Sermons on Empty Phrases:

Rest & Renew Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Nov 14, 2017

One of the most well-known phrases in all of literature is: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” In order to do this we must: Focus on the relationship, rest in His provision, and sense His renewal.

March 26th Psalm 23:1-3 Rest & Renew Focus on the relationship “The Lord is my shepherd” v.1 “I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me…The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” John 10:14, 11 Rest in His provision “there is nothing I lack” v.1 ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

The Need To Be Freed From Sin Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 3, 2016

Jesus came to free us from our sins. But then, why do so many not sense the need to to be freed from those chains? To them it seems that the phrase "freed from sin" is mere Christianese. But is it?

OPEN: How many of you have ever heard of a movie/play entitled “The King and I”? The movie version starred Yul Brynner and Debra Kerr, and has been popular for decades. But many people don’t realize the movie and play were based on a true story of a widowed Englishwoman named Anna ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Does It Mean To "make Every Effort" To Enter The Kingdom? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 10, 2025

This passage has two troubling phrases: "make every effort" and "try . . . and not be able." What are we to do with those? And do they mean that God is setting up difficult barriers to get into the Kingdom?

WHAT DOES "MAKE EVERY EFFORT" MEAN? It doesn’t mean that it’s nearly impossible but that you should focus your attention. - Luke 13:22-24a. - Jesus is asked an important question: “[A]re only a few people going to be saved?” (v. 23). - That's a great question. What is the nature of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:22-30

Denomination: Baptist

Pray Submissively Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Aug 14, 2024

Focusing on the phrase, "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" from Matthew 6:13 (Material adapted from Bob Hostetler's book, Red Letter Prayer Life; chapter 12 of the same title)

HoHum: Do we know someone who flips out if we sit on their perfectly made bed? Do we know someone who loses it because one of his pens is missing from the pen jar on his desk? Do we know someone who is so organized she would heckle Martha Stewart for being sloppy? Do we know someone who knows ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:13, Luke 11:4, Numbers 21:4-9, Matthew 4:1, Luke 22:39-43  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Series

Contributed by John Mcelwee on Nov 22, 2023

This was a video devotion that was on a web site during the first winter of COVID 19 with the United Christian Church (DoC) in mind. The phrase "mask up" near the end is in reference to wearing a mask because of COVID

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Home Depot before Hallowe’en. That bothers some people more than it bothers me I figure even if the connection is tenuous that anything that gets people to thinking about Jesus is a good thing. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:7-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When Christians Try To Predict The Future Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 7, 2024

The ancient phrase "examine the liver" tells of a Babylonian way to try to predict the future. We can shake our head at that, but there's a way we do the same thing today.

“EXAMINE THE LIVER”: This was an ancient Babylonian process to try to discern the future. - Ezekiel 21:21. - I’m quite confident that I’ve never heard a sermon on this obscure phrase in this obscure corner of the Bible, but I think it’s interesting and sets up an important point about prophecy ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 21:18-27

Denomination: Baptist

Tis The Season.... Tis The Reason

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Dec 23, 2019

The title had the art work of the green wreath of Christmas juxtaposed to the wreath of thorns. There can be no Christmas with the Cross and Easter event. some phrases form Rev. Ken Pritchard (Keep Believing Ministry) And the "gospel statement" from Rev. Ken Klaas

In Jesus Holy Name December 24, 2019 Text: Matthew 1:20b-23 Christmas Eve - Redeemer “Tis the Season ---Tis the Reason” (note: I added the visual art work Green wreath & Crown of Thorns) When it comes to Christmas, every preacher faces the same challenge. How do ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:20-23, Luke 2:4-7

Denomination: Lutheran

Soggy Sardine Sandwich

Contributed by Dan Dunn on Dec 1, 2000

Jesus wants what you have, and who you are: when you don’t take the place in the Body of Christ that God has designed for you, that place remains empty.

