Sermons on Leaving Religion:

Second-Hand Religion

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Mar 2, 2011

Faith in Jesus allows us to have a real personal relationship with God.

Focus Passage: Exodus 33:7-23 KEY VERSE 18 “Show me Your glory” Supplemental Passage: John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Introduction: References to second hand clothing or other items, or ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 33:7-23

Denomination: Baptist

When Religion Steals Series

Contributed by Emile Wolfaardt on Sep 7, 2009

(PowerPoint Slides freely available by e-mailing Emile@Wolfaardt.com) Dealing with the spirit of religion so that Christ is glorified.

Journeying with John - It’s a Blast (JWJ-20) When Religion Steals John 5:9-17 Good morning! Today I want to start with something rather unusual - I want to identify a thief in our midst - I want to name this thief so you are no longer vulnerable to his attack, I want to expose him. That thief’s ...read more

Scripture: John 5:9-17

Denomination: *other

The Traits Of Token Religion

Contributed by Donnie Martin on Jul 17, 2009

Just because someone attaches the word "worship" to a religious service, doesn’t mean that the term fits. This was often the case with Israel’s religous rituals. Sadly, it is often true of many church services in our day.

The Traits Of Token Religion Text: Phil.1: 3-11 Intro: Today I want to focus on the thought mentioned in the second half of Philippians 1: 10. Paul tells the Philippians that he was praying that their love for Christ might continue to grow, resulting in knowledge, discernment, and sincerity. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11

Denomination: Baptist

God Or The Trappings Of Religion? Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 19, 2009

People who have a heart for the true God observe the outward trappings of Biblical faith, but they put the focus loving and knowing God by internalizing His Word.

God or the Trappings of Religion? (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 15; Matthew 22:34-40, 23:1-12) 1. There is more than one way to look at things. 2. "Our daughter took the afternoon off from her job at the funeral home to visit her daughter in preschool. When one of the kids asked what she did for a living, ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"Religion The Right Way”

Contributed by Andy Grossman on May 26, 2009

Reveals how you can know what religion God approves of.

“Religion the Right Way” May 31, 2009 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22-27

Denomination: Holiness

Religion Without Reality Series

Contributed by Don Emmitte on Aug 11, 2014

Many people seem to be content to trust their own efforts and religious practices to make them acceptable before God. We need to be aware that religious activities are only good when they express an inner reality.

Religion Without Reality Romans 2:17-29 Romans Series (Part 6) Sermon by Don Emmitte, Grace Restoration Ministries Take Your Bibles Please… But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Baptist

Two Kinds Of Religion

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 5, 2018

In the midst of church scandals, can we look beyond human sins and see God at work? We religious leaders are the object of Jesus’ greatest criticisms; will we listen?

In the midst of church scandals, can we look beyond human sins and see God at work? We religious leaders are the object of Jesus’ greatest criticisms; will we listen? Let’s discuss the two ways of being, the takers and givers in the context of Mark 12:38-44. Outward Show Mark 12:38-39 In His ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

No Hot Air Religion

Contributed by Rene Perez on Jan 8, 2015

real faith does what it says

Sermon: “No hot air religion” Point: “Real faith does what it says” 3-4 weeks ago, I was driving back home after dropping my daughter off for work. I had seen this homeless man walking along side Marietta Avenue several times before, and every time, I was reminded of the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22-27

Denomination: United Methodist

Losing God In Religion Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Nov 3, 2015

We lose God when we emphasize a ritual or object over and above our relationship with God. Don't expect God's blessings without repentance.

During a service at an old synagogue, when a particular prayer was said, half the congregants stood up and half remained sitting. The half that was seated started yelling at those standing to sit down, and the ones standing yelled at the ones sitting to stand up. The new rabbi didn't know ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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 Gone Bad

Contributed by Monty Newton on Nov 12, 2012

Religion goes bad when our lives are not marked by genuine humility and heartfelt generosity.

Title: Religion Gone Bad Text: Mark 12:38-44 Thesis: Religion goes bad when God is not the object of our devotion. Introduction (Disclaimer… this introduction may not be for the faint of heart.) I am fascinated by some of the reality programming on the Discovery Channel. One of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Religion Without God

Contributed by David Radcliff on Apr 2, 2016

Christianity is a relationship not a religion.

RELIGION WITHOUT GOD II Timothy 3:1-5 I. WITHOUT CHRIST 1. Formality II Timothy 3:5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof A skeleton has a form of man, but is dead! 2. Faithless Luke 18:8. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? There ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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