Sermons on Counterfeit Religions:

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

Challenging Religion Series

Contributed by Ken Sowers on Mar 18, 2014

Jesus confronts religious leaders

Challenging Religion Vital to read the entire book at one sitting from time to time. Chapters 5-7 at minimum Jesus' teaching are set in the backdrop of the Feast of Tabernacles - Season of our Gladness! Called Succoth - Booths. Booths = we want rain. Fall harvest festival - reminder of tent ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

A Withering Religion

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 21, 2020

Judgment begins at the house of God.

A WITHERING RELIGION. Matthew 21:12-22. Today’s passage brings together two events which are not unrelated to each other: the cleansing of the Temple, and the withering of the fig tree. Both are figurative of the state and changing status of the old Jewish faith at the dawn of the gospel ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:12-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

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

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

Restrictive Religion Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on May 3, 2018

If you want to be free from a guilty conscience, don’t depend on restrictive religion, which is limited by its procedures, its place, its people, and its purifying power.

Two neighbor boys were the best of friends on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. On Sunday, however, they didn’t talk to each other, because one was a Catholic and the other was a Baptist. Their parents were concerned, so they agreed to let their sons visit each other’s ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Pure Religion Series

Contributed by Daniel Teberian on Mar 16, 2023

What does a true Christian look like? How do our actions reflect the faith that we have? How do our actions reflect the love of God?

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. [James ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27, Matthew 12:34, 1 John 4:7-8

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

The Futility Of Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 14, 2022

Religious exercise can become a snare if in our efforts we fail to seek the Lord. Religion for the sake of religion is a dreadful snare.

“Like a pregnant woman who writhes and cries out in her pangs when she is near to giving birth, so were we because of you, O LORD; we were pregnant, we writhed, but we have given birth to wind. We have accomplished no deliverance in the earth, and the inhabitants of the world have not ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

Rethink Religion

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Sep 1, 2021

When we say "religion" what do we really mean?

Rethink Religion Walk in Wisdom / James 1:17–27   • When we say “religion” what do we really mean? • Bible dictionary calls it Religion: “A relationship of devotion or fear of God or gods.” • Various types of conduct or ritual practices are included in that concept. • Those rather scholarly ...read more

Scripture: James 1:16-27, 1 John 2:3-6, Hebrews 13:8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Pure Religion Series

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

Quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Tachus means quick, swift, and speedy. Akouo means exercise the faculty of hearing to understanding that which has been heard. Bradus means take a relatively long time to act with deliberation.

Theme: Pure Religion Text: James 1:19-27   Greetings: The Lord is good and His love endures forever! Introduction: "YOU WILL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY, THE LORD YOUR GOD." In Jan we have learned the attributes of God as Holy. In Feb we have seen that the worshippers God must be holy. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Methodist