Sermons on Empty Serving:

Does Your Money Own You? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 6, 2013

No man can serve two masters. And the allure of wealth has destroyed the faith of many. So, how can I make sure that my money doesn’t own me? That it doesn’t become my "god"?

OPEN: In 1347, the Black Plague was raging through Europe and thousands of people died. Many people saw it as judgment of God. And so, hoping to appease God’s wrath, the citizens of Lubeck, Germany surrounded the churches and monasteries of their city and offered them enormous amounts of money and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Go! And Hear The Roar Of God Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 25, 2025

The roar of God’s holiness thunders through the book of Amos. It is a warning, a call to repentance, but also a signpost pointing us to Jesus Christ—the only One who can rescue us from judgment and bring us into eternal life.

Go! And Hear the Roar of God A Sermon from the Book of Amos Introduction – The Lion Has Roared Imagine walking through the African savannah at night. The stars are bright above you, the wind is calm, but suddenly… you hear it. The deep, rolling roar of a lion. That sound shakes you. It demands ...read more

Scripture: Amos 3:8, Amos 5:21-24, Amos 5:4, Amos 9:11, Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 7:21, Joel 2:13, Acts 3:19, Luke 19:10, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9, John 10:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

Good Grief! Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Oct 13, 2025

We all thirst for meaning, hope, and grace. In Christ, we find the living water that truly satisfies. “Good grief” awakens us to our need for Him, leads us to repentance, and brings new life. The world is thirsty. Don’t leave them under an empty spigot — point them to Jesus, the living water.

### **Introduction** Video Ill.: Cat Funeral — The Skit Guys This morning, we are continuing our study The Gospel According to Peanuts. Charles Schulz, through something as simple as a comic strip, often pointed to some of life’s deepest spiritual truths — and even the truths of the gospel. That ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:10, Ephesians 5:14, Romans 13:11-12, Romans 6:6-8, John 3:3, Revelation 22:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Did God Put Me On Planet Earth?

Contributed by John Gaston on Jan 8, 2017

The Bible teaches we have a definite purpose. It's to influence the people around us to make the choice to serve Jesus Christ. A C.S. Lewis quote captures to eternally critical job that we dare not neglect for the lost's sake!

WHY DID GOD PUT ME ON PLANET EARTH? Ps. 138:8, TLB. INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. There were three guys who wanted to be in the Olympics, but didn’t know how to enter. So they went to the gate of the Olympic Village to see how other athletes got in. 2. Soon a big, hulking guy walked up with bulging ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 138:8

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Inner Man

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jun 8, 2011

. Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is written in our hearts, and the love of Christ is shed abroad there, then Christ dwells there. Where

Opening illustration: A missionary wrote a newsletter to thank his supporters for being “prayer warriors.” Because of a typing error, though, he called them “prayer worriers.” For some of us, that might be a good description. In his book Growing Your Soul, Neil Wiseman writes, “Prayer must be more ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Thank God And Fan The Flame Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Sep 22, 2011

We all need to recognize that we are in Christ and Christ in us. We need to serve Him most of all in this life. How so? 1- Remember others in prayer 2- Recall the faith of others 3- Refuel the flame in you

INTRO.- I thank God, whom I serve. Who are you serving in this life? ILL.- When I worked for Safeway stores many years ago in Joplin, MO, the manager often made you feel like you owed Safeway your living and you should be totally dedicated to Safeway. For example, my manager would often call me ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:3-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Living With The End In Mind

Contributed by William Tan Yh on Jun 28, 2021

Peter exhorts us in 1 Peter 4:7-11 to be prayerful and demonstrate Christ through our lives because “the end of all things is near”. It is imperative that we live purposefully during these challenging times. 

Good morning brothers and sisters, welcome to Lighthouse Evangelism Online Service. Let us stand up to read the Bible passage: from 1 Peter 4:7-11 “The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11, John 13:1, Matthew 10:42, Matthew 25:1-13, Mark 10:45  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Lesson Of The Wine

Contributed by Christopher Roberts on Oct 29, 2003

The little things in the Bible are easy to overlook, yet it all has meaning. In the miracles at the wedding in Cana, the 240,000 servings of wine can teach us about the difference between the Law and the Spirit, God’s Grace and God’s character.

I love weddings. I have only had the occasion to perform two weddings and those were both great and special occasions for me. I had so much fun. And weddings are supposed to be fun. I think we should take a lesson from 1st century Judaism on how to party. The usual festivities consisted of a ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

Psalm 2 Series

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Feb 25, 2020

The first two psalms are often considered to be designed as a pair serving as an introduction to the 150-psalm collection. The first psalm describes the difference between the blessed man and the evil man, and Psalm 2 is about triumph over the forces that oppose the faith.

For Sermon Central researchers: I have posted a series of 15 sermons on the Psalms. In recent personal studies I have found the psalms to be richer and more thought-provoking than I had fully appreciated. I had too often swept swiftly through psalms without slowing down to inquire as thoroughly as ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 2:1-12, Acts 4:27-28, Hebrews 1:6, Daniel 7:13-14, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 103:8, Psalm 145:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's Choice & Our Choices Series

Contributed by Tim Bond on Jul 15, 2002

Temptation offers us many choices that might distract us from serving God. We have the choice to follow God because of one ultimate choice God made on our behalf.

Recently I heard about a middle school in Oregon that faced a unique problem. It seems that a number of girls there were going into the bathrooms and putting on their lipstick. After they put it on their lips, they pressed their lips to the mirrors leaving dozens of little lip prints. I guess they ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-18, Psalm 37:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Life Lessons From Andrew - Dealing With Racism, Evangelism & Humble Service

Contributed by Ken Kersten on Apr 28, 2004

This message examines the life of Andrew. He was a man that lived in the shadow of his brother and yet remained faithful in his service. He is an example of overcoming prejudice, sticking to the mission and humbly serving the Lord.

Andrew - Living in Your Brother’s Shadow" John 1:35-42 (Watch clip from Friends - season five - "The One Where Phoebe Hates PBS" - show first 3 minutes - theme is all about whether or not there are truly selfless good deeds) Well, that’s a great question and one that we will come back to at the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-42, John 12:20-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Service: The Great Difference Maker

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 10, 2005

All churches have problems, but when we serve together in the unity, and power of the Holy Spirit there is no problem that will overcome or distract us from our main purpose. Taking the Gospel to all the world.

Intro: A rather pompous-looking deacon was working hard to impress upon a class of boys the importance of living the Christian life. “Why do people call me a Christian?” the man asked. After a moment’s pause, one of the boys said, “Maybe it’s because they don’t know you.” The answer I believe the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Baptist