2. “Outsiders believe Christians do not
like them because of what they do,
how they look or what they believe. They feel minimized – or worse, demonized – by those who love Jesus.”
- David Kinnaman

3. He said that He didn’t come for the self-proclaimed righteous people
“Contrary to what many believe, Jesus did not come to Earth to make us religious. He came to set us free.
He said that He didn’t come for
the self-proclaimed righteous people
but for sinners (see Luke 5:32).”
- Craig Groeschel

4. “Sadly, the purity of the Gospel is often tainted by poisonous people.
When people refuse to live by faith,
when they’re afraid of trusting God
and the power of His love, then they usually resort to some form or formula.
In fact, religion is defined as any system, set of rules, expectations, or regulations that promises God’s acceptance
in return for human effort.”
- Craig Groeschel

5. Galatians 1: 6-7
6  “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the One who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the Gospel of Christ.”

6. Poisonous Problems of Toxic Religion
1.) Religion leads you to focus on
the external rather than the internal.
2.) This external behavioral emphasis
produces internal pride.

7. Luke 18: 9-14 “The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector”
“Thank God I’m not like him/her/them.” or
“God have mercy
on me, a sinner.”

8. The Pharisees memorized and worked to obey
613 commands!
Outwardly, they definitely appeared “very religious”, but Jesus saw through their exterior and their unholy mess of pride.

9. The Teachers of the Law & Pharisees
Jesus’ “Woes” to
The Teachers of the Law & Pharisees
* Matthew 23: 23-28

10. as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.”
Philippians 3: 5-6
5  “Circumcised on
the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church;
as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.”

11. you have been saved, through faith
Ephesians 2: 8-9
8 “For it is by grace
you have been saved, through faith
—and this is not
from yourselves,
it is the gift of God
— 9 not by works,
so that no one
can boast.”

13. ----------------------- “The Gospel to me is simply irresistible.”
Philippians 3: 7-11
Paul’s value of a relationship with Christ over religion
“The Gospel
to me is simply irresistible.”
- Blaise Pascal

14. If you feel yourself reaching for your saddle and beginning to climb for
your high horse…
remember that we
all are in need of grace in Christ we are all in the process of growth in Christ…some at different speeds.