Sermons on Religious Ritual:

Jesus The Real Deal Series

Contributed by E. True Neilson on Dec 16, 2014

The book of Hebrews is all about Jesus!

SIMPLY JESUS Jesus; the Real Deal Hebrews 3:1-6 INTRODUCTION -There is some great stuff happening with the Adventureland Ministries for kids back there. -They are celebrating the end of their first workshop today and will be starting a new one on the life of David next week. -Get your kids back ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christmas: Gifts Of The Magi (Frankincense) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Feb 29, 2024

In Matthew 2, the wise men bring the newborn Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Share the meaning and significance of these precious gifts with your congregation this Christmas! Part two: Frankincense.

The Gifts of the Magi (Frankincense) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 12/17/2017 If you’re just joining us, we’re using the three Sundays leading up to Christmas to talk about Christmas presents. No, we’re not taking turns reading our Christmas wish-lists. Rather, we’re taking ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-16

Denomination: Christian Church

Worthless, Worthless Garbage

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Feb 8, 2011

To be transformed by God is to show that everything that everything else we have pursued so intensely in life amount to no more than "a pile of dung."

Worthless, Worthless Garbage Phil 3:1-11 Feb 6, 2011 Intro: How many of you know what this is: I’ll give you a hint: it is the world’s third most valuable commodity, after sugar and coffee. I’ll give you another hint – next week is valentines’ day and millions of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

And Justice For All Series

Contributed by Byron Harvey on Jan 18, 2010

This is an installment in my expository series through the book of Romans.

“And Justice for All” Romans 2:12-29 October 5, 2008 52. That’s the usual speed at which they nab me, at least in a 35; it’s 62 in a 45, something about 17 miles over the speed limit that tends to grab the attention of the nice officers. In my ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:12-29

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Zipporah Circumcises Her Son. Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 19, 2022

"On the way, at a place where they spent the night, the Lord met Moses and tried to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin, and touched Moses' feet with it, and said, 'Truly you are a bridegroom of blood to me!'

Zipporah Circumcises Her Son. Exodus 4:24-26 "On the way, at a place where they spent the night, the Lord met Moses and tried to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin, and touched Moses' feet with it, and said, 'Truly you are a bridegroom of blood to ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 2:15-22

Denomination: Baptist

Lord Of The Sabbath - Servant Of Mercy - Matthew 12:1-21 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on May 3, 2025

JESUS reveals that God's heart gives priority to mercy over ritual, rest over burden, and compassion over condemnation. JESUS redefines true Sabbath rest, corrects legalistic distortions, and fulfills the Servant prophecy with a ministry of gentle justice and mercy.

2025.05.04.Sermon Notes. Matthew 12.1-21 LORD OF THE SABBATH-SERVANT OF MERCY William Akehurst, HSWC SCRIPTURES: Matthew 12:1-21, Mark 2:25-28, 1 Samuel 21:1-6, Hosea 6:6, Mark 2:27, BIG IDEA: JESUS reveals that God's heart gives priority to mercy over ritual, rest over burden, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-21, Mark 2:25-28, 1 Samuel 21:1-6, Hosea 6:6, Mark 2:27, Matthew 11:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

New

Contributed by David Hicks on Nov 15, 2006

God isn’t interested in patching up your old life. He wants to make a new creation out of you.

New Matthew 9:14-17 This week I had breakfast with our youth intern. Joe proudly announced that he and Cheryl are expecting their first child and that the due date is in February. As we talked, our conversation turned to all of the new things that will be happening in their lives over the next ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:14-17

Denomination: Holiness

Halloween: Is Evil A Red Herring?

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 19, 2021

The roots of Halloween have to do with pagan rituals but today, it’s more a night to celebrate. Not everything connected with the modern celebration is all fun and games. Any believer who is sensitive to the Holy Spirit will pull back on a number of elements associated with this celebration.

