Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Lord Teach Us To Pray Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Aug 6, 2002

The Lord’s Prayer was not given to be just be recited as a ritual. It is actually given to us as the Lord’s blueprint for prayer that is acceptable to God.

A Study of the Book of Luke Sermon # 28 “Lord Teach Us to Pray” Luke 11:1-4 Almost all of our prayers begin by rushing into a series of request in which we pour out to God our problems, our needs, our irritations. This only tends ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-4, Joshua 16:4-7

Denomination: Baptist

Presumption

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Dec 9, 2007

Religion does not create a relationship with God, nor does ritual. It is refinement born of repentance that shapes that relationship. Repent, relate, and receive.

“Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Famous words supposedly spoken by journalist Henry Morton Stanley somewhere in Tanganyika at the end of his expedition to find the missing explorer. “I presume”. It means, “I think I know what I am doing. Would you please confirm it for me? You look like what I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus - Faithful And True

Contributed by Brian Buriff on Jun 14, 2006

Tending to the ruins of life. Prayers of wretched truthful passion, not ritual trendy pretense, connect us and keep us faithful to God.

I. INTRODUCTION - Jesus Is Referred To Many Names In OT & NT A. Rev. 3:14 - He Is Also Called “Faithful And True” 1. Imagine being in 1st century persecuted church – Nero’s persecution •Matthew - executed by sword in Ethiopia. •Mark - cruelly dragged through an Egyptian city street. •Luke - ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14

Denomination: Church Of God

What Is The Church?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 7, 2020

What is the church? Why the church? How is the church governed? What are the most important rituals of the church? What does the church do?

What is the church? Why the church? How is the church governed? What are the most important rituals of the church? What does the church do? What is the church? The Greek Term The early church borrowed a Greek term, meaning a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into a public place. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:2, Acts 9:31, Ephesians 4:11

Denomination: Baptist

Good Friday: Holy Communion Guide

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 7, 2025

Holy Communion, especially on Good Friday, is a sacred act of remembrance and worship. It is not a ritual but a powerful proclamation of the death of Christ and all it accomplished.

GOOD FRIDAY: HOLY COMMUNION GUIDE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text:. Luke 22:19-20 (KJV) “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:19-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Naaman (2 Kings 5)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 16, 2025

Do we demand certain rituals or a simple word from God? Let's look at 2 Kings 5.

Do we see God in simplicity or do we demand complicated rituals? Do we misuse church funds or are we scrupulously honest? Let’s look at 2 Kings 5. What happened when a Syrian army commander had a skin disease and wanted to be healed? Did Elisha perform a lot of mumbo jumbo, or give a simple ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Proof Of Easter

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Mar 30, 2015

In a time when many deny the existence of Jesus and the fact He arose, we offer the biblical story and compare it to some of the worldly explanations about Jesus and the tomb, using the truth found in facts.

There are many thoughts as to what actually happened on that first Easter so many years ago, or what it actually means to us today. That is what we will address today. So, if you would, please open your Bibles to LUKE 24. We will begin there, but first . . . What do you think a good sermon ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-8

Denomination: *other

“jesus Arose From The Dead” Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Aug 7, 2016

John gives clear evidence and witness that Jesus arose from the dead.

7 24 2016 “Jesus Arose from the Dead” John 20:1-18 Today we begin to examine John’s account of Jesus’ Resurrection and His interaction with the disciples after He arose from the dead. Collectively, the four gospels share accounts of several resurrection appearances; along ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Christ Is Risen!

Contributed by Hans Krause on Oct 19, 2018

The Easter story calls us to follow in the footsteps of the women who were the first to encounter the risen Jesus: in seeking his presence day by day, in worshiping him as our Lord and Savior, and in going out to call people in.

[Sermon preached on 1 April 2018, Easter Sunday / 3rd year, ELCF Lectionary] “Were you there when they crucified our Lord?” It is a rhetorical question. Of course, we were not there when they crucified our Lord. The drama that we watched at the beginning of the service gives us some idea of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10, Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Jesus Meets The Woman At The Well

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 22, 2018

Why is that sharp spiritual void we have within — a void that can only be filled by a relationship with God — so often seem blunted? (for Friend Day)

Jesus Meets the Woman at the Well (John 4:4-43) 1. A renowned philosopher was held in high regard by his driver, who listened in awe as his boss lectured and answered difficult questions about the nature of things and the meaning of life. Then, one day, the driver approached the philosopher and ...read more

Scripture: John 4:4-43

Denomination: Independent/Bible

He Is Alive! The Resurrection! Easter!

Contributed by Lou Butterfield on Mar 31, 2012

The resurrection morning - just an ordinary day, a horrible day, a sad day, then the ordinary became the extraordinary, He is Alive!

He is Alive! The Resurrection! Easter! For many it was just another day. Perhaps the Sun was shining, birds singing, Just an ordinary day. Men were off to work; fields, fishing, hunting, Carpenters had things to build, day laborers worked at whatever they could find, others were off to the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Influences

Contributed by Richard Seim on Jan 7, 2019

We find ourselves influenced from so many directions. In this age of social media, there are a plethora of negative influences demanding our attention and agreement. What influences us is under our control to a large degree. Let see what God tells us about INFLUENCES in Psalm 1.

I. WE HAVE THE CHOICE OF SPIRITUAL EMPTINESS (1, 4-5). 1. We can choose the influence of ungodly people and/or things (1). 1) We can align ourselves with ungodly counsel (follow their advice). 2) We can pattern our conduct after ungodly examples. 3) We can strengthen our own ideas through ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6, John 14:15, John 15:10

An Angel's Rock Solid Chair Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Feb 28, 2018

Why does Matthew mention that the Angel sat on the boulder that was in the front of the tomb of Jesus? This message answers this question to help us understand more about the significance of the work of Jesus.

The message below is more in note form. Message Matthew 28:2 An Angel's Rock Solid Chair Read Matthew 27:62-28:10 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. Lent Series:- Strange and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:2

Denomination: Baptist

Confusion Reigns Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Mar 30, 2016

The empty tomb produces confusion yet, despite the confusion, Jesus is still at work. When we have confusion keep trusting in the work of Jesus.

Message John 20:1-10 “Confusion Reigns” A good word which describes the first Easter Long Weekend is Confusion There is the confusion of the temple leaders, elders and teachers. They are face to face with the promised Messiah, yet they want him killed. There is the confusion of the crowd. One ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Recognizing The Risen Savior Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jul 2, 2020

When we recognize that Jesus is here: 1. We can receive His unstoppable life. 2. We can rely on His unlimited love. 3. We can receive unexpected joy. 4. We will respond with unashamed worship. 5. We will rush to spread the ultimate news.

Recognizing the Risen Savior The Gospel of John John 20:1-18 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - July 25, 2018 (Revised July 2, 2020) BACKGROUND: *Tonight, in John 20 we reach the wonderful story of the Lord's resurrection. Let's begin by reading vs. 1-18. And as we read, ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist