Sermons on Pharisaical Religion:

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

Losing Your Religion

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Apr 12, 2021

As a Pharisee, Nicodemus believed that God’s law had to be strictly observed and that strict observance was necessary in order to obtain God’s blessing.

TITLE: LOSING YOUR RELIGION SCRIPTURE: ST. JOHN 3:1-10 The first appearance of Nicodemus we see are found in the scriptures as read in our text. Nicodemus went to seek out Jesus at night. He was afraid to be seen with Him in the day. When Nicodemus met Jesus, he said he believed Jesus came from ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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

Sunday Morning Religion

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 19, 2022

You can ride by most churches and they have a church sign outside telling the public what time their church services start.

But I have a problem with some churches posting on their church signs they worship God between 11 to 12 . According to the Word of God this is somewhat misleading! HOW IS IT MISLEADING? It implies we worship the Lord one hour a week and this is not what the Bible teaches we christians should be ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:16-25

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 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

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