Sermons on futility of ritual:

Mirror Reflection

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Jan 14, 2010

What image do we see when we look in the mirror? Who is that person in the reflection? As I thought about this passage I began to realize that all of us look at life in slightly different ways. We see each other through different mirrors. Updated January 2020. .

After being away for some time on a business trip, ... Bill thought it would be nice ... to bring his wife ... a small gift. "How about some perfume?" ... Bill asked the cosmetics clerk. She showed him a bottle ... costing $60.00. "That's a bit much," he said, ... so ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:27, Romans 12:3, James 1:23-24, 1 Corinthians 13:11-13, Luke 10:25-37, John 8:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

Tradition For Tradition's Sake

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Aug 31, 2009

Too often our living and worship become steeped in tradition and ritual. This sermon is a call to examine what we do and more importantly WHY we do it in an attempt to keep us from elevating the traditions of men above the law of God.

Tradition for Tradition’s Sake Mark 7:1-23 (This message was preceded by singing "Joy to the World" as the opening hymn and the theme of "tradition" was introduced by a video clip of Fiddler on the Roof - from the prologue 1:55 (as the fiddler begins to play) through 3:57 (as Tevye says, "...and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Refresh My Strength Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Oct 16, 2009

Jesus came with an invitation not a list of religious rules and rituals.

PATTERN: DEDUCTIVE TEXTUAL – EXPOSITORY Introduction: The top 10 reasons you are too busy to pray today: 1. You wake up feeling rested, then realize your alarm should’ve gone off an hour ago. 2. Your spouse is away on a two-day business trip that’s lasted all week. 3. None of the clean clothes you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Wesleyan

Good Works And The Gospel Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Mar 1, 2016

My good works are to be a response to God’s grace for the purpose of pointing people to Jesus

Last year when I decided to preach through a portion of the book of Romans each year for several years, I had to decide on an overall approach to that series of sermons. At one end of the spectrum, I could have followed the example of several pastors who have chosen to preach one or two sermons per ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:9-12

Denomination: Baptist

Salvation - A Relationship

Contributed by Robert Sickler on Apr 24, 2012

To place our faith in the performance of a salvation ritual is to place our faith in the person leading us to the ritual; but, if we place our faith in a relationship with Jesus Christ we have placed our faith in the author and sustainer of salvation.

SALVATION – A RELATIONSHIP INTRODUCTION If a person is uncomfortable with the idea that there is no special event or ritual that marks the time and place of their salvation, then they certainly have a great deal of company. In fact, almost all existing denominations and Christian religious ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9

Denomination: Christian Church

Who Has You Covered?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jan 14, 2016

Many are religious and many claim Christ but will they have the right covering when Jesus arrives?

Isaiah chapter 29 starts with woe, but ends in an awesome WOW! God is speaking to His rebellious children of judgment in the first thirteen verses, but speaks of revival and restoration in the remainder of the chapter. I find it profound that the switch from judgment to blessing starts after verse ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Devoted To Communion Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Communion is a practice of remembrance, focusing on Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. It's a time for reconciliation, unity, and anticipation of Christ's return.

Today, we're diving into a super cool part of our faith - communion. You know, that time when we eat bread and drink juice at church. But it's way more than just a snack. It's all about remembering our ultimate hero, Jesus, and what He did for us. So, communion is like our superhero reminder. It's ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47, Genesis 12:8

Topics: Sacraments, Eucharist, Spiritual Rituals, Church Traditions

Rebuilding Broken Walls

Contributed by Rodney Johnson Sr., on Oct 30, 2002

This message provides hope in the most futile situations.

"Rebuilding Broken Walls" Introduction: Our Nation is filled with broken walls.The walls of human morality have fallen. The wall of the Christian family have fallen. The walls of peace are crumbling all around us. The walls of our military might have been weaken by exploitation and evil ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:5-6, Nehemiah 4:6-14

Denomination: Baptist

Living The Worry-Free Life Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on May 21, 2024

Why worry? This message looks at the futility of worry

LIVING THE WORRY-FREE LIFE MATTHEW 6:25–34 “THEREFORE I TELL YOU, DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHAT YOU WILL EAT OR DRINK; OR ABOUT YOUR BODY, WHAT YOU WILL WEAR. IS NOT LIFE MORE IMPORTANT THAN FOOD, AND THE BODY MORE IMPORTANT THAN CLOTHES? 26LOOK AT THE BIRDS OF THE AIR; THEY DO NOT SOW OR REAP ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ And Why It Matters

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jan 9, 2023

In his first letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul had to address their chaotic and ungodly practices. He confronted and corrected them as to how a true church should model itself on the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ, including a reminder about the resurrection and its importance.

As the days draw closer to the return of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Luke 21:28; Titus 2:13), the enemies of the LORD, both human and demonic, are doing their best to turn people away from the truth of the Scriptures and that there is no salvation for anyone except through Him ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Luke 24:13-31, Acts 1:3, John 11:25, John 20:11-18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Transformed By Truth: A Call To Prioritise God's Work Haggai 1:5-7 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 4, 2024

In Haggai 1:5-7, the prophet Haggai brings a wake-up call from God to His people, urging them to reconsider their ways and prioritise God’s work. This passage challenges us to examine our lives and priorities, to ensure we are aligned with God’s will.

Transformed by Truth: A Call to Prioritise God's Work Haggai 1:5-7 Introduction: Today, we are diving into the powerful message of Haggai 1:5-7. The prophet Haggai brings a wake-up call from God to His people, urging them to reconsider their ways and prioritise God’s work. This passage ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:5-7, Haggai 1:5, Lamentations 3:40, Haggai 1:6, John 15:5, Haggai 1:7, Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 3:5-6, Genesis 1:27, Colossians 1:16, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Romans 8:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Worship Is A Matter Of Who, Not How

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 1, 2014

If we fail to meet the Lord Christ in worship, our efforts will be futile.

“The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” [1] Christians have been fighting ...read more

Scripture: John 4:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

Something Old-Something New?

Contributed by John Mccormack on Nov 17, 2013

THE AUTHOR OF ECCLESIASTES EXPRESSES THE FUTILITY OF MAN WITHOUT GOD.

SOMETHING OLD-SOMETHING NEW? OBSERVATION: THE AUTHOR OF ECCLESIASTES, CALLED “THE PREACHER” COMES FROM THE HEBREW WORD “ASSEMBLY OR CONGREGATION”. THE AUTHOR IS NOT NAMED; HOWEVER, MANY SCHOLARS SUGGEST SOLOMON MAY BE THE AUTHOR. THE AUTHOR EXPRESSES THE FUTILITY OF MAN ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:10

Denomination: Baptist

Ark Baptism Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jul 24, 2006

Baptism is a ritual that points in several directions.

Ark Baptism (I Peter 3:20b-22) 1. When it comes to church, some people cannot stay put. One balmy day in the South Pacific, a navy ship espied smoke coming from one of three huts on an uncharted island. ?Upon arriving at the shore they were met by a shipwreck survivor. He said, "I’m so glad ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:20-22

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Should Protestants Change Our Habits During Lent?

Contributed by Dennis King on Feb 25, 2018

What is the value of Lenten Rituals to Protestants?

We could look to the time of Lent as traditional activities representing the death of Christ plus His resurrection, and return. This year, the 2018 Lenten Season began on February 14th – Valentines' day. For Lent that day is called Ash Wednesday and people, worldwide, gave up certain foods or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18

Denomination: Baptist