Sermons on Empty Cup:

How To Pray With Power Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 20, 2003

By studying Paul’s prayer in the third chapter of Ephesians, we can discovering several key points that help us pray with power.

How to Pray with Power [Transition from drama…] How many of you need a prayer support group this morning? We make it harder than it needs to be, don’t we? As we continue in our series called, Prayer Passages, let’s summarize what we’ve learned so far from our study in Luke 11, 2 Chronicles 7 and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Why Me God

Contributed by Bret Bone on Aug 13, 2012

Most of us start our day out the same...Not to ex-cited about waking up… we stumble into the kitchen and first reach for a cup of motivation… (Our coffee). We try and sit down for a few minutes… slam down a quick breakfast and think about all the press

Slide #1 Prayer Most of us start our day out the same...Not to ex-cited about waking up… we stumble into the kitchen and first reach for a cup of motivation… (Our coffee). We try and sit down for a few minutes… slam down a quick breakfast and think about all the pressing ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:1-30

Thieves Strike When Least Expected Jesus Will Come Back When Least Expected

Contributed by Brian Young on Jan 29, 2017

Communion Meditation Sermon Illustration Christ Return Surprise Thief Night Watch Broken Ready Hour Day House Owner Eat Bread Drink Cup Proclaim Lord Death Come Back Planned Hammer Crowbar Break Locks Gloves Protect Wait Time Midnight Ball Drop Police gem

They planned it for many months if not for years. They had the right stuff - They brought a hammer and crowbar to break the locks - They wore gloves and hooded sweat shirts to protect their identities They waited for the right time - They waited for the stroke of midnight until the ball dropped - ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:42-43

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Josiah: The Last Good King Until Jesus Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 28, 2022

Rather than continue in his father’s footsteps, Josiah, with help from Hilkiah the high priest, determined to do the right thing. We are right to do the right thing, even if judgment is around the corner.

Josiah: The Last Good King Until Jesus! (2 Chronicles 34:1-35:27) 1. A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the yard. The door of his wife's car and front door to the house ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Rapture Ready--Living With Authentic Faith Matthew 23 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Sep 14, 2025

To be rapture ready, we must move from empty religion to authentic relationship with CHRIST. JESUS condemns hypocrisy and calls us to authentic faith expressed in humility, obedience, and servant leadership. Outward show can’t replace inward surrender. Be watchful. Be faithful. Be ready.

2025.09.14 Sermon. RAPTURE READY_LIVING WITH AUTHENTIC FAITH_WOE TO HYPOCRISY, YES TO HUMILITY Matthew 23 William Akehurst, HSWC Scripture Readings Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 5:20, Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 3:1-3, 2 Peter 3:9, John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Matthew 24:44, Matthew 23:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, Matthew 23:39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Helpful Routines For A New Year

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Jan 6, 2007

Jesus and his family went to the Passover Feast according to custom. It was a helpful routine and not an empty ritual for them. This talk offers four helpful routines for the Church: Praying, Eating, Worshipping and Serving Together (PEWS).

Luke 2: 41-52 Midnight mass – Church on Christmas Day – Presents all opened before 6am – No presents until after Christmas lunch – Turkey with all the trimmings – A family walk in the afternoon – A football match on Boxing Day – Turkey sandwiches for a week – New Year resolutions – A special diet ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:42-52

Denomination: Anglican

The Start Of Something New Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 18, 2006

With the empty tomb, God demonstrated that he was doing something new. We live out the reality that God is doing something new as we walk in faith in the relationship that God made with us at our baptism.

John 20:1-18 “The Start of Something New” INTRODUCTION It was near dawn on that first Easter, when Mary Magdalene approached Jesus’ tomb. It was probably a morning that was not all that different from this one. Mary expected to find a tomb with a stone rolled across its entrance. She assumed ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Don’t Ask How You Are Doing, Tell Them About Jesus

Contributed by Ronnie Miller on Oct 25, 2013

Most know in their heart how they are doing in life. Those without Jesus know that there is an empty place in their heart that needs to be filled. But, most don’t realize what it takes to fill it.

Don’t ask how you are doing, tell them about Jesus. Luke 5:3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:3-7

Denomination: Baptist

Boredom On The Job Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 13, 2015

Boredom is a constant complaint of many workers, but Solomon points to the one thing that can turn the emptiness of the workplace into a powerful tool for our faith. What is this "one thing" that can makes such a big difference for us?

Back in 2009, a 16-year-old British girl was fired from her office job because her manager saw - on Facebook - that she had said her job was “boring”. She was called into her manager's office and given the following letter: “Following your comments made on Facebook... we feel it ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:17-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Does The Resurrection Matter? Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Apr 28, 2014

What is the difference in Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity? Simple. Of the four major religions today only one claims an empty tomb. The resurrection is the miracle that makes a difference between a religion that is dead and one that is alive.

Why does the Resurrection matter? John 20:1-20 History records that Abraham who is known as the founder of the Jewish faith. 2000 years before the birth of Christ. His body remains in that tomb. History also records that in the year 483 BC that Buddha who about 80 at the time died from eating ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Coping With The Holidays

Contributed by Davon Huss on Nov 19, 2016

This information was put together for a workshop on "Coping with the Holidays" (Adapted from the book, "The Empty Chair: Handling Grief on Holidays and Special Occasions" by Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge and Robert C. De Vries)

HoHum: Start with some family information: I grew up in a tight knit family spending my Sunday afternoons after church with all my extended family at my grandparent’s house. I am the eldest grandchild and my grandfather spent a lot of time with me growing up. I had trouble reading so before ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 138:8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

You Are Not Alone!

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Aug 9, 2016

On this Easter Sunday morning, we stand amazed with the women who see the angel at the empty tomb. The angel announces to them, “He is risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.”

You Are Not Alone! Matthew 28:1-10 1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Searching For The Everlasting Life

Contributed by Lonnie Erwin on Feb 5, 2023

Many live today in public they portray a different persona than when they are alone. He let down his guard. He is searching to fill the emptiness in his life that only can be filled by Jesus.

John 3:1-17 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered and said to him, ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Alleluia Christ Is Risen

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Mar 23, 2016

The Sunday School teacher asked the class " What do you think were Jesus first words when he came out of the tomb?" A little girl shouted frantically I know!, I know!" Extending her arms into the air she said " TA DA!". Beloved "TA DA the Lord has risen!"

It is Easter... The day that we celebrate the resurrection ... of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A time when Alleluias fill the air: Beloved ... You know the response: Alleluia Christ is Risen...... (Pause) The Lord is Risen in Deed Alleluia. There is a story that I love so well ... that ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Corinthians 15:12-26

Denomination: Anglican

Ichabod: When The Glory Departs Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 4, 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