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend a projected $8.8 billion dollars on the holiday called Halloween in 2019. Almost 30 million will dress up and the average person will spend over $86 to celebrate. In fact, I have a neighbor who decorates more for Halloween than any ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

False Faith/Counterfeit Christianity

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Oct 15, 2005

Simon the sorcerer is an illustration of Counterfeit Christianity or false faith. It begins with a false self perception, and foolish pride. Trying to show folks that the rituals we use in the church do not save, instead it is the life changing presence

Intro: Online Encyclopedia, Wikipedia this to say about Counterfits “Today the finest counterfeit banknotes are claimed to be U.S. dollar bills produced in North Korea, which are used to finance the North Korean government, among other uses. The fake North Korean copies are called Superdollars ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-25

Denomination: Baptist

Free As A Bird

Contributed by William Yates on Apr 17, 2004

We read in Lev. 14 of the ritual that persons healed of leprosy would go through. One bird was sacrificed and another set free. We who are in Christ need to see ourselves as birds set free.

Free As A Bird Leviticus 14 Cleansing From Infectious Skin Diseases 1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "These are the regulations for the diseased person at the time of his ceremonial cleansing, when he is brought to the priest: 3 The priest is to go outside the camp and examine him. If the person has ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 14:1-7

Famous Amos Series

Contributed by Sterling Franklin on Mar 13, 2011

Israel was guilty of oppressing the poor and needy and perverting justice, despite ritually worshipping God in sacrifice and worship. Are our actions backed by an authentic heart? Are we displeasing God despite 'doing all the right things'?

"Famous Amos" What can we learn from this shepherd and fig-tender - turned - prophet? Given at Glorious King Jesus (GKJ), March 13, 2011 Sterling C. Franklin Text: Amos 5:1-27 (Read Text) Opening Prayer This is a very serious message from Amos! What were the people doing? We see here in the ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:1-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Old Testament Animal's Blood Purifies The Unclean

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Apr 18, 2014

To show that no more rituals and sacrifices needed in the New testament because JESUS had done it already all for us by His crucifixion and all we have to do is believe Him and accept the LORD as LORD and SAVIOR.

I. EXORDIUM: Are you purified and made holy in CHRIST? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that no more rituals and sacrifices needed in the New testament because JESUS had done it already all for us by His crucifixion and all we have to do is believe Him and accept the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:13

Denomination: Pentecostal

How To Approach God Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 19, 2025

Approaching God is not merely a ritual but a privilege and a relationship. Whether with humility, confidence, prayer, worship, or repentance, each of these approaches allows us to draw near to God in a way that honors Him and opens the door for His grace.

HOW TO APPROACH GOD By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Supporting Texts: Matthew 7:7-8, Psalm 95:6, James 4:8, Isaiah ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:16, Matthew 7:7-8, Psalm 95:6, James 4:8, Isaiah 55:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

No One Is Beyond The Pale For Jesus

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Jul 1, 2024

No Jewish rabbi would have touched Jairus's dead daughter and the woman with the issue of blood because that would make Him ritually impure, yet Jesus did so and brought healing. Why?

The Marcan Sandwich Story: Sermons and eggs As some of you may know, I have recently retired after 12 years as Vicar of the East Marshland Benefice in the Diocese of Ely As we were taking the bed apart in our bedroom I was surprised to find two baskets under the bed One with 3 eggs in and the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Anglican

Reflecting Images Of Rebellion Series

Contributed by Darryl Klassen on Nov 6, 2007

God is just like any parent; his heart breaks when his children rebel. These are the images of his hurt and what he planned to do about it.

REFLECTING IMAGES OF REBELLION Someone has defined rebellion this way: “Reserving for myself the right to make the final decision.” Are you a rebel? How many of us think that it’s okay to go 110 km/h on the highway? As the pirates like to say, “It’s not a rule per se; it’s more like a ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:1-31

Denomination: Mennonite