Sermons on rituals:

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 Boomer 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

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

The Power Of The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jan 23, 2009

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not a ritual but real; it is the coming of a Person. It is not about a program but a power. It is not about propaganda but witnessing.

Jesus gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem…” • They need to wait. No time frame was given but they were called to wait. • Apparently this is really important. They need to receive the gift the Father has promised – the baptism of the Holy Spirit. • They are not to leave the city until ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

People Matter Most

Contributed by Sylvester Fergusson on Jul 10, 2021

The christian life has many rituals but the most important requirement of the christian is to treat your brother with love.

Four to hang Three sent up for stealing Woman found guilty or drug charge Two on sex charges Crime and violence are pervading our society leaving in its wake, weeping mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends. Those who crime does affect, vehicular accidents are affecting, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-7, Isaiah 58:10, Matthew 5:13-14, Luke 10:33-36

Denomination: Adventist

Mastering The Art Of Prayer SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

The Lord’s Prayer is more than a ritual recitation. It is a blueprint given by the Lord for prayer that is acceptable to God.

Today, we will delve into the topic of prayer and explore the significance of the Lord's Prayer. Often, we recite this prayer without fully understanding its purpose. However, Jesus intended it to be a blueprint for our prayers, guiding us in approaching God in a way that pleases Him. Let us now ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-4

Topics: Prayer, Spiritual Growth

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

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

Against The Flow Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 24, 2012

Through caring conversations, devotions, service and rituals we nourish our faith and shine brightly in a world of darkness.

Romans 8:31-39 “Against the Flow” INTRODUCTION For the past four weeks, we have talked about (what I like to call) wholistic stewardship. The proposition I have presented is that Biblical stewardship involves more than what we drop in the offering basket. Stewardship is more than ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39

Denomination: Lutheran