Sermons on Religious Ritual:

A Religious Hell

Contributed by Richard Cook on Aug 10, 2009

There are many in the church today that are religious, but religion won’t get you into God’s Kingdom, what God want’s is a relationship.

Matthew 7:21-23 [21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Religious Lies

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Jul 18, 2011

This is the 4th sermon in the Truth series dealing with religious lies Christians sometimes pick up in church

Truth Series #4 RELIGIOUS LIES 2 Cor. 12:9-10 CHCC – July 17, 2011 INTRODUCTION: For the last three Sundays we’ve been talking about TRUTH. We’ve looked at lies we tend to believe – Self lies, Worldly lies, Marital lies … and today we’re going to look at ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Religious Exhibitionism Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 14, 2018

Let’s explore our motives in public acts of worship.

Prelude How should we give in public? How should we pray in public? How should we fast in public? Purpose: Let’s explore our motives in public acts of worship. Plan: Let’s look Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 and Jesus’ discussion of public religious duties. Matthew 6:1-4 Public Giving Jesus said to let ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Religious Authority

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Aug 24, 2022

Jesus demonstrated that the religious authorities did not have the authority to create laws for the people which violated God's Torah.

Religious Authority John 5:1-18 Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz John 5:1 After these things there was aa feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. John 5:2 Now there is in Jerusalem by athe sheep gate a pool, which is called bin 1Hebrew 2Bethesda, having five porticoes. 3 In these lay a ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-18

Denomination: United Methodist

Israel: The Next Generation

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Feb 1, 2025

Every generation crosses a river into a new land, taking with them lessons from their ancestors. Your ancestors may not have given you what you needed to travel the desert in safety, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late.

Should respect and courtesy be taught in elementary, middle, and high school classes along with writing and arithmetic? At the end of the last century ten states mandated that character education be included in the school curriculum and legislation; the issue was pending in many more states. A ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:1-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

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

Which Jesus Do You Follow? Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Mar 4, 2025

There's only one true Jesus, but there are many false concepts of Jesus whom people follow. Do you follow a religious Jesus who requires rituals and works for salvation. Then, think again.

As we mentioned in our bulletin this morning, we begin a new series of messages today entitled "Meet the Real Jesus?' And I'm going to begin this morning by asking each of you here, "Which Jesus do you follow?" Now, yes, I'm anticipating some questions or comments which ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16, Isaiah 64:6, James 2:10, Romans 3:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Bible Church

Refresh My Strength Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Oct 16, 2009

Jesus came with an invitation not a list of religious rules and rituals.

PATTERN: DEDUCTIVE TEXTUAL – EXPOSITORY Introduction: The top 10 reasons you are too busy to pray today: 1. You wake up feeling rested, then realize your alarm should’ve gone off an hour ago. 2. Your spouse is away on a two-day business trip that’s lasted all week. 3. None of the clean clothes you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Wesleyan

Eyes Fixed On Jesus Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Mar 10, 2024

Rather than being rigid in our worship, interpretation of His word, and rituals intended to bring us closer to Him, let our primary aim be not the control of others but the pursuit of holy lives.

Eyes Fixed on Jesus 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 Ever since creation humanity has struggled to establish channels of communication and demonstrate reverence towards a holy God! Sacraments such as confession, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12

Denomination: Baptist

What Makes God Sick

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on May 11, 2020

Does your life and your church make God sick?

Isaiah 1:1-20 Scripture Reading Revelation 3:14-19 Proposition: You Must Repent of Your Sins! I. Because your sin will be publicized! 1-4 A. The preacher knows. 1 B. The World knows. 2-4 II. Because You Cannot Stand the Reaping! 5-9 A. There is no comfort! 5,6 B. There ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:1-20, Revelation 3:14-19, Revelation 3:1-3, Revelation 2:5

Denomination: Baptist

True Communion

Contributed by Greg Allen on Apr 16, 2006

I honestly don’t know if Jesus is glorified through crackers and grape juice. And I wonder what he must think when we come together, go through our little religious ritual and leave with the same me-first mentality that we came in with.

Today I want to look at the different viewpoints of the last supper from the 4 gospels. Traditionally only 3 of the gospels are credited with recognizing the last supper, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Let’s look at those: Matthew 26:20-30 20When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-35

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Are You Righteous Or Religious

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Feb 28, 2021

Dr. Martin Luther King "If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain". Righteousness is the quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable “behavior that is morally justifiable or right.”

Are You Righteous or Religious? By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: - A couple of weeks ago I did a message titled “What Kind of Spirit do you Have”? I love how God sends and uses confirmation. My brother Mark also has been dealing with something very similar and dealing with the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37, Micah 6:8

Denomination: Apostolic

The Church Beyond The Church Walls: Just For The 'religious' Series

Contributed by Pastor Jeff Hughes on Mar 25, 2014

The final sermon in the Kindred United Series, this sermon shows the difference between "religion" and "relationship", and shows how we should do more than just sit in a pew on Sunday; we should serve others in need, and do so in love.

Beyond The Church Walls--Just For The Religious This week, we wrap up the teaching series "Kindred United". This series, nine messages in all, ended up going much longer than I had expected. We have learned, first of all, that the overarching thought of "loving God, loving others" starts with ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22-27

Denomination: Bible Church

Religious Or Christ-Like?

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Thesis: There is a big difference between being "religious" and following Jesus Christ.

Thesis: There is a big difference between being "religious" and following Jesus Christ. Intro.: 1. When you hear someone use the word "religion" or hear someone refer to another person as "religious" what do you think of? a. Illust. Do you think of "Church Lady" on Saturday Night Live who goes ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39