Sermons on Religion As Ritual:

Ritualism Versus Spiritual Reality Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on May 20, 2010

God desires to curb the trend toward formalism in religion which is satisfied with meeting external observation. To obey the moral precepts & principles of the word is infinitely more important than ceremonies & man-made traditions.

ZECHARIAH 7: 1-7 RITUALISM VERSUS SPIRITUAL REALITY [Ezra 6:1-11] The seventh and eighth chapters are the third distinct division of the prophecy. In the first portion was the call to national repentance and turning to the Lord for His Covenant blessings. After a national turning to God ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Futility Of Empty Religion Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 10, 2025

As Christians, we often find ourselves caught up in the routines of religion, attending church services, participating in rituals, and even performing good works.

As Christians, we often find ourselves caught up in the routines of religion, attending church services, participating in rituals, and even performing good works. However, if our lifestyle remains contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible, we must confront the harsh reality that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23, Galatians 5:22-23

When Religion Isn't Enough Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 13, 2019

True religion isn't about external rituals, but it is about relationship and wholehearted devotion.

A. One day, many years ago, a well-respected British minister took the trolley early Monday morning from his home in the suburbs to the church in downtown London. 1. He paid the driver as he got on the trolley, and being pre-occupied with his busy schedule and the needs of his church he didn’t ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Religion Without Relationship Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 29, 2025

Without God’s Word, people create their own religion.

RELIGION WITHOUT RELATIONSHIP By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Judges 17 Key Verse: Judges 17:5–6 –“And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that ...read more

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

Presumption

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Dec 9, 2007

Religion does not create a relationship with God, nor does ritual. It is refinement born of repentance that shapes that relationship. Repent, relate, and receive.

“Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Famous words supposedly spoken by journalist Henry Morton Stanley somewhere in Tanganyika at the end of his expedition to find the missing explorer. “I presume”. It means, “I think I know what I am doing. Would you please confirm it for me? You look like what I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Relationship, Ritual Or Both?

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Feb 10, 2016

Lent is coming! Lent is coming! Why do we have Lent? Why do some observe this ritual while others do not? How do we discern which rituals are beneficial and which are harmful to our walk with the Lord? To Lent or not to Lent, that is the question!

Please stand with me as we read our recent memory Scripture together! John 1:1-4 NIV “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Nazarene

Losing God In Religion Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Nov 3, 2015

We lose God when we emphasize a ritual or object over and above our relationship with God. Don't expect God's blessings without repentance.

During a service at an old synagogue, when a particular prayer was said, half the congregants stood up and half remained sitting. The half that was seated started yelling at those standing to sit down, and the ones standing yelled at the ones sitting to stand up. The new rabbi didn't know ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Footwashing - Example Or Ritual?

Contributed by Frank Gallagher on Nov 29, 2000

Footwashing was an EXAMPLE for believers to follow, not a ritual to observe like the Lord’s Table!

FOOT WASHING - EXAMPLE OR RITUAL? (John 13:3-17) [HTTP formatted version of this sermon is located at http://members.aol.com/abidingitw/footwash.html] The Bible does NOT command New Testament believers to observe foot washing as a Church ritual. 1. The washing of the apostles’ feet by ...read more

Scripture: John 13:3-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Lent: A Ritual Or Preparation

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Mar 22, 2019

Evangelical Congregations do not observe the practice of fasting during Lent. But is there meaning beyond the ritualistic nature of the Lent season? How are you preparing to meet the resurrected Lord of the Easter?

Lent: A Ritual or Preparation? We are part of an evangelical congregation and hence many of us do not observe the Lenten season as done in the mainline churches. But many of you who have grown up , or are used to the ways of the mainline churches will certainly remember the Lenten season. Those of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5, 1 Corinthians 11:28, Psalm 139:23-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

More Than A Ritual Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

Most of us can’t change ourselves. But God can change us, if we mean it.

On the night before he was betrayed, Jesus washed his disciples feet. This was a menial task, a task performed only by the very lowest house slave. And his disciples were shocked. They weren’t objecting to having their feet washed - far from it. It was the sort of courtesy a good host would make ...read more

Scripture: James 4:5-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Church, Christianity Or Religion? Part 4 Series

Contributed by Richard Laraviere on Sep 14, 2007

The church, more Christian (followers of Christ) then religious (practising traditions and rituals)

The Church, Christianity or Religion Part 4 Text: John 8:1-12 Introduction: 1. While Religion and Christianity should be the same thing, far too often it is not. Religion too often thrives on creeds, credentials, and adherence to codes of conduct True Christianity holds to faith ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-12

Denomination: Mennonite

The Traits Of Token Religion

Contributed by Donnie Martin on Jul 17, 2009

Just because someone attaches the word "worship" to a religious service, doesn’t mean that the term fits. This was often the case with Israel’s religous rituals. Sadly, it is often true of many church services in our day.

The Traits Of Token Religion Text: Phil.1: 3-11 Intro: Today I want to focus on the thought mentioned in the second half of Philippians 1: 10. Paul tells the Philippians that he was praying that their love for Christ might continue to grow, resulting in knowledge, discernment, and sincerity. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11

Denomination: Baptist

Outward Religion Is Not Acceptable To God

Contributed by David Mcnally on Jan 25, 2014

God demands true faith, true repentance, true worship, not the outward show of 'religiosity'

2 Timothy 3: 1-9 Outward religion Christmas has long gone and 2014 is no longer the 'New' year. Paul wrote his 2nd 'Pastoral' Letter to Timothy around AD66/67. The church was fairly 'new' as it was only 30 years or so after Pentecost, but it was not so 'new' that it was 'Pristine' or ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Leaving Religion Entering Kingdom

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Sep 5, 2021

Jesus always talked about Kingdom, the Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom is at Hand, my Kingdom is not of this world. Today when we hear the word kingdom, immediately many different ideas, concepts, and pictures come to mind.

Leaving Religion Entering Kingdom By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: When you are traveling down the road regardless of where you are going you will pass a sign that says Leaving (Michigan) so and so and Entering (Ohio) so and so. I am leaving one destination and I am entering into ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:18, James 1:27, Matthew 23:5

Denomination: Apostolic