Sermons on Empty Seat:

Broken Opportunities (And Harry Potter, Too)

Contributed by Tony Myles on Jul 26, 2005

There are broken opportunities all around us where we can join God in reaching a dark world. If we are all originally made in His image, then we can help uncover that image in others as we bear His image to the world.

Broken Opportunities Genesis 1, 3 Good morning! · It’s a blessing to be back to share with you again. The last time I was here I took you through the whole Bible. Where do you go from there? · Genesis, chapter 1. Genesis 1: God’s image · In the first statement in Genesis, God is seen as the ...read more

Denomination: *other

The Outer Limits Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Jan 16, 2003

When we follow Jesus, he will lead us beyond our comfort zone with people, especially people we are not naturally drawn to.

Note: This sermon was introduced with a scene from "Traveling Light" All of us have limits and boundaries that make us uncomfortable if we go beyond them. I was reminded of this back in November when my oldest son and I went to the Promise Keepers "Passage" event at the Anaheim Pond. At one point ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Challenge Of Change

Contributed by Joseph Stapleton on Nov 24, 2010

CHANGE is one of the hardest things a church or a person can do, BUTIt is something God wants from us. No Growth occurs without change.

CHALLENGE TO CHANGE All my sermons use illustrations found on www.sermoncentral.com and ALL scripture is NIV unless noted otherwise) I once heard that God loves us just the way we are, BUT He refuses to let us stay that way. That could almost be confusing, God LOVES us, in spite of the many flaws ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:16-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Wonderful Counselor - Mighty God Series

Contributed by Dan Jackson on Dec 15, 2008

Second in a series on Is. 9:6-7 examining the titles given to Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD (Isaiah 9:6-7) I’ve always thought that the naming of children should be taken seriously. As educators, Nelda and I were amazed at the names parents gave some children —names they will live with all their lives. Nelda had a little girl in one kindergarten class ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

Jonah Runs - God Follows Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Feb 23, 2008

Jonah rebels against God’s will. God disciplines Jonah and teaches us all a lesson in obedience

SERIES: “DISCOVER OBEDIENCE: Jonah – Not Just Another Big Fish Story” TEXT: JONAH 1:1-17 TITLE: “JONAH RUNS – GOD FOLLOWS” OPEN: A. William Sherwood Fox wrote: We ask a simple question And that is all we wish: ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:1-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Angels Surround Us

Contributed by Bill Butsko on Nov 6, 2008

This message discusses angels and their functions.

Text: “The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” (Psalm 34:7). How many of you really believe that angels exist? How many of you believe each one of us has a guardian angel? I believe there are many, many angels who watch over God’s children. They not only ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:1-8

Denomination: Christian Church

Joseph's Rise To Power In Egypt

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Feb 23, 2018

Joseph's rise to power in Egypt in Genesis 41:1-57 teaches us that our sovereign God exalted his suffering servant to rulership in order to save the world.

Scripture We are currently in a series of sermons that I am calling “Jacob’s Descendants,” based on Genesis 37-50. Previously, we read about young, seventeen-year old Joseph sold by his brothers to Midianite traders on their way to Egypt. The brothers then deceived their father Jacob into thinking ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 41:1-57

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Lord, Liar Or Lunatic? Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 28, 2013

How we react to Jesus will ultimately determine our response to Him.

Imagine if a background check had been done on the 12 disciples. “Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Andrew has absolutely no qualities of leadership. The two brothers, James and John, place personal interest above company loyalty. Thomas demonstrates a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:13-35

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon 5: God’s Watchcare Over His Children Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Jul 21, 2019

Ruth 2 says Ruth “happened” upon the field of a prominent man named Boaz. This changed the course of Ruth's and Naomi’s lives forever! But this was not simple coincidence or chance. This sermon teaches us about God’s watchcare for His children through His providence, provision and promotion.

Sermon 5: God’s Watchcare Over His Children Series: Ruth Chuck Sligh July 14, 2019 BLURB: Ruth 2 tells us that Ruth “happened” upon the field of a prominent man named Boaz. This changed the course of Ruth's and Naomi’s life forever! Was this simple coincidence or chance? This sermon teaches us ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Angels Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Nov 9, 2021

Let your imagination wander. When Mary and Joseph finally had things settled in their mind, the two would have talked endlessly about the angel’s words.The two would have compared notes all the way along their journey to Bethlehem some six months later.

If you want to get in the mood for Christmas, Texas Monthly says you have a lot of choices in Texas. Six hours from here over in Amarillo, there’s the Christmas in the Gardens featuring 300,000 lights strung throughout their Botanical Gardens. Down in College Station, you see Santa, go for a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon On The Water Of Life

Contributed by William Meakin on Jan 15, 2022

The water of life can emulate several different connotations.

Asma Naqi, a Pakistan born female author once remarked: “Through the passage of my life I have learned, that the power of positive association is so much stronger than any amount of negativity in the world. No matter how dark it is, a tiny beam of light is all it takes to kill the darkest of ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:6, Revelation 22:1, John 4:14, John 17:3

The Record Is On File

Contributed by Curtis Brock on Jan 12, 2007

Every one is given to records...

The Record Is On File 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Introduction: We all live in a world that is given to “records.” Birth ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:10

Denomination: Baptist

Twenty-Second Sunday In Ordinary Time, Cycle Or Year C-- Table Talk: Take The Lowest Place

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jul 30, 2022

It’s easier to ignore people at rectangular tables.

Recently there was a man from Ireland who became an internet sensation for a silly mistake he made while on vacation. This gentleman was visiting Las Vegas for the first time. So he borrowed his son’s GoPro camera, put it on a stick, and walked all over the Las Vegas Strip. He was filming all the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:1-14

Denomination: Catholic

The Posture Of Sin

Contributed by Steve Ely on Jan 4, 2014

We have been taught that posture is important for physical health and for social acceptance. However our posture spiritually determines our position and either secures or puts our promise at risk.

The Posture of Sin I can still hear the various voices in my head that would constantly deal with the issue of posture in my life. I can hear the "Sit up straight" from my mom. I can hear "Stand up straight" from dad when we would try on a shoes or slacks or when preparing to meet someone. Others ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

Make His Praise Glorious

Contributed by Jim Grinnell on Dec 10, 2002

Praise is all about proclaiming God’s glory - it’s not about us.

Make His Praise Glorious March 5, 2000 (Jim Grinnell) I’m going to speak today again on the area of praise and worship. Laura was telling me she thought this would be the third time on this subject since the first of the year. I’m not sure. I know I have spoken once this year already, but God has ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 66:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational