Sermons on Empty Serving:

The Broken Altar - When Worship Becomes Work Series

Contributed by Barry Tallis on May 2, 2025

The first in a four part series confronts the subtle drift from passionate devotion to empty religious routine, challenging believers to recognize the cracks in their spiritual foundations and commit to rebuilding authentic altars of worship in their daily lives.

INTO: Today we're kicking off a brand-new series that's going to challenge your spiritual comfort zone and reignite your relationship with God. We're talking about being SET APART in a world that wants you to fit in! Have you ever felt like your relationship with God has become more ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 29:13, 1 Kings 18:30, Romans 12:1

A Sting Or A Saint?

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 24, 2010

An empty niche above the church door, made for a statue of a saint, but now containing a hornet’s nest, suggests the choice of letting our lives be empowered by God or letting the sting of death and disappointment take over.

The other day I was hauling in a load of stuff from my car. I came in the Aspen Street entrance to the building, the entrance nearest my office. For some reason, as I was carrying things through the door, I looked up above my head, probably to implore the Lord to give me an extra ounce of muscle ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas Treasure Hunt

Contributed by Keith Broyles on Oct 4, 2007

As people of faith we are called as the angels called the shepherds that first Christmas night. We are called to go in search of the Christ. But hand in hand with that, we are called to serve in the name of Christ. When we do that we serve the Christ,

If you ever sit down and talk with our youngest son about the subject of Christmas gifts, I am sure it wouldn’t take long for you to hear all about his little adventure one Christmas a few years ago. He would also probably tell you how mean his parents were. He may not have liked it, I know he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Methodist

The Prayer Warrior In The Grave

Contributed by Daniel Olukoya on May 4, 2011

Death ends all opportunities to serve the Lord. Now is the time to use all what God has placed in your hand to serve Him and build yourself a mansion above. Now is the time to put your treasure where it will last.

We will start this message by considering carefully the book of Luke chapter 16 verses 19-30: “There was a certain rich man which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously everyday: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores. And ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-30

Denomination: Pentecostal

Success Is Not What Some Folks Think It Is Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Aug 20, 2019

Jesus "walked ahead of them" - figuratively, FAR ahead of His disciples in understanding His mission, and ours --- having been called to serve rather than be served. Got it now? Well, then, follow His example!

GOOD NEWS PRESENTED BY MARK Study of the Gospel According to Mark As you read Mark, be aware that you are reading the very first written account of the ministry of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-45

The Other Side Of The Storm

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 7, 2023

As Christians, we will pass through storms. Sometimes these storms will be violent. Yet, we are assured that when we pass through the storm, Christ will be with us. We shall not be overwhelmed. And on the other side of the storm, all will be at peace.

“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Baptist

Part 2: Having Hope Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Jul 15, 2016

Instead of collapsing in terror of our circumstances, like Daniel, Christ’s ambassadors need to stand firm on the cross and empty tomb as being evidence that not even the gates of hell can stop God and His plans!

THRIVING IN BABYLON Part 2: HAVING HOPE Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 Source: “Thriving in Babylon: Why Hope, Humility, and Wisdom Matter in a godless Culture” by Larry Osborne While we usually think of the lion’s den or prophecy when we hear ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:8

Denomination: Baptist

Knowledge Without Love Is Incomplete

Contributed by Richard Papafio on Jun 12, 2019

Without knowledge we perish but without love we destroy each other and don't manifest the Jesus we serve

May the peace of the Lord be with you. Topic: *KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT LOVE IS INCOMPLETE* 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 King James Version (KJV) 8 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 2 And if any man think ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

Denomination: Charismatic

You Don't Have To Be A Star To Be In My Show

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 23, 2021

Recognition of those who advance the cause of Christ through quiet service within the assembly of the righteous.

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:3-16

Denomination: Baptist

Living On The Edge Of Eternity Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Feb 28, 2015

Since the end is near, let's do three delightful duties - pray seriously, love fervently and give graciously.

Living on the Edge of Eternity 1 Peter 4:7-11 Rev. Brian Bill February 28-March 1, 2015 Man on the Street Interview Have you heard of the Doomsday Clock? Maintained since 1947 by a group of scientists, this clock represents a countdown to impending global catastrophe, otherwise known as the end ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Denomination: Baptist

Are We Following The Example Of Christ?

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Jun 15, 2016

A very short sermon questioning our desire to e discipled. You can't be a follower if you are not following, eh.

ARE WE FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST? Paul wrote these words to the Church in Corinth , You must follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (CEV) Play video "Plumb ‘One Drop’" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYP5gE-kDjY Towards the end of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28, 1 Corinthians 1:11

Denomination: Salvation Army

Better Than Ever - Water Into Wine Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jan 22, 2020

The custom is to serve the better wine first, then the watered down. But when Christ encounters the plain water, he makes all things better than before. As we age in life, we lose our zeal and become watered down, but CHRIST revives us to do greater things even in our older age.

2020.01.05 NEW YEAR MESSAGE for EEs (ELDER EARS) William Akehurst, HSWC John 2:1-11 The Cana Wedding – Water into Wine 1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And when they ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 1:13-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Investment In Hope

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 5, 2020

In a world which is increasingly unstable, what should the follower of Christ do? How shall we invest our lives to ensure that we accomplish something of eternal worth?

“The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. At that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the guard that was in the palace of ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:1-44

Denomination: Baptist

Making Your Life Matter Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

Christians are to display a willingness to be offended, disadvantaged, even abused without making a return, without requiring vengeance, without demanding an accounting – whether an apology, or punishment, or a repayment of some kind.

This is one of the most encouraging messages you’ll hear. Today’s Big Idea: God Works Diligently on Our Behalf. Over the next few minutes, I want to tell you God serves His children. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Purpose Driven Mother Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 17, 2021

Have you ever thought about all of the roles that your mother filled while you were growing up? I just jotted down a few this week: nurse, counselor, spiritual advisor, educator, nutritionist, accountant, transportation center, maid, peacemaker, and entertainer.

At a recent women's conference, the main speaker made a request. She opened by saying, “The Bible teaches us to love our husbands.” Then she asked, “How long has it been since you told your husband that you loved him?” The women sat in silence. Then she asked every wife to take out their ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist