Sermons on Empty Manger:

Finding Joy: Easter, 2003

Contributed by Rick Duncan on Apr 28, 2003

Do you ever feel like this? Emptiness? Exhaustion? Feeling trapped? We’ll meet two people in the Bible who felt this way. But because they met the Risen Jesus, they found joy. And you can, too!

(I used several ideas from Rick Warren’s Easter messages over the last few years for this message. Thanks, Rick! 1980 people attended our services and 63 people prayed to recieve Christ at CVCC this Easter!) * * * I’ve lived in NE Ohio 17 years and I’ve personally talked to hundreds of people ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Baptist

The Resurrection That Was, That Is, And Is To Come

Contributed by Tim Diack on Apr 24, 2011

The wonder of Easter is found in the reality of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. The tomb is empty and our Lord lives! This message invites us to consider our lives in the light of the resurrection of Christ, the new life we can have in

The Resurrection that Was, and Is, and Is to Come - 1 Corinthians 15:12-23 - April 24, 2011 (Resurrection Sunday and Communion Service) Thomas Jefferson is a name many of you are to likely recognize this morning. In his time he was the principle author of the Declaration of Independence, he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-23

Denomination: *other

Jesus' Relationship To Believers Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Feb 29, 2012

Three little verses are all we will look at but three verses that show us the very special relationship that Jesus has with believers, a relationship that delivers us from an existence that is barren, empty, lonely, unmeaningful and otherwise sad without

Tonight I just want to take a few minutes to talk about the love that Jesus has for us as believers. Three little verses are all we will look at but three verses that show us the very special relationship that Jesus has with believers, a relationship that delivers us from an existence that is ...read more

Scripture: John 15:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

Lying To The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 4, 2017

If God killed every Christian who lied, the churches would be empty. This does not excuse lying, but it does acknowledge our fallibility. The message is a study of one couple that attempted to deceive God and what He did about their deceit.

“A man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Fullness In The Field Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jul 8, 2020

As Ruth entered what appeared to be a random field, in hopes of being able to glean enough to survive, she had no idea of the providence of God at work in her life. She came empty, and yet, she would leave filled.

Fullness in the Field Ruth 2:8-14 It has been a long journey from the desolation and desperation of Moab. Surely Ruth wondered what she would find as she made her way to a new land. I’m sure there were fears and uncertainties in her mind. Even though she was unaware, God was providentially ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:8-14

Denomination: Baptist

(Just Do Tha Doggone Thang)

Contributed by Derrick White Sr on Nov 25, 2017

IT`S MY FIRM BELIEF THAT GOD IS LOOKING FOR SOME SAINTS WHO WILL WALK BY FAITH BECAUSE IF THE TRUTH BE TOLD FAITH IN GOD LOOKS AT AN EMPTY LOT AND SEES A HOUSE FAITH IN GOD LOOKS AT A SINNER AND SEES A SAINT

Matthew 14:25-29 (KJV) 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:25-29

Denomination: Baptist

Who Is This Jesus? Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Dec 24, 2017

God becomes human flesh. God empties himself and becomes a helpless babe. GOD CAME DOWN TO LIFT US UP. This is Christmas—one resolve—God wants to change our hearts; to make us a new creation.

FAMOUS FIRSTS * Virginia Dare (1587): 1st child born in the American colonies, Aug. 18, on (now) Roanoke Island, NC. * André-Jacques Garnerin (1797): 1st parachute jump 6,500 ft. over Manseau Park, Paris in a 23’ dia. parachute made of white canvas with a basket attached (Oct. 22). * Charles ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46-55

Denomination: Other

"Fruitful Branches”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Apr 23, 2024

Opening story: 230 old vine at Hampton Court. And an illustration of running on empty when we are not connected to the vine of Jesus. How to imitate Jesus and let Him produce fruit on our branch. Illustration from Dallas Willard

In Jesus Holy Name April 2, 2024 Text: John 15:1-8 Easter V “Fruitful Branches” In Hampton Court, near London, there is a grapevine that is reported to be the oldest living vine in the world. It is over 230 years old. It was planted in 1768. This grapevine has one root which is 12 feet ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8, Ephesians 5:1, Colossians 3:12-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Walking With God

Contributed by Samuel M on Apr 6, 2025

Walking with God is a process in which God removes( or empties) our will and replaces it with His will. Our self will be replaced by Christ. It will be no longer be I who live, but Christ lives in me. Christ will live in us, and our self will be dead.

Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. Genesis 5:24 Maybe Enoch walked with God till his will was no more, for God took Enoch’s will and replaced it with His will. It was no more Enoch living in his physical body, but God living within him. Enoch and God ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 5:24

Do Not Be Afraid (Christmas Message)

Contributed by Meshak Dayanand on Jan 2, 2021

Christmas is not a message about Santa Claus, Christmas Tree, Star, Mary, Joseph or Manger neither it's a topic to discuss about it's date or the hot topic to debate in television. It's about God sending his Son Jesus Christ for you and me in fact for the whole world.

Greetings of the seasons in the sweet name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I am grateful to God for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Christmas is not a message about Santa Claus, Christmas Tree, Star, Mary, Joseph or Manger neither it's a topic to discuss about it's date or the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

See The Hidden Glory Of God’s Son

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Jul 25, 2023

Let’s leave behind our pride and our thoughts about ourselves and witness the glory of the One and Only—God’s Son—who became human to give us life, and light, and hope. The baby in the manger wants us to have these blessings. May we see the hidden glory of God's Son!

You can still go to Bethlehem. Even though it has been over 2000 years since the first Christmas we could get on an airplane and fly to Israel and travel to the town where Jesus was born. And we can even go to the place that for centuries has been considered the actual location where Jesus was ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14, Hebrews 1:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

The Wonders Of His Love Series

Contributed by Dorothy Lam on Jan 11, 2023

How did Jesus coming as a baby mean that there would be peace on earth and goodwill for us? My journey through Advent has brought me back to the manger where God shows up in the flesh, where the God-Man is all potential, just lying there. It's an offer. It's an invitation.

Babies change everything, or at least a lot of things change for a family when a baby is born. For mothers, a selfless devotion to her child kicks in. Life revolves around what the baby needs, not her own needs. New fathers find a place in their hearts that was not there before. A sense of pride ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7, Romans 6:23, John 3:16, Romans 5:6-11, Colossians 2:13, Colossians 1:15-23, 1 John 3:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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