Sermons on Close Encounter:

Closing In On The Cross Of Jesus Christ - Part 5: The Perfect Commitment Of Christ Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 10, 2023

Jesus was willing... 1. To be betrayed by a false friend (vs. 45-50). 2. To be captured like a criminal (vs. 50, 55). 3. To express kindness to His enemies (vs. 51-52). 4. To suffer for the Scripture (vs. 52-56). 5. To be failed by His followers (vs. 56).

Closing in on the Cross of Jesus Christ Part 5: The Perfect Commitment of Christ The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 26:45-56 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared April 10, 2023) BACKGROUND: *Please open your Bibles to Matthew 26. In this chapter, Jesus and His disciples ate their last Passover meal ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:45-56

Denomination: Baptist

Rising, Running, And Reporting

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Oct 21, 2010

For many, life is a panicky run. Serious things happen to us, and we run to tell somebody. The reaction may be to go home and do nothing, and to leave others weeping and perplexed. But when we encounter the risen Christ personally, not as an abstractio

Takoma Park Baptist Church, Washington, DC, March 26, 1989 (Easter Sunday) When you see someone running, do not jump to any conclusions about why that person is running. If you see somebody pickin’ ‘em up and layin’ ‘em down, well, there could be a lot of reasons why. And ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

A Changed Man Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jun 6, 2015

The gospel is about transformation from the inside out through the power of the risen Jesus.

A Changed Man Text: Acts 9:1-19 Introduction 1. Gary Habermas was a young doctoral student at Michigan State in the 1970s struggling with his faith. Like so many young people who grow up in a Christian family and eventually leave home and their faith as well, he was definitely rethinking what ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-19

Denomination: Methodist

What Is A Christian

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Apr 26, 2014

A Christian is someone who has been changed by his or her encounter with the risen Jesus

What is a Christian? In a few funeral preparation talks, I have people who have described their lost loved ones in these terms “He didn’t believe in God He didn’t go to Church But he was a good Christian” That isn’t a very useful definition of what is a ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Anglican

Face To Face Time With God

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Feb 6, 2013

The sermon shares what it takes to get Face Time with God: It involves spending time with God. When one spends time with God it changes you, it puts greater balance in your life.

Exodus 34:29-35 Face To Face Time The Bible in today s lesson said that Moses Face did shine after meeting God Face to Face , vs 29he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. 1. Let us consider: Surely it will take great ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 34:29-35

Denomination: Methodist

The Road To Transformation

Contributed by Je Layugan on Jan 11, 2021

Some of you may have a rough beginning in life, but Jesus has been in a constant look out to catch you, to encounter him, on whatever road you are travelling on. Just like Paul, a single encounter with him can transform you inside out.

When Jesus Christ died, Christians were scattered and some went to Damascus. When Saul heard about it, he wanted to hunt them, arrest them, and bring them back to Jerusalem. But with one encounter with Jesus in the road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus, transformed from being a hater of Christians, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:13, Acts 9:17-18, Acts 9:3-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Jesus Christ: The Great Evangelist, Part 1

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jan 6, 2022

In the fourth chapter of John's Gospel, the Lord Jesus is presented as the Great Evangelist. From the time He won Nathaniel (John 1:48-51) to the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43), He was busy bringing sinners to Himself.

In Chapter 4 of his Gospel, John has us turn our attention to the Lord Jesus as the Master Soul-Winner and our example for sharing the good news of salvation to everyone regardless of background, culture, nationality, or any circumstance. No one is exempt from hearing and receiving the message ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-30, Psalm 58:3, Matthew 22:42, John 6:44, Ephesians 2:1, 2 Corinthians 5:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Simon Of Cyrene - From Bystander To Cross-Bearer

Contributed by Michael Hobday on Jul 19, 2024

Today, we explore the remarkable story of Simon of Cyrene, the man who transitioned from being a mere bystander to bearing the cross of Jesus. His encounter with Christ teaches us about the transformative power of obedience and presence.

