Sermons on Emptying:

Pleading For God's Mercy Series

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Oct 30, 2022

What is the only basis for your prayer for mercy? When you’ve been emptied of all pride, when you’ve given up trying to earn the LORD’s favour or to fix your life, then your only hope really is this: God has made you his own in Jesus Christ.

In our text Isaiah is praying. Praying is a normal thing for us, but let’s appreciate what the prophet is doing here. In this book of prophecy, there’s all kinds of different styles of writing. In Isaiah there are speeches, parables, lamentations, hymns of praise, predictions of the future, ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The 153 Fish Wake-Up Call Series

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Sep 26, 2025

As seasons shift, many of us need a reset with Jesus. John 21 shows the risen Christ meeting drifting disciples, filling empty nets, and inviting them to “come and have breakfast.” This isn’t box-checking; it’s returning to the One who seeks us, provides for us, and re-commissions us.

Can you feel it in the air? That subtle shift as summer fades into fall? Me either. But somehow every single store in all of existence seems to feel it as they’re already putting out Christmas decorations. I think by next year we’re going to see combo-fireworks stands selling candy canes and ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Slave Or Free? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 21, 2010

The world believes that if they can be free of God, they’ll be free to do as they wish? But the Bible teaches us that everyone is a slave to something, but does that really make sense?

OPEN: I’m not sure who wrote the following words, but this story says a lot about mankind: When my oldest son was about three years old, I was outside doing some yard work one afternoon. I took Kevin outside to play while I trimmed the hedges. Holding his hand, I knelt down beside him so that we ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

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

10. Come Home To The Father (A Sermon On God's Waiting Love) Series

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Nov 26, 2025

A father scans the horizon daily, waiting for his wandering child. This is God's heart toward you. No matter how far you have gone, He watches and waits eagerly.

10. Come Home to the Father (A Sermon on God's Waiting Love) Introduction: The Universal Language of a Father's Heart Picture a father standing at the edge of his property, hand shielding his eyes from the sun, scanning the horizon for a familiar silhouette. Day after day, he returns to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:20, Luke 15:13, Luke 15:17, Luke 15:21, Psalm 139:1-3, Isaiah 1:18, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 5:8, Hebrews 12:6, 1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 3:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Promise Keeper Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Dec 18, 2019

My parents never made empty promises to me. Now that I’m an adult, I realize my parents were always honest with me. Because of their honesty, I’ve found it easier to believe in a God that keeps his promises. That is not true for many people who find God too mysterious to understand, much less trust.

Promise Keeper Christmas Eve 2019 • My parents never made empty promises to me. Now that I’m an adult, I realize my parents were always honest with me. • Because of their honesty, I’ve found it easier to believe in a God that keeps his promises. • That is not true for many people who find God too ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:2, Isaiah 9:2, Hebrews 13:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

How Great Is Your God? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 15, 2020

The praise song "How Great is our God" is a statement of faith - Our God Is Great! But the question today is "How Great Is YOUR God?" Do you know the answer to that question?

Back in the 1800s, there was a famous intellectual and agnostic named T.H. Huxley. One weekend when Huxley was with a group of men at a weekend house party, on that Sunday morning, most of theEm were preparing to go to church - Huxley approached a man he knew was a sincere Christian and said, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 145:1-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Blue Christmas Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 13, 2009

What happens when Christmas doesn’t go according to plan? How do we handle it when circumstances rob us of the joy of the season? How do we respond to a "blue Christmas?"

OPEN: John Simmons tells about a grade school class that was putting on a Christmas play which included the story of Mary and Joseph coming to the inn. In that class was one little boy who wanted so very much to be Joseph. But when the parts were handed out, his biggest rival was given that part, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are You A Martha

Contributed by Bruce Hadley on Aug 31, 2020

What is a Martha? A Martha is a type of person who wants to serve the Lord without getting to know the Lord personally. Let's take a closer look at the sisters Martha and Mary and their interaction with Jesus.

In today’s culture, we hear the term Karen, used to describe white women who perceive to be entitled or demanding beyond the scope of what is appropriate or necessary. Karen is a common stereotype associated with white women who won't hesitate to use their "privilege" at the expense ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Realization Of God’s Guidance-2

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 28, 2025

2 of ? Luke records prophetic events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. God’s ‘guidance’(1:79) has been realized or brought to fruition. ?How is God’s guidance realized? God’s guidance is realized thru a Prophetic...

The REALIZATION Of GOD’s GUIDANCE-II—Luke 1:60-64(:57-80) Attention: 1:76-79—““And you, child[John], will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord[Jesus] to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:60-64, Luke 1:57-80

Denomination: Baptist