Sermons on Close Encounter:

The Rich Man's Choice

Contributed by Ian Hyde on Oct 16, 2021

At some point we all have to make the same choice the Rich Man was faced with when he encountered Jesus in Mark 10:17-31. Will you be willing to give everything up to follow Him?

SPELUNKING How many here are familiar with the practice of exploring caves or spelunking? How many of you have ever gone spelunking? How many enjoy just saying the word spelunking? It’s like the sound water makes when it drops in a bucket… spelunking. It’s a fun word! And it’s an even more fun ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31, Exodus 20:2-17, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

Denomination: Nazarene

Zechariah Vs Mary: Response To Gabriel

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 18, 2024

Imagine Mary & Zechariah COMPARING NOTES about their encounters with Gabriel. Mary & Elizabeth TALKED about God, were FILLED with the Holy Spirit, and PROPHESIED; Zechariah was not. Unbelief has embarrassing consequences!

ZECHARIAH VS MARY: RESPONSE TO GABRIEL Luke 1:13-67 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: One Liners 1. If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito. 2. Happy is the person who can laugh at himself. He will never be short on entertainment. 3. Some call it ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:13-67

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Time To Put Up Or Shut Up

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Sep 7, 2018

This sermon primary focus is on the Encounter that Jesus had with Satan at Caesarea Philippi 1. Jesus faces the "Gates of Hell" 2. The disciples experience an amazing epiphany and 3. Jesus challenges His Disciples to live a life of radical discipleship.

Scripture: Mark 8:27 - 38; Psalm 19 Title: Time to Put Up or Shut Up This sermon primary focus is on the Encounter that Jesus had with Satan at Caesarea Philippi 1. Jesus faces the "Gates of Hell" 2. The disciples experience an amazing epiphany and 3. Jesus challenges His ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Nazarene

Speechless (So You Had A Bad Day?)

Contributed by C Jordan on Apr 27, 2008

Even though the Christian life is primarily characterized by abundant life and joy, there are seasons where the Lord allows us to go through dark valleys. It is often during those wilderness times that we encounter God, and our faith is strengthened.

SPEECHLESS (SO YOU HAD A BAD DAY?) OPENING TEXT: “Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways, and how small a whisper we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?” (Job 26:14). INTRO: Personal story & search for God in the midst of suffering. • The sewer backup in our ...read more

Scripture: Job 26:14

Denomination: *other

What Kind Of Spirit Do You Have

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Feb 2, 2021

One of the greatest hindrances you will encounter in your Christian walk is that of the religious spirit. Religious spirits endeavor to interfere with the free flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives. They can be hard to discern simply because they are religious; they are pious, even hyper-spiritual.

What Kind of Spirit Do you Have? By Bishop Melvin Maughmer OPENING: - One of the greatest hindrances you will encounter in your Christian walk is that of the religious spirit. Religious spirits endeavor to interfere with the free flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives. They can be hard to discern ...read more

Denomination: Apostolic

The Significance Of The Gospel (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Sep 9, 2020

Having encountered the grace of God on the Damascus Road, Paul's life and eternity were completely transformed. Knowing what had happened, and the change that had taken place in him, he was convinced of the relevance of the gospel for all men.

The Significance of the Gospel (Part 1) 1 Thessalonians 1: 5-10 In our last study Paul greeted the Thessalonian church, encouraging them in the Lord. He reminded them of their position, revealed his prayer for them, and acknowledged their labor of love. Now his attention is turned toward the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Denomination: Baptist

Visionary View: Why Is This Happening? Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 12, 2023

In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments of uncertainty and hardship, and we may find ourselves asking the question, "Why is this happening?" Today, let's delve into the wisdom of Scripture, particularly Romans 8:28

"Visionary View: Why is This Happening?" Dear brothers and sisters, In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments of uncertainty and hardship, and we may find ourselves asking the question, "Why is this happening?" Today, let's delve into the wisdom of Scripture, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28

Denomination: Pentecostal

I Predict God Will Be With You This Year Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 2, 2011

If God has promised that He'd never leave me or forsake me... shouldn't that mean I won't encounter any difficulties or frustrations in my life? No, but the reason what this is true may change your life.

