Sermons on Religion As Ritual:

The Gospel According To Grace! Series

Contributed by Ed Taylor on Oct 13, 2008

The Holy Spirit has used this book time and time again to free God’s people from ritual and religion.

1. THE CONSTITUTION of the United States: Important. • The Bill of Rights: Important. • The Emancipation Proclamation: Important. • We can think of document after document, and book after book, and even letter after letter that are very important. • We think ‘what would life be without them!’? BUT ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Real Deal Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 16, 2009

Sermon contrasts religious form with spiritual substance with reference made to decline and need for revival that occurred in Israel’s history.

The Real Deal James 1:25-27 5-25-08 Our story opens this morning in 2 Samuel 6:12-15 “Now it was told King David, saying, "The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom ...read more

Scripture: James 1:25-27

Denomination: Charismatic

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

Ripe Ritual And Redemptive Righteousness Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 20, 2008

Dramatic monologue as if it were from Micah himself, summarizing the entire book around the contrast between practicing ritual in order to avoid judgment vs. living God’s requirements of justice, mercy, and the humble walk.

[Outside the sanctuary] Justice, O God! Justice! We must have your justice! And righteousness! Without that we are lost! Oh, Lord God, the Temple and the city – what I see there sickens me. That ripe and rotten ritual, those empty gestures, those paid and padded priests! O God, ...read more

Scripture: Micah 7:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Is This Religion? Series

Contributed by Clint Meade on Oct 27, 2007

A look at Colossians 2:20-23

Agnes de Rochier was the only daughter of one of the wealthiest merchants of Paris, and was admired by all for her beauty and virtue. In 1403 her father died leaving her all his wealth. Rumours of her supposed relationships with some of the young men in the area surfaced. She determined to ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

Religion? Series

Contributed by Paul Clemente on Apr 3, 2017

What is the difference between religion and biblical Christianity?

We noted about a month ago from the beginning of Mark 7, Jesus confronted the Religious Leaders of straying away from God’s Word; as a matter of fact the Religious leaders 2000 years ago were so focused on themselves and traditions that they actually ignored what God said in the Bible!! Can this ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:9-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Can Rituals Save You? Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Apr 23, 2020

Rituals won’t change us, but a relationship and faith in Jesus will.

Can Rituals Save You? Text: Rom. 4:9-12 Introduction 1. Illustration: Growing up in the Catholic church I knew a lot about rituals. I went to church six, sometimes 7 days a week. I was baptized as a baby. I went to confession to a priest. I was confirmed. I served as an altar boy. The problem was ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:9-12

Denomination: Methodist

Sermon On Rituals & Traditions

Contributed by William Meakin on Apr 15, 2022

Rituals have been defined as a series of actions or type of behaviour regularly and invariably followed by someone.

Gretchen Bleiler, an American former professional halfpipe snowboarder once remarked: “I learned a few years ago that balance is the key to a happy and successful life, and a huge part of achieving that balance is to instil rituals into your everyday life - a nutritious balanced diet, daily ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 4:6, Romans 14:23, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 29:13-14

The Church Is A Place Of Ritual Or Relationship? Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Oct 14, 2025

In what areas of your life might you be prioritizing ritual over relationship with God?

As Christians, we must examine our hearts and ensure that our worship is genuine, not just a ritual. Let's explore few examples of how some Christians and churches may be going through the motions without a personal relationship with Christ. 1. Sunday Service Attendance Without Heartfelt ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:113, James 1:27

Using Religion To Escape Religion

Contributed by Tim Zingale on Sep 5, 2003

A sermon for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 17

12th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 17 Mark 7:1-8,14-15, 21-23 "Using Religion to Escape Religion" 7:1 ¶ Now when the Pharisees gathered together to him, with some of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem, 2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (For ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Lutheran

Zechariah #16: Superficial Religion Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jun 27, 2022

This exposition of Zechariah 7:1-6 explores the issue of the inner motives behind our service to the Lord. How many people go to church, give their money, fast, etc. and are baffled by God's lack of response. Why is there so little power in the church? The text addresses all that.

Intro Our text today is in Zechariah 7. Last week we examined the capstone of the eight visions.i The crowning of Joshua, the High Priest, was a symbolic act prophesying Messiah. Unlike any other, Messiah would be both priest and king. All the promises of God are yea and amen in Him.ii The eight ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-14, Matthew 23:5, Colossians 3:23, Philippians 2:3, Isaiah 1:12-15, Proverbs 4:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

When Religion Gets In The Way Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on May 22, 2006

Third in a series on the life of David. This message focuses on how religion can pervert our relationship with God.

Members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas have made quite a name for themselves in the past several years. The church is led by Pastor Fred Phelps, and though it has “Baptist” in the name of the church, it is not associated with any Baptist denomination. The church is focused on the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Journey From Religion To Relationship Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Mar 29, 2013

What is religion? So many people when they talk about Christianity call it religion. They say I got religion, or I’m a religious person. Or I don’t want to hear about Jesus because I don’t like religion. Religion is the conscientious following of rules th

I am covering in a summary fashion 3 chapters in the book of Luke this morning so I won’t be reading a lot of Scripture and there is no outline, but I will be referring to several passages. I encourage you to read Luke chapters 19-23 on your own this week to prepare for Easter weekend. I want ...read more

Religion Is Not Enough

Contributed by Scott Spencer on Feb 9, 2012

A major problem in our world today is religion. In fact, lots of people are turned off to God because of religion. Many people will not consider the claims of Christ because of religion. Religion is a problem.

Religion Is Not Enough Romans 2:17-29 17 But if you bear the name “Jew” and rely upon the Law and boast in God, 18 and know His will and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Religion Or Relationship? Series

Contributed by Ronald Thorington on Jan 1, 2008

Salvation does not come through religion but a relationship with Jesus Christ.

#22 8-26-07 Religion or Relationship? Introduction, 1) How do you know if you are truly saved? 2) Are you relying on religious credits to save you? 3) Apostle Paul had a great amount of religious credits. Text, Philippians 3:3-8 I. Salvation in not earned through Religion (3:4-6) A. Salvation ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:3-8

Denomination: Assembly Of God