Sermons on Old Time Religion:

"From Religion To Relationship"

Contributed by David Henderson on Apr 12, 2011

We come this morning to one of the most familiar passages of scripture in the Bible. Certainly most of us have memorized John 3:16 than any other verse ion the Bible. Preschoolers can recite it. Football fans paint it on signs and sit in the end zone.

“From Religion to Relationship” John 3:1-16 Billy Graham tells the story of the time early in His ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a revival meeting. He had arrived a bit early so he decided to finish a letter he was writing and get it in the mail. He finished the ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

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

From Religion To Relationship Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Oct 16, 2023

From Religion to Relationship Series: Holy Conversations: Talking about God in Everyday Life Brad Bailey - October 15, 2023

From Religion to Relationship Series: Holy Conversations: Talking about God in Everyday Life Brad Bailey - October 15, 2023 Note: These notes represent more than what could be fully spoken or covered due to time. In particular, the many points about how people dismiss “religion” that are a part of ...read more

Scripture: John 4:4-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Religion Stinks Series

Contributed by Stephen Collins on Jan 6, 2009

Part 3 of our "Being the Church" series, this one focusing on the need for an authentic, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and how "religion" does not meet that need.

Stephen N. Collins Millville – 06/22/08 Being the Church Part 3: Why Religion Stinks Acts 4:1-22 Icebreaker: The kindergarten teacher asked the students in her class to bring something related to their families’ religions to class the next day. She asked for volunteers to show what they had ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22

Denomination: Church Of God

Religion Vs. Relationship

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 9, 2022

This message contrasts religion and relationship, showing that religion is not to be desired. However, a relationship with Jesus is to be highly treasured. Why? Religion brings about death, but relationship brings about life.

Whenever you hear of the word “religion,” what comes to mind? Perhaps attending a church service, someone worshipping a Buddha statue, a baptismal service, someone reciting a chant or prayer, someone fasting, people praying to the east every hour, someone making an animal sacrifice, or someone ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-28

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 That Makes A Difference Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 23, 2006

Religion that makes a difference is characterized by godly language, godly love and a godly lifestyle. James not only tells us what we should be, he tells us how to get there.

Introduction A. I heard about a man who came into church 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 truthful and insightful! 4. The ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

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

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

From Religion To Relationship Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jul 17, 2009

The human religious nature that tries to resolve our guilt and shame in our own way.

Last week - healing… reaffirm… We’ll see more… but today… what’s driving through Jesus… the CENTRAL POINT OF CLASH AND CONFLICT… Mark 1:40-41 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Filled with compassion, Jesus reached ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

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

The Fatal Flaws Of Religion Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 17, 2006

As we finish Romans 2 this morning, we’re going to learn that many believers today are “cheater Christians,” because they’re fooling themselves and others. Too many religious people have pretty packaging on the outside but have downsized the amount of sp

The Fatal Flaws of Religion Romans 2:17-29 Rev. Brian Bill 6/25/06 I’ve been fascinated and frustrated about something for many years. Have you noticed how companies are shrinking the size of their products while keeping the packaging the same? The result is less product while the price stays ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Baptist

Loosing My Religion

Contributed by Duke Jeffries on Oct 18, 2000

A. INTRODUCTION We continue this morning our study of the apostle Paul's elaborate assessment of the plight of a hopelessly sinful mankind before the face of the eternally righteous God, as set forth in the first three chapters of the Epistle to the Romans.

A. INTRODUCTION We continue this morning our study of the apostle Paul's elaborate assessment of the plight of a hopelessly sinful mankind before the face of the eternally righteous God, as set forth in the first three chapters of the Epistle to the Romans. We began last week a consideration of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29