Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Signs Of Life

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 9, 2023

Taking, hoarding and passivity are signs of death. But the signs of life are the opposite: receiving, giving, and acting.

There was a popular song about 30 years ago which some of you might remember. It went, “They’re rioting in Africa, they’re starving in Spain, there’s hurricanes in Florida and Texas needs rain" ...and ending with “What nature doesn’t do to us will be done by our fellow man.” It only needs a ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Cycle Of Life Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 14, 2024

Dissatisfaction is designed to lead us to find satisfaction in God alone.

The Cycle of Life Ecclesiastes 1:3-18 Rev. Brian Bill July 13-14, 2024 We’ve been challenged this summer to read through the entire Book of Ecclesiastes at least three times. As I’ve been doing so it strikes me how many of Solomon’s existential experiments are reflected in popular songs from the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:3-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Happiest Of Endings Series

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 4, 2023

Mark concludes his Gospel in chapter 16 with the angel's announcement at the empty tomb, and then the appearances to Mary, the two disciples, and then the eleven apostles. Finally, he declares Jesus return to heaven and His work in and through the apostles as they carried out His mission.

Introduction A. In an old poem called “The Widow in the Bye Street,” John Masefield depicts a scene of heartbreaking agony. 1. He depicts a young man about to be executed by hanging for crimes he had committed. 2. In the crowd witnessing this fatal event was his mother. 3. As the trap door ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Risen (John 20)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 11, 2025

To whom did Jesus first appear after His resurrection? Let's look at John 20.

Who did Jesus first reveal Himself to after His resurrection? Do we believe the important declaration that Thomas made about Jesus? Let’s look at John 20. Who came to the tomb early that Sunday morning? Early in the morning of the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Justice Of A Nation Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Nov 27, 2024

This is the 7th Sermon in the Series from the Book of Amos, "Social Justice".

Series: Social Justice [#7] THE JUSTICE OF A NATION Amos 5:1-17 Introduction: I want to remind each of you about the 1st week of this study, because the focus has not changed. The topics from the Book of Amos are not popular. Amos is a very relevant and practical Book of the Bible. Amos wrote ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jan 23, 2009

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not a ritual but real; it is the coming of a Person. It is not about a program but a power. It is not about propaganda but witnessing.

Jesus gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem…” • They need to wait. No time frame was given but they were called to wait. • Apparently this is really important. They need to receive the gift the Father has promised – the baptism of the Holy Spirit. • They are not to leave the city until ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Meaning Of Baptism

Contributed by Bill Huffhine on May 27, 2004

Understanding the true meaning of Christian baptism through an examination of the Jewish ritual of proselyte baptism.

One of the greatest joys that I have as a pastor is when an individual who is far from God visits our community of believers, begins to hear the voice of God calling them to a higher place, a fresh beginning, a new life, and that person responds to the call of God by committing their life to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-13

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Last Supper

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Feb 19, 2003

Communion is not merely a ritual. It is fellowship and involvement in the life of Christ and His Body, "The Church".

THE LAST SUPPER 1 COR. 11:17-34 Pastor Greg Mc Donald But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part, I believe ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, 1 Corinthians 11:20-33

Are You Living By Rules Or A Relationship? Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 9, 2006

Are you still trying to obey rules and observe rituals to earn God’s favor?

INTRODUCTION During this Grace-Robbers series we have noted there are many people who are still trying to live under law instead of grace. Rules and laws can often be ridiculous, and even funny. Here is a list of ten actual laws from different states. 1. In Alabama it is illegal for a driver to ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer That Gets Results

Contributed by Mike Turner on Oct 9, 2004

Is our praying just routine or simply a ritual ? This message deals with "Prayer That Gets Results"

Prayer That Gets Results Luke 18:1-8 Joke: A woman invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to her six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I don’t know what to say," the little girl replied. "Just say what you hear Mommy say," the woman said. The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

He Is Risen

Contributed by Johnny Small on Jul 2, 2003

This Easter we celebrate the empty tomb.

He Has Risen Please stand as we read God’s Holy Word. Luke 24:1-8 1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-5, Luke 24:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Why Are You Weeping?! Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jun 27, 2014

Tears of Joy at Easter. The tomb is empty.

Why are you Weeping? April 20, 2014 John 20:1-18 Whether we want to admit to it or not . . . we all have dreams. We set out at a young age, with dreams. Oftentimes they’re little boy and girl fantasies. And sometimes they become realities. We dream about fun and exciting stuff, glamorous ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

He Is Risen! Series

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Apr 15, 2017

the empty tomb proves death is not the end

HE IS RISEN! Luke 24:34 Have you ever heard of a man named Harry Houdini? He died in October of 1926, but Harry Houdini’s claim to fame was that he was a magician and an excellent escape artist. Houdini was said to have the flexibility of an eel and the nine lives of a cat. They did all kinds of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:4-5, Luke 24:20-35, John 2:19, Hebrews 11:1

Denomination: Episcopal

It Takes Two Wings To Fly Lesson 4 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Sep 29, 2025

Your works are empty without faith.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. It takes two wings to fly. Faith and human effort/prayer and programs/power of God and practical method. 2. Only faith in Christ saves us. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). a. Faith turns to God from idols. (I Thess. 1:9), which is ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer Begins With Hunger, Not Habit Series

Contributed by Joel Bernardino on Dec 30, 2025

Many believers have not lost their faith, but they have simply lost the wonder of prayer. Yes, we still know how to pray, but no depth. • There is no intense desire to pray. • Prayer became a routine only.

PRAYER BEGINS WITH HUNGER, NOT HABIT Pastor Joel Bernardino – January 30, 2025 Are we losing the wonder of prayer? Many believers have not lost their faith, but they have simply lost the wonder of prayer. Yes, we still know how to pray, but no depth. • There is no intense desire to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1, Psalm 63:1, Mark 1:35, Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 5:6  (view more)  (view less)