Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Marriage And The Jesus Follower - Perfecting Intimacy Series

Contributed by Daren Mitchell on Jul 17, 2013

Desiring God leads to raised awareness of who He is and a raised awareness of who God is leads to reshaped priorities that fit His, and reshaped priorities that fit His condition us to recognize that God is enough and when we recognize God is enough we become completely dependent on Him.

Hebrews 13:4 "Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery." Our goal as followers including those of us who are married is to remain faithful. We started the series on Marriage and the Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"The Authority Of Jesus Gives Freedom”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jun 26, 2024

We celebrate the values of Freedom by our Founding Fathers. And we celebrate the "freedom" from the fear of death because Jesus conquered death and proves His authority is from God, freeing people from demon possession, disease & death.

In Jesus Holy Name June 30, 2024 Text: Mark 5:28, 41 Pentecost VI Redeemer “The Authority of Jesus Gives Freedom” (read the text) “56 men in wool suits and high collars met for weeks in cramped quarters in the hot, muggy, Philadelphia, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:41-56

Denomination: Lutheran

08 A Risen Redeemer Series

Contributed by Seth Lawson on Apr 25, 2025

Only the Risen Christ can make us holy, satisfying God’s justice and securing our hope.

What does it take to feel whole again? Maybe that’s not how we usually phrase it—but we’ve all felt the gap. The ache that comes from broken things. A fractured relationship. A shame we can’t shake. A hope we once held that didn’t pan out. Even though we smile through it, something deep inside ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 11:44, Leviticus 20:7-8, Hebrews 1:1-3, Hebrews 10:11-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Has The Cross Ever Crossed Your Mind

Contributed by Jerry Stepp on Oct 8, 2008

A outline to ask you a tough question, has it?

Has the Cross ever crossed your mind? Galatians 6:14 Others may Glory in the circumcision, rituals, and a great show of converts to an easy religion, but I will glory only in the cross of Christ. Those things are empty, worthless and crucified to me and I am crucified to them. (Dakes notes on Gal. ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:14-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Silence In Our Worship Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 30, 2011

Both verbal and nonverbal communication between lovers is crucial; in the same way, the Bride and Bridegroom communicate in worship.

Monday of 18th Week in Course St. Alphonsus Spirit of the Liturgy The miracle of Jesus walking on water is found in all the Gospels except Luke’s. Only Matthew gives the incident in all its fullness, including Peter’s hesitant walk. There is something of a liturgical dialogue in that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-36

Denomination: Catholic

Behind The Scenes Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 24, 2012

Ancient spiritual disciplines, when incorporated in to our lives, prepare us for the coming of Jesus and enable us to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus.

Luke 4:16-30 "Behind the Scenes" INTRODUCTION There are times when pithy statements stick in my mind, and I keep reflecting on them. One such statement is "If you don't know where you're going, you'll always get there." I see the reality of this statement every day. Most of us, I believe, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:16-30

Denomination: Lutheran

John's Continuing Testimony Series

Contributed by Paul Shafit on Aug 26, 2009

John again bears testimony of the superior ministry of Jesus

Jesus had returned from His ordeal in the wilderness where He resisted the temptation of Satan. Though He was hungry and tired He never lost sight of His mission; which was and is our salvation. When Jesus went out with His disciples and began doing miracles and baptizing, many people came to Him. ...read more

Scripture: John 3:22-36

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Not Everyone Who Calls Lord, Lord, Will Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 10, 2025

In this sermon, we'll explore few examples of individuals who, despite their claims of devotion, may not necessarily inherit the kingdom.

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus issues a serious warning: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." This passage serves as a sobering reminder that mere profession of faith is not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23, 2 Corinthians 13:5

Understanding Christ's Final Words SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 8, 2023

The Seven Words of Jesus from the Cross are a profound reflection in his own words on Forgiveness, Salvation, Love, Atonement, Suffering, Victory and Security.

The Seven Words of Jesus from the Cross are powerful statements that Jesus himself made during his crucifixion. These words encompass forgiveness, salvation, love, atonement, suffering, victory, and security. They provide a profound commentary on the character and consequence of human sin, as well ...read more

Scripture: John 19:26-30

Topics: Jesus Christ, Forgiveness, Salvation, Love, Atonement, Suffering, Victory, Security  (view more)  (view less)

The Lost Oil - Refilling What's Been Depleted Series

Contributed by Barry Tallis on May 3, 2025

This sermon addresses spiritual depletion and teaches believers how to be refilled with the Holy Spirit through surrender rather than striving, emphasizing the power that comes when divine presence is prioritized over performance.

INTRODUCTION Church! Last week we talked about the broken altar - that place of worship and surrender that many of us have neglected. Today, we're diving into something equally critical - THE LOST OIL! In Scripture, oil represents the Holy Spirit, the anointing, the presence of God. And let ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 4:6, Psalm 46:10

A Noise In My Belly

Contributed by Bishop Malcolm Coby, Ph. D. on Aug 20, 2016

There is a weapon in you that you must neither take for granted nor neglect. It is positioned to be released on the enemy of your soul. That weapon is a Noise in your Belly that will silence the devil and give God the glory. It is your praise to God.

I. Introduction 1. The Text: John 7:37-38 2. The Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated with certain festival rituals. 3. One was a solemn procession each day from the temple to the Gihon Spring. 4. A priest filled a gold pitcher with water while the choir sang Isaiah 12:3. –Therefore with ...read more

Scripture: John 7:37-39

Denomination: *other

Easter’s Life Changing Message

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Apr 14, 2019

This sermon looks at Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its life changing message that our sins are forgiven, we have a purpose to live out through the power and promises of Christ, and our eternal future is secured in heaven.

Easter’s Life Changing Message 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Next week, many will be celebrating what is known as Easter, which is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, not about a bunny and lays eggs. Easter, that is, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is the greatest event of all time. It is the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Colossians 2:13, John 10:10, 1 Peter 1:3

Denomination: Foursquare

Stay Free Series

Contributed by Louis Bartet on Oct 19, 2006

The menace of isms and how to stay free from them.

TITLE: Stay Free TEXT: Colossians 2:8-10 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through empty and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:8-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Look At The Lord's Table

Contributed by Rick Macdonald on Aug 8, 2001

The Lord’s Table is a powerful occasion for faith’s confession. In partaking we not only confess before heaven that we believe, but also that we have not forgotten.

Title: A Look at the Lord’s Table Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 By: Pastor Rick MacDonald Date: February 4, 1996 1. Conduct: {17} Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. {18} For first of all, when you come together as a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Denomination: Pentecostal

Character Study Of Amos Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 24, 2025

Amos’ life and message remind us that God expects justice, righteousness, and genuine worship from His people. He calls us to stand against oppression, live with integrity, and obey His commands. His message is still relevant today as we strive to uphold God’s standards in our society.

CHARACTER STUDY OF AMOS – PROPHET OF JUSTICE AND JUDGMENT By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Amos 5:24 "But let justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." Supporting Texts: Amos 1:1, Amos 3:7, Amos 4:12, Amos 7:14-15, Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8, Proverbs ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:24, Amos 3:7, Amos 4:12, Amos 7:14-15

Denomination: Assembly Of God