Sermons on Toxic Religion:

Going For Life Change

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Oct 13, 2013

The Pharisees did not experience life change because they had a different belief. Don't replace the relationship with a religion. Don't make the outward more important than the inward.

RECAP – John 20:24-28. We saw last week how Thomas finally saw Jesus alive and uttered the most profound statement of faith – “My Lord and My God!” (1) LET GO of our Agenda – don’t cling on to the demands we set. (2) CHOOSE to have faith - faith is a choice ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:23-28

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Nurturing A Merciful Heart

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 24, 2017

Message explores the dangers of religion without the heart of God toward people. How do we nurture a heart of mercy? Pastor shares four key points in answer to that question.

Matthew 9:13 8/28/16 Intro I want to begin this morning with a man named Matthew. Matthew’s family name was Levi.1 He became an apostle and wrote the gospel that carries his name. But when he met Jesus, he was far from that. He was a tax collector. Tax collectors were hated by their fellow Jews.2 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:7-13, Hosea 6:6, Matthew 23:23-24, Matthew 28:19, Matthew 5:7-12, Matthew 7:1-5, Matthew 18:20-33  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Desire For God's Presence, Provision & Protection Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Sep 13, 2021

We all need to be more fervent and less complacent in our pursuit of our relationship with God. Here we can learn how David overcame complacency and ritualistic religion.

PSALM 63 DESIRE FOR GOD'S PRESENCE, PROVISION & PROTECTION [1 Samuel 24, 2 Samuel 15-18] The freedom to be transparent before God, to express to Him exactly how you feel, is an important part of prayer and relationship. David's life exhibited those qualities. David lived with an ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Renewed Mind Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 12, 2025

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the importance of these qualities, which are essential for a life of obedience and service to God.

In the pursuit of spiritual growth and maturity, Christians are called to cultivate a renewed mind, one that is transformed by the power of God's Word and guided by the principles of humility and lowliness. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the importance of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:16, Luke 22:24-27

Family Jealousy Is A Dangerous Hidden Curse. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Oct 5, 2025

Here are few biblical examples that illustrate the dangers of family jealousy

Family jealousy is a destructive force that can ruin relationships and tear families apart. The Bible provides numerous examples of how jealousy can lead to sin and devastation. Here are few biblical examples that illustrate the dangers of family jealousy: 1. Cain and Abel: Jealousy Over God's ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 14:30, Luke 15:25-32

Is Jesus The Only Way To God? Series

Contributed by Robbie Phillips on Mar 24, 2004

A Critical look at ’slogans’ like ,"It is intolerant to claim Jesus is the only way" and "All major religions basically say the same thing" compared with Jesus words in JN 14:6

Harrison Christian Church March 21, 2004 IS Jesus the only way to God? Robbie Phillips Introduction: ¡§Jesus answered, ¡§I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ¡§JN 14:6 ¡§Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me¡¨. That ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Worship: What? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 5, 2003

Worship will not satisfy unless it has both the elements of "spirit" and "truth". To worship without knowing the Bible is to fall for "feel-good" religion. And to worship without connecting with Christ is to go through the motions.

I am one of those who does not consider a meal complete unless it includes dessert. No matter how sumptuous the meal may be, until I have had my bowl of ice cream or my slice of pie, it just isn’t complete. And my wife is saying, under her breath, what you mean is a bowl of ice cream AND a slice ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 146:1-10, John 4:19-24

Denomination: Baptist

Rest For The Stressed

Contributed by James Botts on Aug 29, 2002

“Rest For The Stressed” will look at three commands Jesus gave for people who are weary and stressed out. Religion is a heavy burden, but Jesus invites us to experience real rest for our souls.

The Crossing Community Church “Rest For The Stressed” Pastor Jim Botts August 11th, 2002 Introduction We live in a very tense, uptight and fast paced world filled with hurry... A Tahoma, Washington newspaper carried the story of Tattoo the basset hound a while back. Tattoo didn’t intend to go for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

Enoch- The Man Who Walked With God Series

Contributed by Bob Marcaurelle on Sep 20, 2006

A biographical study of the life of Enoch, who shows us Christianity at its best goes beyond being our religion. It is a lifelong friendship with God that leads us to his home at death.

From Adam to Malachi- Sermon 2 Gen. 5:21-24 ENOCH - THE MAN WHO WALKED WITH GOD Period 1: The Beginnings (Genesis 1-11)10,000 (?) - 2000 BC 1) Creation - Genesis 1-2 2) Condemnation (Paradise Lost)- Genesis 3 3) Civilizations –Genesis 4-5 4) Condemnation (The Flood) ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:21-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Awfulness Of Sin-Sexuality & Idolatry Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 2, 2009

The first two works/deeds of the flesh here in Galatians 5, fall generally into the two pitfalls of: 1) Sexuality (Galatians 5:19), and 2) Religion, (Galatians 20a)

People mark off times and celebrations in different ways. In Belgium (since 1394, in Binche), Brazil (a four-day celebration in Rio de Janeiro), Italy (in Venice, six months of celebrating in the 18th cent., now 12 days), Trinidad and Tobago (featuring a daylong competition among calypso bands), ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:19-20

Denomination: Other

Persistence In The Presence: How Women Pray

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 22, 2009

Women succeed in pray because they persist in trusting God, allow the whole self to pray, take God at His word, are not afraid of intensity, choose responsibility over religion, and keep their commitments.

If, as Thomas Edison tells us, genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration, then I suspect it is also true that prayer is one per cent insistence and ninety-nine per cent persistence. Prayer is one per cent insistence, to be sure; we do, in our prayers, tell God what ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

The Priority Of Justice And Righteousness

Contributed by Leonard Davis on May 29, 2009

The failure of Israel to make a connection between their religion rituals and their daily lives should serve as a warning for us in the church today that justice and righteousness are still priorities with God and judgment results with these are absent.

THE PRIORITY OF JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS Every now and then we come across stories that are both humorous and sad. During World War II in the Pacific Theater our forces set up a base on the island of New Guinea. We built an airport with runways, a tower, lights along the runways, and the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Murderer's Row! Series

Contributed by Terry Blankenship on Mar 14, 2012

Murder comes in many different forms. It is misunderstood in our culture. Some religions believe that stepping on a bug or ant is equivalent to murder. What does the Word of God say about it?

Exodus 20:13 Murderer’s Row! As I prepared this series, I realized how little we actually preach or teach on the Ten Commandments as if they are neither important nor relevant. They are both. It was very enlightening to me to preach through them. I learned a lot! I trust this series will ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:13

Denomination: Baptist

How Do I Experience The Spirit's Life? Series

Contributed by Jason Pettibone on Aug 28, 2009

Living ‘in the Spirit’ is the normal Christian life. In Galatians, a letter written to correct the love for religion over relationship, we are told that the Holy Spirit is God’s gift to all Believers.

The question I would like to start us thinking about is: “HOW do I experience the life of the Spirit?” Let’s explore that idea this morning in this message which is titled.... Choosing to live IN the Spirit Living ‘in the Spirit’ is the normal Christian life. In Galatians, a letter written to ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Life Of Faith: Defined Series

Contributed by Todd Brock on Nov 13, 2008

Is there anything we can do to protect the work of God in our lives and keep us from having the type of religion that is stale and boring? Yes, it’s called living by faith!

Introduction: There was a man who used to have problems getting his son to clean his room. He would insist that his son, “Do it now,” and he would always agree to do so, but then he wouldn’t follow through – at least, not right way. After high school, the son joined the Marine Corps. When he ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25

Denomination: Baptist