Sermons on Emptying Oneself:

Christmas Morning Sermon: Good News And The Wonder Of The Incarnation Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 19, 2024

Christmas brings with it a variety of emotions. For some, it’s joy and excitement as we think about presents and celebrations. For others, it can feel lonely, empty, or even stressful. I want to remind you of this: Christmas is good news for everyone.

Christmas Morning Sermon: Good News and the Wonder of the Incarnation Introduction Hello everyone, and a very Happy Christmas to you! I’m so glad you’ve chosen to celebrate the birth of our Saviour this morning. Today, we come together to rejoice in the most important birth in human history—the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10-11, Romans 3:23, John 3:16, John 1:14, Philippians 2:6-7, Hebrews 1:3, Matthew 1:23, Romans 6:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

No Mediocrity Allowed Here

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 19, 2025

Did the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Lord and God and Creator of the Universe, put aside His transcendent glory and empty Himself, coming down all the way to assume our weak human nature so that we could “get by”?

Seventh Sunday in Course 2025 Unless you have a pretty strong grounding in what we used to call “Bible History,” today’s first reading could leave you a little blindsided, that is until you heard the Gospel. King Saul, first king of the Israelite kingdom, had taken three thousand of his best ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49, 1 Samuel 26:2, 1 Samuel 26:7-9, 1 Samuel 26:12-13, 1 Samuel 26:22-23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

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

Killing "the God Of Me"

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Apr 29, 2021

There is only one throne in a person's heart; it either belongs to you or to the Lord God Almighty. Jesus won't share it with you and you cannot expect Him to do so. There is only one remedy, to kill "the god of Me" and enthrone the True and Living God there!

Killing "The god of Me” Please stand with me as we go over our current memory Scripture: Matthew 5:6-8 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11, Daniel 3:1-30, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:5, 1 Peter 2:12, Exodus 20:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

His Body In Motion Series

Contributed by Todd Leupold on May 26, 2007

We want to change – our selves, our lives, our circumstances, but we can’t seem to find the right change that works. We are constantly seeking to change all the things that seem to be so full of promise but empty of real or lasting results.

THE SUPREME MYSTERY – THE BODY OF CHRIST ACT II: The Mystery of The Body Unveiled 5. HIS BODY IN MOTION (Eph. 4:17-32) INTRODUCTION: “Flushed Away.” How true of so many lives! Downward spiral. Starts slowly, builds up speed and suction until a destiny in the sewer becomes unavoidable. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32

Denomination: Baptist

Salvation Came To His House

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Aug 11, 2002

Zacchaeus faced many problems that we face today. People are trying everything they can to solve them, but they find just a large emptiness! Who could possible solve these problems? Friend, let me introce you to the Salvation that came to His House!

Introduction: Just like many today, Zacchaeus had some problems that he needed someone to help him overcome! A. His position was a problem (vs. 2) It is always hard for the rich to get saved because they do not need anything! (Mat.10:23) B. His elevation was a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

How To Pray For The Lost

Contributed by Jennifer Casto on Jan 20, 2007

Most of us owe our own conversion to friends and family who prayed us into The Kingdom. Prayer is the big weapon for the salvation of souls. Not arguing, debating ---seeking to see the lost saved is empty, dry, and fruitless without FERVENT prayer! Don’t

Teaching: HOW TO PRAY FOR THE LOST Evangelist Jennifer A. Mears –January 2007 “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:17-20

Denomination: *other

Who Does ’the Father’ Seek? Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Feb 20, 2008

God seeks for worshippers because the place of Lucifer and the 1/3 of angels that worshipped God was empty and was replaced by God’s creation of the human race. The same place which Lucifer condemned, God would place man to worship Him. It is a disgrace t

Opening illustration: Lowell Ogden tells the story of a little boy who lived out in the country around the turn of the century. He had never seen a traveling circus, and one was coming to his town on Saturday. When he asked his father for permission to go, his dad said he could provide his chores ...read more

Scripture: John 4:21-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"The Rest Of The Story" -The Mystery Of The Missing Body

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Mar 19, 2008

Easter is the ultimate test of faith. There have been many who have offered theories to discount the resurrection. (I list 5) It is the empty grave, the resurrection of Jesus that demonstrates God’s care, and removes our guilt and fear of death. (I’m

In Jesus Holy Name March 23, 2008 Easter Sunday Redeemer Text: Matthew 28:5-8,11-15 “The Rest of the Story” Part II “The Mystery of the Missing Body” He is risen! He is risen indeed! Easter is the ultimate test of faith. The one great watershed that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:5-15

Denomination: Lutheran

The Wheels Are Turning

Contributed by Seth Aryee on Nov 29, 2005

Why are so many people living with frustration, emptiness, despair, hopelessness, disgust, apathy, or anger? Such people have given up hope of finding relief to their inner ache for answers. Who has the answers and why are so many people still searching

SERMON BY BRO. SETH A. ARYEE LOCAL PREACHER, BETHANY METHODIST CHURCH, DZORWULU, ACCRA-GHANA THEME: THE WHEELS ARE TURNING JEREMIAH 18:1-11 TEXT: “And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 18:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

Breaking Free Series

Contributed by Emile Wolfaardt on May 7, 2009

(PowerPoint Slides and Cell Study Notes freely available by emailing Emile@Wolfaardt.com) Breaking free from addictions that like parasite, demand much from us and give nothing in return. Its promises are vain and its pleasures empty....

Breaking Free Fireproof Your Relationships: Sermon Four 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 Good morning! Today’s message starts with something I have never spoken about before from the pulpit. I want to talk with you about parasites! Has anyone here ever picked up a parasite? The South Africa military field ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:11-13

Denomination: *other

Opposition And The Work Of The Spirit Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 5, 2017

It's Jesus' final evening with his disciples, empty dishes are on the table, feet have been washed, and one of them has gone. But two things have kept recurring in Jesus' conversation. He's leaving. And they must remain connected to the Holy Spirit.

Sermon by Rev Ruth Newmarch After the happiness of Steph and Nic's wedding yesterday, its hard to hear about suffering for our faith. But if you think about it, hardship is mentioned even in the wedding service, 'for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health...'. In today's passage, it is ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

Prosperous Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Dec 2, 2014

That’s the world view of the good life… but it is as empty and unsatisfying as that huge chocolate bunny you get your kids at Easter. I mean it looks fabulous… but it’s hollow and it tastes like flavored wax.

The Unsatisfying Easter Bunny For most of people the word “prosperity” connects with the idea of being successful financially and living the “good” life. But in God’s economy prosperity is so much more than a thick roll of money in your pocket, two SUV’s in the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