Sermons on Absence:

Where Is The God Of Justice?

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 25, 2010

For Martin Luther King Day 1988: It is irresponsible to continue to whine about God's absence in the face of injustice. He is refining His church to address justice, and will bless us when we give ourselves without reserve to His purposes.

Some twenty-four centuries ago, when the prophet Malachi's ears were assaulted by an impertinent question, he heard it as a confession of irresponsibility. When the men and women of Judah shouted at this prophet, who had accused them of wearying God, who had charged that their blabbering talk was ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"The Big Empty"

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Apr 3, 2017

What we can learn from the Big Empty or tomb that the early followers discovered: the empty tomb speaks to us of an absence, but it also speaks of an presence, the empty tomb gives us hope, the ability to rise above, and it teaches us to overcome.

The Big Empty Mark 16:1-8 1. On the morn of resurrection Mary Madeleine encountered a Massive Void "The Tomb was empty". • Mark 16:88Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Methodist

Prince Of Peace Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Jan 5, 2025

This sermon emphasizes that true peace is not the absence of external conflict but the presence of Christ in our hearts, offering an unshakable, eternal peace through His birth, miracles, and life-giving words, even amidst life's greatest trials and storms.

Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:1-7 Online Sermon: www.mckeesfamily.com/sermons/ The Oxford Dictionary defines peace as "freedom from disturbance; tranquility, and the cessation of war." Those who are at peace experience freedom from anxiety and distress. Yet, with such an ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:27, Isaiah 9:1-6, Luke 15:1-7, Romans 8:15, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Shining - From Guilt To Grace To Glory Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 27, 2008

1. Fellowship Removed 2.Fellowship Restored 3. Glory Revealed! A lesson about God’s absence, His presence, and how our faces can shine like Moses’! Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

The Shining From Guilt to Grace to Glory! Exodus 33 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GraceToGlory.html [read vv. 1-3, 13; ch. 34:29-35 God actually gave 3 things to Moses on Mt. Sinai: • The 10 Commandments—the revelation of God’s Law. • The Book of the Covenant—the regulation of God’s Law. • The ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 34:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Does Time Change The Intent Of God's Will?

Contributed by Bryan Beverly on Nov 3, 2014

This message is designed to help us to consider: (1) whether ‘the spirit of the law’ endures beyond ‘the letter of the law’ and (2) whether God’s silence is a synonym of His absence or His affirmation.

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: I am the Lord your God. 3You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not follow their statutes. 4My ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 18:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

Inexpressible Joy

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Dec 1, 2024

This kind of joy is not rooted in the absence of struggle or challenges but springs from a deeper place—a place anchored in God's promises. Today, we will explore this profound joy, its foundation, its vast greatness, and how it can be truly ours.

1 Peter 1:6-9 Introduction A Kid Anticipating Christmas Use the excitement of a child counting down to Christmas morning. The child’s joy isn’t just about the day arriving; it’s about the hope and anticipation of what the day will bring. Similarly, our joy in Christ is grounded in the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-9

Denomination: Church Of God

The Once & Future King Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Nov 18, 2014

Jesus tells this memorable story so His followers would know what they were to do between His departure & His second coming. He would go away for a while and His followers would need to be faithful & productive during His absence

LUKE 19: 11-27 [PARABLES IN LUKE] THE ONCE & FUTURE KING [Luke 16:10-12 / Luke 22:28-30] What would Jesus have us doing while we live on earth? This final parable in Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem highlights the believer’s responsibility or stewardship during the interval between ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27

Denomination: Baptist

How Can The Lord Help You Handle Prolonged Disputes?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Keep your attitude, thoughts and lifestyle calm and above reproach. Paul writes, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you

What are some of the Biblical guidelines for handling controversies? 1. Keep your attitude, thoughts and lifestyle calm and above reproach. Paul writes, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Light Of The World

Contributed by Peter Adigizi David on Nov 8, 2013

INTRODUCTION: Light is a very important aspect of life, the absence of which speaks of dullness, chaos, confusion. No wonder at the very beginning, God first commanded that there be light before continuing with the work of creation(Gen.1:1-2). God Himself is the Light (Rev 21:22)

Importance of Light:- • Light gives illumination and direction. Ps 119:105 • No creation OR order until you receive light on the matter Gen 1:1-2, Dan 9:1-2 • Pure, irresistible, all-conquering Jn 1:5, Matt 4: 4-7 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Gifts Of Ministry And Mercy

Contributed by John D Jones on Aug 16, 2011

Our lack of progress is not due to the absence of certain sign gifts but our failure to utilize the gifts we have. Churches are struggling to make a mark in our communities because God’s people will not engage and put to use the gifts God has given to Hi

The Gift of Mercy and Ministry Acts 9:36-43 God has given gifts to each of His children. In Acts 9:36-43, we are introduced to an ordinary lady with an extraordinary life. Tabitha is an example of one who had a combination of gifts. I want to speak to you on the topic of, “The Gift ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:36-43

Denomination: Baptist

Thomas Missed The Meeting

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Feb 16, 2010

It is not noted why Thomas was not there, but one thing we should note that his absence caused him to miss out on what Jesus was ready for them to do. In fact had you ever missed a service, and everyone that was there would tell about the good time they h

Dr. Wayne A. Lawson Antioch Institutional Baptist Church Oklahoma City, OK RevWLawson@aol.com Preached Sunday, February 14, 2010 TITLE: THOMAS MISSED THE MEETING SCRIPTURE: ST. JOHN 20:19-29 The Lord lead me to this exciting passage of Scripture in an effort to Help and Encourage our Brothers ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Curse Of Sin - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Nov 17, 2021

Sin left a curse. God’s curse is the absence of His blessings and the fall of Adam and Eve is only one of two places in the Bible where God pronounces a curse (the other being on Cain). There is a greater reality we often fail to see and that is there is hope in the curse.

Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship Hagerstown, MD, USA www.mycrossway.org View this and other messages at: https://mycrossway.churchcenter.com/channels/8118 I was reading Erwin Lutzer’s book The Serpent of Paradise, and he tells of an interesting story: There was a construction ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:15, Genesis 3:8-15, James 1:13, 1 John 1:8-9, Leviticus 11:42  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

When Life Is Hard

Contributed by Rakesh Sharma on Oct 25, 2024

As we navigate through difficult seasons, let us remember that faith is not the absence of doubt but the perseverance through it. Trust in God's goodness, rely on your community, and keep your eyes on His miracles, for in every challenge lies the opportunity for profound growth.

>> Opening Bible Reading Luke 7:18-23 18 John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 19 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:18-23, Genesis 3:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Experiencing God In Times Of Silence

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 3, 2025

There are moments in every believer's journey when it seems as though God is silent. During such times, we may question whether He hears us, whether He is present, or whether He is working in our lives. However, silence does not mean absence.

EXPERIENCING GOD IN TIMES OF SILENCE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Kings 19:11-13 “And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.” Supporting Texts: Psalm 46:10 Habakkuk 2:20 Isaiah 30:15 Lamentations 3:25-26 Psalm 62:1-2 Exodus ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:11-13, Psalm 46:10, Habakkuk 2:20, Isaiah 30:15, Lamentations 3:25-26, Psalm 62:1-2, Exodus 14:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Worldwide Communion: Persisting To The End

Contributed by William Baeta on Sep 30, 2017

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for his good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:12-

Introduction: We greet you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”. (Psalm 118:24) Let us rejoice and thank the Lord for His institution of the Holy Communion and His revelations on the importance of ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 18:25-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed