Sermons on Empty Praise:

A Word To The Wise On Finding Your Way Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 30, 2013

One man once asked a number of important men: "What is the meaning of life", and nobody seemed to have an answer. But Proverbs 16 does. What does this passage tell us about living a life that is fulfilling and filled with God's blessings?

OPEN: I’d like you to sing the first verse of Amazing Grace with me: Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found Was blind, but now I see. This morning, I want to focus on one phrase in that great hymn: I once was lost, but now I’m ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lessons From Jeremiah – Part 3 – Jeremiah Commissioned; Two Visions; And God Demands Action Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jan 26, 2024

Jeremiah is commissioned by the Lord for the task ahead. Two visions speak of coming judgement upon Judah, and God demands the prophet acts urgently with the message God gave him of impending doom.

LESSONS FROM JEREMIAH – PART 3 – JEREMIAH COMMISSIONED; TWO VISIONS; AND GOD DEMANDS ACTION PART 3 – Jeremiah 1:9-17 CHAPTER 1 {{Jeremiah 1:9-10 Then the LORD stretched out His hand AND TOUCHED MY MOUTH, and the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have appointed ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:9-10, Jeremiah 1:11-12, Isaiah 55:10-11, 2 Peter 3:3-5, Jeremiah 1:13-15, Jeremiah 1:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Stand Still And Watch

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Apr 3, 2020

The record of King Jehoshaphat learning about a planned invasion of Judah provides an example of how we are to respond when we feel overwhelmed and unprepared when we are attacked.

Take your bibles and turn to 2 Chronicles 20. We’re going to start in verse 17 and then we’re going to back up and get into the chapter a little bit. (17) Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Instructions For Victory

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Jun 29, 2023

This message is about God's instructions that helped me rebound after my job was eliminated.

Good morning, New Light! Many of you know me, but for those who don’t, I am Barry, your pastor’s brother, and I am honored that he asked me to share the message this morning. My message is a very personal one that resulted from a job loss. It was a difficult and uncertain time in my life, and in ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:25, Ephesians 2:1, 2 Chronicles 19:4, 1 Kings 15:11, 2 Chronicles 17:5, 2 Chronicles 20:1-29, Deuteronomy 4:29, Isaiah 43:26, Ephesians 1:12-14, Colossians 1:12-14, Hebrews 4:15-16, 1 Peter 5:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Go! And Examine The Evidence — The Case For Christ Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 1, 2025

Lee Strobel in The Case for Christ encountered the overwhelming evidence for Christ. This sermon is not about Strobel, but about the truth he uncovered: Jesus Christ is exactly who He claimed to be.

Go! And Examine the Evidence — The Case for Christ Introduction Church, for generations people have wrestled with the same question Jesus asked His disciples: Luke 9:20 (NLT): “But who do you say I am?” Your answer to that question determines everything about your eternity. Today, I want to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:20, Luke 1:2, John 10:30, Luke 5:20, Luke 5:21, John 19:34, Matthew 28:12-13, 1 Corinthians 15:6, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Part 21: How To Get God's Help In The Hard Times Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 3, 2025

1. Call on the Lord (vs. 1-4). 2. Check our attitudes (vs. 5). 3. Commit ourselves to the Lord's care (vs. 6-7). 4. Confess our faith in God (vs. 8a). 5. Keep calling on the Lord (vs. 8-10). 6. Keep checking our attitudes (vs. 11).

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 21: How to Get God's Help in the Hard Times Psalm 42:1-11 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - August 20, 2017 (Revised - April 3, 2025) BACKGROUND: *Anyone who has read a good portion of God's Word knows that there are a lot of prayers ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Greatest Focus Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 15, 2021

The best sermons, the best books, the best Sunday School lessons, the best Bible studies, the best articles and the best of everything you can hear or read are those things that help you fix your thoughts on Jesus.

