Sermons on Emptying:

The Church Is A Place Of Ritual Or Relationship? Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Oct 14, 2025

In what areas of your life might you be prioritizing ritual over relationship with God?

As Christians, we must examine our hearts and ensure that our worship is genuine, not just a ritual. Let's explore few examples of how some Christians and churches may be going through the motions without a personal relationship with Christ. 1. Sunday Service Attendance Without Heartfelt ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:113, James 1:27

Deceptions We Believe Series

Contributed by Tim Diack on May 27, 2013

Paul exhorts us to examine ourselves to see if we're in the faith. John gives us some "tests" that help us in that process, encouraging us not to be decieved into thinking we have eternal life when, in reality, we may just have the empty trappings of rel

Deceptions We Believe - 1 John 1:8-10 - May 26, 2013 Series: That We May Know – Life With Jesus - #3 Let’s open our Bibles this morning to the book of 1 John. 1 John, chapter 1, beginning in verse 5. This is the third message in our series entitled “That We May Know ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:8-9

Denomination: *other

The Dawn's Early Light

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 15, 2009

Just as Key saw that the darkness is intense before the dawn, that during battle we see enough to know that our freedom is won, and that we are at our best when we claim freedom for others, so also at the empty tomb we learn of our freedom from sin.

At 9 o’clock the firing from the ships anchored in the harbor slackened and then stopped. It seemed as though the siege of the city might be over for the night. But an hour or so later 20 small beats set out, under cover of darkness, with a driving rain pelting down. Their oars muffled, they ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Would You Rather Be Dead?

Contributed by Jay Winters on Feb 9, 2008

This Ash Wednesday sermon uses a scene from "Fight Club" as its major illustration - it attempts to show that Christ doesn’t just give us a second chance, but that He puts us to death (while taking on our death) in Baptism and give us the empty tomb.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Three In One who makes our lives more beautiful than what they could ever be on their own. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, About ten years ago, a movie came out that just about everyone saw. It was called “Fight ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:3-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Fear Not (Sermon 1 Of 3) Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Dec 4, 2024

We never be afraid of YHWH God or in this life because we have our God Who pulls back and empties Himself that He might be intimately close to us and we have our God Who leans close and is ever present with us. Grace upon grace.

CHRISTMAS 2024: FEAR NOT LUKE 2:8-21 # fearnot READ LUKE 2:8-21 (ESV) [person from the congregation reads] “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

For Love's Sake Pt. 1 And 2 Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 4, 2024

In today's world, so many are left feeling empty and unfulfilled by the shallow versions of love society offers. In contrast, the book of Philemon introduces us to a different kind of love—agape love, a divine and selfless love that transforms hearts and relationships, offering true fulfillment.

For Love’s Sake! Philemon 4-9 Introduction: v.9 – Underline 3 words: “For Love’s Sake!” Illust: Psychologists claim that the three greatest needs of a human being are… 1) The need to be wanted. 2) The need to be needed. 3) The need to be loved. ? Live in a world that is obsessed with this ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Purpose Of Life

Contributed by Jedidiah Jedidiah on Aug 27, 2025

Seeking meaning in earthly pursuits leads to emptiness; they were never designed to be the source of our purpose. "Why am I here?" is fundamentally a theological question, not a worldly one. The answer can only be found by going to the source of life who created us – God.

The purpose of life The Bible repeatedly points out that humanity's natural inclination is to turn away from God's will and follow their own path. This is a central part of the biblical concept of sin. This rejection is a recurring theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 10:23, Proverbs 14:12

Go! And Love As Christ Loves - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 10, 2025

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 remind us that love is central to everything we do as followers of Christ. Love is not an optional extra; it is the defining characteristic of a true disciple of Jesus.

Go! And Love as Christ Loves Introduction 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NLT) declares:"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Proverbs 15:1, Ephesians 4:15, James 3:17, Colossians 3:14, Matthew 6:1, 1 John 3:16, John 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Alleluia Christ Is Risen

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Mar 23, 2016

The Sunday School teacher asked the class " What do you think were Jesus first words when he came out of the tomb?" A little girl shouted frantically I know!, I know!" Extending her arms into the air she said " TA DA!". Beloved "TA DA the Lord has risen!"

