Sermons on Empty Manger:

How Are We Going To Look When We Come Back In

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Apr 20, 2020

Our nation is into a month where the local church building has gone somewhat dark and we find ourselves preaching to empty pews every Sunday because of this CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC. I am convinced this coronavirus outbreak is possibly the greatest outreach opportunity for the church worldwide.

TITLE: HOW ARE WE GOING TO LOOK WHEN WE COME BACK IN SCRIPTURE: ST. JOHN 2:13-17 Our nation is now into almost a month and some places longer where the local church building has gone somewhat dark and we find ourselves as Pastors, preaching to empty pews every Sunday because of this CORONAVIRUS ...read more

Scripture: John 2:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

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

The Idols That Make Us Idle

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Nov 20, 2025

It is not unusual to hear a teenager or adults these days say, I AM BORED!!! The word “Bored” originates from the verb “bore”, which means to pierce or drill. The term has evolved over time to describe a feeling of emptiness or lack of interest, often associated with a dull life.

God did not put us here to live a life of boredom!!! The Word of God tells us Eccl.9:10, Whatsoever Thy Hands Findeth to do, do it with all thy might. Reading that verse of scripture does not describe a life of boredom. Illus: Isaac Watts said: Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:10

Denomination: Baptist

The Dawn's Early Light

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 15, 2009

Just as Key saw that the darkness is intense before the dawn, that during battle we see enough to know that our freedom is won, and that we are at our best when we claim freedom for others, so also at the empty tomb we learn of our freedom from sin.

At 9 o’clock the firing from the ships anchored in the harbor slackened and then stopped. It seemed as though the siege of the city might be over for the night. But an hour or so later 20 small beats set out, under cover of darkness, with a driving rain pelting down. Their oars muffled, they ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Would You Rather Be Dead?

Contributed by Jay Winters on Feb 9, 2008

This Ash Wednesday sermon uses a scene from "Fight Club" as its major illustration - it attempts to show that Christ doesn’t just give us a second chance, but that He puts us to death (while taking on our death) in Baptism and give us the empty tomb.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Three In One who makes our lives more beautiful than what they could ever be on their own. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, About ten years ago, a movie came out that just about everyone saw. It was called “Fight ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:3-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Deceptions We Believe Series

Contributed by Tim Diack on May 27, 2013

Paul exhorts us to examine ourselves to see if we're in the faith. John gives us some "tests" that help us in that process, encouraging us not to be decieved into thinking we have eternal life when, in reality, we may just have the empty trappings of rel

Deceptions We Believe - 1 John 1:8-10 - May 26, 2013 Series: That We May Know – Life With Jesus - #3 Let’s open our Bibles this morning to the book of 1 John. 1 John, chapter 1, beginning in verse 5. This is the third message in our series entitled “That We May Know ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:8-9

Denomination: *other

For Love's Sake Pt. 1 And 2 Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 4, 2024

In today's world, so many are left feeling empty and unfulfilled by the shallow versions of love society offers. In contrast, the book of Philemon introduces us to a different kind of love—agape love, a divine and selfless love that transforms hearts and relationships, offering true fulfillment.

For Love’s Sake! Philemon 4-9 Introduction: v.9 – Underline 3 words: “For Love’s Sake!” Illust: Psychologists claim that the three greatest needs of a human being are… 1) The need to be wanted. 2) The need to be needed. 3) The need to be loved. ? Live in a world that is obsessed with this ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Purpose Of Life

Contributed by Jedidiah Jedidiah on Aug 27, 2025

Seeking meaning in earthly pursuits leads to emptiness; they were never designed to be the source of our purpose. "Why am I here?" is fundamentally a theological question, not a worldly one. The answer can only be found by going to the source of life who created us – God.

The purpose of life The Bible repeatedly points out that humanity's natural inclination is to turn away from God's will and follow their own path. This is a central part of the biblical concept of sin. This rejection is a recurring theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 10:23, Proverbs 14:12

Christmas Glory – Short Meditation For Christmas Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 13, 2025

This short meditation considers no room in the inn, but also looks at the scene of Christ's birth in Bethlehem. We all have to make a response based on our acceptance or rejection of Christ's birth when He came into this world.

