Sermons on Relationship Not A Religion:

When Religion Blocks Relationship

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Aug 21, 2016

We go about trying to live religious lives, but do we miss connecting with God in the process? Christianity is about relationship, not religion. And Jesus makes such a relationship possible.

Luke 13:10-17 When Religion Blocks Relationship It was a day I will never forget. Our village had gathered at the local Synagogue to hear the word and receive teaching, to pray together, and to worship Yahweh, the one true God. On this day there was an unusual excitement in the crowd because we ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

Journey From Religion To Relationship Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Mar 29, 2013

What is religion? So many people when they talk about Christianity call it religion. They say I got religion, or I’m a religious person. Or I don’t want to hear about Jesus because I don’t like religion. Religion is the conscientious following of rules th

I am covering in a summary fashion 3 chapters in the book of Luke this morning so I won’t be reading a lot of Scripture and there is no outline, but I will be referring to several passages. I encourage you to read Luke chapters 19-23 on your own this week to prepare for Easter weekend. I want ...read more

Moving From Religion To Relationship Series

Contributed by Edward Hardee on Sep 30, 2012

Message about being an authentic Christian. Do we have religion or relationship?

Title: Moving from Religion to Relationship Theme: To show the importance of a person not just having a religion but a relationship with God Text: John 3:1-19 Introduction I told you we were beginning an 8-week series on Authentic Christianity. We began by talking about the 10 virgins 5 who were ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-19

Denomination: Church Of God

When Religion Loses Relationship Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Feb 25, 2019

When Religion Loses Relationship Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) Brad Bailey – February 24, 2019

When Religion Loses Relationship Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) Brad Bailey – February 24, 2019 Text: Luke 6:1-11 Note: The following is not a transcript. I only read Scripture and main point. The rest serves as a source of prepared thought that I hope to share more ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Dangers Of Religion Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on May 21, 2007

15th in a series from Ephesians. The danger of following a religion instead of seeking a relationship.

A man was walking across a bridge one day, and he saw another man standing on the edge, about to jump off. He immediately ran over and said "Stop! Don’t do it!" "Why shouldn’t I?" the man asked. The first man replied, "Well, there’s so much to live for!" "Like what?" "Well ... are you religious ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Relationship Of Believers To Religionsists Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Aug 28, 2024

We live in a world of religion and religionists. The world even looks at believers as religionists, but we aren’t.

So far in chapter 15 of the gospel of John we have talked about: • The relationship of Jesus to the people of the world. • The relationship of Jesus to believers. • The relationship of believers to believers. • The relationship of believers to the world. Tonight, we move into chapter 16 and look ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

A Compromise Religion

Contributed by Grant Adams on Mar 11, 2023

In this portion of scripture is a brief sketch of the history of the children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan.

I. Pharaoh Tried to Intimidate Israel Away from the very Thought of God and Religion 1. Exodus 5:1-9 2. He said that Moses’ message of salvation was only “vain words.” Useless, nothing to it. 3. The Devil is using this same method with people today. He tries to frighten away because of what others ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Relational Religion Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Mar 9, 2010

God wants your religion to be characterized by love, compassion, and holy living.

Relational Religion James 1:19-27 Intro: The word “religion” has really gotten a bad rap in modern history. It is almost a dirty word to some. Maybe you’ve heard some of these phrases before: “Oh, you got religion!” “Don’t shove your religion on ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Real Relationship” Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Sep 19, 2010

Jesus doesn’t invite us to practice a religion, but to participate in a relationship.

In this series, we want unbelievers to understand that Christianity is not a religion. The way of religion is about impersonal rules, while the way of Christ is about a personal relationship with God. But we also want believers to understand that Christianity is not designed to be lived as a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

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

Hypocritical Religion (Vs.) Honest Relationship

Contributed by Mark Haines on Feb 20, 2001

A contrast between hypocritical religion and honest relationships with God.

Topic: Christian Living Theme: Honest Christian Living Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness calling God’s people in my care to develop honest relationships with God. Response: In preparation for Communion, individuals will examine their relationship with God with the questions I provide ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan

Leaving Religion Entering Kingdom

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Sep 5, 2021

Jesus always talked about Kingdom, the Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom is at Hand, my Kingdom is not of this world. Today when we hear the word kingdom, immediately many different ideas, concepts, and pictures come to mind.

Leaving Religion Entering Kingdom By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: When you are traveling down the road regardless of where you are going you will pass a sign that says Leaving (Michigan) so and so and Entering (Ohio) so and so. I am leaving one destination and I am entering into ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:18, James 1:27, Matthew 23:5

Denomination: Apostolic

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

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

The Dangers Of Religion

Contributed by Tim White on Feb 9, 2017

Paul addresses the dangers of hiding behind religion to avoid a relationship with God.

Last week, from Romans 1, we saw how people get so far from God, God gives them up to their vile choices and futile minds. That is the most tragic story in the Bible. We pointed out that all of us are susceptible to the same spiral stairway. Even believers, even Churches, can become cold towards ...read more

Denomination: Baptist