Bethlehem Church of Christ Messages

Choices: Relationship or Religion? [Tom Claibourne]

Listen Later

Tom Claibourne's message preached on October 17th, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH.


Outline:

I. What religion is and is not.

  • Religion is not Christianity.
  • Anti-religion is not Anti-church.

    • II. Religion can be bad or good.

    • Religion is bad when...
      • It is built on false teaching.
      • It becomes empty and loses its meaning. (Amos 5:21-23; Mark 7:5ff)
      • It is not matched by our life. (Matt. 23; Lk. 11:37ff; Rom. 2:19-24; James 1:26)
      • It becomes prideful. (Lk. 18:9-14)
      • It is viewed as a vehicle for salvation. (Rom. 1-3)
      • It becomes an end in itself. (Col. 2:6ff)

        • III. Biblical religion was always intended to enhance our relationship with God.

        • God's eternal desire. (Gen. 1-3)
        • God's misunderstood plan.
        • God's gracious invitation. (Acts 2:36-41)
        • God-ordained practices. (Acts 2:42)
        • God-centered unity. (Acts 2:44ff)
        • God-centered relationships. (Heb. 10:19-25)

          • Is your hope in religion or in Jesus Christ?

          ...more
          View all episodesView all episodes
          Download on the App Store
          Bethlehem Church of Christ MessagesBy Tom Claibourne
          • 5
          • 5
          • 5
          • 5
          • 5

          5

          4 ratings