Sermons on Religion As Ritual:

The Cure For Wearisome Religion Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Feb 22, 2014

Jesus came so that we could step off the treadmill of "law" and into the glory of His Grace.

Law and Gospel: The Cure for Wearisome Religion Matthew 11:25-30 I have never cared to much for exercising on a treadmill: I think it may be my overwhelming desire to be practical, even with effort and exercise; I hate to walk in one ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30

Denomination: Baptist

Sunday Morning Religion

Contributed by Adrian Rogers on Feb 15, 2012

There’s nothing wrong with Sunday-morning religion, but the problem is that so many people have only a Sunday-morning religion.

The curse of the 20th Century is Sunday-morning religion. Now, there’s nothing wrong with Sunday-morning religion, but the problem is that so many people have only a Sunday-morning religion. Somebody wrote these words: “They’re praising God on Sunday, but they’ll be all ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:16-24

Denomination: Baptist

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

Losing My Religion Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Mar 17, 2011

To be able to break away from tightly held beliefs, there has to be a conversion of the heart and mind

Losing my Religion Acts 10-11 After several years of trying to bring about change from the inside, former President Jimmy Carter announced that he’s severing his ties with the Southern Baptist church over its treatment of women. “I have been a practicing Christian all my life and a ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

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

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

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

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

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

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

Religion, Reformation, Or Relationship

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Nov 1, 2017

What matters is not what religion you are or cleaning up your act. What matters is your relationship with Christ.

Religion, Reformation, or Relationship Matthew 12:34b-50 Traditionally, on New Year’s Day, many people make resolutions. About 85% of those made are for some form of self-improvement. While most of those who make resolutions are sincere, only 8% ever achieve their goal. How many times have you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:34-50

Denomination: Baptist

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

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