Sermons on Empty Religion:

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

Parenting Prerogatives Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 8, 2009

Our primary call is isn’t to be good parents. Our primary call is to model a vibrant and vital love relationship with the living God (quote from Gary Oliver)

Parenting Prerogatives Deuteronomy 6:1-6 Rev. Brian Bill 11/8/09 It’s really hard to stay centered when we’re all so busy. I really applaud every parent here today, especially moms. Check out this day in the life of a mom. Video: “Mom Song” ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Freedom Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Jul 17, 2020

 Freedom is worth dying for. Freedom is worth fighting for. And in these next verses of Galatians, the Apostle Paul is going to make the case that freedom is worth living for.

Dance Lessons: Freedom! (Part1) Galatians 5:1-6 Chenoa Baptist Church Pastor Jefferson M. Williams 5-3-2020 Free at Last! On August 28, 1963, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial and gave one of the most memorable speeches in our country's history. He ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Seven Habits For Spiritual Health

Contributed by Richard Tow on Dec 7, 2022

How do believers maintain spiritual vitality and finish well? This message examines seven lifestyle habits that sustain the believer in the long run. Professor Robert Clinton found that only one-third of leaders finish well. These disciplines help us finish well.

Intro Welcome to this Legacy Ministry College chapel service. We take as our subject today: Seven Habits for Spiritual Health. What are the essentials for a successful life journey in Christ? It is one thing to begin a journey; it is another to finish that journey. To finish and finish well, you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Matthew 22:37-40, John 15:5, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Timothy 4:1-10, Joshua 1:1-8, Matthew 16:24-25, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew 4:1-4, Matthew 6:33  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Cross The Line

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 19, 2018

Our world has drawn new lines in the sand in an effort to separate us from those who need what only Jesus can give. Our world says – keep your religion to yourself – we don’t want it here. Jesus says cross the line, I'm here for you.

Cross the Line John Chapter 11 Jesus crosses the line and goes back to Judea where his friend Lazarus has died. Sometimes God will call us and ask us to cross the line. To go from a place of relative safety to a place of danger. The last time Jesus was in Judea they tried to kill Him by ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

There Are No Atheists In Hell

Contributed by John Gaston on Jan 25, 2023

People with "no religion" have grown to over 30% of the population. We must reach them.“There Are No Atheists in Hell” because all of them became believers, just too late! See the reasons why, God's efforts to reach them, and what you need to tell them.

THERE ARE NO ATHEISTS IN HELL Luke 16:22-29 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: ONLY HEARING ONE SIDE 1. A Judge was about to swear in a member of a jury when he was told that the man was deaf in one ear. 2. “You really can’t serve on the jury.” “Why not?” 3. “Because you can only hear one side!” ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:22-29

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Killing "the God Of Me"

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Apr 29, 2021

There is only one throne in a person's heart; it either belongs to you or to the Lord God Almighty. Jesus won't share it with you and you cannot expect Him to do so. There is only one remedy, to kill "the god of Me" and enthrone the True and Living God there!

Killing "The god of Me” Please stand with me as we go over our current memory Scripture: Matthew 5:6-8 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11, Daniel 3:1-30, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:5, 1 Peter 2:12, Exodus 20:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

Can‘t You Read The Sign!? Mark 3: 1-6

Contributed by James Lee on Nov 21, 2013

A number of times, the religionists had attacked Jesus, accusing Him of teaching a false religion. I guess they often wondered… “Hey Jesus! Can’t You read the sign!? We have rule against that kind of stuff!” In Mark chapter three we see yet another confrontation.

While thinking about this message I was reminded of a song from my hippy days… And the sign said "Long-haired freaky people need not apply" So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why He said "You look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you'll do" So I took off my ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Neutrals Series

Contributed by Shingirayi Gwete on Nov 21, 2020

Is there a neutral ground when it comes to matters of religion? Is it possible for one to consider themselves as a non-aligned? Can you take the middle ground? Can you sit on the fence? In short, can you be neither on God's side nor the devil’s side? Let us get our answers from the sermon.

Switzerland has not participated in any foreign war ever since 1815 when it established itself as a neutral country. A neutral country is defined as a state which does not take sides of belligerents (warring parties) in a specific war or future conflicts. Such states refuse to even enter into ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:30, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Kings 18:21, Matthew 6:24

Denomination: Adventist

You're Not Simple, And Neither Is God

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Jun 14, 2025

People want a "simple religion" and want to make God simple. Yet we ourselves are not simple at all, so how could our Creator be? Though God is complex, in Trinity, he displays for us love within that union, a love which models for us the love we should have for each other.

Good Morning. Give me a simple religion. It’s what a lot of people want, and it’s what a lot of people have tried to turn Christianity into through the years. Of course, if someone calls US simple, we are very offended. Yet somehow, we think the God who made us has to be simpler than we are. I am ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:14

Denomination: Anglican

Promise Keeper Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Dec 18, 2019

My parents never made empty promises to me. Now that I’m an adult, I realize my parents were always honest with me. Because of their honesty, I’ve found it easier to believe in a God that keeps his promises. That is not true for many people who find God too mysterious to understand, much less trust.

Promise Keeper Christmas Eve 2019 • My parents never made empty promises to me. Now that I’m an adult, I realize my parents were always honest with me. • Because of their honesty, I’ve found it easier to believe in a God that keeps his promises. • That is not true for many people who find God too ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:2, Isaiah 9:2, Hebrews 13:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Faith That Fails

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2009

A message that seeks to encourage believers to have faith in Christ, and not faith in faith or faith in themselves.

JOHN 5:39-47 FAITH THAT FAILS “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God ...read more

Scripture: John 5:39-47

Denomination: Baptist