Sermons on Close Encounter:

The Inspection Gate Series

Contributed by Monte Brown on Sep 28, 2014

If you walked through the Inspection Gate, you would step right out into the court of the temple and be very close to the location of the threshing floor of Ornan that David purchased to stay the judgment against Israel when a sacrifice was offered.

“The Inspection Gate Message 12” The Spiritual Application of the Gates Nehemiah 3:31 Monte T. Brown September 28, 2014 Sunday Evening Stapp Zoe Baptist Prelude As mentioned this morning the Word of God is ever living and ever speaking to us through each word on these ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 3:31

Denomination: Baptist

The Trial And Torture Of The King Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 9, 2014

Before Jesus reached the cross, He faced unspeakable torture at the hands of the Roman soldiers. There are accounts of soldiers flogging prisoners to death. The point of flogging was to bring them close to death so the crucifixion time would be shortened.

INTRODUCTION Easter is three weeks from today. We’re counting down the last 94 hours before the disciples discovered the empty tomb. I’m calling this “94 Hours that Changed the World.” We’ve already walked with Jesus from the last Supper to the Garden of Gethsemane ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Facing Giants At Work

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on May 1, 2015

This sermon deals with all of our vocations as being callings from God. It deals with the reality that the giants we face in life and at work are not all that they seem to be once we get up close. It is the final message in the transformation series.

FACING GIANTS IN LIFE & WORK 50 Days of Transformation– Part 7 (Your Career) Pastor Rick April 19, 2015 Exodus 35:30-35 I Samuel 16 This sermon is my variation of the sermon from Rick Warren in the 50 days of Transformation Series. Some of the background information on David and Goliath is ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Reigniting Your Passion

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Dec 11, 2010

God wants us to love Him passionately. Watch your passion killers - cluttered lifestyle and unconfessed sin. Get fire lighters - prayer, get close to people of passion, and use your God-given gifts.

I want to talk about PASSION today - our passion for the Lord. FM93.8 has a segment called “Passion People”, where they interview people who are successful in their own field – like art, writing, dance, business or sport. • Passion is actually the deciding difference ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-31

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Dimly Seeing God's Glory Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jan 27, 2011

In our study tonight Jesus is drawing to a close His teaching for His disciples. The hour is at hand and His arrest is in the very near future! The disciples have a sense that something is going on, but their spiritual perception is dim and limited.

31 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." 33 Peter said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death." 34 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:31-38

Denomination: Baptist

All Saints' Memorial Service

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Nov 7, 2010

A short talk given at an all-Saints' Memorial Day service, giving thanks to God for loved ones who have died. In short, God knows us, God stays close to us, and God made us.

In 2008 I spent seven months in bed suffering from severe debilitating pain in my neck. My neck muscles were twisting my head in 3 directions. My right ear was almost resting on my shoulder. In many ways it was a horrible time. It tested my faith. The result was a deeper trust in the God who knows ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-14

Denomination: Anglican

Lent From Ashes To Alms

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Feb 23, 2015

The Season of Lent is a time to live out discipleship in the world. A close look at how God rewards us as we journey these forty days of Lent From Ashes to Alms. How do you answer the call of Lent?

“Lent From Ashes to Alms” “Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 6:1-4 Intro: Many years ago I was pastor of an average church that had about 65 in Sunday morning ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4, Matthew 6:21, Ephesians 1:3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Elisha’s Ministry - The Passing Of The Great Man Of God – Elisha Dies, Now With His Lord 2 Kings 13: 14-21 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 21, 2022

Elisha was a prophet mightily used by God because he was available and faithful. However like all of us, our ministry comes to an end, and we are called home. This completes the series on Elisha and is a fitting close to this great man.

ELISHA’S MINISTRY - THE PASSING OF THE GREAT MAN OF GOD – ELISHA DIES, NOW WITH HIS LORD 2 Kings 13: 14-21 SERIES – MESSAGES ON ELISHA – HIS LIFE AND MINISTRY Number 21 [A]. THE LAST DAYS OF THE PROPHET. 2Kings 13 v 14 When Elisha became sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Hebrews 11:32-39, 2 Kings 13:14-21, 2 Kings 13:10-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Betrayed… Forsaken… Falsely Accused… Crucified.

