Sermons on Religious Ritual:

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

The Mystery Of The Holy Communion

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 4, 2025

The Holy Communion is not a religious ritual to be taken lightly. It is a divine mystery with deep spiritual meaning, power, and blessing. When we partake of it with faith, reverence, and understanding, we receive life, healing, restoration, and intimacy with the Lord.

THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY COMMUNION By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 Supporting Texts: Matthew 26:26-29, John 6:53-56, Luke 24:30-31, Exodus 12:1-14 INTRODUCTION: The Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a divine mystery instituted by Jesus Christ Himself. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Building On A Religious Heritage Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Jan 4, 2001

Having a religious heritage can either help us or hinder us in cultivating an authentic relationship with God.

I grew up with no religious heritage at all. As a lot of you know, my childhood was thoroughly secularized. Although I was baptized as a baby, for the most part I lived in an entirely different universe than religion. My mom and adoptive dad believed that religion had a negative effect in people’s ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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 Dangers Of Religion

Contributed by Rick Pendleton on Jan 31, 2013

Paul tells that it is actually dangerous to be religious

Dangers of Religion Romans 2:17 - 3:8 Paul wrote to a very proud people, the Jews. They were convinced that they were God's chosen people ... His ONLY chosen people ... and that everyone else was a heathen .... hated by God and marked for destruction. The Jews on the other hand were a people of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

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

Sbnr... Really? (Spiritual But Not Religious)

Contributed by Monty Newton on Nov 16, 2015

Spirituality grows best in an authentic faith community - Church!

Title: SBNR – Really? Text: I Samuel 1:4-20 Thesis: Spirituality grows best in an authentic religious community. Introduction Some years ago, the toy manufacturer Mattel came up with an interesting scheme to promote the latest version of its world famous doll, Barbie. The new Barbie being ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:4-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Things That Give God Joy

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 23, 2025

God’s happiness is not based on material offerings or religious rituals but on our obedience, faith, worship, and love for others. When we walk in righteousness, win souls, and serve Him faithfully, we bring Him great joy.

THINGS THAT GIVE GOD JOY By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Luke 15:7 "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." Supporting Texts: Psalm 147:11, Hebrews 11:6, Micah 6:8, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:7, Psalm 147:11, Hebrews 11:6, Micah 6:8, Matthew 25:21, John 4:23-24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Are You Religious? (Part Three) Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jan 23, 2017

What does it mean to become polluted by the world? To be polluted means our thinking and behaviors are of the world. We are subscribing to its philosophies and ideals. We are liviing in accordance with the sinful nature. So how do we become unpolluted?

ARE YOU RELGIOUS (part three) Recap: Last week we looked at the beginning of James 1:27, "Religion as God the Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." We looked at why orphans and widows and it's because these are among the most vulnerable, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:27, James 2:15-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Go! And Be Washed, Renewed, And Saved - Titus 3:5–6 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 11, 2025

The world offers countless answers—do good deeds, follow religious rituals, give to charity, try harder, live better. Yet, deep inside, every honest person knows this truth: we cannot wash ourselves clean.

Go! And Be Washed, Renewed, and Saved - Titus 3:5–6 Introduction Church, let me begin with a question that strikes at the very heart of our humanity: “How do you make yourself clean before a holy God?” The world offers countless answers—do good deeds, follow religious rituals, give to charity, ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:5-6, Ephesians 2:8-9, Psalm 51:7, John 3:5, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

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

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