people to Him on a regular basis, then we must let Christ clean out the fruitless religion, and we must pray with hearts full of faith and forgiveness

A clergyman dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates. Ahead of him is a guy dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans. Saint Peter says to this guy, “Who are you, so that I may know whether to admit you into the Kingdom of Heaven?” The guy replies, “I’m Joe Cohen, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-25

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Relational Religion Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Mar 9, 2010

God wants your religion to be characterized by love, compassion, and holy living.

Relational Religion James 1:19-27 Intro: The word “religion” has really gotten a bad rap in modern history. It is almost a dirty word to some. Maybe you’ve heard some of these phrases before: “Oh, you got religion!” “Don’t shove your religion on ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Religion That Works

Contributed by Greg Nance on Jun 23, 2012

James 1:26-27 offers a three point message on religion that is a must DO.

As we continue our Summer Service Series let’s turn to one of the most practical books in the New Testament: James. This little letter is packed with instruction and wisdom for Christian ACTION and SERVICE. James is big on application. A few weeks ago I did a lesson entitled “Do to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Religion Or Relationship Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on May 14, 2011

A study of chapter 1 verses 2 through 31

Isaiah 1: 2 - 31 Religion Or Relationship 2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: “ I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me; 3 The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know, My people do ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:2-31

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

True Religion Series

Contributed by David Welch on Jun 21, 2018

Message 13 in our exposition of James. This message focuses on three characteristics of a true follower of Jesus Christ.

Chico Alliance Church Pastor David Welch “True Religion” This is our thirteenth excursion in front of God’s faith-exposing mirror. James’ letter provides pointed instruction evaluating the true nature of our faith. James’ mirror exposes the reality of faith by showing us the character of true ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-19

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Talking Religion

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Apr 14, 2022

Many of us have a hard time talking with others about our faith. Jesus gives us a good example.

“1 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat them. 2 Some of the Pharisees asked, `Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?' 3 Jesus answered them, `Have you never read what David did when ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-5, Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28

A Change In Religion Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 12, 2020

What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus "You must be born again"? And what does His comment about being "born of the water and the Spirit" mean to us today?

OPEN: A man was obviously lost. He saw a little boy was standing by the side of a road and a and pulled up beside him. “Sonny,” he said, “do you know how to get to town?” The kid said, “No sir, I don’t.” Then the man said, “Well do you know the way to route 20?” The little boy said, “No.” And the ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Problem With Religion Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jan 15, 2020

Let’s live lives that honor God in every way.

THE PROBLEM WITH RELIGION Text: Rom. 2:17-24 Introduction 1. Illustration: When we Pastored in Yellville, AR there was a little restaurant that I used to like to hang out at called The Hill Top. One day a man from a nearby town called Zinc stopped in for lunch. The town of Zinc was famous for ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-24

Denomination: Methodist

Religion And Politics

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Oct 31, 2020

A look at the words of Jesus as it pertains to our election.

Religion and Politics November 1, 2020 I’m not sure if you know, but there’s an election coming up this Tuesday! There hasn’t been much talk about it. It’s been pretty hush, hush. So, I thought for my first Sunday back, I should talk about religion and politics. Some say it’s the most important ...read more

Denomination: Baptist