You have perhaps experienced as I have, that life can be humbling sometime. A five-year-old was sitting with her grandfather in her room one day, and she asked him, “Grandpa, did God make you?” “Yes, child,” came the reply. “God made me.” The child paused for a moment, and then asked, “And ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

Is There Room For Jesus?

Contributed by Jonathan Mckay on Nov 19, 2001

Christmas is more than just fancy wrappings and bright lights. If we are truly honest with ourselves and God, we too must confess, that our hearts are empty stalls that to be filled with a Saviour!

1." WHAT AM I GOING TO DO NOW?"....THE QUESTION ECHOED SOMEWHERE INSIDE OF MY HEAD! IT WAS ALMOST AS THOUGH IT WERE SYNCHRONIZED, BETWEEN MY FOOT FALLS ON THE PAVEMENT. 2. I HAD BEEN SEARCHING HIGH AND LOW FOR THE PERFECT STORY, A STORY THAT I HAD HOPED TO READ IN CHURCH TONIGHT. MAYBE EVEN ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Check The Rock!

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Apr 27, 2004

We at Easter need to be COOL by doing the following actions: 1. Check the rock. 2. Observe the empty tomb. 3. Open our spiritual eyes. 4. Look and see Jesus.

Check the Rock! It Rocks! COOL!: Easter Sermon 2004 Thesis: We at Easter need to be COOL by doing the following actions: 1. Check the rock. 2. Observe the empty tomb. 3. Open our spiritual eyes. 4. Look and see Jesus. Scripture Text: Matthew 28:1-20; (Play on CD) Luke 24:1-10; Mark 16:1-8 So ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-20, Luke 24:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Road Signs

Contributed by Davon Huss on Jan 12, 2010

A sermon on 2 Kings 4:1-7 on filling up empty vessels (Much material and title taken from "One Month to Live" Day 22 by Kerry and Chris Shook)

Sermon for 1/10/2010 Road Signs (Day 22 of One Month to Live) 2 Kings 4:1-7 Introduction: A. If we had only a limited amount of time to live, the temptation might be to plead with God for a miracle to extend our lives. This is called bargaining. God doesn’t work that way. Oh, God might ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Ruth Rejoicing Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Feb 21, 2010

In four short chapters we move from tragedy to triumph, from despair to joy, from emptiness to fullness. This book begins with famine and funerals, and concludes with a wedding and the joyful birth of a son.

The final chapter of this quiet drama takes place before the town gate of Bethlehem, where all important transactions were conducted. Here is where the matter of Ruth the foreigner would be settled. After the late-night rendezvous of chapter 3, Boaz goes right to work; he finds his kinsman and ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 4:1-22

Denomination: Congregational

Easter 2011, Part 3

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Apr 17, 2011

What is the price of a human being? Do we fully comprehend the cost that Jesus paid when suffering for our sins? We must; else His death is empty and without meaning.

Easter, Part 3 Matthew 27:22-31 Introduction - This morning we continue our 5 week mini-series on the Easter season - Over the past two weeks we’ve discussed the triumphant entry -- Understanding the response of a crowd who needed a Savior - And we’ve also covered the Lord’s Supper, final team ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:22-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Seeing Is Believing Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 27, 2021

Peter, John and Mary Magdalene all saw the empty tomb... but they all came away with different conclusions. What can we learn from these first three witnesses of the risen Christ?

On May 4, 1865, after weeks of his body being on display in Washington D.C. and a few other cities, Abraham Lincoln was “laid to rest” in a cemetery near his home in Springfield, Illinois. But Lincoln didn’t "rest in peace." In 1876, there was a plot to raid his grave and steal his ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Apostles Sent To Preach The Good News

Contributed by William Baeta on Jan 24, 2014

“For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (1Cor 1:17)

Theme: Apostles sent to preach the Good news Text: Is. 9:1-4; 1 Cor. 1:10-18; Matt. 4:12-23 The meaning of the word apostle is one who is sent - a messenger or an ambassador. In the Christian sense, anyone sent by God on a mission is an apostle. John the Baptist was sent to proclaim the good ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed