Sermons on Close Encounter:

Saved By Grace: A Gift Beyond Measure Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 8, 2023

In Titus 3:5, we encounter a profound truth - our salvation is not earned through our own efforts, but it is a gift of God's mercy and grace.

"Saved by Grace: A Gift Beyond Measure" Introduction: Good day, beloved congregation. Today, we gather to explore the profound message contained within Titus 3:5 from the New Living Translation: "He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Cohabitation

Contributed by David Parks on Nov 1, 2002

If you are a teen listen closely, because the odds are very high that someone will ask you to move in with them. Decide now, how you will respond.

COHABITATION TEXT: Gal. 5:16-26 INTRODCUTION 1. While conducting a pastor’s seminar on how to cut the divorce rate in the Tampa Bay area, Religious writer Mike McManus asked, "How many couples who come to you to be married, are living together?" In a chorus, they replied: "70 to 75 percent!" ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Giving It Over Series

Contributed by Pat Cook on Aug 27, 2005

17th in long series on Joshua. This gets into prayer, and giving our burdens to God. Close tie-in with 1 Peter 5:7.

Joshua 10:1-15 – Giving It Over I found a little poem by an anonymous author that sounds so familiar, it’s as if I could have written it. It says: “Lord, I’m so discouraged, I don’t know what to do; I have so many burdens, And I gave them all to you. But you didn’t take them, Jesus, will you ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 10:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

All's Well That Ends Well Series

Contributed by Thomas Black on Feb 2, 2005

I believe that Abraham’s life closes well; and demonstrates for us a bit of the art of dying well which for a Christian demands living well.

"Ars Moriendi" is Latin for "the art of dying" or "the art of dying well". Specifically it refers to a common visual art practice common in the 16th century. Pictures would be carved into wood and then inked and press printed hundreds of times into books. Few of the books contained many words - ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Believers Are God's Treasured Possession

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Jun 29, 2004

PENTECOST 4(A) - Believers are God’s treasured possession because God draw us close and we continue in God’s word.

BELIEVERS ARE GOD’S TREASURED POSSESSION Exodus 19:2-8 - June 27, 2004 - Pentecost 4 EXODUS 19:2-8 2After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. 3Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 19:2-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Strength In The Storm Series

Contributed by Greg Nance on Feb 26, 2005

Stretching you past your limits to cope, God can use a crisis to bring us close and draw a crowd along with us to him.

Paul’s trip to Rome beginning in Acts 27 is the story of a stormy trip and shipwreck. Few things are as awesome to experience as a big storm. This past year, Florida saw four hurricanes plow through and wreak a path of destruction. We can begin to think we are large and in charge when God allows ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:1-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Four Principles For Following Jesus Series

Contributed by Wes Richard on Apr 1, 2008

What might happen if our church were to follow the Starbucks example and temporarily close its doors to examine the way we follow Jesus?

Starbucks Opens A new Starbucks has opened, of all places, at St. Rita’s Medical Center. We had never tasted Starbucks coffee, so last Wednesday we stopped in to see what it was like. With all the flavors and sizes and prices up on the board, it wasn’t easy to decide what we would order ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-6

Denomination: Brethren

Last Words

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Feb 21, 2007

The closing benediction of Jude is the Bible’s last words before the grand finale. These are the Coach’s finaly rallying cry before the Ultimate Contest.

Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Last Words Before The Big Game Jude 24-25 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:24-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Where Do The Wars Come From? Series

Contributed by Daniel Colvin on Feb 20, 2004

Who or what is your battle and look closely inside yourself do the wars and little battles start with you? And can the battle end with you?

Where do the wars come from? James 4:1-5 Introduction In an old monastery near Bebenhausen, Germany, you may see two pairs of deer horns interlocked. They were found in that position many years ago. The deer had been fighting; their horns got jammed together and could not be separated. (James 4:1) ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Do You Love Jesus?

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jul 12, 2008

If you love Jesus... 1. Take a close walk with the Lord. 2. Find the right work for the Lord. 3. Surrender your wants to the Lord.

Do You Love Jesus? John 21:1-22 Sermon by Rick Crandall McClendon Baptist Church - Feb. 10, 2008 *Do you love me? I suppose everybody has asked -- or at least thought about that question sometime in their life. Jesus asked Peter and He is asking us today, “Do you love me?” *Of course we have ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

His Footprints Left No Trace!

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Jun 25, 2013

We all know people who will not stop and ask for directions. God closes the way to our past and opens the way to a new and better future.

His Footprints Left No Trace! “Your way went straight through the sea; your pathways went right through the mighty waters. But your footprints left no trace!” Psalm 77:13-20 (CEB) Intro: We all know people who will not stop and ask for directions. I recently saw an Insurance company ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 77:13-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Wants You To Have A Healthy Heart

Contributed by James May on Mar 18, 2014

Our heart can only be healthy if we are close to God's heart. God can heal the wounded spirit and the sin sick and broken heart.

God Wants You to Have a Healthy Heart Sunday, March 16, 2014 We live in a world that is filled with hurting people. There are so many ways that people can be hurt and most of the world around them would never see the pain they bear. The physical pain that many suffer from injuries or some type of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Have You Been With Jesus? Series

Contributed by Victor Ramlall on Aug 3, 2011

Having a close and personal with Jesus in makes a great difference in your outlook and expectations and energizes you to expect the extraordinary things from an EXTRAORDINARY GOD!

In chapter 3 is the first recorded miracle in the Book of Acts Act 3:1-10 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. (2) And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

God's Will Series

Contributed by Bala Samson on Aug 8, 2012

Knowing God's will is an important learning for every child of God. Walking in flesh, self and pride is of the flesh but walking closely behind Him is the way of God.

1 Samuel 23:2”Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" And the LORD said to David, "Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah." David made multiple trips to his prayer chamber and got ‘confirmations’ from God before he launched ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 23:1-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Finding God’s Comfort

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on May 29, 2010

In some of the storms of life, God intervenes and shelters us. In others, He allows us to be exposed so that we will be pressed more closely to Him.

Opening illustration: Whether we are reading the daily paper, listening to the radio, or watching TV, the news is filled with what one might call the fruits of discouragement and even despair. Life is like a continuous newsreel showing the futile actions of people trying to live without a biblical ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:25-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational