Sermons on Religious Ritual:

Kingdom Thinking

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Sep 19, 2021

One of the greatest dangers in life is the misunderstanding of a concept. Because of misunderstandings we have many different belief systems, different religious ideas, people have been called heretic, crazy, looney, and many other names all because there is a misunderstanding of concept.

Kingdom Thinking By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: Now let me explain this before someone gets the wrong concept. One of the greatest dangers in life is the misunderstanding of a concept. Because of misunderstandings we have many different belief systems, different religious ideas, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: Apostolic

Behold The Lamb Of God

Contributed by Howard Gunter on Jan 19, 2019

The significance of the Baptism of Jesus and its relevance to our baptism

Weekend Message/Devotion January 20, 2019 John 1:29-41 Behold the Lamb of God In today’s gospel reading, we find a whole lot to digest. If we are serious about understanding this reading, we will be drawn to a number of readings through the Old and the New Testaments. I hope you will follow ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29-41, Genesis 22:7, Revelation 5:11-12, Matthew 3:14-15, John 1:33  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

Why Is Old Covenant Obsolete? Series

Contributed by Paul Clemente on May 20, 2019

We say we are Christians and Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, why do we allow anything (rituals, religions, entertainment, other people, etc....) take more time and focus than Christ, our New Covenant?

Let’s worship our God by listening to His Word. God’s word is Truth and the Truth will set us free. Our Lord Jesus Christ also said “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest!” Our lives can be full if we trust Jesus Christ as our only Savior and God and listen and follow ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 8:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

Jesus Made Me Kosher

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Nov 25, 2007

Our access to God is not by ceremonial ritual but the sacrifice of Christ.

We have differing standards on what we consider “clean” and “unclean.” A lot depends on how meticulous we are. For some of us, when we drop a cookie, we follow the “5-second rule” (this was tested recently on Mythbusters). When I lived in Germany, everything was spotless--you could eat off the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:18-23

Denomination: Congregational

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 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

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

How To Be Accepted By God! Series

Contributed by Kyle Sullivan on Nov 10, 2014

We are accepted by God through Faith.

Spurgeon: “Illustrations are like windows, they let light in.” Two Important Words: Justified—to be completely accepted by God. James 2:23 Credited—to compute or to calculate. This word is used 11 times in Romans chapter 4. How can I be Accepted by God? 1) We ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

First Ripe Fruit

Contributed by John Mccormack on Oct 3, 2013

THE PROPHET MICAH ADDRESSED MISERABLE LIFESTYLES TURNED INTO HOPE.

FIRST RIPE FRUIT INTRODUCTION: THE PROPHET MICAH PROPHESIED IN THE EIGHTH CENTURY B.C. HE ADDRESSED THE DECADENT SINS OF ISRAEL, THE NORTHERN KINGDOM AND JUDAH, THE SOUTHERN KINGDOM. INTERPRETATION: MICAH 7:1 (NKJV) WOE IS ME! FOR I AM LIKE THOSE WHO GATHER SUMMER FRUITS, LIKE THOSE WHO ...read more

Scripture: Micah 7:1

Denomination: Baptist

Fruitless Religion Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 27, 2010

If we want to bear fruit for the glory of God and lead people to Him on a regular basis, then we must let Christ clean out the fruitless religion, and we must pray with hearts full of faith and forgiveness

A clergyman dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates. Ahead of him is a guy dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans. Saint Peter says to this guy, “Who are you, so that I may know whether to admit you into the Kingdom of Heaven?” The guy replies, “I’m Joe Cohen, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-25

Denomination: Evangelical Free

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

Living In The New Testament

Contributed by Kelvin Mckisic on Jun 24, 2025

You can't put new wine in old wineskins, in so doing the wineskin bursts. Likewise, you cannot fit the Old Testament laws and rules into the New Testament grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Welcome, beloved friends and family of faith, as we gather in this sacred space, a sanctuary of solace and strength, to seek the wisdom of the Word of God. We are here, united in our hunger for understanding, our thirst for truth, and our shared desire to draw closer to our Creator. In the words ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:16-17, Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Only Way To Heaven. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 29, 2024

The question of how to get to heaven has puzzled humanity for centuries.

Many believe that good deeds, moral living, or religious rituals can earn a spot in the afterlife. Many think there are many ways to enter into Heaven. However, the Bible clearly teaches that there is only one way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ. The Bible says... - "Jesus answered, 'I ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6, Acts 4:12