Sermons on Close Encounter:

The Transfiguration: Seeing Jesus – And Our Discipleship – In A New Light

Contributed by Michael B. Perrott on Feb 17, 2009

The invitation to climb the mountain of Transfiguration is an invitation of Jesus’ to encounter God afresh, then to see ourselves, God’s purpose in our lives, and the world, in a different light.

Mark 9:2-9 The Transfiguration: Seeing Jesus – and our discipleship – in a New Light Through our Gospel verses this morning we are invited to accompany Jesus and his chosen disciples as they climb a mountain, and there experience a wondrous moment – a turning-point in the lives of the special ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:2-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Difference Conversion Should Make

Contributed by Guy Glass on Jan 6, 2012

“OUR ABILITY AND DESIRE TO VIEW OUR GOD, OURSELVES AND OTHERS DIFFERENTLY RESTS ON OUR ABILITY TO EMBRACE OUR PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST.”

THE DIFFERENCE CONVERSION SHOULD MAKE 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-20 SO FROM NOW ON WE REGARD NO ONE FROM A WORLDLY POINT OF VIEW. THOUGH WE ONCE REGARDED CHRIST IN THIS WAY, WE DO SO NO LONGER. 17 THEREFORE, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION; THE OLD HAS GONE, THE NEW HAS COME! 18 ALL THIS IS ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-20

Denomination: Baptist

Chronos: James #6 Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Feb 28, 2022

Being a Christ follower requires having control of body, mind and spirit as we encounter the world as witnesses and co labors in bringing a little heaven to earth.

A few weeks ago, we started a year-long journey chronological study of the New Testament today. Hence the reason we are calling this message series Chronos. It's a word that means “time.” We will be journeying through time back to the start of the early church. We will be doing this by walking ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"hearts On Fire" Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Apr 25, 2022

Based on Mark 16:12-13 - Challenges hearers to consider the Road to Emmaus encounter & how it applies to our lives as Christ-followers today.

“HEARTS ON FIRE” Mark 16:12-13 (Luke 24:13-35) FBCF – 4/24/22 Jon Daniels INTRO – “It Is Well with My Soul” – Written by Horatio Spafford, successful lawyer & businessman in Chicago. Married to Anna – 5 children. In 1871, young son died. Lost most of business in great Chicago fire. Nov. 21, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

"five Things That Make Temptation More Difficult" Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 5, 2023

Joseph's encounters with Potiphar's wife provides a template of temptation that is difficult to overcome. What warnings do we get here?

Five Things That Make Temptation More Difficult: 1. When you’re experiencing God’s favor. - Genesis 39:4, 21. - When God seems to be blessing everything you’re doing, it’s easy to start to presume on that. This is one reason why we often see pastors who are in the midst of a strong ministry get ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 39:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Anti-Christ And Tribulation (Part 2)

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Dec 10, 2017

Following the rise of the anti-Christ, the world will experience tribulation unlike any previous encounter. Jesus offered warnings concerning the time following the abomination of desolation.

The anti-Christ and Tribulation (Part 2) Matthew 24: 15-22 In our previous study we considered the rise of anti-Christ on the global scene. He will come to power with the promise of peace, uniting the world with his agenda. The peace accord with Israel will be brokered, and the world will enjoy a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:15-22

Denomination: Baptist

My Black Christian History Wisdom Of Ethiopia (February 11) Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Feb 16, 2024

We embark on a journey into the depths of Scripture, exploring a captivating encounter between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:1-10.

"My Black Christian History Wisdom of Ethiopia" (February 11) Introduction: Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we embark on a journey into the depths of Scripture, exploring a captivating encounter between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, as recorded in 1 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 10:1-10

Denomination: United Methodist

I Desire Mercy Not Sacrifice Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

God values mercy and compassion over religious rituals and rules. As followers of Jesus, we are called to extend mercy to everyone we encounter, regardless of their circumstances.

