Sermons on Empty Religion:

Turning Religion Into Relationship

Contributed by Devin Hudson on Feb 18, 2002

John sermon series--8th sermon

Turning Religion into Relationship “Nick at Night” John 3.1-15 3 men died and were standing at the pearly gates. What have you done to deserve Heaven? 1st—police officer, enforced law, fought crime. Peter, “OK, go on in.” 2nd—very wealthy and gave lots of money to charitable causes. Peter, “OK, go ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-15, John 3:1-21, John 3:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

Second Hand Religion

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 10, 2001

The need for a personal Savior

Second-Hand Religion If you grew up in a large family, you know exactly what hand-me-downs or second hand items are. If you grew up in the Depression Era, and you were the third son or daughter, your clothes might have been a bit threadbare after going through the wear and tear of two siblings. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5-6, John 7:17, Revelation 6:15-17, Psalm 118:8, Matthew 8:5-10, Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 24:23-26, Matthew 15:21-28, Matthew 15:1-9, John 7:17-18, Titus 3:9, John 3:3, John 16:13, James 5:14, James 1:5, Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 4:10, Acts 17:10-12, Luke 10:38-42, Romans 1:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Turning A Religion Into A Relationship Series

Contributed by Steve Hanchett on Apr 23, 2001

Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus. Sincere seekers need to be born again.

“When a Religion Becomes a Relationship” John 3:1-15 Steve Hanchett, pastor Berry Road Baptist Church April 22, 2001 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. The man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-15, Psalm 37:1

Denomination: Baptist

31 Flavors Of Religion

Contributed by Chris Mason on Nov 2, 2001

God has laid out a clear plan on what to do in order to be saved. However you have to follow the plan in order to make it work. You see the truth is the truth whether you believe it or not.

INTRODUCTION I want to tell you a secret! You have to promise not to tell anyone, O.K.? The secret is: I LOVE ICE CREAM! Not just any ice cream, not Hy Vee or Walmart or even Albertsons, but rather the greatest ice cream of all time: Baskin Robins Ice Cream. When I go to Baskin Robins, I have ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:38-41, Acts 16:31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Gospel Verses Religion

Contributed by Bruce Howell on Feb 9, 2001

Religion can point one to God and provide expression for faith, but only the Person of Christ can bring slavation.

The Gospel Vs. Religion Eph 2:1-10 A recent article in the religion section of our local newspaper, dealt with the question, “Is it better to be religious or spiritual?” Opinions were garnered from five local pastors, representing Unity, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, and Bahai. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Wesleyan

Losing Your Religion

Contributed by Gary Washburn on Jul 11, 2002

REligion and spirutality have always been at odds with one another. Do we need to lose our religion?

Losing Your Religion Romans 2:17-29 Intro: 10 years ago Bette Midler had hit song entitled, “God is watching us.” I believe it was popular because it expressed our cultural theological view. We want a god who provides but does not intrude, who protects and helps us out but does interfere with our ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Baptist

Religion Vs. Relationship

Contributed by Johnny Carver on Apr 9, 2002

Religion has been replacing a solid relationship with God ever since Satan has been in business and too many Christians are not aware of it.

Scripture: Luke 11:37-12 Title: “Religion vs. Relationship” Introduction: It has been said, “The number one cause of atheism is Christians. Those who proclaim God with their mouths and deny Him with their lifestyles is what an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable.” (Christianity Today, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:37-38

Denomination: Pentecostal

Religion Vs. Relationship

Contributed by Johnny Carver on Jun 29, 2001

This message compares the lifelessness of religion to the power of being in a relationship with God.

Scripture: Luke 11:37-12 Title: “Religion vs. Relationship” Introduction: It has been said, “The number one cause of atheism is Christians. Those who proclaim God with their mouths and deny Him with their lifestyles is what an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable.” (Christianity Today, ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Battling Convenient Religion

Contributed by Keith Crouch on Jun 16, 2005

This message takes a look at the account of the Rich young Ruler in Mark 10 and how it is is a mirror of those that are seeking convenience through religion.

Battling Convenient Religion Mark 10:17-22 I. The Man’s Presumptions (v. 17) A. He presumed his inheritance could be earned “…what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” – v. 17 B. He presumed discipleship was about doing “..what must I do…” – v. 17 1. Discipleship is about ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-22

Denomination: Baptist

Triple "B" Religion

Contributed by Bruce Howell on Nov 11, 2004

The key to usefulness in the kingdom of God lies in the placing of our lives in Christ’s hands.

Triple “B” Religion ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I WAS IN SCHOOL, but I remember those dreaded words from the teacher, “Take out a pencil and a sheet of paper. Its pop quiz time.” What really amazed me was that the teacher seemed to know the nights I had not studied! Well, I’m not going to ask you ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:34-44

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Sin Of A Religion Of Convenience

Contributed by Jimmy Chapman on May 17, 2007

Conception of a religion of convenience Characteristics of a religion of convenience Consequences of a religion of convenience

The Sin of a Religion of Convenience I Kings 12:25-33 The passage before us describes the act which is so often described in Scripture as the "sins of Jereboam." It is referred to more than twenty times in the Word of God. I Kings 15:30 "Because of the sins of Jereboam which he sinned, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 12:25-33

Denomination: Baptist

Talk Show Religion

Contributed by Brian Atwood on May 22, 2007

Humanistic attitudes that hinder worship.

Talk Show Religion, Humanistic Attitudes that Deter Worship. Some TV talk shows have some redeeming qualities; many others send subtle yet harmful messages to their viewers. Why should that concern the church? It should concern us because entertainment in culture tends to bleed through into ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Denomination: Baptist

Replacing My Religion Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Apr 24, 2007

Religion which is man-made brings insecurity, but a Relationship with Jesus brings confidence.

> When I was a young man, I would frequently hear, “I’m gonna lose my religion!” Normally, this was said at a time of stress and frustration. > Gallup took a poll on “Religion” in January of 2007, the results of which seems to me to be a little contradictory in nature. When asked “do you ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:12-21

Denomination: Baptist

Freedom From Religion Series

Contributed by Wade Allen on Oct 3, 2007

A challenge to avoid being Pharisaical in the church.

The Apostle Paul had an interesting style of ministry. Paul would travel to a city, get to know a few people, plant a church, then stay around as long as it took (usually a couple years) until the church was self-sufficient. Then he would pack up and move to a new city and start the process all ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When Religion's Not Enough Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 30, 2006

A look at the high priesthood of Jesus and the implications that carries for our lives

1. Title: When Religion’s Not Enough 2. Text: Hebrews 7 3. Audience: Villa Heights Christian Church, AM worship crowd, August 13, 2006, in the series “Nothing Better Than The Best” 4. Type: expository 5. Objectives: • For the people to understand the necessity of having a High Priest in our ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 7:1-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