Sunday's sermon from Oceanside Christian fellowship. Condensed and formatted for blog space.

For Everyone Who’s Tired of Religion—but Still Hopes God Is Real

This morning at Oceanside Christian Fellowship in Sosúa, I heard something that I wish I had heard years ago—back when religion felt heavy, confusing, and honestly… exhausting.

Pastor Mark was teaching on grace, and in the middle of his message he said something that felt like it was aimed at every person who has ever walked away from church because it became too much:

“Falling from grace doesn’t happen when you sin. It happens when you go back to trying to do everything on your own.”

I sat there thinking, How many people have left church not because they didn’t love God, but because they were crushed by the pressure to perform for Him?

If You’ve Ever Thought… “I Can’t Keep Up”—This Is for You

Some people leave faith because of disappointment, confusion, or hurt.But many leave because of something even simpler:

They got tired.

Tired of pretending. Tired of feeling like they never measured up. Tired of trying to be “good enough.” Tired of rules, expectations, and spiritual checklists. Tired of feeling judged instead of loved.

If that’s you, hear this clearly:

Jesus never asked you to live the Christian life by your own effort. Religion might have…but Jesus didn’t.

The Real Story the Bible Tells

In the book of Galatians, Paul writes to people who started out with joy and freedom—but ended up frustrated, guilty, and exhausted.

He asks them:

“You were running well… who got you off track?”

Do you know what he was really saying?

“You didn’t lose your way because you sinned. You lost your way because someone convinced you that God’s love had to be earned.”

And that’s when the weight of religion becomes unbearable.

Grace: The One Thing Religion Can’t Fake

Pastor Mark said something beautiful:

“God never wanted your performance—He wanted your heart.”

Grace is not about trying harder. Grace is not a list of rules. Grace is not guilt wrapped in spiritual words.

Grace is this:

God does the changing. God does the strengthening. God does the healing. God does the lifting. God does the leading.

Your part is simply honesty.

“God… I can’t do this alone.”

That’s where real faith begins—not in your strength, but in His.

If You’ve Been Hurt or Burned Out—Please Hear This

Walking away from religion is not the same as walking away from God.

Sometimes you have to walk away from the noise just to hear His voice again.

And His voice doesn’t say: “Try harder.” “Do more.” “Fix yourself first.”

His voice says: “I’m here. I see you. Let Me carry what you can’t.”

Burnout happens when we try to live for God. Healing begins when we let God live in us.

A Final Invitation

If your heart is tired but still searching…if you’ve been hurt but not fully hardened…if you’ve wondered whether there’s more to God than what religion showed you…

Please know this:

Jesus is better than religion. Grace is better than pressure. And God wants you—not your performance.

This is where freedom begins.

SCRIPTURES TO READ IF YOU’RE REBUILDING YOUR FAITH

These passages were part of the message today—and they’re perfect for anyone healing from religious burnout:

• Galatians 5:1–10 — Freedom vs. spiritual pressure

• Romans 8:1–4 — No condemnation

• John 14:16–18 — God doesn’t leave you alone

• Philippians 1:6 — God finishes what He starts

• Philippians 2:13 — God works in you

• Jeremiah 29:13 — You will find God when you honestly seek Him

Sincerely,

Darrell Kublick