There are no end to the things we can think of and focus our attention upon, but the greatest focus of all is to focus our thoughts on Jesus. That is the focus of the Bible from beginning to end. That is to be the focus of all that we do in church, and in all the meetings and activities of the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 3:1

The Gospel Of Light Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jan 30, 2020

In a hymn of praise to God’s goodness in Psalm 36, three basic characteristics are presented of the Father as the God of "the Gospel of Light". In this we see 1) Light from His Person (Ps. 36:5-6), 2) Light for His People (Ps. 36:7-9) and 3) Light from His Protection (Ps. 36:10-11).

Psalm 36:5-11 [5] Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. [6] Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD. [7] How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 36:5-11

Denomination: Other

Touched By His Power Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 15, 2018

When Jesus healed people "power went out from Him". This isn't the only time "Power" is spoken about as "coming out" from Jesus when He performed His miracles. What does that mean and what can it mean to us?

OPEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW5OBrB4MRM (0:0 thru 1:52 - where the speaker begins to introduce next video) The video describes how chemicals are used to create the different colors in fireworks. How many of you knew that stuff? Isn’t that cool? All those beautiful fireworks on the 4th ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:12-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Infecting Your Facebook Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 8, 2012

Viruses infect PCs (Personal Computers), and sins infect PLs (our Personal Lives). Facebook has become one place where we can see certain viruses/sins infect the language and attitudes of those who use that site.

OPEN: A few yrs ago, a computer specialist by the name of Didier Stevens came up with a humorous ad campaign he placed on Google (a popular internet site). The Ad read in this way: "Is your PC (Personal Computer) virus-free? Get it infected here!" Now for those of you not familiar with ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:3-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Thanks Be To God! Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 21, 2010

As I researched this sermon, I discovered a powerful message in Paul’s thanksgiving that was both simple and profound. What it taught me has changed my entire view of how to give thanks.

There’s a supposedly true story about a family was seated around their Thanksgiving table. As was their custom everyone shared what they were thankful for. From the oldest to the youngest, they each took their turn to express their praise. When they came to the 5 year old in the family, he ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

B Joyful Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 15, 2009

Why sing? Isn’t singing just for "singers"? And what if I don’t like the songs? Do I have to sing anyway?

OPEN: I read the true story about a woman who bought her daughter a really nice Baby Grand Piano for her birthday. A few weeks later, one of her friends asked her how her daughter was doing. “Oh,” she said, “I persuaded her to switch to a clarinet.” “How come?” asked the friend. “Well,” – ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

6 Elements To Warfare Prayer Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 1, 2022

Daniel prayed with resolve—he set his face. He prayed with tremendous reflection—he looked upon God. I hate to say, and so much of my prayer is casual prayer, prayer that comes with almost a take-it-or-leave-it attitude. God is calling us at this late hour to pray with serious concentration.

Americans are riddled with anxiety. Many of you are full of anxious thoughts throughout the night. Many of us feel an impending sense of danger just around the corner. For some, this apprehension is about their jobs, their marriage and their children. Most of us think if we had a little more money, ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 9:3-19

Denomination: Baptist

Part 32 - What Should We Do When The Flood Waters Rise? Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 23, 2025

When the flood waters rise... 1. Remember God’s help (vs. 1-2). 2. Rely on God’s help (vs. 1-4). 3. Request God’s help (vs. 5-14). 4. Rejoice in God’s help (vs. 15).

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 32: What Should We Do When the Flood Waters Rise? Psalm 144:1-15 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared September 23, 2025) BACKGROUND: *Today we will study one of the many great prayers in the Old Testament. Anyone who has read much of the Bible knows that the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 144:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Moving To The Head Of The Line Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 14, 2010

Jesus hated pride and used the Pharisees to highlight the evils of that sin. But why would God hate pride, and how would I know if I suffer from it?

Last Sunday we introduced the “Upside Down Teachings of Jesus”. The teaching of Jesus that just don’t make sense to most people. Today’s sermon will continue that theme by focusing on Jesus’ teaching: “the Last shall be First, and the First shall be Last”. OPEN: When my dad first married my mom, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