Sermons on Empty Ritual:

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

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

Recognizing The Risen Savior Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jul 2, 2020

When we recognize that Jesus is here: 1. We can receive His unstoppable life. 2. We can rely on His unlimited love. 3. We can receive unexpected joy. 4. We will respond with unashamed worship. 5. We will rush to spread the ultimate news.

Recognizing the Risen Savior The Gospel of John John 20:1-18 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - July 25, 2018 (Revised July 2, 2020) BACKGROUND: *Tonight, in John 20 we reach the wonderful story of the Lord's resurrection. Let's begin by reading vs. 1-18. And as we read, ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

His Real Presence

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Apr 10, 2020

On Holy Thursday Jesus institutes his sacred meal and commands us to love one another

April 9, 2020 – Maundy Thursday Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35 His Real Presence Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Tonight is Maundy Thursday of Holy Week. Normally, we ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-35

Denomination: Lutheran

The Great Change

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Jan 7, 2024

This Sunday I look forward to being back among family. My message will be my personal vision for change, or transformation. It comes from Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. And my prayer is that you will join me on this quest to allow God to do His great change in our hearts and in His church.

The Great Change Philippians 2:5-11 Watch on YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/mCAHAhjpwF8?si=LoLUybC_hGUYTtYk Today, I’d like to share with you, my vision. A vision for myself, and hopefully for the church, but the church cannot really have a vision without that vision being a part of those who ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11, Philippians 2:3, Romans 12:1-2, Isaiah 53:12, Luke 9:23, Psalm 84:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Foursquare

A Journey Towards Hope: The Emmaus Road Series

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Mar 4, 2024

On this journey, we’ll look at three secrets. We see these secrets in two of Jesus disciples that were on this road to Emmaus. What they found and what we’ll find is a renewed a hope that erases exhaustion, emptiness, and enslavement.

A Journey Towards Hope: The Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-35 Watch on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwtJr_xu1Vw With all that is happening in our world today, there are Three Basic Secrets simmering just beneath the surface that no one wants to admit. 1. We Feel Exhausted Most of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Foursquare

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

“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

3 More Than Stuff Series

Contributed by Steve Pearman on Dec 11, 2025

Christmas tells us that more presents equal more joy… but is that really true? In this message, we explore the story of the shepherds in Luke 2:1–20 and see how they discovered a joy far better than anything the world could wrap. Real joy isn’t something you open — it’s Someone you meet.

INTRODUCTION It’s great to be able to share our Christmas series Beyond the Hype — looking at how God invites us into something so much deeper and longer-lasting than the pressure-filled version of Christmas the world often sells us. Today we’re looking at a theme we all know too well this time of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

They Came

Contributed by Bramwell Hayes on Mar 27, 2005

An exploration of the thoughts and emotions of the women as they visited the empty tomb and their relevance for us

They came because somebody had to. They came because it was expected. They came because the men were too scared to come out of hiding. They came because it was the women’s job anyway. They came because it was only right and proper. They came because they were in mourning. They came because all that ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Salvation Army

Jesus Is Alive! True Of False Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Apr 9, 2004

There are a lot of crazy "theories" as to why the tomb is empty. This is a simple look at them

INTRODUCTION • What a wonderful day! Today we celebrate the fact that Jesus is alive! • Over the last three weeks we have looked at the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, that He is the only way to God; and that He died for you. • If we let the story end right there, we would then fit in with ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Do The Father's Will

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Sep 27, 2005

Do the Father’s Will 1) Not with empty words 2) But with repentant actions

I’d like your opinion. I called a couple of mechanics to take a look at my car. The first man I talked to was very rude. He said he had no time for me and hung up while I was still holding the phone to my ear. You can imagine my surprise then when later that afternoon this same mechanic showed up ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32

Denomination: Lutheran

Making Friends

Contributed by Nche Takoh on Jan 30, 2007

The cost of friendship is nothing compared to the cost of not loving, a life of empty loneliness.

MAKING FRIENDS Introduction It is no doubt that everyone needs friends but when you are young, friends can have more Influence over how you dress, act, think, etc. than your parents do. It has generally been said “Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are”. If friends play such an ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 17:17

Denomination: Baptist