Sermons on mystery religions:

Relating To Jesus Outside Religion Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on May 22, 2008

Helping ourselves and others relate to Jesus not as one who started a new religion… nor who can be known merely through religious tradition… but who defies religious confines… and who seeks relationship.

Intro – One of the more interesting dynamics in my own process of having ‘holy conversation’ is when someone asks what I do. When they discover I’m a pastor… I’ve seen all sorts of things go off. Discomfort with their behavior, discomfort with what they then expect from me, or even just ...read more

Scripture: John 4:4-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"An Old Time Religion"

Contributed by Andy Grossman on Jun 3, 2008

Reveals three elements of the old time religion we need in our lives today.

“An Old Time Religion” June 8, 2008 “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-14

Denomination: Holiness

The Problem With Religion That Looks Good Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 18, 2010

This message looks at the problems that come with living your life to impress others.

A LIFE GOAL: Live your life so that people will say good things at your funeral. - The Pharisees were doing things for an audience of people. - Key phrase is v. 5a – “done for men to see” - Three examples: a. Phylacteries and tassels. - These were things talked about in OT ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:5-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Difference Between Religion And Discipleship

Contributed by Shawn Rose on Jun 3, 2010

This sermon outlines the difference between people who are religious and true disciples of Christ.

The Difference Between Religion and Discipleship Text: Mark 11:12 – 26 Introduction: Are you a disciple or just a religious person? I. Religious People a. Religious people may look impressive but they produce no fruit (vv. 12 – 14) b. Religious people have different priorities than ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-26

Denomination: Baptist

What’s Wrong With Religion? Series

Contributed by Paul Clemente on Sep 21, 2010

Being religious for the sake of self-worth is detestable to God because God looks at the heart.

Please grab a Bible. This is how God directly speaks to us. Let’s start by looking at the Gospel of Luke chapter 21:1-4... Giving money to the church is the religious thing to do isn’t it? But what can go wrong with doing a religious thing?? Being religious for the sake of self-worth is ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Difference Between Christianity And Religion

Contributed by Shawn Rose on Jun 14, 2009

On the road to Damascus, Saul learned the difference between Christianity and religion.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND RELIGION Text: Acts 9:1 – 9 Introduction: • Do you know the difference between Christianity and religion? (answer later) • How many of you are currently in a “relationship?” • Picture of my wife o Began dating May 1, 1988 o Married August 4, 1989 • I have ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9, John 3:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Differences Between Religion & Salvation

Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Dec 31, 2010

There is no salvation in prophets, apostles, priests, pastors, ministers, or any religious leaders but only in Jesus Christ. You may boast of your fine church buildings, large membership; be active in religious and charitable work, but all these are power

Intro: At certain seasons of the year, we find many religious celebrations being conducted. We find that the natural man wants to be religious. He will often do many pious things in hope that he is performing an act of worship and service to the Lord. But God in His word teaches that religion is ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:12

Denomination: *other

"Defiled Religion, Defiled Hearts"

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Aug 25, 2008

God is concerned with true worship from the heart, not outward observances.

“The Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered around Him when they had come from Jerusalem, 2 and had seen that some of His disciples were eating their bread with impure hands, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Orthodox

Religion & Rituals Will Not Save You Series

Contributed by Ed Taylor on Dec 22, 2008

Religious people can be some of the hardest to reach with the gospel.

1. There is wonderful CONFIDENCE & SECURITY in Jesus Christ. a. Our salvation isn’t based on the promises we have made to God but rather THE PROMISE He has made to us. b. If you believe, you are saved, eternally. 2 Corinthians 1:20 NOTE: They came to Jesus one day and asked: John 6:28-29 (NKJV) ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Religion Or Relationship" Part 2 Series

Contributed by Kyle Sullivan on Jun 16, 2011

A quick look at the lessons from Philippians.

Question: What is your Hope Built on? "The depravity of man is the only doctrine we have with thousands of years of evidence." Pastor Matt Chandler Where is your confidence? 1. In Religious Ritual? Vs. 3 "For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Tragedy Of Sunday Morning Religion

Contributed by Adrian Rogers on Jul 19, 2011

A classic sermon by Adrian Rogers of the importance of daily worship.

Introduction All right, turn please, if you would, with me tonight, to Colossians, chapter 3. And, I want to begin reading, for devotion tonight, Colossians 3, beginning in verse 16. And, it speaks of worship—and that’s what we’ve been doing tonight: “Let the word of ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:16-25

Denomination: Baptist

World Religions - 3 Buddhism

Contributed by Chris Surber on Nov 20, 2008

In Buddhism enlightenment is achieved through pouring one’s self out. In Christ, grace has been poured out unto us!

What About Buddhism? Titus 3:1-7 Introduction Frederick Buechner, in his book Now and Then, has a section on his comparison of the teachings of Buddha and of Jesus Christ, a topic he wrestled with when he was teaching at Phillips Exeter Academy: “Finally, lest students of comparative religion be ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:1-7

Denomination: Christian Church

Religion Can Not Bring Freedom Series

Contributed by Jeff Haynes on Nov 30, 2009

A look at how the Gnostics man made practices did not provide freedom for the Colossians believers

Religion Vs. Relationship Religion can not give freedom from... Colossians 2:20-23 November 22, 2009 Your Name ____________________ Introduction and Review: Last week we saw in Colossians 2:15 that Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension brought victory over ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:19-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Outward Religion Is Not Acceptable To God

Contributed by David Mcnally on Jan 25, 2014

God demands true faith, true repentance, true worship, not the outward show of 'religiosity'

2 Timothy 3: 1-9 Outward religion Christmas has long gone and 2014 is no longer the 'New' year. Paul wrote his 2nd 'Pastoral' Letter to Timothy around AD66/67. The church was fairly 'new' as it was only 30 years or so after Pentecost, but it was not so 'new' that it was 'Pristine' or ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Those Who Love Religion

Contributed by Davon Huss on Dec 3, 2013

A sermon on Luke 16:14-15 addressed to those who love religion and focusing on why man's religion can be a bad thing (Adapted from John MacArthur at: http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/42-209/why-false-teachers-mock-the-truth-part-1)

HoHum: GOLLUM AND THE RING
Many of us are familiar with the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We cannot help but remember the character named Gollum. He was a hideous, pathetic creature who was possessed by the power of the ring. In fact, the ring was the reason for his hideous appearance. His ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:14-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