Sermons on Empty Praise:

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

Love That Is Better Than Life Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 20, 2003

Before David was forced into the wilderness he was obsessed with his own comfort and the satisfaction of his own needs. It’s only when everything is taken from him that he becomes obsessed with God Himself, finding full satisfaction in his praise of Him.

Love That is Better Than Life I came across some actual signs this week. On a plumbing company’s van: “A flush beats a full house!” At a tire shop in Milwaukee: “Invite us to your next blowout!” At a towing company: “We don’t charge an arm and a leg. We want tows.” On a maternity room door: ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 62:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas Carols (3) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Nov 19, 2019

The tradition of singing carols at Christmas time can be traced all the way back to the very beginning. The Nativity story, as told in the first two chapters of Luke, actually contains 4 short songs. In Luke 2, the angels' song brigns praise to God and peace to the godly.

Christmas Carols (Angels) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christians Church: 12/13/15 For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been delving into the Carols of Christmas. Like I said before, even if you wanted to, there is no possible way for you to escape hearing Christmas songs over the next few ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:6-14

Denomination: Christian Church

Iv. The Promises Of God (Vs. 8-10) Series

Contributed by David Darst on Jun 4, 2020

Mirth in the Midst of Madness -- As we continue with our Series we come to the End of the Hymn portion of the Psalm. We have Covered David’s I. Praise to God II. His Prayer to God last week we covered III. The Protection from God. today we will cover….

Mirth in the Midst of Madness -- As we continue with our Series we come to the End of the Hymn portion of the Psalm. We have Covered David’s I. Praise to God II. His Prayer to God last week we covered III. The Protection from God. today we will cover…. IV. The Promises of God (vs. 8-10) Many ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:25, Matthew 5:6, Ephesians 2:19, Jeremiah 29:11, Mark 9:5, Mark 9:2, Psalm 36:7, Romans 10:11, Psalm 119:103, Psalm 63:5, Matthew 6:31-33, Psalm 34:8-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Book Of Galatians – Chapter 3:13-14 - Message 8 – Praise The Lord – We Have Been Purchased From The Strong Prison Of The Enemy Called "Curse”. We Are Free! Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 21, 2024

The curse of sin brought death but Jesus took our curse on the cross. We are redeemed and all the great promises of Abraham are given to us by faith. This is a lovely passage today, and it could be an Easter message as well. Christ died for our sins becoming the curse for us. Easter.

THE BOOK OF GALATIANS – CHAPTER 3:13-14 - MESSAGE 8 – PRAISE THE LORD – WE HAVE BEEN PURCHASED FROM THE STRONG PRISON OF THE ENEMY CALLED “CURSE”. WE ARE FREE! I guess this is a good time to recap so far. Paul preached the gospel through Galatia and there were a lot of believers in a number of ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:8-9, Galatians 3:13-14, Romans 2:12, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Ruth 4:6, Ephesians 2:12-13, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Deuteronomy 21:22-23, Ephesians 1:3, Genesis 22:17-18, Genesis 15:18, Acts 20:32, Ephesians 1:11, Ephesians 1:18, Genesis 15:1, 1 Corinthians 3:8, Colossians 3:23-24, Hebrews 6:11-12, Revelation 4:1, Ephesians 1:13, 2 Corinthians 7:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sibling Rivalry Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 23, 2018

Sibling rivalry starts with one person feeling they've been slighted. They deserved to be treated better. And expect this kind of rivalry in children - it's when we become adults that this desire to "be the star" can destroy families, churches and relationships.

OPEN: Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVI2fX-1uPU That clip was from a popular TV series called “This Is Us” where a couple of the main actors (brothers Kevin and Randall) get into a fight. The scene is an excellent example of a common conflict most families experience called ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Blessed Assurance As A Personal Possession

Contributed by Bruce Ferris on Oct 18, 2002

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long!” Fanny J. Crosby wrote over 9

Blessed Assurance As A Personal Possession “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long!” Fanny J. Crosby wrote over ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-10

Denomination: Baptist

Nothing Is Going To Take My Song

Contributed by Pastor/Author: Terry Sisney on Jan 5, 2025

One of the greatest revelations of David's life was the power of song. No one understood praise any better than David, and no one understood the power of a song like David. A song is more than words strung together to a tune. A song is a helper, a companion, and a weapon.

