Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Calling God Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 7, 2008

Uses a cell phone to illustrate the basics of effective prayer. Addresses the tendency of people to rely on repetition and ritual to get God’s attention.

OPEN: (a deep voiced man was positioned in a side room with microphone and monitor. This opening illustration goes on for a couple of pages but worked well to set up the rest of the sermon) "Our Father who art in heaven..." "YES?" (look up and around suspiciously then bow and say) "Our Father ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I'm Doing The Right Things, So Why Do I Feel Empty ?

Contributed by Mike Turner on Feb 2, 2004

A message that deals with the emptiness which is experienced when we are trying to do what is right !

I’m Doing The Right Things, So Why Do I Feel Empty ? 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ILL. Have you heard the story about the actor who was playing the part of Christ in the Passion Play in the Ozarks? As he carried the cross up the hill a tourist began heckling, making fun of him, & shouting ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

A Higher Standard

Contributed by Danny Nance on Mar 21, 2008

The standard of holiness has never been lowered, and the need for grace never more seen.

A Higher Standard Matt. 5:20, 48 I’d like to be a track star. How cool would it be to stand before a roaring crowd that has stood to its feet because I set a new record in high jump! And I could do it, you know—if the record for high jump stood at two feet. Unfortunately for me, the record is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20-48

Denomination: Baptist

Sacrifice: The Ultimate Series

Contributed by Todd Bishop on Mar 29, 2007

Christ was the ultimate sacrifice.

Tonight we are kicking off our new series – “SACRIFICE” – sounds a little morbid for a back to school series, even to me … but here’s where we are at! Tough topic … so let’s start with a little fun … Things You Don’t Want to Hear During Surgery •Better save that. We’ll need it for the autopsy. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

We Can Make It

Contributed by Chris Mccall on Oct 21, 2011

This message was developed from a message by Joel Stockstill. When God sets the plan in place, it is then a matter of us staying committed & faithful. We must be focused on what the mission is & how God wants it to be carried out.

We Can Make It! Jonah 3:1-2 NLT In the governing scripture of Destiny we see a very important word that we must stay aware of as we travel this journey God has set before us. Habakkuk 2:3 NLT This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 3:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Church-Building Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Feb 5, 2015

Worship certainly ascends to the Father but it also goes out to one another.

1. Have a Blessed Day -- A Walmart Greeter in Georgia was censored by his employer when ONE customer complained about his greeting of, "Have a blessed day." Customers overwhelmingly came to his defense and Walmart backed down. a. I realize Wal-Mart is not church but this Greeter was practicing a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Heaven's Hero Able Series

Contributed by Joe Hayes on Nov 25, 2008

What will your life say when you have gone? Whatever it is communicating today You can also listen to messages at www.preaching.co.nr

Heaven’s Hero, Abel Heaven’s Heroes are men and women of God who have been victorious in the faith, not all heaven’s heroes are listed in Hebrews 11, many are still alive and active for God today, they are not to be idolized, they are an example to all who desire to advance in the Christian ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

An Angel's Rock Solid Chair Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Feb 28, 2018

Why does Matthew mention that the Angel sat on the boulder that was in the front of the tomb of Jesus? This message answers this question to help us understand more about the significance of the work of Jesus.

The message below is more in note form. Message Matthew 28:2 An Angel's Rock Solid Chair Read Matthew 27:62-28:10 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. Lent Series:- Strange and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:2

Denomination: Baptist

“jesus Arose From The Dead” Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Aug 7, 2016

John gives clear evidence and witness that Jesus arose from the dead.

7 24 2016 “Jesus Arose from the Dead” John 20:1-18 Today we begin to examine John’s account of Jesus’ Resurrection and His interaction with the disciples after He arose from the dead. Collectively, the four gospels share accounts of several resurrection appearances; along ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Confusion Reigns Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Mar 30, 2016

The empty tomb produces confusion yet, despite the confusion, Jesus is still at work. When we have confusion keep trusting in the work of Jesus.

Message John 20:1-10 “Confusion Reigns” A good word which describes the first Easter Long Weekend is Confusion There is the confusion of the temple leaders, elders and teachers. They are face to face with the promised Messiah, yet they want him killed. There is the confusion of the crowd. One ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Proof Of Easter

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Mar 30, 2015

In a time when many deny the existence of Jesus and the fact He arose, we offer the biblical story and compare it to some of the worldly explanations about Jesus and the tomb, using the truth found in facts.

There are many thoughts as to what actually happened on that first Easter so many years ago, or what it actually means to us today. That is what we will address today. So, if you would, please open your Bibles to LUKE 24. We will begin there, but first . . . What do you think a good sermon ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-8

Denomination: *other

He Is Alive! The Resurrection! Easter!

Contributed by Lou Butterfield on Mar 31, 2012

The resurrection morning - just an ordinary day, a horrible day, a sad day, then the ordinary became the extraordinary, He is Alive!

He is Alive! The Resurrection! Easter! For many it was just another day. Perhaps the Sun was shining, birds singing, Just an ordinary day. Men were off to work; fields, fishing, hunting, Carpenters had things to build, day laborers worked at whatever they could find, others were off to the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Influences

Contributed by Richard Seim on Jan 7, 2019

We find ourselves influenced from so many directions. In this age of social media, there are a plethora of negative influences demanding our attention and agreement. What influences us is under our control to a large degree. Let see what God tells us about INFLUENCES in Psalm 1.

I. WE HAVE THE CHOICE OF SPIRITUAL EMPTINESS (1, 4-5). 1. We can choose the influence of ungodly people and/or things (1). 1) We can align ourselves with ungodly counsel (follow their advice). 2) We can pattern our conduct after ungodly examples. 3) We can strengthen our own ideas through ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6, John 14:15, John 15:10

Christ Is Risen!

Contributed by Hans Krause on Oct 19, 2018

The Easter story calls us to follow in the footsteps of the women who were the first to encounter the risen Jesus: in seeking his presence day by day, in worshiping him as our Lord and Savior, and in going out to call people in.

[Sermon preached on 1 April 2018, Easter Sunday / 3rd year, ELCF Lectionary] “Were you there when they crucified our Lord?” It is a rhetorical question. Of course, we were not there when they crucified our Lord. The drama that we watched at the beginning of the service gives us some idea of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10, Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Jesus Meets The Woman At The Well

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 22, 2018

Why is that sharp spiritual void we have within — a void that can only be filled by a relationship with God — so often seem blunted? (for Friend Day)

Jesus Meets the Woman at the Well (John 4:4-43) 1. A renowned philosopher was held in high regard by his driver, who listened in awe as his boss lectured and answered difficult questions about the nature of things and the meaning of life. Then, one day, the driver approached the philosopher and ...read more

Scripture: John 4:4-43

Denomination: Independent/Bible