Sermons on Empty Ritual:

Going Beyond Human Sickness

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Jan 22, 2022

Where do you go when your mind is broken, you feel empty and without a sense of purpose, incapable of finding any joy in your life? You seek a cure from the Great Physician Jesus whose demand to deny self and follow Him is a yoke that is light in His sustaining grace and strength!

Going Beyond Human Sickness Matthew 11:28-30, 16:21-27 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 What do you do when you get sick? For many of us our first response is to look for an “over-the-counter” solution to see if we can find a cure for whatever ails us on our own! I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 16:21-27

Denomination: Baptist

Pleading For God's Mercy Series

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Oct 30, 2022

What is the only basis for your prayer for mercy? When you’ve been emptied of all pride, when you’ve given up trying to earn the LORD’s favour or to fix your life, then your only hope really is this: God has made you his own in Jesus Christ.

In our text Isaiah is praying. Praying is a normal thing for us, but let’s appreciate what the prophet is doing here. In this book of prophecy, there’s all kinds of different styles of writing. In Isaiah there are speeches, parables, lamentations, hymns of praise, predictions of the future, ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The 153 Fish Wake-Up Call Series

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Sep 26, 2025

As seasons shift, many of us need a reset with Jesus. John 21 shows the risen Christ meeting drifting disciples, filling empty nets, and inviting them to “come and have breakfast.” This isn’t box-checking; it’s returning to the One who seeks us, provides for us, and re-commissions us.

Can you feel it in the air? That subtle shift as summer fades into fall? Me either. But somehow every single store in all of existence seems to feel it as they’re already putting out Christmas decorations. I think by next year we’re going to see combo-fireworks stands selling candy canes and ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"behold, Your Mother" Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on May 8, 2019

We have all heard it said: “Ignorance is bliss.” If that were true, I should be experiencing a lot more bliss in my life than I am, Amen? When it comes to Mary, the mother of Jesus, however, I wouldn’t say that ignorance is bliss but I would say that innocence is

We have all heard it said: “Ignorance is bliss.” If that were true, I should be experiencing a lot more bliss in my life than I am, Amen? When it comes to Mary, the mother of Jesus, however, I wouldn’t say that ignorance is bliss but I would say that innocence is. Over the many, many centuries ...read more

Scripture: John 19:25-27, Luke 1:31-32, Luke 1:35-39, Luke 1:8-20, Isaiah 53:10, Isaiah 53:7, Psalm 22:18, Psalm 22:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: United Methodist

Stop, Look, Listen & Live! Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Apr 12, 2022

Jesus' followers had to very carefully examine the evidence for Jesus' resurrection, even when it was right before their faces, to believe. In the same way, you owe it to yourself to examine the evidence & come to the same conclusion they did!

This world is a dangerous place. If there’s any lesson the congregation of Risen King may have learned over the past three months or so is just how vulnerable we human being are to tragedies that may overtake us very suddenly. That the world is a dangerous place is something that most of being to ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18, Luke 18:32-33, Matthew 16:21

Denomination: Bible Church

When Hope Seems Gone Series

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Mar 28, 2010

Despair makes hope seem an empty dream as we snap awake to reality and we begin to believe the lie, “there's no way out.”...Our lesson today is one of “how” and “what”. “How” can I move from a spirit of despair to a life of hope?

DARE TO BELIEVE – “When Hope Seems Gone” Jonah 2:1-10 This picture (person sitting against a wall, very dark room, small light in the window) is, to me, a powerful image of despair. It creates a sense of aloneness where an overwhelming gloom settles into your spirit and there's ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

A Journey Towards Hope: The Emmaus Road (Updated 3/4/24) Series

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Apr 11, 2016

On this road and journey, we’ll look at three secrets we’re all carrying. We see these secrets in two of Jesus disciples that took this road following His death. It’s the road to Emmaus, and it’s a journey we take towards renewing a hope within us that erases exhaustion, emptiness, and enslavement.