OPEN: Some years back I read the true story of a conversation a traveler had with a farmer in New York State. They got to talking about the weather, and the farmer assured the traveler that he could tell what the weather was going to be - by watching the behavior of his cows. "When the cows are ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Breakthrough To Jesus Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Jan 4, 2024

In this series we will encounter many people who need the healing touch of Jesus - even today we will look at three different people who shared in common the one thing - they needed what only Jesus could give them.

The Healing Touch of Jesus: Breakthrough To Jesus  Mark 1:40 - 2:17 Introduction On this first Sunday of the new year, we begin a new series of messages called The Healing Touch of Jesus. We will be making our way through Mark’s Gospel. In this series we will encounter many people who ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:40-45, Mark 2:1-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sermon # 41 - Set Aside Selfishness Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Aug 1, 2025

Selfishness when left unchecked can become the cause for division and rift in close relationships. Let’s learn some valuable lessons on how to identify selfishness, and the ways to handle it so we become more Christ-like and mature in the way we relate with others.

We read in Ephesians 4:14-15, “Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:14-15, Philippians 2:4, Genesis 25:27-33, Hebrews 12:17, Genesis 26:34-35, Genesis 27:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Abandoned At Birth-6

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jan 3, 2017

6 of 6. Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus yielded the essentials of being born again/from above. Being born again is essential to God’s plan. But what does it take to be born from above? Those born from above, Abandon...

ABANDONED At BIRTH-VI—John 3:1-21 Concessions For New Birth Attention: Training for a S.W.A.T.(Special Weapons & Tactics) or police assault team. Anticipation needed to meet worst-case scenario. On the day you begin your S.W.A.T. Team service, Everything you ever held to before concerning being a ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Questions Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Oct 19, 2009

Christmas brought three questions which every person needed to deal with as they encountered the Christ child. Christmas isn’t so much about what God has done for us as it is about our response to the Christ child and to these questions.

The Questions of Christmas Luke 2:8-20 It’s tough to miss Christmas if you live in America today. We hear the ads on the radio and TV, see the lighted houses and buildings, the decorated yards in our neighborhoods, and the displays inside every store remind us Christmas is coming in case we’ve ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Methodist

A Woman Of Faith - Hannah

Contributed by Christian Cheong on May 11, 2012

Hannah faces a problem but she prays and experienced God's provision. When in hardships, watch how you respond. Hannah believes in prayer and eventually saw the miraculous work of God in her life.

1 Samuel 1:3-20 A Woman of Faith ES 13 May 12, 2095 Today is Mother’s Day, so I thought we would take a look at Prophet Samuel’s mother Hannah. • She is a woman of faith. Despite her very difficult situation, she did not lose faith in God. • She frequented the house of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:3-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Mind Your Manners (Be A Servant To All)

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Aug 31, 2025

My mother instilled in us to have good manners. Stand up when a women approaches the table. Eat with your mouth Closed. The Lord also is calling us to have a manners the manners of a Servant. Jesus came to be not just a servant but a servant of all. Yield to have such a heart.

Have you ever dined at a fancy restaurant ... or at someone's home ... and felt a little ... uncomfortable? President Calvin Coolidge ... invited some friends from Vermont ... to dine with him ... at the White House. They were extremely ... nervous. And were concerned ... about the correct ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:7-14, Matthew 15:36, John 13:14, 1 Corinthians 11:27

Denomination: Anglican

Honorable Duty Within The Church

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Mar 11, 2020

As Peter sought to bring his first letter to a close, he addressed how we are live our Christian lives in regard to the church. By submitting to the will of God, following the spiritual guidance of church leadership, and serving one another, we bring glory to Christ and meet the needs of the church.

Honorable Duty within the Church 1 Peter 5: 1-5 Peter had shared much with the church regarding their Christian lives among the world. They were challenged to build their lives upon Christ, the Corner Stone. Their lives were to be lived in light of their relationship with Christ, abiding faithful, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist