1. “The Truth Concerning Religion!”
(Truth Matters)
“The Truth Concerning Religion!”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

2. I googled “religion” and this is one of the hits I got…

3. All wheelbarrows were lined up neatly not being used. “Why
All wheelbarrows were lined up neatly not being used. “Why?” “When we put our loads into the wheelbarrows then put them on our heads it was too much to carry.”

4. All done in the name of religion…

5. to learn some of the issues about religion that Jesus opposes
Purpose:
to learn some of the issues about religion that Jesus opposes

6. I Jesus Opposes Religion that LIES (23:1-3)

7. Korean Flight Airlines 007
269 passengers and crew
Shot down September 1, 1983

8. I Jesus Opposes Religion that LIES (23:1-3)
A. Single Biggest Criticism About Religion

9. The biggest objection people have about religion – there is so much inconsistency...

10. I Jesus Opposes Religion that LIES (23:1-3)
A. Single Biggest Criticism About Religion
B. Jesus Abhors Lies

11. II Jesus Opposes Religion that is POORLY MOTIVATED (23:5-7

12. “Religion is just the opiate of the masses
“Religion is just the opiate of the masses. It can be explained totally in terms of economy.”
Karl Marx

13. II Jesus Opposes Religion that is POORLY MOTIVATED (23:5-7
A. Religion Done for Worldly Rewards
B. Let Your Light Shine Before Men

14. “Let your light shine before men…”
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before men…”

15. III Jesus Opposes Religion that STRAINS at GNATS (23:23-24)
A. When Religion Looks Ridiculous

16. House fire in Tennessee while two fire departments argue about jurisdiction…

17. III Jesus Opposes Religion that STRAINS at GNATS (23:23-24)
A. When Religion Looks Ridiculous
B. When Straining Gnats Religion Deserves Criticism

18. Micah 6:8
“…what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

19. IV Jesus Opposes Religion that Emphasizes the OUTSIDE (23:25-28)
A. Appearance Over Inner Purity
B. Traffic Cop Religion

20. Luke 11:40
“You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?”

21. IV Jesus Opposes Religion that Emphasizes the OUTSIDE (23:25-28)
A. Appearance Over Inner Purity
B. Traffic Cop Religion
C. Jesus Didn’t Come to Bring New Religion

22. John 3:3-5
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of the water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’”

23. Romans 6:4
“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may (be more religious?) live a new life.”

24. Josh McDowell is one of the best apologist for faith in Christ alive today…

25. Conclusion and Summary
Want to challenge you today. Will you give Jesus a try? I believe you’ll be surprised how well His yoke fits!...