Sermons on Always Near:

"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

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

The Way Of Escape

Contributed by David Dunn on Nov 5, 2025

Temptation confronts every believer, but God’s faithfulness always provides an exit—grace stronger than sin, hope greater than failure.

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” --- The Common Struggle Every believer knows what it ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:12, Romans 5:20, Hebrews 4:15, Micah 7:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

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

"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

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

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

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

And Then Some

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Sep 1, 2008

This sermon deals with the need to always be willing to do your best. I remember listening to tape by John Maxwell years ago on this topic.

And Then Some by Rick Gillespie- Mobley Genesis 24:1-24:20 And then some Genesis 24:1-9 Matthew 5:38-48 Test Genesis 24:9-20 Imagine yourself being the owner of your own business. You have the chance to make millions of dollars in profit. A lot is going to depend on your employees. You can ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Transformational Worship

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Oct 4, 2018

If you want to experience life-transformational worship, come to a better altar – the cross of Jesus Christ – with better sacrifices: carry His shame; confess His name; and care for others.

Joanne Weil describes the time her young son asked what was the highest number she had ever counted to. She didn't know, but she asked about his highest number. It was 5,372. “Oh,” she said. “Why did you stop there?” “Church was over,” he replied. (Mike and Amy Nappa, Bore No More! Group ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:9-16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

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

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

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

An Abundant Gift Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jul 18, 2018

Things are not always as they appear. Little can be much, and much can be little. The Lord knows the desires of our hearts and the motivation behind our gifts.

An Abundant Gift Mark 12: 41-44 This had been an eventful day for Jesus and the disciples. Having returned to the Temple in Jerusalem for the third time, Jesus had dealt with several confrontations. He was challenged regarding His authority; the Pharisees and Herodians sough to trap Him with a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:41-44

Denomination: Baptist

Walking In God’s Love

Contributed by Laren Whaley on Feb 15, 2012

Because God has loved us and received us as one of His own we must move and live in that love. The world ‘s definition of love is not love at all. The world around us always asks what’s in it for me and always centers on self-first, then maybe others.

Walking In God’s Love 1 Corinthians 13:1 - 13 (NKJV) 1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Church Of God