Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Sloth Series

Contributed by Jason Pettibone on May 3, 2018

Apathy, not laziness

Sloth! I feel it when I am slouched on my couch, snack in hand, mindlessly watching TV. Can you identify? Is just being a slug every now and then a sin? Does it really matter to the Lord of the Universe if you live in a cluttered house, have an unkempt lawn, or constantly update a to-do list ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Rules For Farming, Work, Rest, Worship, And Cooking (Exodus 23:10-19) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Dec 17, 2022

Animals, servants, and the land need a break. Don't come before God empty-handed. When you celebrate harvest, celebrate God.

Today, we work our way through Exodus 23:10-19. This is another one of those passages where we will find ourselves being pulled in lots of different directions. God sort of hops around, from one topic to another. And we will have to do our best to hop with him, and keep up. Part of me wonders ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 23:10-19, Matthew 6:11, Leviticus 25:18-22, Exodus 31:15-17, Romans 8:4, Galatians 5:18, Colossians 2:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

The 'rest' Of The Week! Series

Contributed by Dennis Marquardt on Oct 18, 2000

#4 in 10 Commandment Series

#4 “THE REST OF THE WEEK!” TEXTS: Exodus 20:8-11; Genesis 2:15; Nehemiah 13:15-22 INTRO: Of the 10 commandments this is the one taken most lightly by both Christians and non Christians. Against the other commandments like, “Thou shall not kill”, “Thou shall not steal”, and “Do not commit ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11, Nehemiah 13:15-22

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Who's Really In Control?

Contributed by Howard Harden on Dec 12, 2002

This text demonstrates two examples of how God’s sovereignty effects our lives.

After the tragedy of September 11th, there was a camera crew that walked the streets in New York and asked people spiritual questions at random. I’ll never forget what one man said when asked where God was when those horrible attacks took place. He said, “I used to believe in God, but not anymore. ...read more

Scripture: John 11:47-57

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus- Left Behind

Contributed by Thomas Baird on Dec 15, 2002

At this holiday time of year, have we Forgotten Jesus... Or have we just left him behind

Jesus…. Left Behind. Opening Statement….. During this Holiday Season.. have we Forgotten Jesus Christ?? Have we forgotten Jesus? How many of you have done any shopping for Christmas so far?… We have We even braved Wal-Mart at 6:00 A.M. the day after ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:41-49, Matthew 25:31-40

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus: Foretold In Prophecy

Contributed by Timothy Archer on Mar 31, 2004

A study of the prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus, particularly those relating to His death. Part of a series of lessons by several speakers on the theme "Jesus Is..."

Before Jesus came to this earth, there were people who were expecting Him. People that had read the Old Testament prophecies and knew that God would send someone to save His people. In fact, some Jewish teachers taught there would be two Messiahs or Chosen Ones. One would give his life as a ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

An Admonition To The Faithful Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Aug 28, 2011

Paul admonishes the Philippian church to keep a watchful eye out for those seeking to destroy. Paul describes three such people in this passage...

Sermon Brief Date Written: August 25, 2011 Date Preached: August 28, 2011 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Series Title: A Series from Philippians Sermon Title: An Admonition to the Faithful Sermon Text: Philippians 3:1-3 [ESV] Introduction: 1Finally, my brothers, rejoice in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Corrupt Church

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 23, 2009

Thyatira is a corrupt church. They do many great works, but God does not even address them as His children. It’s still here today and is key to the end of the world. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

READING SOMEONE ELSE’S MAIL Thyatira: The Corrupt Church Rev. 2:18-29 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Corrupt.html [map] In the 1700’s there lived a mighty evangelist that was greatly used of God to shake this country…his name was George Whitfield. Years before, at the age of 16, he came under ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Table Of The Lord

Contributed by Andrew Drummond on Feb 3, 2007

The threat of religious ritual is ever looming for church goers. There are many things that we have done hundreds of times, but we must always take the time to remember their significance, as it is with Communion. Lest we forget...

A little girl asked her mother one Sunday morning as she was preparing lunch, “Mommy, why do you cut off the ends of the ham before you cook it?” The girl’s mother turned and looked at her and said, “Oh, sweetie, I’m not really sure why, but I suppose you cut the ends off of the meat so that the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-29

Child Dedication

Contributed by Joel Bernardino on Nov 19, 2025

A Child Dedication is not a ritual, not a tradition, not a way to save a child. It is a public act of faith—where parents, secondary parents, family, and church stand together before God and say: “Lord, this child belongs to You.

CHILD DEDICATION Pastor Joel Bernardino – November 20, 2025 Today is a joyful and sacred moment. A Child Dedication is not a ritual, not a tradition, not a way to save a child. It is a public act of faith—where parents, secondary parents, family, and church stand together before God and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 33:5, Genesis 48:9, Psalm 127:4-5

Never Let The Wine Dry Up

Contributed by Reggie Corfield on Jan 14, 2025

All of us are much like empty and broken pots. No matter how we plan or what we do, we always come up empty and short. Whether it is a marriage relationship or any other challenges, like Mary we need to seek the help of our Lord and believe before we can see.

This morning I have chosen the gospel reading to share a message entitled “Never let the wine run out.” But before I get into it, listen to this: A priest was driving erratically on a county road and got pulled over by a local cop. As the cop went up to the car he immediately got a strong smell of ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-12

Denomination: Anglican

Resurrection Sunday 2020 - The Resurrection ... A Wall Or A Gate

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Apr 17, 2020

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is either fact or fiction. If it is fiction we are all lost in our sin. If it is fact then our eternal destiny pivots on whether we believe it or not.

The Resurrection – A Wall or A Gate Please open your Bibles to Matthew 28:1-7 which Pastor Karenlee will be reading and teaching from in a few minutes. We hope many of you were able to join us for our Good Friday service. It was good to remember all that happened between the Passover Meal, which ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-7, 1 John 1:1-4, Luke 1:1-4, 1 Corinthians 15:3-7, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13-15, Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

The Resurrection Of The Lord Jesus Christ: What Do The Scriptures Say?

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Apr 28, 2022

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the faith and the greatest event in the story of civilization. The proofs from Scripture and the lives changed by it cannot be ignored or denied.

Note: These verses and the order of events are adapted from THE OPEN BIBLE (KJV) (c) 1975 by Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN. When the Lord Jesus told Martha at the tomb of Lazarus, "I am the Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:25), He proved it by bringing HIs friend and her ...read more

Scripture: John 11:25, John 20:11-18, Matthew 28:5-10, Luke 24:13-31, John 20:24-29, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Acts 9:3-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

More Than Enough!

Contributed by Dr. Tony Young Jr. on Mar 11, 2022

Pastor TB Young shares an encouraging message on how a poverty-stricken window cries out and leaves having NOT ENOUGH and enters into a new destiny of having MORE THAN ENOUGH. God wants to do the same thing for you and your family.

GREETINGS PRAYER TEXT: 2 Kings 4:1-7 2Kings 4:1 ¶ A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Spirit Of Festival Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 22, 2021

Ancient Hebrews used a lunar-solar calendar, easy to observe in the sky as a new moon began a new month. Throughout the calendar year there were ritual observances of locally relevant harvests and commemorations of notable events. How is this relevant for Christians?

The ancient Hebrew year was observed using a lunar-solar calendar with 12 and 13 months over a 19 year cycle. This was easy to observe in the sky as a new moon began a new month. Throughout the calendar year there were ritual observances of locally relevant harvests and commemorations of notable ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:23-25, Romans 14:5-6

Denomination: Baptist