Sermons on Futility Of Ritual:

Worship Is A Verb

Contributed by Rev Ken Shedenhelm on Aug 10, 2013

We worship God in the way we live. Worship is a matter of obedience and service: if we love God with all of our hearts and treat others as if they were Christ, we are worshiping God faithfully. Church ritual will never replace real worship. We must repent

Everyday Christianity with Pastor Kenn Shedenhelm Biblical and theological thoughts on life and events in life. Some will come packaged as sermons- some simply as reflections. Classic Like most of Israel’s prophets, Isaiah was concerned with matters of mercy and justice, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Tainted Love Series

Contributed by Erik Estep on May 16, 2012

Today in our passage of Scripture the Apostle Paul is going to point out to us several stages that have marked man’s futile search for love and meaning. And it’s my hope as we examine this text that we’ll discover how we can avoid these stages so that we

“Tainted Love” Romans 1: 18-25 October 2, 2011 Intro: Today we’re beginning a new series of messages entitled “Classic Rock.” Now for me, classic rock is music from the 1960s but when I talked to Matthew and James I was chagrined to find out that classic rock ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:18-27

Denomination: Baptist

The Stubborn Evangelist Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

This short story is one where Jonah is in flight; it’s also one where God is in pursuit. Jonah’s life is really one of a boomerang for he ends up in the place that ran from in the beginning. For four chapters we’ll witness Jonah’s futile flight as well as God’s persistent pursuit.

Note: The entire book of Jonah is read before I preach. Today we launch a new four part series entitled Jonah: The Stubborn Evangelist. And it is coming at just the right time for our church (more on the timing in just a moment). Most only know it as an amusing story about a prophet and a “whale.” ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Religious? Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jan 9, 2017

Typically, a person's idea of being religious is just going through rituals and practices associated with the faith. In James 1:26-27 God defined what it means to be religious. So regardless of what we think it means we need to learn what God said it is.

ARE YOU RELIGIOUS? (part one) James 1:26-27 INTRODUCTION: When people would ask me if I was religious I would say, no, because to me, being religious kind of had a negative connotation. Because typically, a person's idea of religious is going through rituals and practices associated with the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27, James 3:2-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

True Communion

Contributed by Greg Allen on Apr 16, 2006

I honestly don’t know if Jesus is glorified through crackers and grape juice. And I wonder what he must think when we come together, go through our little religious ritual and leave with the same me-first mentality that we came in with.

Today I want to look at the different viewpoints of the last supper from the 4 gospels. Traditionally only 3 of the gospels are credited with recognizing the last supper, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Let’s look at those: Matthew 26:20-30 20When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-35

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Real-Igion

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Feb 21, 2012

In today’s passage, James wants to keep us from the deception that being religious is merely going through a set of rituals and motions. James doesn’t want us to be deceived into thinking the more I exemplify religious behavior the more spiritual I am. Le

REALIGION James 1:26-27 INTRODUCTION: Preventing deception is a major theme for James (1:1:16, 22, 26). In today’s passage, James wants to keep us from the deception that being religious is merely going through a set of rituals and motions. James doesn’t want us to be deceived into ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sharing The Peace - Why Anglicans Do This Thang. Series

Contributed by Fr Mund Cargill Thompson on Apr 6, 2024

Jesus says "Peace be with you" - looking at the inner meaning behind the ritual. )The Peace of the Presence. 2) The Peace that puts the past behind you 3) The Peace that makes fear disappear 4) The Peace that pulls people together 5) Peace that brings healing 6) Peace for a purpose

This sermon was preached at St Jospeh the Worker Church Northolt 2nd Sunday f Easter 7th April 2024 ..... John 20.19–31 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31, Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-12

Denomination: Anglican

The Foundation For Worship

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 25, 2019

Study of worship as outlined in the Tenth Chapter of Hebrews.

“Since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Taking Heed To God's Word Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 4, 2022

The evidence of our Christian sincerity is demonstrated in the way we treat one another. God's word to His people is that we would love our neighbor as ourselves. Zechariah confronts this matter with a reminder of Israel's historical experience.

