Sermons on Empty Ritual:

The Happiest Of Endings Series

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 4, 2023

Mark concludes his Gospel in chapter 16 with the angel's announcement at the empty tomb, and then the appearances to Mary, the two disciples, and then the eleven apostles. Finally, he declares Jesus return to heaven and His work in and through the apostles as they carried out His mission.

Introduction A. In an old poem called “The Widow in the Bye Street,” John Masefield depicts a scene of heartbreaking agony. 1. He depicts a young man about to be executed by hanging for crimes he had committed. 2. In the crowd witnessing this fatal event was his mother. 3. As the trap door ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Risen (John 20)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 11, 2025

To whom did Jesus first appear after His resurrection? Let's look at John 20.

Who did Jesus first reveal Himself to after His resurrection? Do we believe the important declaration that Thomas made about Jesus? Let’s look at John 20. Who came to the tomb early that Sunday morning? Early in the morning of the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Cycle Of Life Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 14, 2024

Dissatisfaction is designed to lead us to find satisfaction in God alone.

The Cycle of Life Ecclesiastes 1:3-18 Rev. Brian Bill July 13-14, 2024 We’ve been challenged this summer to read through the entire Book of Ecclesiastes at least three times. As I’ve been doing so it strikes me how many of Solomon’s existential experiments are reflected in popular songs from the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:3-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jan 23, 2009

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not a ritual but real; it is the coming of a Person. It is not about a program but a power. It is not about propaganda but witnessing.

Jesus gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem…” • They need to wait. No time frame was given but they were called to wait. • Apparently this is really important. They need to receive the gift the Father has promised – the baptism of the Holy Spirit. • They are not to leave the city until ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Prayer That Gets Results

Contributed by Mike Turner on Oct 9, 2004

Is our praying just routine or simply a ritual ? This message deals with "Prayer That Gets Results"

Prayer That Gets Results Luke 18:1-8 Joke: A woman invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to her six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I don’t know what to say," the little girl replied. "Just say what you hear Mommy say," the woman said. The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Meaning Of Baptism

Contributed by Bill Huffhine on May 27, 2004

Understanding the true meaning of Christian baptism through an examination of the Jewish ritual of proselyte baptism.

One of the greatest joys that I have as a pastor is when an individual who is far from God visits our community of believers, begins to hear the voice of God calling them to a higher place, a fresh beginning, a new life, and that person responds to the call of God by committing their life to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-13

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Last Supper

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Feb 19, 2003

Communion is not merely a ritual. It is fellowship and involvement in the life of Christ and His Body, "The Church".

THE LAST SUPPER 1 COR. 11:17-34 Pastor Greg Mc Donald But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part, I believe ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, 1 Corinthians 11:20-33

Are You Living By Rules Or A Relationship? Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 9, 2006

Are you still trying to obey rules and observe rituals to earn God’s favor?

INTRODUCTION During this Grace-Robbers series we have noted there are many people who are still trying to live under law instead of grace. Rules and laws can often be ridiculous, and even funny. Here is a list of ten actual laws from different states. 1. In Alabama it is illegal for a driver to ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

If The Tomb Could Talk

Contributed by Dr. Zachary Sizemore on May 5, 2020

The story of Easter is a story that can be best told from the lips of the empty tomb.God emptied the tomb to fill our hearts.

If The Tomb Could Talk Proverbs 30:15-16 “…... There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough. (The grave is never satisfied) There has ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 30:15-16

Denomination: Bible Church

True Worship

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 20, 2025

True worship is not a mere act of singing, lifting hands, or attending church—it is a spiritual response to the greatness, holiness, and majesty of God.

TRUE WORSHIP By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: John 4:23-24 Supporting Texts: Psalm 95:6, Romans 12:1, Isaiah 29:13, Hebrews 13:15, Revelation 4:10-11 INTRODUCTION: True worship is not a mere act of singing, lifting hands, or attending church—it is a spiritual response to the greatness, ...read more

Scripture: John 4:23-24

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Turn On The Light! Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

What does it mean to "empty" oneself? Something will fill the vacuum! When we empty ourself for Jesus--who is the perfect example of emptying oneself--we will be filled with His nature... and shine like lights!

I. Intro A. My kids and I are reading a series of books of historical fiction entitled The American Adventure, which follow the lives of various children as the history of our nation unfolds around them. One of the things that has always been the case is that, the older we get, the less we like ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Life On The Cross

Contributed by Chris Thron on Oct 18, 2000

How can the modern professional cope with the overwhelming sense of emptiness and irrelevance?

Faced with the challenge of Corinth, Paul rolled up his sleeves and got right down to basics. He determined to put aside all other practical and doctrinal issues and focused entirely on Jesus Christ and Him crucified. But why does Paul mention ’Him crucified’, and not ’Him resurrected’? Because ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:2-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Against The Flow Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 24, 2012

Through caring conversations, devotions, service and rituals we nourish our faith and shine brightly in a world of darkness.

Romans 8:31-39 “Against the Flow” INTRODUCTION For the past four weeks, we have talked about (what I like to call) wholistic stewardship. The proposition I have presented is that Biblical stewardship involves more than what we drop in the offering basket. Stewardship is more than ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39

Denomination: Lutheran

Return Of God's Glory: Exuberant Worship (2) Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Oct 24, 2016

Worship Invites the Glory of God; Introduces Salvation; and Initiates Victory.

1. Secret to Soul Winning One of the most zealous soul-winners of yesteryear was Colonel George Clarke, who established the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, but he wasn't a polished speaker. Dr. R. A. Torrey once wrote, "I used to go and hear Col. Clarke talk and he seemed to me to be one of the ...read more

Scripture: John 4:21-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Character Study Of Hosea Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 23, 2025

Hosea’s life was a living demonstration of God’s love, mercy, and justice. His marriage to Gomer was a painful but powerful message about Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness and God’s relentless pursuit of His people.

CHARACTER STUDY OF HOSEA – PROPHET WHO MARRIED GOMER By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Hosea 1:2 "The beginning of the word of the Lord by Hosea. And the Lord said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 1:2, Hosea 4:1-6, Hosea 6:1-6, Hosea 11:1-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God