Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Paul's Sermon At Athens: The Unknown God Made Known

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jun 8, 2021

Paul began his Gospel message by pointing out the empty altar dedicated to the "Unknown God' whom the Greeks acknowledged and worshipped, then proceeded to tell them about the true and living God and how to know Him personally.

Paul had now established common ground with the men of Athens by referring to the empty altar dedicated to the God of whom they know nothing yet honored despite their ignorance and uncertainty. Paul did not chide them or charge them with blasphemy, nor does he rebuke them for their polytheism. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1, Exodus 20:11, Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 33:6, Isaiah 40:28, Isaiah 48:13, Acts 4:24, Hebrews 1:10, Acts 17:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Gone Fishing

Contributed by Sean Dees on May 1, 2021

From the text I see three ways in which we may rob ourselves of the blessings of God in our life. Many of you here tonight have been toiling day after day and to a veil came up empty.

Intro: Tonight Lord willing I would like to talk to you about receiving your blessing. From the text I see three ways in which we may rob ourselves of the blessings of God in our life. Many of you here tonight have been toiling day after day and to a veil came up empty. You are ready to give it ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-7

The Meaning And Purpose Of Life

Contributed by John Newbaker on Jul 10, 2021

There are many people today who feel that life doesn’t have meaning and purpose. They feel empty. Nothing interests them. They have no drive, no determination, and no desires. They’re depressed, discouraged, disillusioned, and dissatisfied. They feel they have no hope.

I want to start off by asking 2 questions: 1/ Does this life have meaning and purpose, and if so, 2/ Where can we find the meaning and purpose of life? There are many people today who feel that life doesn’t have meaning and purpose. They feel empty. Nothing interests them. They have no ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

Your Shield And Reward Series

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Sep 4, 2025

Week 2: I AM Series - From Burning Bush to Bethlehem - When victories feel empty and fears overwhelm you at 3 AM, God offers something better than protection or blessings. He offers Himself completely.

Your Shield and Reward Week 2: I AM Series - From Burning Bush to Bethlehem Main Text: Genesis 15:1 Supporting Texts: Psalm 84:11, Ephesians 6:16 Introduction You lie awake at 3 AM. The house stays silent except for the refrigerator's hum, and your mind races despite your exhaustion. Last ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:9, Genesis 14:23, Genesis 15:1, Genesis 15:1-3, Genesis 15:2-3, Genesis 15:6, Numbers 18:20, Job 42:2, Psalm 3:3, Psalm 16:5, Psalm 34:18, Psalm 50:10, Psalm 84:11, Proverbs 18:24, Matthew 6:33, John 6:35, John 10:11, John 11:25, John 14:6, John 17:3, John 20:19, Acts 18:9, Romans 8:1, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 6:16, Philippians 3:7-8, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Peter 1:4, 1 John 2:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Laodicea: Knock, Knock! Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Feb 14, 2021

Becoming a tepid or lukewarm church doesn’t take any effort at all … none. All we have to do is sit in the pews, sing the same old hymns, hear the same old sermons over and over again, and eventually you’ll end up with a tepid church full of lukewarm Christians.

The sun showed them no mercy. Directly overhead, it blazed and beat down on them. They were tired and hungry and very thirsty, so the sight of a well … even a Samaritan well … was a more-than-welcome sight. Jesus and the Disciples didn’t have a jar or a bucket with them, so they had no way to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22, Isaiah 55:1-2

Denomination: United Methodist

The Purpose Of Life

Contributed by Jedidiah Jedidiah on Aug 27, 2025

Seeking meaning in earthly pursuits leads to emptiness; they were never designed to be the source of our purpose. "Why am I here?" is fundamentally a theological question, not a worldly one. The answer can only be found by going to the source of life who created us – God.

