Sermons on Emptying Oneself:

Unusual Times

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Apr 13, 2020

We are living through an unusual Easter celebration, but that first Easter was the most unusual of all.

April 12, 2020 – Easter Sunday Hope Lutheran Church Pastor Mary Erickson Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10 Unusual Times Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Well, friends, we find ourselves in very unusual times! Typically, on ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10, Colossians 3:1-4

Denomination: Lutheran

The Church Is Closed But The Grave Is Still Open!

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Apr 14, 2020

I delivered this sermon Easter Sunday 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

Title: “It’s Easter the Church building is Empty” Scripture: John 20 and various Type: Thematic Where: GNBC Easter 2020 Intro: Today is Easter Sunday 2020, and as such, it is in my opinion the most important day of the Christian calendar. This is the day we celebrate Christ’s triumph over ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

On A Morning Like This

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Mar 18, 2019

Mark's ending, unique among the gospels, connects the empty tomb to real-life struggles, as it ends with the women "bewildered and afraid." As we join the women there, we grasp the life-changing impact of the resurrection.

ON A MORNING LIKE THIS—Mark 16:1-8 “In the sky the song of the skylark greets the dawn in the fields wet with dew The scent of the violets fills the air on such a lovely morning as this Surely on such a lovely morning as this Lord Jesus came forth from the tomb.” John Carden, A Procession of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Going Through The Valley

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Aug 1, 2013

Mountain-Top experiences may be good but can easily get you in your head. We must not forget that the Valley experiences are the ones that shape, discipline and position you where God desires you to be.

Opening illustration: Five year old Johnny was in the kitchen as his mother made supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and get her a can of tomato soup, but he didn’t want to go in alone. "It’s dark in there and I’m scared." She asked again, and he persisted. Finally she ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Believe In Christ's Resurrection

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 11, 2019

The tomb is empty

1. The tomb was empty. “They (the women) found the stone rolled away . . . and found not the body of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Luke 24:2-3). The angel said, “He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him” (Mark 16:6). a. The enemy tried to secure it. “Pilate said . . . make it as secure as ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:2-3, Matthew 27:65-66, John 20:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

Easter Series

Contributed by Ken Sowers on Mar 18, 2014

Grave robbers didn't rob the tomb, God did!

An event can be thrust upon you and it takes you by surprise, you never would have predicted it in a million years. Now here it is - staring you in the face. What will you do? You can't stay the same, you can't pretend it didn't happen. You may not know what to do, but this much is certain, you ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Women At The Tomb Lesson 33 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Dec 14, 2018

Women at the tomb

A. INTRODUCTION 1. New Day. “Now when the Sabbath was past . . .” (Mark 16:1). It was also identified “the first day of the week began to dawn” (Matthew 28:1). “The Lord’s Day” (Rev. 1:10). It is also known as the “Resurrection Day.” 2. The followers did not expect a resurrection, because ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1, Luke 24:1

Denomination: Baptist

He Is Risen

Contributed by Ronald Moore on Apr 9, 2025

"He is not here: for He is risen, as He said." — St. Matthew 28:6 (NKJV)

"He is not here: for He is risen, as He said." — St. Matthew 28:6 (NKJV) Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, We come this Easter morning not to mourn a death, but to proclaim a victory. Not to dwell in sorrow, but to rejoice in triumph. Today the Church throughout the world lifts its ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1, Matthew 28:6

Denomination: Anglican

He Is Risen Series

Contributed by Fred Sigle on May 17, 2024

This is a study of the gospel of Mark regarding the life of Jesus. It is based on my personal study and research of Scripture and many books and sermons I have read over the years. (PREACHED DURING COVID LOCK DOWN)

GOSPEL OF MARK: GOD’S SERVANT IN ACTION HE HAS RISEN! EASTER SUNDAY A. Last Sunday we looked at the AGONIZING CRY OF JESUS before His DEATH upon the CROSS. Today I want us to study the BURIAL and RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ. “DEATH, BURIAL, and RESURRECTION”, which we know as the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:42-47, Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

He Is Risen Series

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Dec 17, 2024

Today we are wrapping up the series titled “Were you there?”

Today we are wrapping up the series titled “Were you there?” In part 1 we took the journey that Jesus took from the Friday before Passover, all the way up to Passover. Then, in part 2, we examined the events of the Crucifixion. Today is Resurrection Sunday!!! I’d like us to consider 3 things ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

The Stone Was Rolled Away

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Nov 15, 2023

Amazing Passion Week

• On Palm Sunday we looked at the story of Barabbas, and the last words of Christ on the Cross • Wednesday night-Benjamins’ Box-Incredible night. We’ll touch on that in a few minutes • Yesterday @ the Pavilion o We had a few desires as a church, in having this event: ? Build on last year, which was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Abounding Love Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Nov 18, 2023

The Lord is available for all of us with his forgiveness, eternal life and blessings needed for our earthly lives. Where we stand with him or without him. Blessed are those who are near to him. Amen.

Text: Exodus 34:1-8 Theme: Abundant Love   Greetings: The Lord is good and His love endures forever.   Remember our theme verse: “Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 34:1-8

Denomination: Methodist

"do Not Be Afraid...he Is Not Here!"

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Mar 30, 2024

This is a message for Easter.

Title: “Do not be afraid…He is not here!” Scripture: Mt. 28:5-6 Type: Easter/Evangelistic Where: GNBC 3-31-24 Intro: My father-in-law was a man who knew a lot about a lot and a little about everything. He knew things the average person didn’t know or sometimes even care to know. In 1973 while ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:5-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Christianity Is A Resurrection Lesson 4 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 6, 2025

Belief is impossible if no resurrection.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. All of the world’s leaders died and none claim to be raised again, Muhammad, Buddha, Confucius, Stalin, Lenin, etc. 2. Question, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14). 3. Focus of attacks. The opponents of Christianity almost always concentrate their attack on the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:25, John 20:17

Denomination: Baptist

The Weary World Rejoices: Love Revealed

Contributed by Brian Williams on Jan 1, 2026

God desires the world to catch glimpses of His nature and His love through His people. When we love, God’s love is perfected—that is, it accomplishes its purpose.

1 John 4:9-14 9 By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:9-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational