Sermons on Religion As Ritual:

“spectators Or Combatants?” Series

Contributed by Chris Surber on Dec 20, 2011

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

Introduction “The tale is told of a soldier during the Civil War who simply could not make up his mind which side of the conflict he supported. Thus, he dressed in a blue coat and gray pants, and walked down the center of the battlefield confident of his approval by both sides…and was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:34-39

Denomination: Christian Church

New Wine, Skinny Jeans Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Apr 8, 2021

How does the gospel relate to our lives, our religions, and our methods?

Introduction I want to open this morning with a challenge for you. No matter who you are, your position or title; no matter what kind of degree you hold, or how long you’ve been coming to church. No matter how much or how little you read your Bible, no matter if you think I’m right or I’m wrong; ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:33-39, Matthew 6:2-6, Matthew 6:16-18, Acts 19:1-7, 1 Corinthians 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

True Religion James 1:26-27 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 31, 2021

James 1:26 speaks of "true religion." We know about caring for orphans and widows, but what about the other part?

James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

La Prueba De "La Verdadera Religion" Series

Contributed by Carlos Camarena on Apr 7, 2003

When the Gospel has been watered down through the preaching of "cheap grace", James makes a call for a "true religion."

La prueba de "la verdadera religión" Texto: Santiago 1:27 Lectura Bíblica: Mateo 25:33-40 I. Introducción A. Después de un breve receso por motivos de fuerza mayor, retomamos nuestra serie en Santiago. Bienvenidos una vez más. Esperamos que la gracia de Dios nos dé entendimiento al estudiar ...read more

Scripture: James 1:27, Matthew 25:33-40

Denomination: Adventist

The Priority Of Justice And Righteousness

Contributed by Leonard Davis on May 29, 2009

The failure of Israel to make a connection between their religion rituals and their daily lives should serve as a warning for us in the church today that justice and righteousness are still priorities with God and judgment results with these are absent.

THE PRIORITY OF JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS Every now and then we come across stories that are both humorous and sad. During World War II in the Pacific Theater our forces set up a base on the island of New Guinea. We built an airport with runways, a tower, lights along the runways, and the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"Priorities" Series

Contributed by Clark Tanner on May 1, 2008

Sermon 11 in a study in Colossians

“Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day— 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

Denomination: Orthodox

The Spirit Of The Antichrist

Contributed by Jose R. Hernandez on Apr 11, 2011

Today I want to speak to you about something that some of you may find alarming or controversial. Today I want to speak to you about the spirit of the antichrist.

Today I want to speak to you about something that some of you may find alarming or controversial. Today I want to speak to you about the spirit of the antichrist. Before proceeding, I wish to make two very important clarifications. Number one, I would like to make it perfectly clear that my ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:18-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

Scanners Set To Discernment: Examples Of Ufo Religions

Contributed by Frederick Meekins on Feb 14, 2022

Scanners Set To Discernment: Examples Of UFO Religions

To most Americans, the idea of beings from beyond this world does not at the moment impact their lives to any appreciable degree. Usually to most people the consideration of the topic is more akin to a transient pondering that may creep intermittently into their minds from time to time. Sadly, in ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:2

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Deception Of New Age Spirituality A Biblical Perspective Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Nov 24, 2025

New age religion can be concerning for Christians because it often promotes ideas that contradict biblical teachings. Its pantheistic views of God, emphasis on personal experience over scripture

New age religion can be concerning for Christians because it often promotes ideas that contradict biblical teachings. Its pantheistic views of God, emphasis on personal experience over scripture, and focus on self-realization can lead Christians astray from their faith's core principles. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:18-23

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

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

Devoted To Communion Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 4, 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

Lost And Not Knowing It Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Mar 28, 2013

This message examines the difference between being religious and being a Christian.

Do you believe that there are people in the world who are lost and don’t even know it? The vast majority of these people are very religious. They do religious things, they talk using the religious jargon and they even dress correctly. In the world today there are approximately 4,200 different ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