Sermons on Leaving Religion:

Second Hand Religion

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on May 11, 2020

You are either in a first hand relationship with Christ or you are not in one at all.

Proposition: You must personally seek the Lord! I. Because it is the only path to wisdom! A. Only He can give it to you! James 1:5,6 B. He gives it only to the willing! John 7:17 II. Because it is the way to honor Him! A. You show your faith in Him! Matthew 8:5-10 (Centurion) B. ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:26-29, James 5:14, 2 Chronicles 16:12, 1 Kings 13:18, Matthew 7:28-29, Matthew 11:28-30, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 118:8-9, Matthew 15:1-9, Matthew 15:21-28, Matthew 8:5-10, John 7:17, 1 Corinthians 14:33, James 1:5-6  (view more)  (view less)

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

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

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 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

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

False Religion Is Worthless

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Apr 26, 2023

Jesus talks about two kinds of people, those who are wise and those who are foolish. those who are going after religion and those who desire to have a personal relationship with Him.

False Religion is worthless Jeremiah 7:1-29 Good morning everyone- so glad you chose to join us. If you would turn to the Old Testament book of Jeremiah Chapter 7 We just finished a series on Abiding in Christ- being connected to God, connecting to others and being sensitive to those that do ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:1-11

Denomination: Nazarene

Childishness And Small Religion

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 27, 2025

Jesus calls us to lay down childish stubbornness and take His hand in trusting, growing childlikeness that welcomes the Kingdom.

Have you noticed that Jesus holds two ideas in tension? He tells us to be childlike …and also warns us not to be childish. Only Jesus can say, “Become as little children” and “Grow up”…in the very same breath. He sees what we cannot. He can tell the difference. Our passage today is Luke 7:31-35. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:31-35, 1 Corinthians 13:11-12, Mark 10:15, Psalm 131:1-2, Romans 12:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Norms Of Pure Religion Series

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

The foundation of a pure religion is the Bible, not just hearing and considering its implications nevertheless acting in accordance with the LORD's Word.

Theme: Pure Religion and its Norms Text: James 1:27   Greetings: The Lord is good and His love endures forever! Introduction: "YOU WILL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY, THE LORD YOUR GOD." Holy God expects this Holy Race with specific morals, spiritual practices, and a useful social ...read more

Scripture: James 1:27

Denomination: Methodist

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

Religion Is The Enemy Of The Gospel

Contributed by Anthony Seel on Oct 29, 2023

A sermon on the two great commandments

22 Pentecost A October 29, 2023 M. Anthony Seel, Jr. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Matthew 22:34-40 Religion is the Enemy of the Gospel Over 500 years ago, Martin Luther started a movement that now surrounds the world. When Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church, Luther ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40

Denomination: Lutheran

New Testament Religions

Contributed by Kyle Campbell on Aug 15, 2022

It would be an understatement to say that the religious world is in a state of confusion. With hundreds of denominations in this country and thousands of religions worldwide, it’s sufficient to say that many people simply don’t know what’s going on.

Introduction. You likely know that sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Therefore, in order to get back to God, we need religion. The word “religion” basically means to “tie or bind back to God again.” This fundamental belief in sin and redemption has fueled the development of many varied ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:13-14, Acts 26:5, James 1:26, James 1:27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Cure- Religion Is Not Enough Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Nov 13, 2022

This is the 124th sermon in the series "Action". This is the 4th sermon from Romans.

Series: Action [#124] THE CURE- RELIGION IS NOT ENOUGH Romans 2:17-29 Introduction: We have studied many different areas of sin in just 2 chapters of Romans. This morning’s sermon may point out 1 of the most dangerous problems in the Church- Religion. I do understand that Christianity is a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Vs Religion

Contributed by James H Boyd on Dec 21, 2023

Religion cannot save, only Jesus can!

A wealthy business man died.At his funeral, many people came to his widow and the rest of his family to express their sympathies. Suddenly, a young man approached the widow with an unusual request. He said “Ma’am, I know you don’t know me, but I was wondering if I could get in on your husband’s ...read more

Denomination: Charismatic

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