Psalm 137:1-4 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. [2] We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. [3] For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 137:1-4, Psalm 34:1-3

Denomination: Pentecostal

Zechariah’s Song Series

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Dec 16, 2018

As kids we can't wait for Christmas to arrive. As adults, it rushes up on us. God planned Christmas a long time ago, and for a very special reason. When Zechariah finally found his tongue, he sang a song of praise that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas Music 2: Zechariah’s Song Luke 1:67-79 12/16/18 When I was a little kid, I couldn’t wait for Christmas to get here. It seemed like the days dragged by, one by one, and the anticipation built to where I practically couldn’t stand it. Now...well, today, I thought, “Holy cow, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:67-79, Genesis 3:15, 1 Peter 1:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

When Hope Seems Gone Series

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Mar 28, 2010

Despair makes hope seem an empty dream as we snap awake to reality and we begin to believe the lie, “there's no way out.”...Our lesson today is one of “how” and “what”. “How” can I move from a spirit of despair to a life of hope?

DARE TO BELIEVE – “When Hope Seems Gone” Jonah 2:1-10 This picture (person sitting against a wall, very dark room, small light in the window) is, to me, a powerful image of despair. It creates a sense of aloneness where an overwhelming gloom settles into your spirit and there's ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

A Journey Towards Hope: The Emmaus Road (Updated 3/4/24) Series

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Apr 11, 2016

On this road and journey, we’ll look at three secrets we’re all carrying. We see these secrets in two of Jesus disciples that took this road following His death. It’s the road to Emmaus, and it’s a journey we take towards renewing a hope within us that erases exhaustion, emptiness, and enslavement.

A Journey Towards Hope: The Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-35 With all that is happening in our world today, there is simmering just beneath the surface Three Basic Secrets no one wants to admit, but the truth is more than evident. 1. We Feel Exhausted The first one is that most of us just feel ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Foursquare

"What Is Truth About Easter?”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Apr 3, 2023

A quote: Philip Yancy. Christianity offers a cross and empty tomb. The sermon deal's with Pilate's question: "What is truth?" N.T. Wright Surprised by Hope, reminds us that the Bible actually does not just teach “life after death,” but rather “life after life after death!”

In Jesus Holy Name April 9, 2023 Text: Luke 24:1-3,5b-6 Redeemer “What is Truth About Easter?” I’m so glad you are here this morning to enjoy the experience of Easter worship. The spring flowers bloom in the sunshine. The music renews our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-3, Luke 24:5-6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Denomination: Lutheran

Good Grief! Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Oct 13, 2025

We all thirst for meaning, hope, and grace. In Christ, we find the living water that truly satisfies. “Good grief” awakens us to our need for Him, leads us to repentance, and brings new life. The world is thirsty. Don’t leave them under an empty spigot — point them to Jesus, the living water.

### **Introduction** Video Ill.: Cat Funeral — The Skit Guys This morning, we are continuing our study The Gospel According to Peanuts. Charles Schulz, through something as simple as a comic strip, often pointed to some of life’s deepest spiritual truths — and even the truths of the gospel. That ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:10, Ephesians 5:14, Romans 13:11-12, Romans 6:6-8, John 3:3, Revelation 22:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's Comfort (Nahum) Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jun 12, 2025

When you feel threatened, find comfort in a God who will avenge, abolish, and embarrass His enemies, causing His people to rejoice.

Several years ago, The Huffington Post ran a series of cartoons depicting the fears that both children and adults have. They titled the series “Childhood Fears vs. Adult Fears.” Here they are: • Childhood fear: Doctors. Adult fear: Doctor's bills. • Childhood fear: Bad dreams. Adult fear: ...read more

Scripture: Nahum 1:1-15, Nahum 2:1-13, Nahum 3:1-19, Romans 8:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Abram's Journey To The South

Contributed by James Rich on Oct 18, 2001

Abram continued on his journey Southward And found himself in EGYPT. He overshot and went beyond the land of promise. Is it possible for us to be called from sin, be instructed by the word, assemble together in praise and still miss the place of God’s

Genesis 12: 9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. 10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land. In the previous chapter of Gen. Abram and Sari, Terah his Father, and Lot his nephew, along with all ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:9-10

Denomination: Pentecostal