Hey guys! Ever wondered what gets God really pumped? What makes Him say, 'Yeah, that's what I'm talking about!'? Well, today we're going to dive into that. Spoiler alert: It's mercy. So, what's mercy? Think about when you're playing a video game, and you're totally crushing your friend. You could ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

Topics: Mercy, Sacrifice, God's Desire, Daily Living

Following The Example Of Shepherds

Contributed by Steve Pearman on Dec 9, 2024

Let’s move beyond the surface of festive traditions and embrace the deeper meaning of the season. Like the shepherds, let’s seek and encounter the living Christ.

Introduction Christmas is a season of joy, light, and celebration, but it’s also a time of profound reflection. As we revisit the familiar story of the shepherds who encountered the newborn Christ, we find not just a historical account, but a pattern for how we too can respond to the reality of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Untie The Need

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on May 25, 2023

This message will serve to open our eyes to the fact that the leaders who seek the Lord, can expect God to do great things including placing people in certain positions to meet a need.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Matthew 21:1-2) (1) "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples," (2) "Saying unto them, Go into the village ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-9, 2 Chronicles 20:1-3, 2 Chronicles 20:20, 2 Chronicles 20:21-22, Zechariah 9:9, 2 Chronicles 20:3-5, 2 Chronicles 20:6-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Be More Concerned About

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Jan 30, 2012

Paul writes that one should be more concerned about love, being saved, trusting the True God, getting close to God, and helping the fallen ones than being concerned about food sacrificed to idols.

I Corinthians 8: 1-13 “Be more concerned about” What was not so good at Corinth was some of the rascals there Corinthian Christians composed of converted idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, thieves, drunkards, and swindlers (6:9-11). The church made up of people from such ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-14

Denomination: Methodist

Rewards For Serving Christ Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on May 7, 2015

After many stern warnings and instructions to His missionaries, to His disciple makers, Jesus closes the discourse with a promise. Those who faithfully served the Lord & who faithfully support these workers will be rewarded.

MATTHEW 10: 40-42 [THE MESSIAH REVEALED Series] REWARDS FOR SERVING CHRIST [Revelation 22: 10-17] After many stern warnings and instructions to His missionaries, to His disciple makers, Jesus closes the discourse with a simply amazing promise. Jesus had instructed His disciples to stay in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:40-42

Denomination: Baptist

Living A Life Attuned To God's Voice Series

Contributed by Apostle Dr. Belinda V. Broadnax on Oct 24, 2024

This closing sermon emphasizes the importance of continuing to cultivate a life attuned to hearing and following God’s voice. It calls the congregation to embrace the journey of listening, trusting, and obeying God’s direction daily.

We’ve spent weeks exploring what it means to hear God’s voice. We’ve discussed how tuning out the noise of the world, recognizing the Shepherd’s call, trusting His guidance, discerning between voices, obeying His commands, and walking in divine purpose are all key elements of hearing and following ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 30:21

Denomination: Other

A Breath Of Fresh Air

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Apr 20, 2022

Life can knock the wind out of us. Jesus shows up in those closed in places where we hide to breathe fresh Spirit into us to empower us to go on living into the mission He has called us into.

SERMON TITLE: A Breath of Fresh Air TEXT: John 20:19-29 (NRSV) I. INTRODUCTION: Have you ever got the wind knocked out of you? Maybe as a child, you fell on the playground, or you were somehow hit in the stomach and couldn’t breathe. It is terrifying in those moments when it seems like time stands ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-29

Denomination: Pentecostal

Samson: Trouble In Timnath Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Apr 12, 2020

Samson may not have known it, but this first encounter, as recorded in Scripture, would lead to a lifetime of problems, heartache, and a lot more. He was about to enter trouble in Timnath.

Introduction: Samson was one of several “miracle” babies, born to women who could not conceive a child except by God’s power. Other women facing that situation included Sarah, Rebekah, Hannah, Rachel, Elisabeth, and the Shunammite woman mentioned in 2 Kings 4. The virgin Mary is of course a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist