Sermons on futility of ritual: showing 256-270 of 14,256

The Prayer Of Sorrow Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 5, 2006

Why would Jesus pray to have the "cup" taken away, if He knew that wasn’t going to happen? Was His prayer simply an excercise in futility, or was there something more to it? I learned some surprising truths as I prepared this sermon.

OPEN: A minister noticed a young boy kneeling off to the side of the room after youth group and praying very fervently. As the preacher came within earshot of the boy, he was surprised to hear the boy saying: "Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo." After the boy finished his praying the preacher approached him ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:39-46

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Free As A Bird

Contributed by William Yates on Apr 17, 2004

We read in Lev. 14 of the ritual that persons healed of leprosy would go through. One bird was sacrificed and another set free. We who are in Christ need to see ourselves as birds set free.

Free As A Bird Leviticus 14 Cleansing From Infectious Skin Diseases 1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "These are the regulations for the diseased person at the time of his ceremonial cleansing, when he is brought to the priest: 3 The priest is to go outside the camp and examine him. If the person has ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 14:1-7

Why A Christian Should Not Celebrate Halloween

Contributed by Ronnie Thrower on Oct 25, 2001

Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate? Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship? Or is it just a harmless vestige of some ancient pagan ritual?

WHY A CHRISTIAN SHOULD NOT CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate? Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship? Or is it just a harmless vestige of some ancient pagan ritual? In North ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12

Denomination: Baptist

False Faith/Counterfeit Christianity

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Oct 15, 2005

Simon the sorcerer is an illustration of Counterfeit Christianity or false faith. It begins with a false self perception, and foolish pride. Trying to show folks that the rituals we use in the church do not save, instead it is the life changing presence

Intro: Online Encyclopedia, Wikipedia this to say about Counterfits “Today the finest counterfeit banknotes are claimed to be U.S. dollar bills produced in North Korea, which are used to finance the North Korean government, among other uses. The fake North Korean copies are called Superdollars ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-25

Denomination: Baptist

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

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 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

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

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

Leave The Old Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 6, 2020

The worldly life is 1) Intellectually futile (Ephesians 4:17), 2) Ignorant of God’s truth (Ephesians 4:18), 3) Spiritually and morally callused (Ephesians 4:19a), and 4) Depraved in mind (Ephesians 4:19b).

Ephesians 4:17-19 [17] Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. [18] They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-19

Denomination: Other

Ransomed By The Blood Series

Contributed by Steven Buhr on Aug 31, 2023

We were ransomed – that means a price was paid for us. It means we WERE held hostage. Held by the futile ways of our sinful lives. Sin had a grip on us, it took us away from the paradise God originally intended for us

Ransomed by the Blood Father’s Day 2023 A study through Peter June 18th 2023 It’s Father’s Day. For many, it’s a day to celebrate Dad. Whether it’s young kids making him breakfast, or older children taking him out for lunch, dinner, dessert, barbecue, burger-joint, or wherever he may ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-25

Denomination: Baptist

I Am The Light Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Jul 7, 2024

Our words and deeds should not mimic the world’s futile search for significance but should instead reflect a passion for God so strong and divinely initiated that our good deeds point to the sinless One who holds the keys to both death and life.

The Light of the World John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 How can one cast a shadow of significance upon a world that is filled with constant change, ever evolving thought processes and constant innovation? In a world of quantum computers that ...read more

Scripture: John 8:12, Matthew 5:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Leaping Cripple

Contributed by Allan Kircher on Mar 28, 2011

The sedate, stately ritual of the evening sacrifice was now suddenly shattered by his loud cries of joy and praise. And you can’t rightly blame them. It is God’s desire that all His children experience this joy.

“The Leaping Cripple” March 27, 2011 Acts 3:1-10 Sermon Series Acts: God’s Vision and Power for Shell Point Pastor Allan Kircher Introduction Surprise upon surprise in the early months of the church is joined by an attitude of pushing through barriers, Exploring the new, and sailing with the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-11

Denomination: Baptist