Sermons on Empty Religion:

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

When Religion Blocks Relationship

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Aug 21, 2016

We go about trying to live religious lives, but do we miss connecting with God in the process? Christianity is about relationship, not religion. And Jesus makes such a relationship possible.

Luke 13:10-17 When Religion Blocks Relationship It was a day I will never forget. Our village had gathered at the local Synagogue to hear the word and receive teaching, to pray together, and to worship Yahweh, the one true God. On this day there was an unusual excitement in the crowd because we ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

What The Lord Requires

Contributed by Brian Gordon on Nov 7, 2011

What we learn from the empty religion of the Israelites

I. Introduction A. If you’ve ever taken any time to study the Bible (particularly the Old Testament) you may have noticed that it is not written in chronological order. a. Sometimes that makes Bible Study a little difficult, because it takes a little work to put what you are reading in the ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:1-8

Denomination: Methodist

The False Security Of Religion Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 29, 2014

Who are you trying to please? Are you into a religion or are you into a relationship?

INTRODUCTION Some of you know the pastor of First Baptist Church of Orlando, Florida, Dr. Jim Henry, is a good friend of mine. Not long after they had been in their new building, they had an unusual thing happen on a Sunday morning. They were through most of the worship service and the choir was ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

We're Glad You Came

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Dec 21, 2014

A sermon on the response to Jesus coming.

"We're Glad You Came" Luke 2:8-20 Introduction: CONSIDER AGAIN CHRISTMAS When Pope Julius I authorized December 25 to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus in A.D. 353, who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today. When Professor Charles Follen lit candles on the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-10

Denomination: Baptist

A Cross And Christ Of No Effect

Contributed by Chuck Morley on Feb 2, 2001

When we neglect the truth of the cross we are left with empty religion and a powerless Christ.

A CROSS AND CHRIST OF NO EFFECT "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God;" (2 Corinthians 3:2,3) This verse is pretty ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:2-3

Denomination: Pentecostal

Temple Theology Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Mar 3, 2016

The way that the temple was used in redemptive history is a reminder of how easy it is for religion to become hollow, or for ritual to rplece a relationship with God.

You can listen to the full message here:- http://www.nec.org.au/listen-to-a-sermon-series/kings-series/ Message 1 Kings 8:22-53 “Temple Theology” How important is the temple in the life of the Israelites? We need to realise that Tabernacle (portable) = Temple (permanent) Expand Reminder of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 8:22-53

Denomination: Baptist

Worship In Spirit And In Truth Series

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Apr 11, 2016

Is your testimony dry and dusty? Is your worship forced or restrained? Have we come to God as honest sinners in need of living water?

Worship in Spirit and in Truth John 4:19-26 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, ...read more

Scripture: John 4:19-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Freedom From Religion

Contributed by Dan Brown on Dec 4, 2006

Following Christ is a relationship not a religion.

Sunday Morning 8/12/01-Col. 2-Freedom From Religion Key idea: Following X is a relationship not a religion. Video Clip: Matrix 1:37:20-1:38:19 Neo confused about his identity, doesn’t understand who he really is, we as xians suffer from the same problem. Don’t know or understand who we are. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:8-13

Denomination: *other

(3) Who Is The Father To You? Series

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 2, 2025

John 5 - Bethesda Pool. This message reveals Jesus as the Father’s mercy, ending futility, exposing empty religion, and granting forgiveness and wholeness.

Introduction: Have you ever missed a sign? I have. One time I was rushing through the airport, ticket in hand, suitcase dragging behind me. I cleared security, found my gate, and sat down to wait. After a few minutes I started listening to the announcements — and realized everybody around me was ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 2:14, John 5:1-9, Isaiah 35:6, Matthew 11:5, John 14:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

When Religion Doesn't Make It Anymore

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Oct 6, 2024

Study in the journey from religion to relationship.

When Religion Doesn’t Make It Anymore John 3:1-21 3 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Religion Without Relationship Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 29, 2025

Without God’s Word, people create their own religion.

RELIGION WITHOUT RELATIONSHIP By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Judges 17 Key Verse: Judges 17:5–6 –“And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Showboat Religion Series

Contributed by Jerry Owen on Mar 30, 2017

Jesus teaches about the proper way to give, to pray, and to fast. He condemns public displays of religious acts where the intent is to garner praise from people who are watching.

SHOWBOAT RELIGION MATTHEW 6:1-8, 16-18 A "showboat" is someone who tries to draw all the attention to himself. They want all the glory, all the praise. You see it on the football field and other places where people compete. The touchdown or big play antics are performed to draw attention. Many ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Religion Can Not Satisfy Nobody Series

Contributed by R. Escoanyelin Ortiz on Nov 10, 2011

to show the emptiness of mere belief without experience

"They hold an apperance of godliness" (2 Timothy 3:5). YOU SEE, WHERE CAN WE FIND TRUE SPIRITUALITY? BELOVED, IT IS NOT ABOUT RELIGION, BUT A SPIRITUAL REALITY THAT CAN BE EXPERIENCED AND ENJOYED. LOOK AT THE SAMARITAN WOMAN, SHE HAD RELIGION, BUT NO HAPPINESS. LOOK AT THE PHARISEES, THEY KNEW THE ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:5

Denomination: Pentecostal

When Darkness Triumphed…..for An Hour Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Apr 2, 2023

There is victory in Jesus. The risen Lord! The hour of darkness has come and gone. The power of God overcame the darkness. He is alive forevermore. Don’t give the defeated enemy victory in your life.

All of history leads to the cross and everything since follows from the cross. It is the central point in all of time. Yet the cross is a low point in human history. It is the time that God’s anointed was executed. In the timeline of history, the cross is the major event. One of Jesus’ disciples ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:52-53, Matthew 26:52-53

Denomination: Baptist