Sermons on Close Encounter:

Sunday Morning Religion

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 19, 2022

You can ride by most churches and they have a church sign outside telling the public what time their church services start.

But I have a problem with some churches posting on their church signs they worship God between 11 to 12 . According to the Word of God this is somewhat misleading! HOW IS IT MISLEADING? It implies we worship the Lord one hour a week and this is not what the Bible teaches we christians should be ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:16-25

Denomination: Baptist

Eclipse Of The Heart (March 27, 2022)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Mar 23, 2022

This morning let us strive to look at this story from a different angle as we give weight to the bitterness and indifference of the elder brother. Today we will focus on the hungry heart and the alienated heart.

ECLIPSE OF THE HEART Text: Luke 15:1 - 3, 11-32 Luke 15: 1 -3, 11- 32  Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.  (2)  And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: United Methodist

The Armor Of God 8 Of 8

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 24, 2022

Many times when it comes to preaching on the armor of God, some preachers will stop with verse 17, but that is a mistake.

WHY IS THAT A MISTAKE? Because when you talk about putting on the whole armor of God, you need to include the weapon of PRAYER in verse 18. In our study of the armor of God we have seen that we must ... • TAKE THE GIRDLE OF TRUTH • TAKE THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS • PUT ON THE SHOES OF THE ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Baptist

A Great Bible Secret 1 Of 2

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 25, 2022

Paul Harvey is known for his unique broadcasting skills as he broadcasts the news each day.

He is known for several things in his broadcasting. • He deals with the issues of life that relate to us • He is also known for some of the unusual stories he tells Illus: One day Paul Harvey announced on his news program that some days things never go right for some people. He then went on ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Letting Go - Distractions

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Dec 6, 2019

An advent journey looking at what we need to let go of in order to draw closer to God

Letting Go - Distractions December 8, 2019 Act like I am texting . . . OH . . . sorry about that. I got a text from a friend about the Bears game. Then we got caught up in other talking about baseball. That made me think about summer - and I need some new shorts, so I was checking for Black ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42, Matthew 14:28-30, Hebrews 12:1-2, Proverbs 4:25-27

Denomination: Baptist

From Tired To Inspired

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 28, 2019

Asaph was an anointed Levite worship leader who wrote 12 psalms and was appointed by David as a leader at the Temple. Yet this anointed man of God suffered a time of discouragement. But by remembering God's deeds and wonders he was restored to fresh power.

FROM TIRED TO INSPIRED Ps. 77 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: NEW YEARS JOKES 1. A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. 2. In 2020, may your neighbors respect you, troubles neglect you, angels protect you, and heaven accept you. 3. May all your troubles ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 77:1-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

From Judge To Being Judged

Contributed by Victor Yap on Dec 30, 2019

Judges

FROM BEING JUDGED TO BEING THE JUDGE (JUDGES 11:1-33) The closest I was caught up in chaos was when the MTR in Hong Kong suddenly closed all the rail system at 430 p.m. (October 6, 2019) because of the battle between protesters and the police. I was having high tea near church with four young men ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Mighty God Series

Contributed by John Oscar on Jan 9, 2020

Going through the descriptions given to the coming Messiah in Isaiah 9. This sermon is adapted from a series offered by Sermon Central.

Mighty God Prince of Peace, pt. 2 If you weren’t here last week we began a series covering one of the most famous descriptions of Jesus in all of history. Isaiah 9. This is the Christmas season. Last night I took dozens of people through this story at the living nativity and was honored to ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

I Choose To Forgive - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Bo Dunford on Jan 11, 2020

Life's Choices

MATTHEW 6:14-15 “I CHOOSE TO FORGIVE – PART 2” A) Let me remind you of something that is very important in this message, and that is, if I am ever to forgive someone, I have to make a decision – It’s a choice. * It is not our human nature to forgive someone who has deeply hurt us. * We have ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Joy Of Sanctification Series

Contributed by Jason Grubbs on Jan 11, 2020

Paul is not teaching salvation by works. He is teaching that we should work out what God has worked in.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” What is the topic of this passage? It is ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13

Murder Mystery Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

Anger is the impulse to strike out - either with words or with actions - at whatever threatens us, or threatens something we value. Anger is an impulse to destruction. Anger is in stark contrast to the commandment to love, which brings life.

Have you ever caught yourself looking at your reflection in a shop window? I have to confess that I sometimes do. I'll wager there's not one person in this room who doesn't take at least one good look at him or herself in the mirror every day. Maybe you don't care much. But you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Murder Mytsery Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 25, 2022

How the prohibition against murder expands to include anger.

Have you ever caught yourself looking at your reflection in a shop window? I have to confess that I sometimes do. I'll wager there's not one person in this room who doesn't take at least one good look at him or herself in the mirror every day. Maybe you don't care much. But you ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:17, Matthew 5:17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Faithful Turncoats Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 28, 2022

The gift of salvation is the door opened to a relationship with God for people who know they’re separated from God and don’t want to be.

The country once called Zaire is gone. It’s hard to believe how fast it happened, isn’t it? The suffering has been terrible, but 7 months is an incredibly short time for a civil war to begin, run its course, and end, especially a country the size of Zaire. I mean, the Republic of Congo. It’s as big ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:12-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How To Stay In Hope In A Dark World

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Nov 28, 2022

One could say we all have a hope meter inside each of us, the amount of hope we have in any given moment. Maybe my hope meter is at 100% full up, I’m centered on hope, this is where jesus wants me to be, in my mind and heart.

Showing up at the first pastor’s job 3 years ago was pretty scary stuff. It was me, a cook, a caseworker, and a driver. That was it. New officer, scared, unprepared, hoping that somehow, he can make a difference in this crazy world. Not knowing a single person in the city, driving in late at night. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-2, Romans 15:8-13, Romans 8:22-30

Denomination: Salvation Army

1st Sunday After Epiphany, Year A. Series

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 2, 2022

JANUARY 11th, 2026.

Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29:1-11, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 A). MANIFESTO OF THE SERVANT. Isaiah 42:1-9 - First Servant Song. After healing the multitudes, Jesus charged them that they should not make Him known (Matthew 12:15-17). According to Matthew 12:18-21, this was in fulfilment of the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29:1-11, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational