Sermons on Futility Of Ritual:

I Desire Mercy Not Sacrifice Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

God values mercy and compassion over religious rituals and rules. As followers of Jesus, we are called to extend mercy to everyone we encounter, regardless of their circumstances.

Hey guys! Ever wondered what gets God really pumped? What makes Him say, 'Yeah, that's what I'm talking about!'? Well, today we're going to dive into that. Spoiler alert: It's mercy. So, what's mercy? Think about when you're playing a video game, and you're totally crushing your friend. You could ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

Topics: Mercy, Sacrifice, God's Desire, Daily Living

Breath Prayer

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Sep 9, 2021

Breath prayer is a form of prayer that is invading the progressive church. Is it Biblical? Is it what God desires? Where did it come from? Should we make it a part of our devotional practices? May the Lord give us discernment.

Breath Prayer Please stand with me as we go over our current memory Scripture: Matthew 5:9-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:13-15, Matthew 6:6, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Samuel 1:9-14, Luke 18:10-14, Ephesians 1:15-16, Psalm 17:6, Ezra 8:23, 2 Samuel 24:25, Genesis 25:21, Malachi 1:11, Genesis 3:15, Matthew 6:7, Matthew 6:5-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

Reaching The Edge Of The Wilderness Series

Contributed by Cameron Conway on Aug 26, 2019

The years of grief, training, apprenticeship, seeming futility, small victories and painful growth are finally about to bloom into something wonderful. Something that you have hoped for and simultaneously expected to never actually happen.

For more information and teachings, podcasts, videos, books and study guides visit https://conwaychristianresources.com If you take the lessons and introspections of the wilderness seriously you will eventually find yourself at the edge of the wilderness. That place where you can finally see what ...read more

Denomination: Foursquare

Authentic Authority Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Apr 27, 2009

Controversy tore the early church. Judaizers taught that Gentile Christians had to submit to Jewish ritual laws & traditions in addition to believing in Christ. Paul confronted this issue.

GALATIONS 1: 1-5 AUTHENTIC AUTHORITY A family, carefully executing their escape plan, dashes for the border at midnight...a man standing outside prison walls, gulping fresh air, awash in the new sun...a young woman with every trace of the ravaging drug gone from her system...they are FREE! ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Nurtured In The Faith Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 30, 2009

Jesus was brought up in a family that actively participated in the religious traditions and rituals of their faith. Being brought up in the community of believers prepared Jesus for his earthly ministry.

Luke 2:41-52 “Nurtured in the Faith” INTRODUCTION Have you noticed how quickly Christmas is celebrated and then forgotten? The stores have already started removing their Christmas decorations and replacing them with Valentines Day. The radio stations have stopped playing Christmas Carols, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Denomination: Lutheran

Micah - True Worship Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Feb 4, 2013

True worships relates, it is a relationship, not rituals. True worship obeys. To obey is better than sacrifices. True worship impacts. It changes your life and influences others.

God has chosen to bless His people Israel and through them, the world. • They were set apart to worship God and be His witnesses to the nations. • But sadly, the people have gone astray. God was pleading His case, calling the mountains and hills to be His witnesses. • 6:3 ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Week Two Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Mar 15, 2021

Lent is a ritual of the Church that leads us into the hope we have in Jesus. Fasting and Prayer are disciplines of Lent to bring about suffering to draw a person closer to God

“Lent is one of the oldest observations on the Christian calendar. Like all Christian holy days and holidays, it has changed over the years, but its purpose has always been the same: self-examination and penitence, demonstrated by self-denial, in preparation for Easter. Early church father ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 35:13, Matthew 19:15, Luke 2:37, Jonah 3:5, Esther 4:1-4, Acts 13:2, Matthew 6:16-18, Romans 4:13-25, 2 Samuel 1:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Losing God In Religion Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Nov 3, 2015

We lose God when we emphasize a ritual or object over and above our relationship with God. Don't expect God's blessings without repentance.

During a service at an old synagogue, when a particular prayer was said, half the congregants stood up and half remained sitting. The half that was seated started yelling at those standing to sit down, and the ones standing yelled at the ones sitting to stand up. The new rabbi didn't know ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Keep It Simple When Answering Critics Of Our Christian Faith Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Aug 20, 2019

Jesus taught a simple solution to convoluted criticisms hurled at Christians. Instead of getting bogged down in futile, endless arguments, why not implement His Formula which works so effectively! Stay tuned!

GOOD NEWS PRESENTED BY MARK Study of the Gospel According to Mark As you read Mark, be aware that you are reading the very first written account of the ministry of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:13-34

Working Out Your Salvation

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Jul 2, 2022

The call to work out our salvation with fear and trembling is not an exercise of futility but one that is not only attainable but an expectation from the Lord because He is the one who works in us to will and act to fulfill His purpose!

Working out What’s Being Worked In Philippians 2:12-13 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 Ever since God said, “let Us make mankind in our image, in our likeness” (Genesis 1:26), the eternity He placed in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11) keeps us yearning to ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Healing At The Pool Of Bethesda Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 19, 2025

John 5:1-8 tells the story of a paralysed man who encountered Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda. This event highlights God's compassion, the futility of misplaced trust, and the power of divine intervention.

Title: THE HEALING AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: John 5:1-8 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 103:2-3, Matthew 11:28 INTRODUCTION: John 5:1-8 tells the story of a paralysed man who encountered Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda. This event highlights God's ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-8, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 103:2-3, Matthew 11:28

Denomination: Assembly Of God

When There Just Isn't Enough? Cold Stone Pots?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on May 19, 2008

Sometimes our rituals and ceremonies can become cold stone pots.It is never enough. Then Jesus takes man’s efforts and rewards people with His presence!

NOT ENOUGH, THERE JUST ISN’T ENOUGH --- COLD STONE WATER POTS? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I. INTRODUCTION: A. We walk in some perilous times. Trust God! Nothing will catch Him by surprise. B. There are many laws of nature. What goes up, must come down. If you sow today, don’t ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Show And Tell Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 6, 2012

We are sent out to live the life of faith. Through caring conversations, devotions, service and rituals/traditions we remember our baptism in the home, congregation and larger world.

Matthew 28:16-20 “Show and Tell” INTRODUCTION Our thoughts today center on the last verses in the gospel of Matthew, which are called, “The Great Commission.” These verses remind us that like our time, talents and treasures, the gift of the gospel—our new life ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Lutheran

67. Paul And The Law Series

Contributed by Gary Regazzoli on Nov 17, 2018

In the past, the focus of worship centered on shadows such as sacrifices, locations, days, foods, etc., now the emphasis is rightly focused on the One these rituals and laws pointed to, Jesus Christ.

IN GOD'S IMAGE 67 - PAUL AND THE LAW This message is part of a series of 90 sermons based on the title, “In God’s Image – God’s Purpose for humanity.” This series of free sermons or the equivalent free book format is designed to take the reader through an amazing process beginning with God in ...read more

Scripture: John 2:19-21, Colossians 2:16-17, 1 Corinthians 7:19, Romans 14:17, Hebrews 7:18-19, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 5:21-22, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Galatians 5:25, Galatians 6:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian Church

The Testing Of Pure And False Religion

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Feb 6, 2023

We need to make sure we test our religion to see if it has value or not. The heart of pure religion is not in the garb, the traditions, the rituals but is based in Love in action.

The Testing of Pure and False Religion By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: - Years ago I collected soda cans and turned them in for money at the recycling center. At the recycling center I would place all the cans I collect on a belt that went through the giant magnet and if the can was ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Apostolic