Sermons on Pharisaical Religion:

The Problem With A Religion Of Rules Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 11, 2022

Two Sabbath stories bring out some key dangers of a rules-based religion.

- We have two stories here that both look into the rules the religious leaders had back in Jesus’ day concerning the Sabbath. THE PROBLEM WITH A RELIGION OF RULES: 1. WE ARE SELECTIVE ABOUT WHICH RULES WE PAY ATTENTION TO. - Matthew 12:1-5, 9-11. - The Pharisees considered themselves to be the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

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 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

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

Two Kinds Of Religion

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 3, 2021

Our churches will always be faulty, but God still works within His church? Purpose: How would Jesus judge today’s church? Plan: Let’s discuss two opposite ways that people operate within the church in Mark 12:38-44.

Prelude Our churches will always be faulty, but God still works within His church? Purpose: How would Jesus judge today’s church? Plan: Let’s discuss two opposite ways that people operate within the church in Mark 12:38-44. Outward Show Mark 12:38-39 Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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

Satan Uses Religion

Contributed by Davon Huss on Aug 30, 2022

Satan uses hypocrisy, fratricide, and self righteousness to misdirect and misfocus the Christian (Adapted from a book by Joe Beam called "Seeing the Unseen")

HoHum: Does Satan go to church? I know he does. Yes, the spiritual forces of evil are here but mostly they work through people. Imagine Simon Peter’s surprise when this happened: “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:28, Matthew 12:25, Luke 18:11-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Religion Versus Faith

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Jun 4, 2024

Is one more important than the other? Can one have faith without religion

Religion versus faith Luke 5:12 – 16 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz 12 While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 13 And He stretched ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:12-16

Denomination: United Methodist

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

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

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

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

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