Sermons on Religion As Ritual:

The Sabbath Controversy

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 21, 2020

The LORD requires compassion rater than ritualism.

THE SABBATH CONTROVERSY. Matthew 12:1-21. This is an account of a controversy which arose from the actions of Jesus’ disciples one Sabbath when they were physically hungry (Matthew 12:1). The ever-vigilant Pharisees had been self-appointed guardians of the old laws and traditions for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Baptism And Salvation

Contributed by Richard Bowman on Nov 28, 2023

There is a difference between real baptism and ritual baptism

SALVATION AND BAPTISM Warsaw Christian Church, Richard Bowman, Pastor It has been brought to my attention that there is some misunderstanding about the relationship between salvation and baptism. I hope to clarify the issue. I believe it will help to distinguish between two types of baptism in the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:11, Matthew 28:19

The New Versus The Old Series

Contributed by James Snyder on Apr 22, 2013

Today's Christian rarely enjoys the Christianity envisioned by Jesus because it has been hampered by religion, which destroys the freedom available to us in Christ.

Every time some tragedy happens, people get very religious. The problem with getting religious is it does not last very long. Once the crisis has calmed down and things get back to normal, religion seems to go out the window. The reason this happens so often is that religion is never the answer it ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:33-39

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

To Islam—and Back Again: Muslim Influence In The West

Contributed by Chuck Colson on Aug 13, 2008

After September 11, interest in Islam soared, and everyone, it seemed, looked for ways to appease it or put a smiley face on it.

This article is from BreakPoint WorldView magazine: http://www.breakpoint.org/contentindex.asp?ID=146. -------------------------------------------------- After September 11, interest in Islam soared, and everyone, it seemed, looked for ways to appease it or put a smiley face on it. For example, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:20-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Week That Changed The World: The Day Jesus Saw The Downfall Of Apostate Religion Series

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jul 15, 2021

Jesus finished His final day of public ministry. He taught the crowds in the Temple, confronted difficult questions, and then left for good. The Temple and its religious system was corrupt, useless, and irredeemable, and would be judged by God.

Mark 12:28-44 gives us details about the final day of Jesus' public ministry and HIs departure from the Temple. He will go to the Mount of Olives and present to His astonished disciples the reality of what is to come in the future, and it does not involve a new Israel free from Rome, nor the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-46, Mark 12:28-44, Luke 10:25-28, Luke 20:41-47, Luke 21:1-4, Matthew 23:1-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Multi Ethnic Bereavement

Contributed by Davon Huss on Apr 30, 2017

I wrote this for a counseling class. It contains three parts: 1) Bereavement in religion 2) Bereavement in ethnic groups 3) Applications for pastoral and clinical counselors.

To be used of the Lord to help those grieving is both satisfying and humbling. My personal prayer is that more mourners will be drawn to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the only thing that can bring true and lasting comfort. Jesus said, “Blessed are those that mourn, for they ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3, Matthew 5:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Heart Of The Matter Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Feb 12, 2016

Don't let ritual rise above your relationship with God. Don't let your ways rise above God's ways.

Last week we saw the marks of a great servant in Prophet Samuel. He is a man of integrity, faithfulness and a genuine love for his people. • Today we will see the new leader Saul, and sadly, the opposite of what we see last week – the marks of a disobedient servant. Let’s read 1 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Meeting God's Requirements Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Feb 15, 2009

God longs to be in relationship with us, not for us to lean on our rituals.

Meeting God’s Requirements Micah and Amos Rev. Brian Bill 2/15/09 I’m not sure you’re aware of this but Tim Tuley has had a lifelong ambition to play one hole at Pebble Beach, California the way the pros do. This is a challenge because this green is on a small section of land that juts out into ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Wash Your Hands Or Heart?

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Aug 23, 2018

Theme: Righteousness and Rituals This sermon deals with what really matters - how do we deal with all the rules, rituals and traditions we find in our churches? What really matters?

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23 Title: Should You Wash Your Hands or Your Heart? Theme: Righteousness and Rituals This sermon deals with what really matters - how do we deal with all the rules, rituals and traditions we find in our churches? What really matters? INTRO: Grace and peace this morning ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Nazarene

True Worship - More Than Good Intentions

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Aug 20, 2011

There are Lessons to Be Learned About Worship from the story of Cain and Abel.

Our text is Genesis 4:1-16. Here we saw that apart from GOD, sin dominates us. We learned that sin comes from our NATURE, not our ENVIRONMENT. Now, there are Lessons to Be Learned About Worship from the story of Cain and Abel. Arthur Pink notes, “The central truth of the chapter is that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Taking People Where They Are

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Thesis: Faith and obedience take precedence over ritual.

Thesis: Faith and obedience take precedence over ritual. Intro.: 1. Tonight we conclude our study of "WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?" 2. In this last lesson we want to turn to 2 Chronicles 30 and the story of Hezekiah's celebration of the Passover. a. We will discern an important principle in this ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 30:18-20

Remember That You Are Baptized And Be Thankful.

Contributed by Roy Fowler on Jan 10, 2015

Discusses baptism and then continues with the Remembrance that we are baptized ritual.

Illustration: Over the centuries Christians have debated what baptism accomplishes, to whom it should be administered, and how much water should be used.  Christian Theology in Plain Language, p. 158. Illustration: The story is told about the baptism of King Aengus by St. Patrick in the middle ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Salvation Tapestry

Contributed by Robert Sickler on Apr 14, 2012

We should never elevate any salvation event or ritual to the point where people feel they have been issued a ticket to heaven because of this event or ritual.

THE SALVATION TAPESTRY INTRODUCTION Last Sunday, Christians all over America celebrated Easter or as some prefer to call it: Resurrection Sunday. I had the opportunity to enjoy a Baptist Sunrise service, complete with a good breakfast; and then, I fellowshipped at a Pentecostal church. At one ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-6

Denomination: Christian Church

Promises To The Sincere.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 1, 2022

A changed heart and a new life.

PROMISES TO THE SINCERE. Isaiah 58:9-14. We who have heard His call and answered, “Here am I LORD, send me” (Isaiah 6:8) will now call on Him, and He will answer “Here am I” (Isaiah 58:9). When our ‘religion’ consists in more than outward rituals, and our deeds follow our souls in pity ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:9-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Righteous Or Religious?

Contributed by John Butler on Jun 28, 2008

Examine yourself using the parable of the good Samaritan.

*******SERMON OUTLINE******* Righteous Or Religious? 1) Introduction... The George Barna Research Institute conducted a survey that revealed something about religious life in America that may come as a shock to you. According to the survey: 94 percent of Americans claim to believe in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37