Sermons on Empty Vessels:

Whitewashed Tomb Christians Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 10, 2025

This metaphor reveals the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, exposing the hypocrisy that plagues many who claim to follow God.

In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus unleashes a scathing critique on the Pharisees, calling them "whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." This metaphor reveals the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:25-28, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

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

Trip Around The World

Contributed by Carl Allen on Aug 19, 2008

Often as Christians we need to take a mental trip around the world to see the needs of the world today, as well as revisiting places like the Mount of Olives, Calvary, and the empty tomb to remind ourselves of the Great Comission we have been given.

Trip Around the World Matthew 28:19 Intro Tonight with the aid of the Holy Spirit, I would like to take a trip around the world, so that you might discover the desperate needs of the world in which we live. I would also like to take you back to some significant events in history that provide us ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19

Denomination: Baptist

The Carpenter's Cloth Series

Contributed by Pat Cook on May 22, 2006

This is taken from Sigmund Brouwer’s wonderful book of the same name. This speaks of the cross being only part of God’s plan of salvation for us, the empty tomb being the other. Jesus the carpenter wants to complete His work in us.

John 20:1-9 – The Carpenter’s Cloth Tonight I’m going to share a thought with you that I read several years ago, and it has blessed me ever since. In fact, likely, you remember it since I read it to you on my 1st Easter Sunday message in Doaktown and Blissfield. I hope that it encourages you ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

All The Right Moves - All The Wrong Motives Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 6, 2011

There are behaviors and qualities that many Christians believe are hallmarks of a truly spiritual Christian. But Paul tells us that those qualities mean nothing if we don’t love others. Why? Why are our best Christian behaviors empty without that single a

OPEN: Jesse James was one of the most famous men of the West. For a period of about 15 years, Jesse James and his gang committed 26 holdups where they made off with approximately $200,000 and killed at least 17 men (many by Jesse’s own hand). Jesse James was one of the West’s most notorious ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Be Still Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 7, 2016

People seem to be afraid of silence. They do anything to fill their lives with noise and avoid the emptiness. But God says "Be still and know that I am God." What can that mean to us and how can we go about doing it?

How many of you have ever heard the term: “Circuit Riders”? Circuit Riders were preachers back in the 1700s and 1800s who would ride from church to church and hold services. There were more churches than preachers in that day and a Circuit Rider would travel from congregation to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Solomon - Wealth, Wisdom & A Worthless Life Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Aug 5, 2013

Have you ever sought fulfillment in life from the things God has given rather than from God? Solomon had a great start, but then lost his first love and turned to things to find fulfillment, but found nothing but emptiness.

Solomon – Wealth, Wisdom & a Worthless Life 1 Kings 9:1-9; 11:1-6 Slide Intro Good Evening/Morning. We are glad you are here and I am happy to once again be back up here preaching. I hope you were as blessed as I was from hearing from our elders and staff during July. We are so blessed as ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 9:1-9, Ecclesiastes 2:4-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Love & Respect

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Jul 10, 2012

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Love & Respect August 24, 2008 Evening Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-33

Denomination: Baptist

Faith That Floats Series

Contributed by Kory Labbe on Oct 30, 2025

When Jesus gets in your boat, everything changes. Sometimes God’s greatest invitations come in the middle of ordinary moments. In Luke 5, Jesus steps into Peter’s empty boat and turns a night of failure into a calling that changes everything.

Faith that Floats: When Jesus Gets in Your Boat Luke 5:1–11 (NLT) Theme: When Jesus gets in your boat, everything changes. Sometimes God’s greatest invitations come in the middle of ordinary moments. In Luke 5, Jesus steps into Peter’s empty boat and turns a night of failure into a calling that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Christmas Morning Sermon: Good News And The Wonder Of The Incarnation Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 19, 2024

Christmas brings with it a variety of emotions. For some, it’s joy and excitement as we think about presents and celebrations. For others, it can feel lonely, empty, or even stressful. I want to remind you of this: Christmas is good news for everyone.

Christmas Morning Sermon: Good News and the Wonder of the Incarnation Introduction Hello everyone, and a very Happy Christmas to you! I’m so glad you’ve chosen to celebrate the birth of our Saviour this morning. Today, we come together to rejoice in the most important birth in human history—the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10-11, Romans 3:23, John 3:16, John 1:14, Philippians 2:6-7, Hebrews 1:3, Matthew 1:23, Romans 6:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

No Mediocrity Allowed Here

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 19, 2025

Did the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Lord and God and Creator of the Universe, put aside His transcendent glory and empty Himself, coming down all the way to assume our weak human nature so that we could “get by”?

Seventh Sunday in Course 2025 Unless you have a pretty strong grounding in what we used to call “Bible History,” today’s first reading could leave you a little blindsided, that is until you heard the Gospel. King Saul, first king of the Israelite kingdom, had taken three thousand of his best ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49, 1 Samuel 26:2, 1 Samuel 26:7-9, 1 Samuel 26:12-13, 1 Samuel 26:22-23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Save The Humble – Oppose The Proud

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Sep 19, 2018

A study in the book of 2 Samuel 22: 1 – 51

2 Samuel 22: 1 – 51 Save the humble – oppose the proud 22 Then David spoke to the LORD the words of this song, on the day when the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 And he said: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; 3 The God of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 22:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Salvation Came To His House

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Aug 11, 2002

Zacchaeus faced many problems that we face today. People are trying everything they can to solve them, but they find just a large emptiness! Who could possible solve these problems? Friend, let me introce you to the Salvation that came to His House!

Introduction: Just like many today, Zacchaeus had some problems that he needed someone to help him overcome! A. His position was a problem (vs. 2) It is always hard for the rich to get saved because they do not need anything! (Mat.10:23) B. His elevation was a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

"The Rest Of The Story" -The Mystery Of The Missing Body

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Mar 19, 2008

Easter is the ultimate test of faith. There have been many who have offered theories to discount the resurrection. (I list 5) It is the empty grave, the resurrection of Jesus that demonstrates God’s care, and removes our guilt and fear of death. (I’m

In Jesus Holy Name March 23, 2008 Easter Sunday Redeemer Text: Matthew 28:5-8,11-15 “The Rest of the Story” Part II “The Mystery of the Missing Body” He is risen! He is risen indeed! Easter is the ultimate test of faith. The one great watershed that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:5-15

Denomination: Lutheran

Who Does ’the Father’ Seek? Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Feb 20, 2008

God seeks for worshippers because the place of Lucifer and the 1/3 of angels that worshipped God was empty and was replaced by God’s creation of the human race. The same place which Lucifer condemned, God would place man to worship Him. It is a disgrace t

Opening illustration: Lowell Ogden tells the story of a little boy who lived out in the country around the turn of the century. He had never seen a traveling circus, and one was coming to his town on Saturday. When he asked his father for permission to go, his dad said he could provide his chores ...read more

Scripture: John 4:21-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational