Sermons on Futility Of Ritual:

Man Without God

Contributed by Derek Adamsbaum on Oct 18, 2000

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-19

Finances: Building A Stable Future (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Marcus Naugler on Nov 23, 2001

Building a foundation by monetary means is useless and futile without Godly wisdom. Honoring the Lord with our finances is the key to a stable future.

Finances: Building a Stable Future (Part 2, Building a Stronger Family) Text: Proverbs 3:7-18 (page 450 in pew Bible) TOP 10 SIGNS YOU ARE BROKE 10. American Express calls and says: "Leave home without it!" 9. You’re formulating a plan to rob the food bank. 8. Long distance companies don’t ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:7-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The High Price Of Idolatry

Contributed by Robert Brent on Sep 1, 2004

Idolatry, in any form, carries a very high price tag. That’s why we need to be aware of the futility of idolatry.

"The High Price Of Idolatry" [2 Kings 1:1-18] Context: 1 Kings 22:40; 51-53. Introduction: We were created to worship and serve God. When we fail to worship Him in spirit and in truth, we fill that vacuum with something else. We may not bow down to images of wood and stone, but we idolize ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 1:1-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

If There Is No Resurrection

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Mar 22, 2008

If there is no resurrection from the dead then what? 1- Then preaching is useless 2- Then faith is futile 3- Then sin controls 4- Then Christ is dead

INTRO.- No gas means no driving or less driving. "The average national price of a gallon of gas hit an all-time record high of $3.28 this week. Meaning that wherever you’re going this summer, it might be cheaper to mail your car." Letterman said, "Gas prices, aren’t they crazy? It’s so ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Professions & Possessions Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Mar 6, 2006

Greed is good? If our primary goal in life is material wealth, we will end up with empty, futile lives and spiritual bankruptcy.

Overcoming Futility, a Sermon Series on Ecclesiastes “Professions and Possessions”, 5:8-20 -Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts Some of us remember Jack Benny. In a skit on his radio show, a robber held him up, pointed a gun at him and said, “Your money or ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20

Denomination: Congregational

You Call This Worship?

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Feb 7, 2011

1) True worship is persistent, not sporadic. 2) True worship is done for others, not for oneself. 3) True worship is beneficial, not futile.

I have a confession to make. I haven’t eaten a tasty store-bought or restaurant-made pizza since coming to Canada. The crusts are consistently too dry or too doughy. The pepperoni is too greasy and too salty. And the pizza sauce is too sweet. It’s not as bad as the pizza I had in ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:5-9

Denomination: Lutheran

Jesus The One And Only - Accept No Substitute Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Jan 10, 2007

Colossians 2 explains that Philosophy, Ritualism, Mysticism, and Legalism are counterfeits of the real thing: Jesus Christ

Colossians Series # 2 Jesus the One and Only Accept No Substitute Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:2-8 INTRODUCTION: Last week we looked at Colossians chapter 1 where Paul talked about the Supremacy of Christ. In Chapter 2, Paul warns the Colossian church about some teachings that are ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Inside-Outside Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 29, 2012

The condition of your heart is what determines your status with God, not the rituals and traditions you follow.

Introduction Have you ever asked someone a question and found you had touched a raw nerve? The other person swells up with emotion and then unleashes a tirade. “I’ve had enough of people asking me…” “You want to know my opinion? I’ll be glad to give you my ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Rapture Of The Bride (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Stephen Smith on Jun 1, 2020

A message that examines the close parallel between the ancient Hebrew wedding ritual and the marriage of Christ and the Church.

Pt 7: The Rapture of the Bride (part 2) The Hebrew Wedding and the Rapture As I pointed out in my last message ('The Rapture of the Bride pt 1'), there appears to be significant misunderstanding concerning the nature and purpose of the Lord's 'parousia' ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:17, Matthew 1:19-20, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 3:20, James 4:4, 1 Peter 1:18, Titus 2:11-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Colossians 3:1, Revelation 22:20-21, Ephesians 5:31-32, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 1:4-5, John 17:19, John 14:2-3, Matthew 26:27-28, Matthew 24:36, Ephesians 5:25-26, Song of Songs 1:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

Security Systems Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

Our security in the face of an awesomely holy God is no longer in elaborate rituals and barriers but in Jesus Christ.

As you all know I flew to Minneapolis between Christmas and New Year’s. And since the terror alert is at orange, inspections are more thorough and lines are longer. Also both the Minneapolis and Philadelphia airports have X-ray machines for the checked baggage. Fortunately the standards aren’t so ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Power Of Quiet Time Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 24, 2025

Quiet time is not a religious ritual but a vital necessity. It is the secret of strength, clarity, wisdom, and intimacy with God.

THE POWER OF QUIET TIME By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Mark 1:35 Supporting Texts: Psalm 46:10, Isaiah 30:15, Luke 5:16, Matthew 6:6, Joshua 1:8 INTRODUCTION: In the midst of a noisy world filled with distractions, deadlines, and digital overload, the value of quiet time cannot be ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:35, Psalm 46:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

No Idols Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Jun 13, 2022

Based on Ex. 20:4-6 - Sermon challenges hearers to consider how futile & sinful it is to worship idols in any way.

“NO IDOLS” Ex. 20:4-6 FBCF – 6/11/22 Jon Daniels INTRO – When does sports as entertainment become sports as idolatry? Banner at Lambeau Field in 1996 when Packers won Super Bowl in New Orleans & Brett Favre named MVP: “Our Favre, who art in Lambeau, hallowed by thy arm. The Bowl will ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6

Denomination: Baptist

Win Over Your Worry Series

Contributed by Steve Meenho Kang on Feb 28, 2017

In order to win over our worry, we must realize the futility of worry, set our priorities in order, and learn to live in the present.

Win Over Your Worry The Habits of Happiness Part 5 Matthew 6:25-34 We all want to be happy. I bet there is no single person who intentionally chooses to be unhappy. However, so many people in this world are not happy for one reason or another. In order to be happy, this is what we have to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Fighting For A Life PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Seeking security and significance outside of God is futile, and we should instead trust in God's promises and presence to lead us into His best.

Good morning, church family! Today we are going to dive into two passages from Genesis. We'll be looking at Genesis 25:21-26 and Genesis 28:13-15, focusing on the futility of fighting for security and success without God, the struggle for significance and security in life, and trusting God to bring ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:21-26, Genesis 28:13-15

Topics: Struggle, Security, Success

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