Sermons on Close Encounter:

Picture It Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Sep 2, 2008

This is the capstone sermon to the series on the Seven Churches of Asia titled, "Church Matters."

Turn with me to Revelation 1 REVELATION 1:9-12 Over the past several weeks, we’ve been looking at the seven churches of Asia from Revelation 2-3. Now that we’re done looking at each church individually, we’re going to go backwards. We’re going to look at how John introduced the letters. If you ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:9-12

Denomination: Baptist

Understanding The Ultimate Kingdom - Part 3

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 4, 2008

From a human point of view, about the closest I’ve ever gotten to royalty is Burger King! But by the grace of God, most of us here tonight can say we know a king. In fact, we know the King of kings! And He wants us to know about His Kingdom.

Understanding the Ultimate Kingdom - Part 3 Matthew 13:47-58 Sermon by Rick Crandall McClendon Baptist Church - Aug. 31, 2008 *From a human point of view, about the closest I’ve ever gotten to royalty is Burger King! But by the grace of God, most of us here tonight can say we know a king. In fact, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:47-58

Denomination: Baptist

"Set Me Free" Series

Contributed by Allan Kircher on Sep 5, 2008

We are set free by the power of God’s grace and love. Soar like an eagle and enjoy the flight the Lord has given you.

“Set Me Free” Allan H. Kircher 17 August 2008 www.planttheseedministries.org Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty I’m free at last We’ve heard this said before and we heard this in song. But what does it actually mean? We hear it, but do we truly believe its meaning and its lasting ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Denomination: Baptist

Hold The Ball Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 7, 2008

There are many "self-help" books about how we can have a successful church, but Titus is one of the few divinely inspired books telling us how to do this. What are three of the basic principles a church needs to observe to be successful in God’s eyes?

OPEN: Several years back, John Brodie, a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was used by his team to hold the ball for field goals and extra points after the touchdown. A reporter once asked why a million-dollar player like him would have to do such a menial task. "Well," said ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

We Are Loved Series

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 8, 2008

This first sermon in my transforming truth series addresses the most fundamental of truths - God loves us. If we get that one on straight, then we will be well on our way.

A. Let me begin by sharing a few simple, practical truths: 1. “A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.” – unknown 2. “A bulldog can whip a skunk, but sometimes it’s not worth it.” - J. Nowell 3. “A closed mouth gathers no feet.” - Sam Horn 4. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but an onion a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-19, Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Family Of God

Contributed by Matthew Sickling on Sep 15, 2008

This sermon discusses the importance of loving one another, supporting one another and caring about one another as members of the family of God.

Title: The Family of God Text: 1 Peter 4:7-17 (16) Date: 8/2/08 Location: Sulphur Spring Baptist Church We sometimes use the phrase the family of God to refer to the church. I want us to read a passage of Scripture this morning that actually uses that phrase to describe those of us who are ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-17

Denomination: Baptist

How To Be A Successful Servant Of Christ

Contributed by David Scudder on Jun 20, 2008

Are you a good servant of Jesus Christ? Today’s message is for everyone who cares about the answer to that question. The fear of being a failure haunts every one of us.

How to be a Successful Servant of Christ Matthew 25:14-30 Purpose: To show that serving Christ is rewarded and brings assurance of salvation. Aim: I want the listener to diligently use whatever the Lord has given them for God’s glory. INTRODUCTION: Are you a good servant of Jesus Christ? ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Right Stuff For Disputes

Contributed by Brien Sims on Jun 23, 2008

How to deal with disputes with a Biblical outlook.

“There are always two sides to an argument; and they are generally married to each other;” a common expression which is all too common in the daily life of a married couple. Arguments, whether bitter or just a simple spat will occur from time to time, as if you didn’t already know that. Confusion ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Spirituality Of Solitude And Silence Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Jun 25, 2008

Jesus invites us to come away for awhile alone with him.

Solitude and Silence Earthed Spirituality If Celtic Spirituality was born out of Patrick’s experience, then it was born out of solitude. Patrick spent 6 years from age 6-22 living the life of a monk as a slave-shepherd in the hills of Ireland. He used his solitude to pray, praying the psalms day ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:31

Denomination: *other

Our God Reigns Supreme! Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jun 25, 2008

A new awareness of what God is going to do bursts upon God’s people. Those who understand it as good news will celebrate in its glory & joy. Such news would be cause for the greatest joy & the greatest glory is for who causes it to become reality.

ISAIAH 52: 7-12 OUR GOD REIGNS SUPREME! [Romans 10: 11- 17] A new awareness of what God is going to do bursts upon God’s people. Those who understand it as good news will celebrate in its glory and joy. As marvelous as this ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 52:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

Chosen For God's Glory

Contributed by Daniel Villa on Jun 28, 2008

Sermon Objective: Teach how those called by God can honor/glorify God through the rest of their lives and ministries.

Good evening, I want to honor God tonight for the privilege He has given me to open the Scriptures and to declare to you how every follower of Jesus Christ, especially those of you who are participating in this Commencement Exercise, honor, glorify, and please God with your lives and ministries – ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-17

Denomination: Church Of God

The Lord Looks At The Heart

Contributed by Victor Yap on Jun 28, 2008

David, Pt. 1

THE LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART (1 SAMUEL 16) During the wedding rehearsal, the groom approached the pastor with an unusual offer. “Look, I’ll give you $100 if you’ll change the wedding vows. When you get to me and the part where I’m to promise to ‘love, honor and obey’ and ‘forsaking all others, be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

To The Ends Of The Earth

Contributed by Victor Yap on Jun 28, 2008

Apostles, Pt. 23 (Final)

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH (MATTHEW 28:18-20) A story recounts the return of Jesus to heaven after His time on earth. He returned bearing the marks of His earthly pilgrimage with its cruel cross and shameful death. The angel Gabriel approached Him and said, “Master, You must have suffered terribly ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Mystery In Christ Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jun 30, 2008

The mystery that Paul talks about is God’s plan to include everyone who wants to serve Him.

The Mystery In Christ Text: Eph. 3:1-13 Introduction 1. Illustration: Everybody loves a good mystery. My personal favorite is Sherlock Holmes. He would solve the most baffling cases using what he referred to as pure deductive reasoning. 2. The apostle Paul loved a good mystery too. However, the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

Homosexuality: How The Church Was Wrong Series

Contributed by Ryan Akers on Jul 7, 2008

Pastor Ryan continues his forbidden series by discussing the lifestyle of homosexuality and how the church has been wrong in how it has dealt with those who practice this lifestyle.

Forbidden Part 3- How The Church Was Wrong Pastor Ryan Akers Have you ever noticed when you see Christians represented on television that is seems that they are being knocked for something? I like to watch CNN and ABC World News and Good Morning America and I have come to the realization that ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-12

Denomination: Wesleyan