The purpose of life The Bible repeatedly points out that humanity's natural inclination is to turn away from God's will and follow their own path. This is a central part of the biblical concept of sin. This rejection is a recurring theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 10:23, Proverbs 14:12

Hypocrisy Will Be Exposed

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

THE FALSE CLAIMS AND EMPTY TRAPPINGS OF HYPOCRISY WILL BE EXPOSED AND CONDEMNED FOR WHAT THEY ARE This was true for the fig tree that Jesus cursed This was true for the nation Israel who rejected their Messiah This is true in our lives when we fail to produce the normal fruit of a Christian li

THE FALSE CLAIMS AND EMPTY TRAPPINGS OF HYPOCRISY WILL BE EXPOSED AND CONDEMNED FOR WHAT THEY ARE This was true for the fig tree that Jesus cursed This was true for the nation Israel who rejected their Messiah This is true in our lives when we fail to produce the normal fruit of a Christian ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Source Of Significance Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Jan 7, 2004

1st in series based on John 1&2. The problem is that we human types keep trying to find the good life in all the wrong places, using all the wrong tools, with all the wrong resources, and getting miserable empty results.

Living the Good Life A Study of John 1 & 2 Having what it takes to make it in the world today… Jesus came for one purpose John 10:10b “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” To give us an abundant life. God never intended that we be miserable, hurt, damaged, or ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Carpenter's Cloth Series

Contributed by Pat Cook on May 22, 2006

This is taken from Sigmund Brouwer’s wonderful book of the same name. This speaks of the cross being only part of God’s plan of salvation for us, the empty tomb being the other. Jesus the carpenter wants to complete His work in us.

John 20:1-9 – The Carpenter’s Cloth Tonight I’m going to share a thought with you that I read several years ago, and it has blessed me ever since. In fact, likely, you remember it since I read it to you on my 1st Easter Sunday message in Doaktown and Blissfield. I hope that it encourages you ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Finding God's Hand...in Our Everyday Lives Series

Contributed by Josh Reich on Apr 2, 2007

Is it possible to walk through your day and see God? So often we get to the end of our day and feel empty, like we didn’t see God and we wonder if he cares about the details of our life.

I am really glad you are here with us today. Today is part two of our series Finding God’s hand. We are walking through the book of Ruth. I am really excited where we are in the story today, as it takes some new twists and turns. Today we are going to meet a guy named Boaz, which right off the ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Trip Around The World

Contributed by Carl Allen on Aug 19, 2008

Often as Christians we need to take a mental trip around the world to see the needs of the world today, as well as revisiting places like the Mount of Olives, Calvary, and the empty tomb to remind ourselves of the Great Comission we have been given.

Trip Around the World Matthew 28:19 Intro Tonight with the aid of the Holy Spirit, I would like to take a trip around the world, so that you might discover the desperate needs of the world in which we live. I would also like to take you back to some significant events in history that provide us ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19

Denomination: Baptist

All The Right Moves - All The Wrong Motives Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 6, 2011

There are behaviors and qualities that many Christians believe are hallmarks of a truly spiritual Christian. But Paul tells us that those qualities mean nothing if we don’t love others. Why? Why are our best Christian behaviors empty without that single a

OPEN: Jesse James was one of the most famous men of the West. For a period of about 15 years, Jesse James and his gang committed 26 holdups where they made off with approximately $200,000 and killed at least 17 men (many by Jesse’s own hand). Jesse James was one of the West’s most notorious ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Waiting On The Spirit

Contributed by Bishop Johnathan Hester on Mar 11, 2011

Think about how comical this must appear from the Lord’s perspective. The apostles (led by Peter) decide the 12th position is empty and therefore it needs to be filled (appropriately reasoned). The only problem is - it is they who chose the two men; cast

Waiting on the Spirit Acts 1:23-26 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:15-26

Denomination: Apostolic

Love & Respect

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Jul 10, 2012

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Love & Respect August 24, 2008 Evening Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-33

Denomination: Baptist

Post-Christmas Battle For Your Heart

Contributed by David Tack on Dec 23, 2011

Let us look beyond the pleasantry of Christmas day this morning. Christmas will soon be over; and, for many they will go back to hearts filled with bitterness, hatred and burden. You see the hearts of humanity may appear to be EMPTY from post-Christmas

Post-Christmas Battle for Your Heart David Tack – December 22, 2011 INTRO: Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It promotes joy and goodwill to humanity and most people purposely spread the spirit of peace, love and toleration! Christmas day arrives and it is a time of great communion, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:8

Denomination: Baptist