Sermons on Pagan Ritual:

How Do We Know What To Do?

Contributed by Kenneth Anthony on Feb 11, 2007

Sermon gives basic guidelines for making decisions.

Knowing What to Do It’s been said that although some things are permissible, not all things are profitable. Each day we are confronted with countless choices and make decisions that collectively determine the course for our lives. Sometimes our decisions result in unintended consequences. ...read more

Denomination: Orthodox

Riding The Fence Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Nov 1, 2011

More times than we would probably like to admit, we slip into legalism. It can happen when God takes too long to answer a prayer, or answers in a way we don't expect. We take over the reigns, and it's a mistake!

To continue Paul’s arguments against legalism he turns again to a story in the Old Testament. This time it is the children that God promised to Abram. The issue is whether you let God fulfill His promise of righteousness in you, or whether you want to take the controls and do it yourself. ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Stirred Up Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 28, 2023

If you want all that Jesus has for you, recognize that He is God and trust Him with your life.

Pastor Tullian Tchividjian talks about losing his car keys at least twice a year. He’s late for a meeting or an appointment and can’t find his car keys. Does that ever happen to you? I know it happens to me far more times than I care to admit. He’s certain that either his wife or one of his ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-47, Colossians 2:9

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Secret Things And The Revealed Things

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Dec 12, 2018

A sermon for a NEW YEAR, based on a striking text from Dt. 29:29. As we enter a new year, we cannot know the SECRET (unknown) THINGS that the year will bring, but God has REVEALED to us his commandments, his priorities, and how to enter into a relationship with him through Jesus Christ.

THE SECRET THINGS AND THE REVEALED THINGS—Dt. 29:29 If you could know the future, would you do things differently? ***I was playing basketball with my brother, and I noticed an older guy who seemed to play every day. I asked my brother what he did for a living, and my brother informed me that ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 29:29, Deuteronomy 30:11-16, Romans 6:10-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A New Home: Luke 8:26-39

Contributed by Christopher Metze on Sep 16, 2025

God calls us not to flee the people and places that have seen our worst, but to return and bear witness to His transforming power—so that those who once knew our “demons” can see the change for themselves and, through our testimony, become part of a community renewed by God.

Jesus and the disciples are rowing their boat toward the shore—toward a region called the Gerasenes. It’s Gentile territory—so it’s a place they’ve likely never been before and one they may already feel uneasy about. To the Jews, Gentile lands were unclean and unholy—filled with pagan practices ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:26-39

Denomination: Lutheran

Dung Hill Christians

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jan 22, 2007

Has your life been a bit smelly lately?

Not many people think about dung beetles because frankly any animal that eats dung and carcasses normally does not end up on our most desired pet or entrée list. They are actually quite beneficial and can be admired for that. There are however quite a few Christians living and feeding in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-11, Jeremiah 17:9, John 15:5, 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, Romans 9:4-8, Matthew 3:7-10, Luke 16:19-24, Daniel 11:36-39, Isaiah 64:6, Galatians 2:16, Romans 9:30-33, Romans 7:18, Galatians 3:10-14, Romans 10:1-4, Luke 13:28-29  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Known By God Series

Contributed by Chris Surber on Dec 20, 2011

Man's religion is at war with God's revelation.

Introduction A number of years ago I had an experience while working on my undergraduate degree in biblical studies that so shocked me that it has stayed with me. For the final exam in a systematic theology course, I understood the assignment to be to write a series of brief essays on several ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

Denomination: Christian Church

Another Thanksgiving Sunday?

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Oct 18, 2008

It is a tradition to celebbrate Thanksgiving Sundays and Harvest Festivals in our Churches. The Lord had given detailed instructions to Moses about these rituals or Liturgy. However, what do all these rituals mean to us? Do they have any significance in t

Another Thanksgiving Sunday? There are some books of the Old testament that are rarely read. Deuteronomy is not too bad. Many of us would have browsed through the book of Deuteronomy some time or the other. However, I am not sure how much each of us will score if we do a Bible Quiz on ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Lord's Supper Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Dec 22, 2012

We see how Jesus transformed a ritual, meant to commemorate the greatest deliverance of God’s people, into a new ritual to commemorate and give assurance that the sacrifice he was about to make would bring about a far greater deliverance.

Introduction Last week we studied the “last supper” that Jesus had with his disciples. We noted how Jesus was in control of the events that were leading to his sacrifice as the Passover Lamb. This morning we will see how he transformed a ritual, meant to commemorate the greatest ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:22-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Be Practical, Not Legalistic Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Oct 30, 2021

Jesus taught the Pharisees how He desires sincere love for people over meaningless ritual, and how He desires grace over legalism. Those who adhere to ritual and tradition are often unable to love others or worship God.

In our message today, we will see how Jesus taught the Pharisees that forgiveness and grace toward others is a necessity before worship. The capacity to extend love and mercy is something that must be present in a person’s heart before he or she is able to worship the Lord in spirit and truth, as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Reflections On Halloween

Contributed by Chris Tiller on Oct 31, 2005

How does a Christian deal with Halloween in a way that glorifies God?

Halloween can be a troubling holiday. Many of us carry fond memories of Halloweens long ago, back when we were growing up. Many of us remember it as innocent fun—a special day just for children. I remember dressing up in silly costumes and going door to door begging for candy. When I was ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Inside-Outside Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 29, 2012

The condition of your heart is what determines your status with God, not the rituals and traditions you follow.

Introduction Have you ever asked someone a question and found you had touched a raw nerve? The other person swells up with emotion and then unleashes a tirade. “I’ve had enough of people asking me…” “You want to know my opinion? I’ll be glad to give you my ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Power Of Quiet Time Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 24, 2025

Quiet time is not a religious ritual but a vital necessity. It is the secret of strength, clarity, wisdom, and intimacy with God.

THE POWER OF QUIET TIME By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Mark 1:35 Supporting Texts: Psalm 46:10, Isaiah 30:15, Luke 5:16, Matthew 6:6, Joshua 1:8 INTRODUCTION: In the midst of a noisy world filled with distractions, deadlines, and digital overload, the value of quiet time cannot be ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:35, Psalm 46:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Security Systems Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

Our security in the face of an awesomely holy God is no longer in elaborate rituals and barriers but in Jesus Christ.

As you all know I flew to Minneapolis between Christmas and New Year’s. And since the terror alert is at orange, inspections are more thorough and lines are longer. Also both the Minneapolis and Philadelphia airports have X-ray machines for the checked baggage. Fortunately the standards aren’t so ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Daniel Chapter 2a Series

Contributed by Darren Rogers on Feb 29, 2008

Do we turn to the world for answers or to God. We can learn from a pagan king not to trust the world.

Daniel – Chapter 2 Part A A. Chapter 2 Outline I. The King and his Pagan Advisors (2:1-13) a. The Fear (2:1) b. The Frustration (2:2-13) i. The Counsellors (2:2) (1) Magicians (2) Astrologers (3) Sorcerers (4) Chaldeans ii. The Charge (2:3) iii. The Cop-out (2:4-7) iv. The Command ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 2:1-13

Denomination: Baptist