Sermons on Empty Ritual:

What Makes You Think You Can Come Here?

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 17, 2010

Lent, 1986, Communion: We should never be intimidated from the Lord's Table by ritual, shame, or weakness. It is hosted by one who offers us mercy and grace, paid for by His blood; so come boldly.

In the South Africa of apartheid, I suppose, nearly anything is possible. And so I do not expect that this story, improbable as it sounds, is untrue. If anything, I expect it could be multiplied many, many times over. At any rate, the story is that one day an Afrikaner, one of the ruling class in ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

Famous Amos Series

Contributed by Sterling Franklin on Mar 13, 2011

Israel was guilty of oppressing the poor and needy and perverting justice, despite ritually worshipping God in sacrifice and worship. Are our actions backed by an authentic heart? Are we displeasing God despite 'doing all the right things'?

"Famous Amos" What can we learn from this shepherd and fig-tender - turned - prophet? Given at Glorious King Jesus (GKJ), March 13, 2011 Sterling C. Franklin Text: Amos 5:1-27 (Read Text) Opening Prayer This is a very serious message from Amos! What were the people doing? We see here in the ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:1-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Old Testament Animal's Blood Purifies The Unclean

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Apr 18, 2014

To show that no more rituals and sacrifices needed in the New testament because JESUS had done it already all for us by His crucifixion and all we have to do is believe Him and accept the LORD as LORD and SAVIOR.

I. EXORDIUM: Are you purified and made holy in CHRIST? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that no more rituals and sacrifices needed in the New testament because JESUS had done it already all for us by His crucifixion and all we have to do is believe Him and accept the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:13

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Rise And Fall Of King Saul

Contributed by Seth Lawson on Feb 1, 2018

As we examine the events surrounding the reign of King Saul, we will learn three key lessons: #1 God sets a higher standard #2 God is calling #3 God desires relationship over ritual

I love family vacations. They are so much fun . . . creating family togetherness . . . building relationships . . . strengthening the bonds of familial love . . . creating memories that will last a life time. BUT . . . sometimes the road trip – especially if you have children – can be . . . well ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Clean Hands Or Clean Heart? Series

Contributed by Joel Preston on Jun 10, 2012

In this passage, Jesus is dealing with very religious people who allowed their traditions replace the authority of God’s Word. Jesus is not impressed with religious ritual or tradition, rather He is concerned with the condition of our hearts.

The Gospel of Mark #18 – “Clean Hands or Clean Heart?” Mark 7:1-23 Intro – 1. ILL – A man was watching the news one night when it was reported that a car was going the wrong direction on the freeway. The man knew his wife was on that freeway and became very concerned ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Mystery Of The Holy Communion

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 4, 2025

The Holy Communion is not a religious ritual to be taken lightly. It is a divine mystery with deep spiritual meaning, power, and blessing. When we partake of it with faith, reverence, and understanding, we receive life, healing, restoration, and intimacy with the Lord.

THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY COMMUNION By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 Supporting Texts: Matthew 26:26-29, John 6:53-56, Luke 24:30-31, Exodus 12:1-14 INTRODUCTION: The Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a divine mystery instituted by Jesus Christ Himself. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

No One Is Beyond The Pale For Jesus

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Jul 1, 2024

No Jewish rabbi would have touched Jairus's dead daughter and the woman with the issue of blood because that would make Him ritually impure, yet Jesus did so and brought healing. Why?

The Marcan Sandwich Story: Sermons and eggs As some of you may know, I have recently retired after 12 years as Vicar of the East Marshland Benefice in the Diocese of Ely As we were taking the bed apart in our bedroom I was surprised to find two baskets under the bed One with 3 eggs in and the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Anglican

Commune: Come To The Table Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Aug 12, 2024

It is important to gather together as a church to share in communion, both as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and as a participation in the mission of the gospel. Communion is not just a ritual but a shared experience that strengthens our commitment to one another and to Christ.

Introduction Video Ill.: Zach Williams - To the Table From Facebook What would it look like if the disciples valued worship and community like many believers do their church gatherings?   Peter - "My mother-in-law came in for the weekend."   Andrew - "I was up kinda late ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, Acts 2:42, Luke 22:14-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fish And Spit

Contributed by Andrew Chan on May 17, 2001

Response to the challenge of God’s call from an unrepentant prophet, Jonah.

Jonah 2 “Fish and Spit: The Challenge in Jonah .” Can you imagine what it is like to be inside a fish like Jonah? He said in v.5 “seaweed was wrapped around my head” This is like sushi in reverse. All rolled up in seaweed, but thankfully not dipped in wasabi and soy sauce? Hey maybe that’s a ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 2:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Price Of Freedom: Blood

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 9, 2006

The price of political freedom has been the blood of our soldiers (a very high price indeed). But the price of our spiritual freedom is even greater —it cost the blood of God’s own Son.

The Price of Freedom: Blood Exodus 12:1-13[1] 7-3-05 Freedom—it’s a sweet word for us Americans. This weekend we are celebrating our political liberty. Aren’t you glad that we can come together like this and worship God without being afraid that some Gestapo is going to kick in the door and ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:1-13

Denomination: Charismatic

Are You Sure You Are Ready To See God? Series

Contributed by Ed Pruitt on Jun 9, 2007

This is part 3 of this sermon

DISCLAIMER: Since there are a large amount of sermons and topics and illustrations that are posted on Sermon Central, I feel it is necessary to place this disclaimer on all of the sermons that I submit. These sermons are original to the author and the leading of the Holy Spirit. While ideas and ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Denomination: Church Of God

‘god’s Way Of Winning’ Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Sep 13, 2021

'God’s way of winning' Acts chapter 8 verses 25-40 - Gordon Curley (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: The Characters • An evangelist called Philip (vs 26) • A eunuch from Ethiopia (vs 27) The Situation. • The servant of the Lord (vs 27) • A seeker of the Lord (vs 27-28) The Conversation. • The helpful evangelist (vs 30 and 36) • The questioning enquirer (vs 31-34) The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:25-40

Denomination: Brethren

The Untold Story Of Robinson Crusoe Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on May 26, 2004

The story of Robinson Crusoe and the truth he learned from his salvaged Bible teaches us the priority of prayer.

The Untold Story of Robinson Crusoe Psalm 50:1-15 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO 1. Preview: For the near future, my Sunday evening messages will have a single purpose and single focus. I want to preach and teach so as to help us as a church and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 50:1-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Broken And Blessed

Contributed by Mike Hays on Aug 29, 2003

The law is the hammer of God to break us so that we will be empty of our confidence in ourselves and declare our dependence upon His grace and glory.

“Broken and Blessed!” Galatians 3:15-22 Our experiences shape us. For most of us, “experiences” rather than “truth” carry more weight in defining our understanding of life than anything else. We arrive at the conclusion that what we experience, through our eyes, is truth. As a result of this way ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:15-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's Promise Of Spiritual Revival

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Feb 13, 2007

Do you ever feel spiritually lifeless? How about inwardly empty? Are you less than hot in your love relationship with God?

God’s Promise of Spiritual Revival Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:” I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 57:15

Denomination: Pentecostal