Praise be to the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Simon’s story is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Let’s take a closer look at who he was and what we can learn from his remarkable encounter with Jesus. Simon was from Cyrene, a city located in the northern part ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:21, Matthew 27:3, Luke 23:26, Acts 2:10, Acts 11:20, Acts 13:1  (view more)  (view less)

Spiritual Battle Of Abraham Series

Contributed by Bala Samson on May 15, 2012

Right from chapter twelve of Genesis, we read the phrase ‘the Lord said to Abram’ but it is the first time in chapter fifteen we read the words, ‘Abram said, "Lord GOD......!”’Here, Abraham starts a conversation with God and continues so steadfastly that

God brought him outside……….part 5 - Abraham Genesis 15:1”After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward." Right from chapter twelve of Genesis, we read the phrase ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

Encounter Two. Simon Peter And The Rooster. (Includes Discussion Questions At The End) Series

Contributed by Paul Hardy on May 3, 2022

Three strikes, you’re out. That’s usually how we roll in life. You get three opportunities for tolerance and forgiveness.

ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS ENCOUNTER TWO SIMON PETER AND THE ROOSTER How will I introduce the message? Three strikes, you’re out. That’s usually how we roll in life. You get three opportunities for tolerance and forgiveness. It’s like the farmer: The Farmer marries back in the horse and buggy days. ...read more

Scripture: John 18:15, Luke 22:62, Proverbs 29:25, Hebrews 12:14-15, 1 Peter 5:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Wrestling With God

Contributed by Bala Samson on Dec 3, 2022

YOUR SUFFERINGS TURN TO A “SOUVENIR” THAT REMIND YOU OF THE POIGNANT MOMENTS THAT TRANSFORMED YOUR LIFE! Hallelujah!

Genesis 32:24”Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.” INTRO: I was stuck with the above scripture for several hours, I just couldn’t move, during the reading of this portion, I was going through certain deep trials in my own life, after two decades of ministry, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:24

Denomination: Pentecostal

Distancing Ourselves From God Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 31, 2016

God wants us to be close to Him, not emotionally or spiritually distant from Him.

Distancing Ourselves from God (Psalm 50) 1. Memorial Day is a day to remember our war dead. Over 1.1 million military personnel have died as a result of war in the history of our nation. 2. To give you a sense of proportion, almost 500,000 died in the Civil War, over 400,000 in World War II. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 50:1-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

I Will ... Have A Closer Relationship With God Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Sims on Jan 21, 2016

I will statements that we need to embrace in order to have a better relationship with God. Through the use of I will statements we can grow as Christians into more than we imagine

Last week we talked about starting with a clean slate, forgetting about the shoulda, wouldas , and coudas and focusing on the I wills, I cans, and the I ams. Today I want us to look at one of the most important things that we can do in our lives and that is to have a closer relationship with ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:8-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Knock, Knock

Contributed by John Mccormack on Jun 5, 2013

OPEN THE DOOR! LET CHRIST IN!

KNOCK, KNOCK INTRODUCTION: JOHN, THE WRITER OF REVELATION, SENT SEVEN LETTERS TO VARIOUS CHURCHES. SOME CHURCHES WERE COMPLIMENTED; SOME WERE NOT. THE LAODICEA CHURCH WAS NOT COMPLIMENTED, RATHER, REBUKED (REVELATION 3: 15). SPIRITUAL INSIGHT: REVELATION 3: 20 (NKJV) BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:20

Denomination: Baptist

Friendships Are Important - Friends Accomplish More - Alone Is Dangerous! Series

Contributed by John Wright on Feb 13, 2010

Friendship are important when they are with the right people, friends can accomplish more together than they can by their self and often times trying to go through life all alone is dangerous, both physically and spiritually.

Introduction 1. Open your bibles please to 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. Hold this reference. 2. There are many passages that teach the importance of having friends. They teach that two are better than one in most all situations. 3. We will discuss some of the passages from the bible that will help us ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Ecclesiastes 4:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