Sermons on Battered Violin:

The Empty Tomb Changes Everything.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Apr 17, 2022

Maybe some of us come to Easter morning struck down by circumstances beyond our control—by health problems, betrayal in relationships, job loss or simply by the emptiness of looking ahead at more of the same.

Resurrecting Hope: Overcoming Life’s Greatest Challenges—The Empty Tomb Changes Everything. John 20:11-18 Week—Four. The Secret Service—A gentleman walk in front of the pastor coming out of the church one day. The pastor grabbed him by the hand, pulled him aside and said ...read more

Scripture: John 20:11-18, Hebrews 13:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

The 153 Fish Wake-Up Call Series

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Sep 26, 2025

As seasons shift, many of us need a reset with Jesus. John 21 shows the risen Christ meeting drifting disciples, filling empty nets, and inviting them to “come and have breakfast.” This isn’t box-checking; it’s returning to the One who seeks us, provides for us, and re-commissions us.

Can you feel it in the air? That subtle shift as summer fades into fall? Me either. But somehow every single store in all of existence seems to feel it as they’re already putting out Christmas decorations. I think by next year we’re going to see combo-fireworks stands selling candy canes and ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Giving & Reward - Matthew 6:2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 27, 2024

Why does Jesus tell us to give, fast, and pray in secret, when earlier in the sermon he had commanded that we do our acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them? This message will give you a new way of looking at the commands to live for reward.

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:2

The Big If

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Oct 27, 2003

If certain things are in our lives then some positive action should take place.

INTRO.- The word “if” is a big, little word. It’s a little word, but can carry a big meaning. ILL.- After visiting with my 1962 classmate, Larry Roberts from Doniphan, MO, I thought, “If only I had worked for General Motors like he did, I could be retired now.” I think most of us have said ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

We Are Forgiven!

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Dec 14, 2000

We are forgiven in Christ.

WE ARE FORGIVEN! Rom. 5:8-11 INTRO.- Forgiveness if a beautiful thing, but not everyone expresses it or demonstrates it. ILL.- A couple had been married for 15 years. They were having more than the usual marital disagreements. They wanted to make their marriage work, however, and agreed on an ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:8-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Shoot Low Boys, They're Riding Shetland Ponies

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Jan 5, 2008

This is a message of encouragement that highlights all the "lesser" lights that play a worthy part in any church.

Acts 17:32-34 KJV And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. [33] So Paul departed from among them. [34] Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:32-34

Denomination: Pentecostal

One Head, One Body, Many Parts Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 16, 2008

As Paul continues to address the problems in the church at Corinth, he now turns to the issue of spiritual gifts and how the church is supposed to function like a human body.

Introduction: A. Many of you know how much I love the Peanuts comic strip. 1. In one of the strips, Snoopy, the lovable beagle, was pictured with his left leg broken. 2. Snoopy philosophized about his plight one day while perched on top of his doghouse. 3. He thought, “My body blames my foot for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

You Share It With Others Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Jun 26, 2010

To have it and to keep it, you've got to share it with others.

SERIES: IT: Finding It, Keeping It, and Sharing It (freely adapted from Craig Groeschel’s It: How Churches and Leader Can Get it and Keep it) “YOU SHARE IT WITH OTHERS” SELECTED SCRIPTURES OPEN We’re continuing on this morning in our series: IT: Finding It, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Undeniable Mark Of A Champion

Contributed by Ron Theis on Jul 9, 2010

What separates mediocre performance from championship performance? Where do we get our endurance? The secret is in the Power Source!!!

The Undeniable Mark of a Champion 2 Corinthians 4:1-18 1Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Giving Glory To God Series

Contributed by Eric Lenhart on Aug 12, 2010

Glorifying God with our lives.

Giving Glory to God (Acts 3:1-10) Introduction: “A newspaper ad read: ‘Lost – One Dog. Brown hair with several bald spots. Right leg broken due to auto accident. Rear left hip hurt. Right eye missing. Left ear bitten off in a dog fight. Answers to the name, ‘Lucky’” (Michael Hodgin, 1001 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10

Denomination: Church Of God

Our Relationship To God. Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 30, 2010

Our Relationship to God. (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Session 1: Our Relationship to God. Reading: Romans chapter 12 verse 1-3. • Newspapers contain a number of things - for example ‘Headlines’; • Here are a few that they would probably have changed. Ill: • “Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case” • “Red Tape Holds Up New Bridge” • “Safety ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-8

Denomination: Brethren

What Is Worship?

Contributed by Joseph Stapleton on Apr 6, 2011

So much confusion about Worship, as if it really is all about a type of music, let's see what Jesus has to say about worship.

WHAT IS WORSHIP? (All of my sermons use illustrations found at www.sermoncentral.com And all Scripture is NIV unless otherwise noted) This morning we are missing all the other Elders of the church, I am the only one here. They are all attending worship at our sister church in Shenendoah, and will ...read more

Scripture: John 4:21-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Urgent Or The Important Series

Contributed by David Elvery on May 6, 2009

Comparing the Urgent and the Important to see what God sees as Important.

“The Urgent or The Important – Luke 10:38-42” Gladstone Baptist Church – TBA When I look around the church, I see so many things that urgently need doing – people’s needs, opportunities to develop, programs to run, etc – they all seem to be urgently needed. OOPS I’ve got a dilemma this morning, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

How To Resolve Conflict

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Aug 26, 2002

We all live with the consequences of conflict – the hurt and pain. Jesus gives us some real advice on how to properly deal with sin and conflict – and has some surprises about a very well known section of Scripture.

How much time do we spend in conflict? It started back with Cain & Abel. You remember the story – the two first brothers argued because God favored Abel’s sacrifice more than Cain’s. You know how the story ends – with the first murder – and it seems, brothers (and even brothers and sisters) have ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Jesus Feeds The Five Thousand Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jun 24, 2008

Christ always has been the provider of His people’s needs. He will always be. The question is will we see our true needs & look to Him to provide them. Jesus is the hope of the 2nd Exodus, which will lead to freedom from slavery to sin, self & satan.

JOHN 6: 1-15 JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND [Isaiah 55:1-4] The feeding of the five thousand is the one miracle along with the resurrection that is included in all four Gospels (Mt.14:13-21; Mk. 6:30-44; Lk. 9:10-17; Jn. 6:1-13). It ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-15

Denomination: Baptist