Sermons on Close Encounter:

The Miracle Of The Manger

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Dec 16, 2012

A manger was an animal feeding trough, which tells us three things about Jesus's birth on earth.

The Miracle of the Manger Chuck Sligh Christmas 2012 TEXT: Luke 2:1-7 – “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Divine Difference In Life

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 17, 2012

1. God wants to give us a contented life (vs. 11-13). 2. God wants to give us a charitable life (vs. 10 & 13-18). 4. God wants to give us a confident life (vs. 13, 19 & 23).

The Divine Difference in Life Philippians 4:10-23 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - Oct. 14, 2012 *One of the most famous trials in American history was the Scopes Monkey trial in 1925. A teacher in Tennessee was charged with the crime of teaching evolution. And the trial drew ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-23

Denomination: Baptist

Born To Be A Messiah Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 23, 2012

Some people regard Jesus to be like Santa Claus - He’s just a little further up the food chain. But as our Messiah, Jesus came to offer far more than a jolly elf. What is it that Jesus as Messiah offers that this world can not equal?

It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco. The preacher, was looking at the nativity outside when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing. Immediately, he turned towards the church to call the police. But as he was about to do so, he saw little Jimmy with a red wagon, and in the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Invitation To Life

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 23, 2012

How to invite people to Jesus: 1. Find the Lord (vs. 43-45). 2. Follow the Lord (vs. 43). 3. Find your friend (vs. 45). 4. Follow-up on your friend (vs. 46). 5. Focus on your future (vs. 47-51).

Invitation to Life John 1:43-51 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - March 11, 2012 *Invitations make a difference! -- I am standing here today because of an invitation Georgia Savoie Canterbury gave to me 36 years ago. Georgia simply invited a new co-worker to church, a lost ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51

Denomination: Baptist

Resurrection! Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Dec 25, 2012

So, what are we sure about this Easter morning? That Jesus was right all along.

Introduction We have had three months of somber, tense passages covering the passion of our Lord, and though hopefully I have been able to convey the message that throughout his passion, Jesus was in control of his destiny and was carrying out the mission of redemption that he had come to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The "End" Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Tim Diack on Dec 28, 2012

A message for Christmas Eve focusing on the respone of Simeon and Anna to the Christ child.

The “End” of Christmas - Luke 2:25-38 - December 24, 2012 Series: Advent 2012 - #5 I remember that as a child, Christmas was really a month long event. It began, each year, on December 1st when the tree went up, the lights were hung, and the decorations set to adorn the house. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-38

Denomination: *other

Communion Service Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Nov 27, 2012

This is a liturgical communion service integrating worship, scripture readings, and short sermons.

Call to Worship: Psalm 15 (responsive) 1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? 2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. 3 Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Hardcore, Hypocrite, Heretic And Heinous Church Members

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Nov 27, 2012

Who's in Church that is keeping you out?

Heb 10:23-25 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:23-25

Denomination: Baptist

Making The Best Decisions

Contributed by Andy Grossman on Nov 28, 2012

Teachs how we make choices.

“Making the Best Decisions” December 2, 2012 Genesis 1:28 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Joshua 24:14-15 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15

Denomination: Holiness

Making The Best Decisions

Contributed by Andy Grossman on Nov 28, 2012

Teachs how we make choices.

“Making the Best Decisions” December 2, 2012 Genesis 1:28 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Joshua 24:14-15 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15

Denomination: Holiness

Belonging To A Spiritual Family

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Dec 5, 2012

Just like a natural family with parents, children, and siblings, the church family is God’s idea. God knew that people would need help along the way as they struggle against an unseen enemy. It is a privilege and a blessing to belong to a spiritual family

Belonging to a Spiritual Family 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Intro: There are many organizations or groups you could be a part of these days, but I believe none is more meaningful to your life and spiritual health than belonging to and being part of a spiritual family. Your church family should be a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Encouraging Words For Troubled Times

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Dec 5, 2012

Paul writes to encourage these new believers that Jesus was coming back for those who were trusting in Him, and for those who had died trusting in Him. They did not need to have hopeless sorrow over their departed loved ones who died knowing Jesus

Encouraging Words for Troubled Times 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Intro: To the average person you might meet downtown or on the street, the idea that Jesus is coming back for all who believe in Him is a crazy one! In fact, some would put you in the same category as the followers of David Koresh or ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God Is Just Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Dec 10, 2012

In a world of seeming injustice, where is God's justice?

God is Just Deuteronomy 32:4; Luke 18:1-8 Luke 18:1-7 Intro Slide Justice. When we see justice occur it is often very satisfying, in such a way that we feel all is right with the world. But, often, we look around and see what we believe are injustices and it is disheartening. But who is it that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Comes Near

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 10, 2012

God comes near! 1. To reveal the divine dimension to us (vs. 26-28). 2. With answers for our anxieties (vs. 29-30). 3. To teach us the truth about Jesus (vs. 31-37). 4. Seeking servants with faith to follow the Lord (vs. 38).

God Comes Near Luke 1:26-38 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - December 9, 2012 *Christmas is a time when God came near. And God comes near today. *Joe McKeever told the story of a little girl named Rachel. Like many preschoolers, Rachel had a problem waking up in the middle of the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

The Way Of The Cross Series

Contributed by Joe Rowland on Jun 19, 2012

We need to get back to the basics of our faith and talk about the way of the Cross. I saw myself with a laminated Cross in front of me. We need to pick up our cross and follow Jesus.

The Way Of The Cross 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. I am ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-19

Denomination: Assembly Of God