Sermons on Futility Of Ritual:

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

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

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

How To Approach God Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 19, 2025

Approaching God is not merely a ritual but a privilege and a relationship. Whether with humility, confidence, prayer, worship, or repentance, each of these approaches allows us to draw near to God in a way that honors Him and opens the door for His grace.

HOW TO APPROACH GOD By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Supporting Texts: Matthew 7:7-8, Psalm 95:6, James 4:8, Isaiah ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:16, Matthew 7:7-8, Psalm 95:6, James 4:8, Isaiah 55:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Faith Beyond Religion: Following Jesus In Truth And Life Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 3, 2026

In a world where religious practice is often measured by attendance, ritual, and tradition, the call of Christ is far deeper. Faith is not merely religion; it is a vibrant, personal trust in the living God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Faith Beyond Religion: Following Jesus in Truth and Life Introduction Today we step into a topic that strikes at the heart of what it means to truly follow Jesus: faith and religion—how they intersect, yet are profoundly different. In a world where religious practice is often measured by ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1, Micah 6:6-8, Romans 10:9-10, Galatians 5:1, James 2:14-17, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 15:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

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

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

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

Sermon. Choosing The Right Path

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Sep 4, 2025

Psalm 1 also call on all of us to make a decision and then summarizes the contrast between the righteous and the wicked by describing the blessed life of the righteous as a thriving tree nourished by God's word, and the futile life of the wicked as chaff blown away by the wind

Sermon. Choosing the Right Path Scripture Text: Psalms 1:1-6 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6, Jeremiah 6:16, Genesis 41:52

Denomination: Methodist

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