A Journey Towards Hope: The Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-35 With all that is happening in our world today, there is simmering just beneath the surface Three Basic Secrets no one wants to admit, but the truth is more than evident. 1. We Feel Exhausted The first one is that most of us just feel ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Foursquare

"What Is Truth About Easter?”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Apr 3, 2023

A quote: Philip Yancy. Christianity offers a cross and empty tomb. The sermon deal's with Pilate's question: "What is truth?" N.T. Wright Surprised by Hope, reminds us that the Bible actually does not just teach “life after death,” but rather “life after life after death!”

In Jesus Holy Name April 9, 2023 Text: Luke 24:1-3,5b-6 Redeemer “What is Truth About Easter?” I’m so glad you are here this morning to enjoy the experience of Easter worship. The spring flowers bloom in the sunshine. The music renews our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-3, Luke 24:5-6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Denomination: Lutheran

Go Fast And Live

Contributed by Steve Malone on Feb 4, 2003

This sermon is about the practice of fasting. (The Life - part 10)

Go Fast And Live The Life – part 10 The Practice Of Fasting QUESTION – what do you want to be when you grow up? Who do you want to do when you grow up? When Bruce Jenner grew up – he wanted to win a gold medal in the decathlon in the Olympic games. But in 1972 in the games in Munich Jenner ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Blind From Birth"

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Aug 27, 2010

There are those who know they are blind and receive Christ's healing, and those who think they see and therefore remain blind. Of which group are you?

“As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-7

Denomination: Orthodox

Killing "the God Of Me"

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Apr 29, 2021

There is only one throne in a person's heart; it either belongs to you or to the Lord God Almighty. Jesus won't share it with you and you cannot expect Him to do so. There is only one remedy, to kill "the god of Me" and enthrone the True and Living God there!

Killing "The god of Me” Please stand with me as we go over our current memory Scripture: Matthew 5:6-8 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11, Daniel 3:1-30, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:5, 1 Peter 2:12, Exodus 20:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

Promise Keeper Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Dec 18, 2019

My parents never made empty promises to me. Now that I’m an adult, I realize my parents were always honest with me. Because of their honesty, I’ve found it easier to believe in a God that keeps his promises. That is not true for many people who find God too mysterious to understand, much less trust.

Promise Keeper Christmas Eve 2019 • My parents never made empty promises to me. Now that I’m an adult, I realize my parents were always honest with me. • Because of their honesty, I’ve found it easier to believe in a God that keeps his promises. • That is not true for many people who find God too ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:2, Isaiah 9:2, Hebrews 13:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lessons From Jeremiah – Part 3 – Jeremiah Commissioned; Two Visions; And God Demands Action Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jan 26, 2024

Jeremiah is commissioned by the Lord for the task ahead. Two visions speak of coming judgement upon Judah, and God demands the prophet acts urgently with the message God gave him of impending doom.

LESSONS FROM JEREMIAH – PART 3 – JEREMIAH COMMISSIONED; TWO VISIONS; AND GOD DEMANDS ACTION PART 3 – Jeremiah 1:9-17 CHAPTER 1 {{Jeremiah 1:9-10 Then the LORD stretched out His hand AND TOUCHED MY MOUTH, and the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have appointed ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:9-10, Jeremiah 1:11-12, Isaiah 55:10-11, 2 Peter 3:3-5, Jeremiah 1:13-15, Jeremiah 1:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Reliving The Days Of Noah."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Jul 18, 2022

This message compares the state of the world before the flood and its current state of lawlessness. Daily news reports often highlight cases of murder, hatred, and violence prevailing all over the world, attempting to remove God from society. Hence, the question is, would you have assisted Noah?

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Genesis 6:5-7) (5) "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (6) "And it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:37-39, Genesis 6:9, Genesis 6:1-13, 2 Peter 3:3-6, Hebrews 11:7, 1 Peter 3:20, 2 Peter 2:5, Genesis 7:13-16, 2 Timothy 3:1-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Lesson: 37: Abimelech King Of Shechem Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Oct 20, 2019

At first glance, it might appear that this pitiful tale of the scoundrel Abimelech is unimportant. However, the events of this chapter came very near to being the end of the nation of Israel.

Chapter 37 Abimelech King of Shechem [Judges 9.1-9.6] Scripture 1 And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying, 2 Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the ...read more

Scripture: Judges 9:1-6

Denomination: Baptist