Sermons on Absence:

What Is Prayer?

Contributed by James Linders on Feb 2, 2016

Prayer is a conversation with God in His physical absence. We should ALWAYS TRUST God with our lives. The outcome of our prayer should NOT be based on our expectations and needs but on GOD'S will, immaterial of whether it is what we want.

James 5:17-18 (ESV) "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit." To answer the question “What IS ...read more

Scripture: James 5:17-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

He Is My Refuge Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on May 11, 2020

To hope is be human. Our problem is not the absence or lack of hope but what we put our hope in. The goal of this sermon series that I’m doing is to take you on a journey through a book filled with hope. That book is the … the Bible!

Some of us … [clear throat] … are old enough to remember this song. It goes like this [start song]: “The next time you’re found with your chin on the ground… “There’s a lot to be learned … so look around. “Just what makes that little old ant think He’ll move that rubber tree plant? Anyone knows ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:13-20, Genesis 22:11, Genesis 22:18, Hebrews 11:9-10

Denomination: United Methodist

What Now, Disciples?

Contributed by Mack Armstrong on Apr 7, 2007

What would the disciples do with the absence of their Lord? What would they do now? Yet, on that first Easter, the question was asked and the answers given over a period of time have changed the world. The question is for us today, "What now, disciple?

JOHN 20:1-10 WHAT NOW, DISCIPLES? I. THE DARKNESS: * A. Doubts. B. Demoralization. C. Denials. Ii. THE DELIGHTS: ** A. Discovery. B. Defensible. C. Dedication. III. THE DIRECTIONS: *** A. Declarations. B. Dying. C. Dinning. If we could somehow ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-10

Denomination: Methodist

Keeping Prayer In Perspective Series

Contributed by Warren Lamb on Jun 8, 2008

Think for a moment about what it would be like to be blind. No vision of blue skies, wind-blown trees, loved ones, favorite movie. Close yours eyes for a moment right now. Notice the absence of things. Notice all that is missing.

Keeping Prayer in Perspective Matthew 20:29-34 As we come to the end of our study in Matthew 20, we find a short story that is included in three of the four gospels. Keeping in mind our general rule of thumb that whenever the Bible tells us something three times it is of major significance, I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:29-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Wrapping Up Loosed Ends Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on May 23, 2006

Our text from the second half of Acts 1 tells about an important prayer meeting. As it turns out it is a history-making prayer meeting. But there is a chilling ABSENCE at this meeting. Why did the talented, priveledged Judas disqualify himself. The proc

Wrapping Up Lose Ends Series: Book of Acts #7 Acts 1:12-26[1] 12-4-05 Intro We will begin this morning with a clip from the movie “Crimes & Misdemeanors.” To cover sins of adultery and extortion, Judah Rosenthal has had his mistress murdered. In this scene he sits down beside Cliff Stern, a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:12-26

Denomination: Charismatic

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

Faith Anchored In Hope

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 7, 2025

This message explores faith when life is not well — when God seems silent, unfeeling, or even contradictory. Through the lives of Job, Moses, and Abraham, we discover that true faith is not the absence of doubt but the choice to trust God in spite of doubt.

Some of us are old enough to remember this little ditty from the 1950s: “Next time you’re found with your chin on the ground… there’s a lot to be learned, just look around. What makes that little old ant think he’ll move that rubber tree plant? Anyone knows an ant can’t… but he’s got high ...read more

Scripture: Job 13:15, Genesis 22:14

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Practicing The Presence Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 20, 2021

Theologically Jesus is always present with us, but practically we experience His absence because we are not aware of that presence. He promised He would never leave us nor forsake us, but we need to become aware of His being ever present.

An atheist and a Christian were debating the value of prayer, and the atheist said, "I never pray." The Christian said, "But you must have prayed at sometime in your life." "Yes," he admitted. "I did pray once. I was on a hunting trip in the Yukon and got ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-31

"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

Ichabod: When The Glory Departs Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 3, 2025

The story of Ichabod is a tragic but necessary reminder that God's presence is not automatic. It can depart when dishonoured, neglected, or taken for granted.

ICHABOD: WHEN THE GLORY DEPARTS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Samuel 4:1-22 Supporting Texts: Ezekiel 10:18-19, Psalm 51:11, Hosea 4:6, Revelation 2:5, John 15:5 INTRODUCTION: There is no greater tragedy for a person, a church, or a nation than the departure of God's glory. The glory ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:1-22

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

Victory In The Valley Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 21, 2025

Victory in the valley is not the absence of battle, but the presence of God in the midst of it. It is in the valley that we learn to trust Him more deeply, see His rod and staff bring comfort, and witness His power to bring us out stronger than before.

VICTORY IN THE VALLEY By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Psalm 23:4 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:2; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; Romans 8:37; Micah 7:8; Job 14:7-9 INTRODUCTION: Life is filled with mountaintop experiences and valley moments. The valley seasons often represent trials, pain, loss, or deep ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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