Sermons on Self Emptying:

Yearning To Breathe Free

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 14, 2003

We yearn to be free. In Christ we can be transformed from a slave mentality, we can become agents of liberation, and we can come forth from self-imposed bondages. For Transfiguration Sunday and for Black History Month; uses poems (not replicated here)

The plan of God is that all should be free. All free. Free from the things that keep us from what God intends us to be. Free from oppression, free from hostility. Most of all, free from sin and death. That is the ultimate plan of God. We who have yearned to breathe free have not been ...read more

Scripture: John 11:38-44, Ecclesiastes 3:10

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of The Congregation

Contributed by Ian Johnson on Jun 10, 2004

There is so much talk among self appointed prophets that the day of the gathering Church is over. I can’t sit back and let these words go un-challenged. God is into unity and its impossible to have unity sitting at home by ourselves or cutting ourselves o

The power of the congregation There is so much talk among self appointed prophets that the day of the gathering Church is over. I can’t sit back and let these words go un-challenged. God is into unity and its impossible to have unity sitting at home by ourselves or cutting ourselves off from the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3, Malachi 3:16

Denomination: Pentecostal

Available For Liberation

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 8, 2006

To be effective as peacemakers in a warlike time, we must have a healthy self-doubt, we must understand God’s concern for justice, and we must use what is available to us, no matter how small. Reworking for Montgomery Hills Baptist Church of a message do

There is an old saying here in Washington that nothing ever happens in August. Government people head off on vacation to the beaches, to the mountains, or to beautiful downtown Crawford, so there is nobody to make things happen. So, it is said, nothing ever happens in August. Of course that ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Let's Make A Deal

Contributed by Chris Tiller on Dec 14, 2005

Parable of the dishonest manager: The Kingdom of God works on different principles than we’re used to. Efficiency, practicality, and self-interest are not the core values of the Kingdom. God expects a lot more for us (and from us) than we expect him to.

There was a rich man. This man was so rich that he didn’t make his own bed. He had a personal maid who did that. He didn’t make his own dinner. He had a personal chef who did that. He didn’t drive his own car. He had a chauffeur who did that. He didn’t balance his own checkbook. He had a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Hold The Ball Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 7, 2008

There are many "self-help" books about how we can have a successful church, but Titus is one of the few divinely inspired books telling us how to do this. What are three of the basic principles a church needs to observe to be successful in God’s eyes?

OPEN: Several years back, John Brodie, a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was used by his team to hold the ball for field goals and extra points after the touchdown. A reporter once asked why a million-dollar player like him would have to do such a menial task. "Well," said ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Right Attitude Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Sep 16, 2007

In a closing litany of exhortations the apostle leads his readers to consider essential Christian attitudes of: 1) submission, 2) humility, 3) trust, 4) self-control, 5) vigilance, 6) fortitude, 7) hope, 8) worship, 9) faithfulness, & 10)Love

Ralph Waldo Emerson said: ‘A man is what he thinks about all day long.’ How could he possibly be anything else?” Why? An old maxim states: “Thoughts produce acts, acts produce habits, and habits produce character.” The Roman philosopher Marcus Aurelius said, “Our life is what our thoughts make ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5-14

Denomination: Other

True Holiness

Contributed by Scott Carroll on May 28, 2011

It is God Who saves us and makes us holy *** We cannot add to God's holiness or righteousness by our own works. *** The Spirit of God in us will bear fruit in good works, but it is not according to God's Word for us to make our list of self-righteous r

TRUE HOLINESS 5/28/2011 “Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and . . . put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:22-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Job's Friends

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Dec 13, 2012

Job's self-assured friends were all wrong in their assessment. Job was right. In fact, he was living in the center of God’s will. God says so, and orders Job’s friends to offer a sacrifice to atone for their judgmental attitudes, topping that by tellin

I recall a fight I had in seminary. I was arguing with another student over some theological matter, when he got mad and slugged me. Before I knew what was happening, I left the room, but not under my own power. A student walking by saw what was going on, grabbed me, and whisked me out before ...read more