Contributed by John Newbaker on Dec 5, 2021

Have you ever been betrayed by a close friend? Or forsaken by those closest to you? Or falsely accused by those who don’t even know you? Have you ever been crucified by your enemies?

BETRAYED… FORSAKEN… FALSELY ACCUSED… CRUCIFIED. Matthew 26:1-4 Have you ever been betrayed by a close friend? Have you ever been forsaken by those closest to you? Have you ever been falsely accused by those who don’t even know you? Have you ever been crucified by your enemies? If you have you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson: C.m.2: The Testimony Of Jesus, The Spirit, And The Bride Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 21, 2019

It is fitting for the sacred Scripture to close with a reference to the Holy Spirit. He is the Author of the Book and the One who has inspired every chapter, every verse, and every line. He is the omnificent genius behind this miracle in words, the Bible.

Tom Lowe 3/1/18 Book of Revelation Commentary Topic # C.M.: CONCLUDING MATERIAL (22:6-21) Lesson: C.M.2: The Testimony of Jesus, the Spirit, and the Bride (Rev. 22:12-17) Scripture (Rev. 22:12-17, KJV) 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Prescription For Happiness Sermon Iii: Be Meek Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Dec 22, 2019

Who doesn't want to be happy! Strength of character that derives from a close relationship with God in Christ motivates mature Christians to realize the full potential of the new life in Christ God has given us.

PRESCRIPTION FOR HAPPINESS The Beatitudes – Matthew 5:1-12 Everybody I know wants to be happy. However, it appears to me that some folks may not understand what true happiness ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-2, Matthew 5:5

Pray With Expectancy Series

Contributed by James Jackson on Jan 6, 2020

Prayer that Works takes work, along with persistence, risk, and righteousness before God. In this sermon, we're going to try to close the gap between what we say about prayer and what we practice.

Good morning. I invite you to turn in your copy of God’s Word to James chapter 5, but also to put a bookmark in 1 Kings chapter 18, because we are going to spend some time there as well. The story is told of the western town that had experienced a hard drought. One of the local churches announced ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18, 1 Kings 18:41-45

Denomination: Baptist

Redemption At Hand-6 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Feb 23, 2016

6 of 6. God initiated the redemption of His people thru John’s birth. Redemption is encountered/at hand thru God’s visitation. But when is that redemption realized? Redemption is at hand when God initiates...

REDEMPTION At HAND-VI—Luke 1:67-80 TOUCHING REDEMPTION Attention: I Love You Guys: After the baby dedication in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:67-80

Denomination: Baptist

Before This Year Ends, God Will Remember You

Contributed by Joseph Ondu on Dec 6, 2025

This year may have tested you. It may have drained you. It may have humbled you. It may have taken things from you. But do not close the chapter early. God is still writing. Heaven is still moving. The story is not finished. Divine remembrance is still possible.

BEFORE THIS YEAR ENDS, GOD WILL REMEMBER YOU There are seasons when the human heart feels forgotten. Not because God has abandoned us, but because the situation has lasted longer than expected. Many people quietly wonder, “Will this year end without a change? Will my prayers remain unanswered? ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 8:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

Revision: Winning Life Strategies, Part Ii

Contributed by Tim Smith on Mar 9, 2009

In our Scripture today, Nehemiah has left Persia (modern day Iran) and traveled for more than 2 months and 750 miles to Jerusalem. Today, we continue learning life strategies when encountering God-sized problems.

Revision: Winning Life Strategies, Part II Nehemiah 2: 10-20 In the middle of the 17th century, England was in turmoil. King Charles I was beheaded. Anglican churches were being closed; Presbyterians were being persecuted. In the midst of all this, Sir Robert Shirley built a church. The plaque on ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:10-20

Denomination: Methodist