Sermons on Always Near:

You Want What?!

Contributed by Chris Talton on Jan 13, 2002

When God asks for a sacrifice, nothing is too great. He will always provide. (3rd in 3 part series on Abraham)

December 16, 2001 Heb. 11:17-19; Gen. 22:1-19 “You want what?!” INTRODUCTION There is a difference between giving a gift and making a sacrifice. A pig and a hen were walking down the road when they saw a poster advertising the forthcoming harvest supper. It said that ham and eggs would ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:17-19, Genesis 22:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Cremation - Is It A Sin?

Contributed by Robert Sickler on Mar 13, 2012

What to do with the physical body, after death, can be a very sensitive issue and one where emotions will almost always override logic.

CREMATION – IS IT A SIN? TRADITION What to do with a dead human can be a very sensitive issue and one where emotions will almost always override logic. Dealing with a dead human body is an emotional issue because we are in love with this physical world, and because we have great difficulty ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:13-14

Denomination: Christian Church

A Very Special "I Am” Of John’s Gospel – "Ego Eimi” – "I, I Am” – So Much Comfort In It – Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 31, 2022

When does despair become relief? When does the dangerous trough of despondency become the glorious hill of deliverance? The answer is in verse 19 of John 6. Jesus drew near to the boat and when Jesus walked on the water and came closer to the boat, all the perspective changed.

A VERY SPECIAL “I AM” OF JOHN’S GOSPEL – “EGO EIMI” – “I, I AM” – SO MUCH COMFORT IN IT – PART 2 We looked in PART 1 at the marvellous I AM of John’s Gospel. It means “I, I am.” It stamped the authority of Jesus as the Elohim of the Old Testament, and that came with all authority. One of the ...read more

Scripture: John 6:16-21, Matthew 14:26-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Father Is Compassionate And Gracious Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Jan 13, 2022

How many of you were the kid who was always spilling and breaking stuff? How many parents have lost their temper over something that was not that big of a deal?

God Is … The Father is compassionate and gracious January 16, 2022 How many of you were the kid who was always spilling and breaking stuff? How many parents have lost their temper over something that was not that big of a deal? Exodus 32:19 NIV So it was, as soon as he came near the camp, that he ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:19, Exodus 34:4-7, Psalm 119:68, Exodus 34:29-30, Numbers 6:24-26, Hebrews 4:14-16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Go! And Find Hope In The Brokenness - Psalm 34:18 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 20, 2025

Have you ever had your heart broken? Perhaps it was the loss of a loved one, the betrayal of a friend, the collapse of a dream, or the weight of guilt from past choices. In those moments, life can feel like it’s crumbling beneath us.

Go! And Find Hope in the Brokenness - Psalm 34:18 Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (NLT) Introduction: A Message for the Wounded Have you ever had your heart broken? Perhaps it was the loss of a loved one, the betrayal of a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 57:15, Matthew 11:28, Psalm 147:3, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, John 1:14, Philippians 2:7-8, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Looking For Answers In The Wrong Places

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Oct 24, 2021

We must know beyond any doubt that our God does speak to us. The LORD God comes near to us, and with living words He tells us his will. God speaks to us, and directs us in what we’ve got to do.

Some years ago I saw a sign out front of a church. The sign read: “There are Some Questions that Can’t Be Answered By Google.” It’s a good point. Because where do you turn for answers to your questions? Many turn almost automatically to Google. If we want information, or directions, or inspiration, ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"Commission"

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Oct 17, 2003

Jesus had a commission from the Father, which He fulfilled perfectly. We also have a commission, but ministry opportunities aren’t always pretty.

I call the Gospel of Mark the ‘guy’s gospel’. It’s full of action from the very start. It is descriptive. Jesus sleeps in the boat during a storm, we’re told by Matthew Mark and Luke, but only Mark mentions that He’s sleeping on a cushion (4:38). All four Gospel writers tell of His feeding ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Denomination: Orthodox

A Mother’s Heart Revealed Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Sep 17, 2021

Mother's Day: Sometimes we feel that mothers are perfect. This message reveals a near-perfect mother. From Naomi, we see a mother’s strength, her love for her children, and we learn some things about a mother’s personality.

