Sermons on Toxic Religion:

What Is True Religion? Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Sep 21, 2013

What does James mean by pure and undefiled religion?

A Study of the Letter of James James 1:26-27 September 18, 2013 Read Scripture:James 1:26-27 [show scripture] 26If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself. 27Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

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

No Hot Air Religion

Contributed by Rene Perez on Jan 8, 2015

real faith does what it says

Sermon: “No hot air religion” Point: “Real faith does what it says” 3-4 weeks ago, I was driving back home after dropping my daughter off for work. I had seen this homeless man walking along side Marietta Avenue several times before, and every time, I was reminded of the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22-27

Denomination: United Methodist

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

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, 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

Religion Vs. Relationship

Contributed by John Oquinn on Sep 15, 2018

Religion vs. Relationship

I will start by reading a book excerpt from the June 3,1989 issue of Today in the Word, published by the Moody Bible Institute. As I read, see if you can guess whom is being spoke of. He made free use of Christian vocabulary. He talked about the blessing of the Almighty and the Christian ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:19-24, Romans 3:9-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Two Kinds Of Religion

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 5, 2018

In the midst of church scandals, can we look beyond human sins and see God at work? We religious leaders are the object of Jesus’ greatest criticisms; will we listen?

In the midst of church scandals, can we look beyond human sins and see God at work? We religious leaders are the object of Jesus’ greatest criticisms; will we listen? Let’s discuss the two ways of being, the takers and givers in the context of Mark 12:38-44. Outward Show Mark 12:38-39 In His ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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

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

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

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