It is Easter... The day that we celebrate the resurrection ... of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A time when Alleluias fill the air: Beloved ... You know the response: Alleluia Christ is Risen...... (Pause) The Lord is Risen in Deed Alleluia. There is a story that I love so well ... that ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Corinthians 15:12-26

Denomination: Anglican

Foolish Wisdom-5(2025)

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Sep 23, 2025

5 of 8. The apostle Paul related that the wisdom of the Cross-work of Christ, was seen as foolishness by those who were perishing. The wisdom of the Cross can be misinterpreted. But How can wisdom be properly interpreted? Foolish Wisdom is interpreted thru...

FOOLISH WISDOM-V—1Corinthians 1:22-28[part-2--:24-25](1:18--2:5) Attention: Something deceptively seen by the heart’s predisposition. There is a ‘radical far-left liberal’ belief at work in America, that holds that most anything except Christianity, should be considered as normative. IF the Church ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:24-25

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Searching For Milk And Honey And Finding Nothing But Grass?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Dec 8, 2006

While we search for a land of milk and honey, we often find nothing but green grass. With patience and love and effort green grass can turn into milk. OBSTACLES ARE WHAT YOU SEE WHEN YOU LOSE SIGHT OF GOD AND THE GOAL. DRY WELLS WILL PRODUCE EMPTY BUCKETS

THIS LAND OF MILK AND HONEY LOOKS LIKE GRASS TO ME? THIS IS NOT AN OBSTACLE --- THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY! By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com This is a two part lesson. Let us ponder a few points before we start. Is not this a land of milk and honey? NO, TO MY EYES IT LOOKS JUST LIKE A ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:19

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Graced From Shame (2nd Sunday) Series

Contributed by Kent Kessler on Dec 9, 2006

Has someone put a little "dis" on the front of your grace? Elizabeth knew what that was like. Her freedom was hindered, her past was haunting her, her conditions were less than what they should be, her religion was empty and she her efforts were fruitless

When I was little, if I had something on my face, my mother would often spit on a napkin or her thumb, reach over into my space and wipe the grit, or food, or dirt off of my face. It is a proven fact that a mother’s spit contains the same ingredients found in Formula 409! When we don’t look right, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25

Denomination: Methodist

Do You Want To Be Like Jesus Today? Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 8, 2012

How often do you think about the things of God? How much time do you spend reading the Bible? There is so much in God’s word that we need to put into practice in our own lives. We need to ensure we are not running on empty.

The Proof of the Spirit 1 John 4:10-4:17 This month in our Fresh Fire series we are considering the Holy Spirit in the Life and Ministry of Jesus. Looking at the life of Christ, is something that is essential for every believer. To help us grow in our understanding of Him & our relationship with ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:10-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Knowing Him - An Example To Live By Series

Contributed by Tim Diack on Dec 21, 2011

The wonder of Christmas is that God came and dwelt amongst us! In doing so He humbled and emptied Himself and came among us as the least of the least in order that we might know Him. By His life, He served us. By His death, He saved us. By His example

Knowing Him: An Example To Live By - Philippians 2:1-11 - December 18, 2011 Series: What’s Jesus Got To Do With Christmas? #2 One of the things I’ve always looked forward to as a parent are those opportunities to watch the kids participate in school productions such as the annual ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: *other

God, "Is Still In The Miracle Working Business"

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Jun 27, 2011

Its like they go to a great feast, have the finest table spread and a seven course meal of all meals set before them, but they never partake of the meal, They go away empty handed every time, They don’t even ask for a doggie bag for later, in case they c

God, "Is still in the Miracle Working business" John 11:40 NKJ 40.Jesus said to her, Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God? The same God, *who parted the Red Sea, *turned water to wine, *caused the walls of Jericho to fall, with a trumpet and a shout, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:3-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational