Sermons on Self Emptying:

Signs Of Life

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 9, 2023

Taking, hoarding and passivity are signs of death. But the signs of life are the opposite: receiving, giving, and acting.

There was a popular song about 30 years ago which some of you might remember. It went, “They’re rioting in Africa, they’re starving in Spain, there’s hurricanes in Florida and Texas needs rain" ...and ending with “What nature doesn’t do to us will be done by our fellow man.” It only needs a ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Happiest Of Endings Series

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 4, 2023

Mark concludes his Gospel in chapter 16 with the angel's announcement at the empty tomb, and then the appearances to Mary, the two disciples, and then the eleven apostles. Finally, he declares Jesus return to heaven and His work in and through the apostles as they carried out His mission.

Introduction A. In an old poem called “The Widow in the Bye Street,” John Masefield depicts a scene of heartbreaking agony. 1. He depicts a young man about to be executed by hanging for crimes he had committed. 2. In the crowd witnessing this fatal event was his mother. 3. As the trap door ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Cycle Of Life Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 14, 2024

Dissatisfaction is designed to lead us to find satisfaction in God alone.

The Cycle of Life Ecclesiastes 1:3-18 Rev. Brian Bill July 13-14, 2024 We’ve been challenged this summer to read through the entire Book of Ecclesiastes at least three times. As I’ve been doing so it strikes me how many of Solomon’s existential experiments are reflected in popular songs from the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:3-18

Denomination: Baptist

Fourteenth Station: Jesus Is Buried Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 26, 2022

Jesus is not there: only Joseph of Arimathea is buried in the Holy Sepulchre

The Fourteenth Station: The Body of Christ is Buried (Those of us who have had the privilege and honor of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land always make Jerusalem part of the holy time. There, although the Jewish Temple has been replaced by a grand mosque, we can see the very places we read about in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:19-20, Mark 15:45-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 20:1-10, John 19:38-42  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Jesus Risen (John 20)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 11, 2025

To whom did Jesus first appear after His resurrection? Let's look at John 20.

Who did Jesus first reveal Himself to after His resurrection? Do we believe the important declaration that Thomas made about Jesus? Let’s look at John 20. Who came to the tomb early that Sunday morning? Early in the morning of the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Sunday - Resurrection Day - The Day Of Joy And Amazement Series

Contributed by David Owens on Apr 18, 2022

After the dark and depressing days of crucifixion Friday and silent Saturday, came resurrection Sunday. The tomb was empty and Jesus appeared to Mary, Peter, two disciples, and to all the apostles. And they were all filled with joy and amazement.

A. Allow me to begin this morning with an illustration from Max Anders’ book, Basics of Christianity. 1. Max Anders wrote: Two hundred miles northeast of Los Angeles is a baked-out gorge called Death Valley; the lowest place in the United States at 276 feet below sea level. a. It is also the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Road To Pentecost

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Jun 19, 2022

To experience Pentecost’s life changing reality and the fullness of the Holy Spirit, we must first have to experience Gethsemane, Calvary, and the Empty Tomb. Come and join us on this journey.

“The Road to Pentecost” Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTTRLw_2JDk Last week I made a statement where I said that we have to stop seeking the experience of Pentecost, that is, the experience of the Holy Spirit, and instead we need to seek Pentecost’s or the Holy Spirit’s life changing ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:42, Luke 9:23, John 20:21-22, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Foursquare

To Love Is God’s Commandment Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 28, 2015

The world’s values do not last for eternity, they are self-centered and empty. John’s cry to the believer here is asking, “Who do you live for?” Will we love and live for God or ourselves?

To Love is God’s Commandment 1 John Bible Study, Part 4 1 John 2:7-17 Introduction - Last week, John gave us tremendous insight into living fully for Christ • We have an Advocate • We must live for Him • God makes us complete - V4 is the confirmation of this ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:7-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Choices & Results

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jun 2, 2011

In order to follow the example of Christ’s humility, we must be willing to lay down our rights and reputation for the sake of the gospel. We must humble ourselves and serve others as a bondservant of Christ. If we say, we follow Christ; do we really live

Opening illustration: At the 2009 Kansas high school state track championship, an unusual thing happened. The team that won the girls 3,200-meter relay was disqualified. But what happened next was even more unusual. The team that was awarded the state championship by default turned right around and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:4-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Crucified With Christ

Contributed by David Carter on Aug 19, 2002

Crucfixion of self

CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST Galatians 2:20 Paul knew that our biggest enemy is "I" --- It has been the problem since the beginning of time. (Note Isa. 14: 12-15) "I" has been the problem since the Fall of Man! --- BUT PAUL SOUNDS THE VICTORY NOTE WHEN HE SAID.... I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST! --- ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Stolen By Success Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Jun 7, 2009

talks about how we can get wrapped up on worldly success and how to find our true identity in Christ.

Identity Theft – Stolen by “Success” Our identity can be Stolen by “Success” when our image of success is… …Driven by Performance – Look what I have done …Focused on Possessions – Look what I’ve got Our identity will be Successfully Secure when our image of success is… …Centered on Christ – Look ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:18-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Valentine's Day Sermon

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Thesis: Love is both a commitment and a feeling.

Thesis: Love is both a commitment and a feeling. Intro.: 1. Illust. According to legend, there was a third century Christian who lived in Rome named Valentine. He was imprisoned during one of the periodic persecutions against Christians and was sentenced to death. While in prison, Valentine was ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 5:15-21

Perilous Times Series

Contributed by Ray Pritchard on Sep 5, 2003

Here are three very practical survival strategies for the perilous, difficult, dangerous days in which we live.

Perilous Times II Timothy 3 You’ve probably heard the old joke about the fellow who was told, “Cheer up. Things could be worse.” So he said, “I did as I was told. I cheered up, and sure enough, things got worse.” That in a nutshell is the message of II Timothy. The Apostle Paul, writing from a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Preparing For The Storms

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Nov 19, 2002

I’m convinced that if we want to have the resources we’ll need for a time of crisis, then there are some preparations that each of us must make.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER CENTRAL CHRISTIAN, BROWNSVILLE, TX ILL. Claudia was a newlywed in her 20’s when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease & given only a 50% chance of survival. Quickly she was operated on & began cobalt treatments that ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Conscientious Damage Control

Contributed by Tiger Gullett on Dec 28, 2003

Making a consciencious effort to control self inflicted storms in our lives.

Introduction : As we approach the beginning of a new year, we have the opportunity to look back on the last year and take a survey of our lives. We have the opportunity of a new beginning. Many people put down new year resolutions, but I think if we were honest with ourselves, we would admit that ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:11-20

Denomination: Baptist