Scripture: Job 15:1-9

Denomination: Congregational

Make New The Attitude Of My Mind

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on May 17, 2013

I. EXORDIUM: Are you like CHRIST? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To be like CHRIST. IV. TEXT: Ephesians 4:22-24 (Amplified Bible) Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self

I. EXORDIUM: Are you like CHRIST? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To be like CHRIST. IV. TEXT: Ephesians 4:22-24 (Amplified Bible) Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:22-24

Denomination: Pentecostal

Grow Free From Bondages

Contributed by Jeff Van Wyk on Feb 12, 2013

Self-deliverance is one of the most important parts of the deliverance process. The devil will seek to enter legally through open doors into a person’s life. Once these doors have been identified and shut, believers can break off any legal grounds that th

Grow Free From Bondages Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-15

Denomination: Charismatic

A Shorter List; 30 Vs 2 Series

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Aug 30, 2017

In Romans 12:9-21, Paul gives us an overwhelming list of 30 encouragments. However, they can be slimmed down to just two overarching themes: self-sacrificial love and overcome evil with good. We also see how these things point us to Jesus.

Our text from Romans this morning is quite challenging. Paul writes to encourage God’s people to live in their in the calling, but his words are overwhelming to us. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil. Hold fast to what is good. Love one another…be fervent in spirit…rejoice in hope, be ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Memorial Sunday Air Force Core Values

Contributed by Greg Van Heukelom on Jun 30, 2020

The Air Force core values---though leaders would say did not come from the Biblical tradition, but I would argue the core vales do come directly from the Bible, Integrity 1st, Service before self and Excellence in all we do.

Ascension Sunday Hello, I'm pastor Greg of Calvary Reformed Church. And I will be bringing a teaching today on ascension Sunday. Hallmark has never done anything big with Ascension Day, and within the church there is a lot understanding of Ascension Day which has been lost. I'm going ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Helmet Of Salvation: We Are Not Good Enough Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Mar 9, 2023

When we encounter the completely true thought that “we are not good enough” our society and our need for self-esteem creep up and we take our helmet of salvation off because we are disillusioned with God and we open ourselves up for temptation and doubt.

THE ARMOR OF GOD AND THE LIES OF THE ENEMY Helmet of Salvation: We Are Not Good Enough Ephesians 6:10-18 #armorofGod INTRODUCTION… Start with the End in Mind This morning I want to share with you where we will end up in our time looking at God’s Word and then I want to rewind and get us there. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Message In 1peter – Number 6 – Follow My Example Of Suffering And Walk Accordingly (But Not The Writer’s Example) – 1peter 2:21-23 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on May 24, 2023

This message looks at examples, especially Christ's example in suffering. Committed Christians take up their crosses and follow Christ, their example. Our Lord has set the example in suffering. That will lead to persecution/suffering when we deny self and walk in His footsteps.

MESSAGE IN 1PETER – NUMBER 6 – FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING AND WALK ACCORDINGLY (BUT NOT THE WRITER’S EXAMPLE) – 1Peter 2:21-23 {{1Peter 2:21 “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,”}} [A]. A ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21, Acts 17:10-11, Philippians 3:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-9, 2 Timothy 3:12, Matthew 16:24, John 12:24-25, Isaiah 53:3-5, 1 Peter 2:22, Hebrews 7:26, John 8:46, James 5:10-11, Philippians 3:10-11, Acts 5:41, Romans 8:18, 2 Thessalonians 1:5, John 6:15, Philippians 3:8, 1 Peter 2:23, Matthew 26:62-63, Luke 6:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Following Jesus At A Distance - Mark 14:66-72 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 20, 2024

When is it okay to protect yourself, and when does it fall into the kind of self-saving that Jesus forbids? We'll learn from Jesus and Peter what it looks like to lose your life to save it rather than saving your life and losing it.

Introduction: Plan B Last Sunday our church did a song called Death Was Arrested. See what you think of this verse: Our savior displayed on a criminal's cross Darkness rejoiced as though heaven had lost But then Jesus arose with our freedom in hand That's when death was arrested and my ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:66-72, Matthew 26:69, Luke 22:54-65, John 18:15-27