Sermons on Empty Ritual:

The Gate Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Mar 26, 2021

When we confess the name of Jesus, the I am who is the Gate, we will always have a Saviour who will bring us to the pasture of life to the full, no matter which empty-promise pastures we have detoured to along the way.

Message John 10:7 I Am The Gate When seeking to understand what Jesus means when he says, “I am the Gate we need to know the context where this is spoken. John 10:1-13 So what we have, in this context, is two “I am” statements. Jesus is the Gate. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. For us to see how Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 10:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

Written In Stone

Contributed by David Roth on Apr 6, 2021

The fact of our death, although it has not yet occurred is certain and written in stone. But the fact of our resurrection in Christ, although it has not yet occurred is more certain, and written in the stone of His empty tomb and on the stone which was rolled away.

J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. (Ps. 19:14) “Written in Stone” Alleluia, He is risen. He is risen, indeed, Alleluia. It was Saturday evening. The sun had set. The Sabbath had ended. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

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

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

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

To Love Is God’s Commandment Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 28, 2015

The world’s values do not last for eternity, they are self-centered and empty. John’s cry to the believer here is asking, “Who do you live for?” Will we love and live for God or ourselves?

To Love is God’s Commandment 1 John Bible Study, Part 4 1 John 2:7-17 Introduction - Last week, John gave us tremendous insight into living fully for Christ • We have an Advocate • We must live for Him • God makes us complete - V4 is the confirmation of this ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:7-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"to Jerusalaem... A Mission To Complete

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Aug 29, 2020

Jesus rebuked Peter because Peter did not understand God's plan.... Jerusalem, the cross and empty grave would mean forgiveness and eternal life. We all make mistakes... quotes by Barbara Bush, John Stott

In Jesus Holy Name August 30, 2020 Text: Matthew 16:21-28 Pentecost XIII – Redeemer “To Jerusalem…A Mission to Complete” Jesus and His disciples were at Caesarea Philippi. Their ministry to this point had been a stunning success. Crowds pressed in on them everywhere they ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28, Hebrews 7:24-27

Denomination: Lutheran

Hosanna In The Midst Of A Pandemic

Contributed by Ezekiel Ette on Apr 7, 2020

The world is in a locked down mode this Palm Sunday. Streets are empty and businesses are closed. We are told to stay home and if we must venture out, to avoid touching our face and to wear mask to avoid spreading the deadly Corona Virus.

Palm Sunday “HOSANNA” IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC Ezekiel Ette, Ph.D. (Matt 21 : 1 – 11) As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 9:9

Denomination: United Methodist

Hollow Hosannas

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Mar 27, 2010

Hosanna! For some these shouts of praise were true expressions of worship; for others they were hollow hosannas – hollow hosannas which were empty words that outwardly appeared beautiful but lacked substance. Is the praise we offer only hollow hosannas?

Hollow Hosannas Text: Matthew 21:1-17 Introduction: On the Sunday before His crucifixion Christ entered the city of Jerusalem riding upon a donkey while a multitude of people “went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Behold The Servant-King: Following Jesus Through The Prophecies Of Isaiah Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 7, 2026

Seven hundred years before Bethlehem. Seven centuries before a manger, a cross, and an empty tomb. God was already preaching the Gospel. The book of Isaiah is not merely ancient poetry or distant prophecy—it is a Spirit-breathed portrait of Jesus Christ.

Behold the Servant-King: Following Jesus Through the Prophecies of Isaiah Introduction: Seeing Jesus Before He Was Seen Church, disciples of Jesus Christ, today we stand on holy ground. Seven hundred years before Bethlehem. Seven centuries before a manger, a cross, and an empty tomb. God was ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 52:13-15, Isaiah 53:1-12, Matthew 1:22-23, Luke 1:32-33, Philippians 2:6-11, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Acts 8:32-35, Numbers 6:24-26  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

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