Sermons on Ritualism:

The Meaning Of Baptism

Contributed by Bill Huffhine on May 27, 2004

Understanding the true meaning of Christian baptism through an examination of the Jewish ritual of proselyte baptism.

One of the greatest joys that I have as a pastor is when an individual who is far from God visits our community of believers, begins to hear the voice of God calling them to a higher place, a fresh beginning, a new life, and that person responds to the call of God by committing their life to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-13

Denomination: Free Methodist

Prayer That Gets Results

Contributed by Mike Turner on Oct 9, 2004

Is our praying just routine or simply a ritual ? This message deals with "Prayer That Gets Results"

Prayer That Gets Results Luke 18:1-8 Joke: A woman invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to her six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I don’t know what to say," the little girl replied. "Just say what you hear Mommy say," the woman said. The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Living By Rules Or A Relationship? Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 9, 2006

Are you still trying to obey rules and observe rituals to earn God’s favor?

INTRODUCTION During this Grace-Robbers series we have noted there are many people who are still trying to live under law instead of grace. Rules and laws can often be ridiculous, and even funny. Here is a list of ten actual laws from different states. 1. In Alabama it is illegal for a driver to ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

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

Another Thanksgiving Sunday?

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Oct 18, 2008

It is a tradition to celebbrate Thanksgiving Sundays and Harvest Festivals in our Churches. The Lord had given detailed instructions to Moses about these rituals or Liturgy. However, what do all these rituals mean to us? Do they have any significance in t

Another Thanksgiving Sunday? There are some books of the Old testament that are rarely read. Deuteronomy is not too bad. Many of us would have browsed through the book of Deuteronomy some time or the other. However, I am not sure how much each of us will score if we do a Bible Quiz on ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Lord's Supper Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Dec 22, 2012

We see how Jesus transformed a ritual, meant to commemorate the greatest deliverance of God’s people, into a new ritual to commemorate and give assurance that the sacrifice he was about to make would bring about a far greater deliverance.

Introduction Last week we studied the “last supper” that Jesus had with his disciples. We noted how Jesus was in control of the events that were leading to his sacrifice as the Passover Lamb. This morning we will see how he transformed a ritual, meant to commemorate the greatest ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:22-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Be Practical, Not Legalistic Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Oct 30, 2021

Jesus taught the Pharisees how He desires sincere love for people over meaningless ritual, and how He desires grace over legalism. Those who adhere to ritual and tradition are often unable to love others or worship God.

In our message today, we will see how Jesus taught the Pharisees that forgiveness and grace toward others is a necessity before worship. The capacity to extend love and mercy is something that must be present in a person’s heart before he or she is able to worship the Lord in spirit and truth, as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus The One And Only - Accept No Substitute Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Jan 10, 2007

Colossians 2 explains that Philosophy, Ritualism, Mysticism, and Legalism are counterfeits of the real thing: Jesus Christ

Colossians Series # 2 Jesus the One and Only Accept No Substitute Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:2-8 INTRODUCTION: Last week we looked at Colossians chapter 1 where Paul talked about the Supremacy of Christ. In Chapter 2, Paul warns the Colossian church about some teachings that are ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Inside-Outside Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 29, 2012

The condition of your heart is what determines your status with God, not the rituals and traditions you follow.

Introduction Have you ever asked someone a question and found you had touched a raw nerve? The other person swells up with emotion and then unleashes a tirade. “I’ve had enough of people asking me…” “You want to know my opinion? I’ll be glad to give you my ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Rapture Of The Bride (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Stephen Smith on Jun 1, 2020

A message that examines the close parallel between the ancient Hebrew wedding ritual and the marriage of Christ and the Church.

Pt 7: The Rapture of the Bride (part 2) The Hebrew Wedding and the Rapture As I pointed out in my last message ('The Rapture of the Bride pt 1'), there appears to be significant misunderstanding concerning the nature and purpose of the Lord's 'parousia' ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:17, Matthew 1:19-20, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 3:20, James 4:4, 1 Peter 1:18, Titus 2:11-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Colossians 3:1, Revelation 22:20-21, Ephesians 5:31-32, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 1:4-5, John 17:19, John 14:2-3, Matthew 26:27-28, Matthew 24:36, Ephesians 5:25-26, Song of Songs 1:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

Security Systems Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

Our security in the face of an awesomely holy God is no longer in elaborate rituals and barriers but in Jesus Christ.

As you all know I flew to Minneapolis between Christmas and New Year’s. And since the terror alert is at orange, inspections are more thorough and lines are longer. Also both the Minneapolis and Philadelphia airports have X-ray machines for the checked baggage. Fortunately the standards aren’t so ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Purification Of Baby Jesus Series

Contributed by Jaeyoun Chang on Jan 11, 2026

Luke highlighted Jesus' fulfillment of various rituals in the temple and the prophecies of Simeon and Anna that followed.

Introduction The text explained what happened after the birth of Jesus Christ. I. Jesus Receives Circumcision (v. 21) Jesus, after being born into this world, received circumcision like any other Jewish child, on the eighth day. It was likely Joseph who performed the circumcision. Being in a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:21-39

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Power Of Quiet Time Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 24, 2025

Quiet time is not a religious ritual but a vital necessity. It is the secret of strength, clarity, wisdom, and intimacy with God.

THE POWER OF QUIET TIME By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Mark 1:35 Supporting Texts: Psalm 46:10, Isaiah 30:15, Luke 5:16, Matthew 6:6, Joshua 1:8 INTRODUCTION: In the midst of a noisy world filled with distractions, deadlines, and digital overload, the value of quiet time cannot be ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:35, Psalm 46:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

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