CHRISTMAS GLORY – SHORT MEDITATION FOR CHRISTMAS Let us begin with a little poem. This is an acrostic poem with Bethlehem the theme. [C]. Christ was born in Bethlehem one starry summer night; [H]. Huddled in a manger’s space with animals in sight. [R]. Rejects from a comfort inn, they were ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10, Jeremiah 21:8, John 16:28, Psalm 31:14-15, Luke 2:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is The Sabbath?

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Jun 1, 2018

In Mark 3:1-6, Jesus teaches us about what the Sabbath is through His healing of a man with a withered hand. This sermon explains what the Jews believed about the Sabbath, and how we can apply the Sabbath as modern Christians.

In the movie The Incredibles, there is a scene where ex-Super Hero Bob Parr, aka Mr. Incredible, has a confrontation with his boss. Mr. Incredible has been forcibly retired from the hero business for years, and is working at an insurance company. He is doing a good job, but too good of a job. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:1-6, Mark 2:27-28, Mark 2:23-28

Denomination: Lutheran

Sermon # 43 - Good News For All Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jul 13, 2023

In a world that bombards us with bad news, there is hope and good news only through Jesus Christ. The good news of the gospel can transform all of our situations if only we give heed and believe.

Here’s what is recorded in Luke 2:10, but the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. (GNB) From the above mentioned verse, the word that I would like to highlight for our meditation is the word ‘good news’. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10, Genesis 1:31, Revelation 22:3, Luke 5:5-6, Mark 5:25-26, Mark 5:27-29, Mark 6:48, Mark 6:51, John 8:5, Luke 2:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

10. Come Home To The Father (A Sermon On God's Waiting Love) Series

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Nov 26, 2025

A father scans the horizon daily, waiting for his wandering child. This is God's heart toward you. No matter how far you have gone, He watches and waits eagerly.

10. Come Home to the Father (A Sermon on God's Waiting Love) Introduction: The Universal Language of a Father's Heart Picture a father standing at the edge of his property, hand shielding his eyes from the sun, scanning the horizon for a familiar silhouette. Day after day, he returns to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:20, Luke 15:13, Luke 15:17, Luke 15:21, Psalm 139:1-3, Isaiah 1:18, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 5:8, Hebrews 12:6, 1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 3:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sermon # 1 - God's Bountiful Heart Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Feb 21, 2024

What is the secret to a life of overflowing abundance? There’s much we can learn from the life of David and Abraham. God can bless abundantly if only we can follow certain principles, and let go of thoughts and attitudes that displease God.

We read in 2 Corinthians 9:8, “Besides, God is able to make every blessing of yours overflow for you, so that in every situation you will always have all you need for any good work.” (ISV) This is Paul’s words to the church at Corinth and he wished them that they would be full and overflowing with ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:8, Psalm 23:5, Psalm 23:1, Genesis 1:20, Genesis 2:9, Genesis 2:10, Psalm 34:10, Genesis 2:12, Genesis 15:2, Genesis 15:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Knowing Him - An Example To Live By Series

Contributed by Tim Diack on Dec 21, 2011

The wonder of Christmas is that God came and dwelt amongst us! In doing so He humbled and emptied Himself and came among us as the least of the least in order that we might know Him. By His life, He served us. By His death, He saved us. By His example

Knowing Him: An Example To Live By - Philippians 2:1-11 - December 18, 2011 Series: What’s Jesus Got To Do With Christmas? #2 One of the things I’ve always looked forward to as a parent are those opportunities to watch the kids participate in school productions such as the annual ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: *other

Do You Want To Be Like Jesus Today? Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 8, 2012

How often do you think about the things of God? How much time do you spend reading the Bible? There is so much in God’s word that we need to put into practice in our own lives. We need to ensure we are not running on empty.

The Proof of the Spirit 1 John 4:10-4:17 This month in our Fresh Fire series we are considering the Holy Spirit in the Life and Ministry of Jesus. Looking at the life of Christ, is something that is essential for every believer. To help us grow in our understanding of Him & our relationship with ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:10-17

Denomination: Pentecostal