Sermons on Emptying Oneself:

Truths Worth Fighting For

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 26, 2023

Some truths, those that define the Faith of Christ the Lord, demand that we stand firm in defending them against distortion. The faithful depend upon each of us as followers of Christ to defend the Faith, speaking the truth in love.

“Some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Show Love, Not Favoritism (James 2:1-13) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on May 27, 2022

Favoritism is a tricky thing. But we need to copy God's example, in honoring the poor. Also, my first crack at unpacking "kingdom" in light of Scot McKnight's book Kingdom Conspiracy.

Let's start today by reading James 2:1-4: (1) My brothers, don't, with partiality, hold the faith of our glorious Lord, Jesus Christ. ["w/partiality" =focused] (2) For suppose someone should enter your assembly with a gold ring on his finger, with fine clothing. Now, also a ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

The Confidence Of The Faithful Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Feb 6, 2021

1) Confidence in a Protected Inheritance (1 Peter 1:6a), in a 2) Proven Faith (1 Peter 1:6b–7a), in a 3) Promised Honor, in a 4) Personal Fellowship with Christ (1 Peter 1:1:8), and in a 5) Present Deliverance (1 Peter 1:1:9).

1 Peter 1:6–9 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-9

Denomination: Other

Dealing With Disappointment Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 9, 2004

Today I want to tell you about a fishing trip that took place after the Resurrection.

Hi, my name is Simon Peter. You’ve probably heard of some of my most embarrassing moments. It would take me all day to tell you about how my mouth has messed me up, and about how I let Jesus down, as well as the other disciples. Today I want to tell you about a fishing trip that took place after ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Watch Your Mouth Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 18, 2021

When we see God as weighty, we won’t want to take His name lightly.

People get mixed up on my name all the time. Some people call me “Bill” and I’ve even been called “Brain,” though I’m not sure where that one comes from. When I’m called “Mr. Bill” people around my age think of his sidekick “Sluggo” and start laughing. I like to joke having three first names ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:7

Denomination: Baptist

The Beginning. Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 4, 2018

God creates. Everything begins with God and fulfills His purposes for His glory. He works by the power of His Word (Ps. 33:6–9), the same Word that can work in our lives. He works according to a plan: first He forms, and then He fills.

April 24, 2013 Commentary on the Book of Genesis By: Tom Lowe Lesson I.A.1: The Beginning. Scripture: Gen. 1:1, 2. Genesis 1.1, 2 (KJV) 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Is God Silent? Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Nov 13, 2001

An exploration of the biblical texts asking God why and seeking an answer to the question “Is God silent when I am hurting?”

Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness calling God’s people in my care to trust in God even in times of adversity when He seems silent. Response: individuals prompted by the Holy Spirit will accept the invitation to come forward to the altar rail and pray. Introduction: In the fall of ...read more

Scripture: Job 19:7

Denomination: Wesleyan

"Eyewitness News"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Mar 27, 2002

An Easter sermon.

Acts 10:34-43 John 20:1-18 “Eyewitness News” By: Rev. Kenneth Sauer, Pastor of Parkview United Methodist Church, Newport News, VA The news department of almost every television station dubs itself: Eyewitness News. The apostles were also eyewitness reporters to the greatest news in the history ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18

Denomination: United Methodist

What Do You Do When Your Wine Runs Out?

Contributed by Kirk Devine on Jul 6, 2001

Many times in life, we find ourselves trapped and emgulfed in the hustle and bustle of life often "burning the candle at both ends." This message is designed to encourage the believer to trust God to get things back into perspective.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR WINE RUNS OUT? JOHN 2:1-10 I have discovered that when it comes to managing our time, many of us are not good stewards…! Many of us both in and out of the church oftentimes find ourselves burning the candle at both ends… And because we find ourselves not using our time ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fish On The Fire

Contributed by Keith Broyles on Jun 6, 2001

First person narrative from Peter’s perspective

I don?t think I could ever look down at fish on a fire without remembering one of the most special days of my life. This particular day was the third time the Lord had revealed himself to some of us disciples since his death on the cross. On this particular day there were seven of us together. It ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-19

Denomination: Methodist

The Heart Beat Of God Series

Contributed by Marty Baker on May 9, 2002

The message focuses on the story of the prodigal son.

The Heart Beat of God Dr. Marty Baker / February 24, 2002 / Luke 15:11-24 Over the last four weeks, we have been in a series called "Love Stories". We have examined "The Best of R + B", the story of Ruth and Boaz; we’ve glanced at Solomon’s passion; and marveled at Hosea’s love for his wife ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24

Denomination: Church Of God

The Pearl Of Great Price Series

Contributed by David Moore on May 21, 2002

The church is God’s Pearl of Great Price.

Stories Jesus Told The Pearl of Great Price Aim: To present the church as the purchase of Christ, a gem in the sight of God. Text: Matthew 13:45-46 Introduction: We come now to the parable known as “the Pearl of Great Price.” Like most of the other parables this one too has been grossly ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:45-46

Denomination: Baptist

Breaking Free In The Spirit

Contributed by Bob Briggs on Jul 7, 2004

Why does sin come back and revisit us? How can we be set free?

When we fail to recognize the bondage we are living in, we will never be able to break free in the Spirit and accomplish what we could through and for Jesus Christ. We are living in the times of bound generations. This is something I could talk about in late January after the rush of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:43-45

Denomination: Pentecostal

The King Lives - Easter 2005

Contributed by Glenn Newton on Mar 29, 2005

The Simple Truth - The King Lives and what this means for us today.

The King Lives Pastor Glenn Newton March 27, 2005 JN 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" Phil. 3:10 “I want to know Christ and the power ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-8

Denomination: Nazarene

Repairer Of Broken Walls

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Jul 25, 2006

An invitation to a holy lent, speaking about the desire for revival, and recognizing that revival must be empowered by God, beginning with us (not them).

Having grown up attending a church that had little to no emphasis on fasting, Ash Wednesday, or the season of Lent, I’ve grown to approach this season with anticipation and trepidation at the same time. I appreciate the recognition of the passage of time toward Good Friday and Easter. After all, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-12, Isaiah 58:8-9

Denomination: Nazarene