In Zechariah 7 a delegation came from the Jews in Bethel asking the question: “Should I mourn and fast in the fifth month, as I have done for so many years?”i During the 70 years of exile in Babylon, the Jews had been observing four fasts in memory of the destruction of Jerusalem. The most ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-14, Matthew 22:37-38, James 1:27, Matthew 10:39, Luke 6:38, 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Isaiah 30:1-11, 1 Peter 1:1-16, Exodus 9:12, Proverbs 28:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Dark Reality Of Witchcraft And Occultism Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Oct 7, 2025

In this sermon. we'll explore biblical examples, consequences, signs, and symptoms of witchcraft and occultism, as well as the dangers of these practices.

A Witchcraft and occultism are spiritual practices that involve seeking power, guidance, and knowledge from sources other than God. However, the Bible clearly warns against these practices, labeling them as demonic and forbidden. In this sermon. we'll explore biblical examples, consequences, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 7:11-12

The Realization Of God’s Guidance-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 21, 2025

1 of ? Luke records prophetic events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. God’s ‘guidance’(1:79) has been realized or brought to fruition. ?How is God’s guidance realized? God’s guidance is realized thru a Prophetic...

The REALIZATION Of GOD’s GUIDANCE-I—Luke 1:57-80 Attention: The following is just a short testament to a lack of lasting peace among God’s people, Israel: Some 30 years after the death, burial, resurrection, & ascension of Jesus Christ, the Jewish temple was decimated by the Roman ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:57-59, Luke 1:57-80

Denomination: Baptist

Doing The Holy Hug Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 4, 2013

The "holy kiss" was a common way to show love and acceptance in the early church. What was that "kiss" intended to accomplish for God and how can we (who often don’t do that) accomplish the same goals?

OPEN: For the next 4 weeks, we’re going to be looking at what the Bible says about kissing (pause). You know, the Bible is just FULL of kissing. There are stories where sons kiss their fathers. Friends kissing friends/ brothers kissing brothers. People kissing false idols. Kissing between a woman ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:3-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are You A Fan Or A Follower? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 7, 2014

Fans walk away. Followers follow. But why do Fans walk away and how can we be sure we're not "one of them"?

(Note, this sermon doesn't follow Idleman's approach. I preach differently than he does and felt I would fail to do justice to his message if I did it his way. I apologize for any frustration this may cause to those who read this sermon) A man named Charlie Moore moved into a new community with ...read more

Scripture: John 6:28-69, John 6:54-56, John 6:44-51

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Transformational Worship

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Oct 4, 2018

If you want to experience life-transformational worship, come to a better altar – the cross of Jesus Christ – with better sacrifices: carry His shame; confess His name; and care for others.

Joanne Weil describes the time her young son asked what was the highest number she had ever counted to. She didn't know, but she asked about his highest number. It was 5,372. “Oh,” she said. “Why did you stop there?” “Church was over,” he replied. (Mike and Amy Nappa, Bore No More! Group ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:9-16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Lord Will Return (Zechariah) Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 11, 2025

When life gets hard, look to Christ. Look forward to the glorious future He has planned for you. Look within at the changes He is making to your heart. And look up because He is coming soon!

A man stopped to watch a Little League baseball game. He asked one of the youngsters what the score was. “We're losing 18-0,” was the answer. “Well,” said the man. “I must say you don't look discouraged.” “Discouraged?” the boy said, puzzled. “Why should we be discouraged? We ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 1:1-6, Zechariah 2:1-13, Zechariah 4:1-14, Zechariah 5:5-11, Romans 8:28-30, Zechariah 7:1-3, Zechariah 7:8-14, Zechariah 8:1-8, Zechariah 8:14-19, Zechariah 9:9, Zechariah 11:7-14, John 1:11-12, Zechariah 12:1-5, Zechariah 12:9-10, Zechariah 13:9, Zechariah 14:3-4, Zechariah 14:8-9, Zechariah 14:16, Luke 21:25-28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free