As you already know, today is Mother’s Day. I would like to begin our message with a short story: A small boy invaded the lingerie section of a large department store and shyly presented his problem to a woman clerk. “I want to by a slip as a present for my mom,” he said, “but, I don’t know what ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Breakfast By The Lake

Contributed by Paul Dietz on Apr 10, 2008

This was written and delivered as a memorial Homily for Michael Cutrer [Ka-trair]. Executive Chef at Rocky Gap State Park Lodge near Cumberland, MD (the lodge sets right next to Lake Habeb. Therefore it was written and delivered as a memorial to his life

Breakfast by the Lake John 21: 9b; 12-13 Written by Paul E. Dietz as a Memorial Homily The wood had now burnt long enough to be glowing embers of charcoal. The fire was cracking and popping a little. The waves were slapping the shoreline of the lake. A mist was rising off the water and being ...read more

Scripture: John 21:9-13

Denomination: *other

Oikos Tou Theo: The Household Of God Series

Contributed by Jan Arthur Lee on Jul 30, 2010

We are the church, the body of Christ based on what Christ has done for us in breaking down the wall of hostility and bringing us who were far very near. Because of the peace of Christ, we are now reconciled both to God and to one another.

Oikos tou Theo: The Household of God Text: Ephesians 2:11-22 Introduction I’ve been sad and disappointed lately...and it has to do with a few families that decided to leave the church and other individuals who are pondering it themselves. And even though some have told me that those people ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: *other

Forewarned Is Forearmed Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Feb 1, 2016

Jesus warns his followers about hard times near at hand, in the current age, and in the future end times. Today we will look at the “then” and the “now.” Next time we will begin to address the “later.”

Forewarned is Forearmed (Mark 13:1-13) 1. A woman blogs, “Today, I learned that my daughter's gerbils are not afraid of the vacuum cleaner.” 2. That is not normal. All animals should be afraid of the vacuum cleaner. And all people should know how to spell it. One c, two ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"Seek The Lord While He May Be Found"

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Apr 11, 2011

PENTECOST 18 (A) - Seek the Lord while He may be found. Today God's mercy calls us. God's ways are always best.

“SEEK THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND” (Outline) September 26, 2010 - Pentecost 18 - ISAIAH 55:6-9 INTRO: What are you looking for? We often are searching for something much of our entire lifetime. Early on we look for the love and approval of our parents. Next we search ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:6-9

Denomination: Lutheran

Lost

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Apr 26, 2010

Even when our efforts are not always aligned with his intentions and we make mistakes and sometimes make a mess of things, he knows the heart

LOST 2 Kings 22:1-20; key verse: 13 INTRO Pastor Wayne Cordeiro, Leading on Empty writes of his daughter, adopted when only three days old. The apple of his eye, Abby, compromised her faith and morality, making choices that expelled her from College and for two years was searching for her ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 22:1-20

Denomination: Salvation Army

When God Seems Distant: The Teacher Is Silent During The Test Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Feb 12, 2024

It all goes back to the heart. Guard your heart. Keep your heart encouraged. And in prayer, always believe in your heart that God is there and will answer.

There have been a few times in my life when I felt God’s presence depart from me. And it was for the purpose of testing me, to see what decision I’ll make without his presence strong upon me. Don’t get me wrong, God was still with me in those times. He hadn’t left me or forsaken me. But, his ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12, Romans 5:3-5, Luke 17:7-10

Denomination: Salvation Army

How To Deal With A Changing World

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Life is always changing - the world around us and within us. In an unstable world God does not change and gives us the stability we long for.

Introductory Considerations 1. We live in a rapidly changing world (give examples comparing today to just 30-40 years ago, internet, etc.) 2. Changes do not just occur around us but also within us. "That’s not the same man or woman I married". Not just our exceeding waistlines or receding ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed