Sermons on Mystery Religions:

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

Losing My Religion Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Mar 17, 2011

To be able to break away from tightly held beliefs, there has to be a conversion of the heart and mind

Losing my Religion Acts 10-11 After several years of trying to bring about change from the inside, former President Jimmy Carter announced that he’s severing his ties with the Southern Baptist church over its treatment of women. “I have been a practicing Christian all my life and a ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

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 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

What Is True Religion? Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Sep 21, 2013

What does James mean by pure and undefiled religion?

A Study of the Letter of James James 1:26-27 September 18, 2013 Read Scripture:James 1:26-27 [show scripture] 26If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself. 27Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Baptist

Wrong About Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 30, 2024

If we focus on our tenets to the exclusion of focusing on the will of the Lord, we are in danger of drifting into Pharisaical Religion. If we allow this to happen, we will displease the Lord and oppose Him.

“When the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

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

A Fairy Tale Religion

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 22, 2025

Many churches promote “Easy-Believism” today in their churches.

This is a dangerous teaching! Why? God has given us the gospel of Christ to take into the homes of lost people and show them what the Lord can do for them if they will accept Him as their Lords and Savior. The gospel of Christ is the only gospel God has given to the church to reach a lost ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 38:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Religion In The New Testamant

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Oct 11, 2020

5 New American Standard Bible verses about this

Acts 25:19 - but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive. Acts 26:5 -since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 25:19

Denomination: Vineyard

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

Religion That Makes A Difference Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 5, 2021

James uses very confrontational language as he drives home the point that if we don't put God's Word into practice, then why did we bother to hear it. Religion that makes a difference is religion leads to godly language, godly love, and godly lifestyle.

Introduction: A. I heard about a man who came into worship late one Sunday. 1. He asked someone in the back of the auditorium, “Is the sermon done yet?” 2. The person wisely answered, “The sermon has been preached, but it has yet to be done.” 3. Wow! You talk about a statement that is truthful and ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Beyond Religion Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Mar 13, 2018

God Beyond Religion Series: Conversations with Jesus March 11, 2018 – Brad Bailey

God Beyond Religion Series: Conversations with Jesus March 11, 2018 – Brad Bailey Intro We are continuing our series… “Conversations with Jesus”… As described in previous weeks… many conversations are just polite exchanges. Some are practical exchanges. But there are some that can be life ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-30, John 4:39-42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

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