Sermons on Empty Handed:

Going Deeper

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Aug 31, 2010

Christ calls us to go deeper with Him where greater riches and service lie and stop wading in the shallows. Why don’t Christians want to go deeper? How can they go deeper? What are the benefits of going deeper?

Going Deeper Hebrews 5:12 – 6:1 Introduction: Paul scolded the Hebrew Christians for remaining shallow believers and not growing deeper in their Christian experience. They remained superficial believers. He challenges them to go on to maturity. Christ called Peter to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Object Of My Affection Series

Contributed by Dan Jackson on Jul 9, 2005

We substitute many things for the worship of the one true God. Idols never satisfy, but we still craft with our hands things that we hope will satisfy the longing of our hearts.

“THE OBJECT OF MY AFFECTION” (Exodus 20:4-6) You hear a word like the second commandment, and think “C’mon preacher, this is twentieth century America. We don’t have totem poles and fetishes here. Be relevant.” Did you see the comedy film, Cool Runnings? It’s about the first Jamaican bobsled team ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6

Following Jesus: Not Safe But Saved

Contributed by Dj Thomsen on Feb 3, 2022

Jesus calls us to be fishers of men, to follow him. He doesn't call us to lives of safety, but of salvation.

This story that we have in the gospel reading for today is one that makes me smile because I feel like I know exactly what Simon is thinking here in this moment. I have had days like this fishing. Days where I’ve been out for hours and hours and there’s just nothing. And we tried everything, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Solomon - Wealth, Wisdom & A Worthless Life Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Aug 5, 2013

Have you ever sought fulfillment in life from the things God has given rather than from God? Solomon had a great start, but then lost his first love and turned to things to find fulfillment, but found nothing but emptiness.

Solomon – Wealth, Wisdom & a Worthless Life 1 Kings 9:1-9; 11:1-6 Slide Intro Good Evening/Morning. We are glad you are here and I am happy to once again be back up here preaching. I hope you were as blessed as I was from hearing from our elders and staff during July. We are so blessed as ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 9:1-9, Ecclesiastes 2:4-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Carpenter's Cloth Series

Contributed by Pat Cook on May 22, 2006

This is taken from Sigmund Brouwer’s wonderful book of the same name. This speaks of the cross being only part of God’s plan of salvation for us, the empty tomb being the other. Jesus the carpenter wants to complete His work in us.

John 20:1-9 – The Carpenter’s Cloth Tonight I’m going to share a thought with you that I read several years ago, and it has blessed me ever since. In fact, likely, you remember it since I read it to you on my 1st Easter Sunday message in Doaktown and Blissfield. I hope that it encourages you ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Whitewashed Tomb Christians Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 9, 2025

This metaphor reveals the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, exposing the hypocrisy that plagues many who claim to follow God.

In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus unleashes a scathing critique on the Pharisees, calling them "whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." This metaphor reveals the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:25-28, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Go! And Love As Christ Loves - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 10, 2025

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 remind us that love is central to everything we do as followers of Christ. Love is not an optional extra; it is the defining characteristic of a true disciple of Jesus.

Go! And Love as Christ Loves Introduction 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NLT) declares:"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Proverbs 15:1, Ephesians 4:15, James 3:17, Colossians 3:14, Matthew 6:1, 1 John 3:16, John 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Living The Truly Good Life

Contributed by Brian Kluth on Feb 15, 2007

Ways to Rise Above the Pull of Materialism Highlights from 1 Timothy

1) A goal to strive for: Godliness with contentment 1 Tim 6:6,8 Godliness (=devoted to Christ living) with contentment (=satisfaction) is great gain… if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Luke 12:15 (Jesus said) "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Prosperous Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Dec 2, 2014

That’s the world view of the good life… but it is as empty and unsatisfying as that huge chocolate bunny you get your kids at Easter. I mean it looks fabulous… but it’s hollow and it tastes like flavored wax.

The Unsatisfying Easter Bunny For most of people the word “prosperity” connects with the idea of being successful financially and living the “good” life. But in God’s economy prosperity is so much more than a thick roll of money in your pocket, two SUV’s in the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who Does ’the Father’ Seek? Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Feb 20, 2008

God seeks for worshippers because the place of Lucifer and the 1/3 of angels that worshipped God was empty and was replaced by God’s creation of the human race. The same place which Lucifer condemned, God would place man to worship Him. It is a disgrace t

Opening illustration: Lowell Ogden tells the story of a little boy who lived out in the country around the turn of the century. He had never seen a traveling circus, and one was coming to his town on Saturday. When he asked his father for permission to go, his dad said he could provide his chores ...read more

Scripture: John 4:21-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Waiting On The Spirit

Contributed by Bishop Johnathan Hester on Mar 11, 2011

Think about how comical this must appear from the Lord’s perspective. The apostles (led by Peter) decide the 12th position is empty and therefore it needs to be filled (appropriately reasoned). The only problem is - it is they who chose the two men; cast

Waiting on the Spirit Acts 1:23-26 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:15-26

Denomination: Apostolic

Powerful Prepositions

Contributed by Joe Dan Vendelin on May 11, 2024

How things start out can often determine if they are victorious in the end. Our final outcomes are judged not in the light of today, but in the light of eternity. Romans 11:36 shows us a three-pronged test to get us started out right and to help us see it through to the end.

According to Merriam-Webster, a preposition at its most basic form shows direction. Romans 11:36 is packed full of three powerful prepositions. Not because the words themselves hold power, but because they are providing direction to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. It says, “For from him ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:36, James 1:17, 2 Peter 1:3

The Evil Against You

Contributed by Richard Papafio on Mar 11, 2018

They will always scheme against you to destroy you but your Jesus shall surely deliver you from their hands for He has already won the victory for you and you are more than a conqueror through Jesus

May the peace of the Lord be with you. Topic: THE EVIL AGAINST YOU John 18:28-32 King James Version (KJV) 28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat ...read more

Scripture: John 18:28-32

Denomination: Charismatic

How To Pray For The Lost

Contributed by Jennifer Casto on Jan 20, 2007

Most of us owe our own conversion to friends and family who prayed us into The Kingdom. Prayer is the big weapon for the salvation of souls. Not arguing, debating ---seeking to see the lost saved is empty, dry, and fruitless without FERVENT prayer! Don’t

Teaching: HOW TO PRAY FOR THE LOST Evangelist Jennifer A. Mears –January 2007 “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:17-20

Denomination: *other

By Who's Authority? Series

Contributed by John Hamby on May 13, 2003

It is not that the religious leaders did not know who Jesus was, but that they would not accept his authority. We are in the sinful state that we are in today, not because we do not know that God exists, but because we have refused to acknowledge h

A Study of the Book of Luke Sermon # 55 By Who’s Authority? Luke 19:45-48, 20:1-18 Over the last week or so we have seen pictures of thousands of Shiite Moslems as pilgrims in Iraq as demonstration of their religious devotion. A ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:1

Denomination: Baptist