Sermons on Close Encounter:

I-Give Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 18, 2009

The early church sold their lands to help the poor and needy amongst them. Were they setting the pattern for a communist commune? Were they socialists? Or was there something more basic going on here?

OPEN: The past two weeks we’ve been talking about iPods. Ever since Apple Computers began marketing these miniature music machines in 2001 they’ve been a popular item with both adults and kids alike. iPods have been marketed in various shapes and sizes and colors, and there are all kinds of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:15-37

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Giving The Perfect Gift Part Ii Series

Contributed by Chris Carroll on Jan 19, 2009

On that first Christmas, God gave the perfect gift in the form of Jesus the God who Saves. And we know that the gift He has given us has the name Jesus or Joshua which means Jesus Saves and that He will is great and is the Son of the Most High and is the

Friends, God has given the perfect Christmas gift, and now it is our turn to give back to Him. Sure we could spend our time this morning wondering how God was able to cause a ordinary girl to become pregnant through the Holy Spirit. But to be honest, I don’t know how he did it. And Mary did not ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-45

Denomination: Baptist

Kingdom Call

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Jan 19, 2009

An introduction to the Kingdom parables of Matthew 13.

Walking in the Reign: A Study of the Kingdom of God Introduction – January 18, 2008 Introduction: Begin a new series on the Kingdom of God, called Walking in the Reign The kingdom is a dominant theme in the Bible from the Old Testament through Jesus’ preaching and in to the rest of the NT OT – ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:10-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus' Humble Service

Contributed by James Jack on Apr 11, 2009

Jesus demonstrated his humility and love toward his disciples by washing their feet, and we should do likewise.

It has been one of my major goals at our youth group over the past few years to get the kids to be more respectful and selfless in the way they treat other people, particularly their fellow group members. I remember vividly a discussion I had with one particularly guy. He was telling me about ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Denomination: Anglican

Woe To The Hyprocrites!

Contributed by James Jack on Apr 11, 2009

Jesus’ stinging tirade against the hyprocrites and heretics is a righteous condemnation of false religion.

I get worked up about a lot of things. I get worked up when they change the words to old hymns that are favourites of mine. I get worked up at umpiring and refereeing decisions – perhaps not as much as St. George supporters, but worked up nonetheless. I get worked up when Damien takes the last ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39

Denomination: Anglican

He Still Moves Stones

Contributed by David Owens on Apr 13, 2009

In this lesson we look at three stories that bolster our faith in the God who moved the Stone, who is the God who still moves stones.

Introduction: A. Happy Easter to everyone – it is wonderful to be together on this Lord’s Day! B. As we get started, I want you to take a look at this cartoon – it really tickled me. 1. That resurrection morning, Jesus told the angel at the tomb, “I want you to fold up my burial clothes, wait for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Gluttony Series

Contributed by Tyler Edwards on Apr 16, 2009

One of the keys to a Godly life is understanding the nature of sin and the danger it poses in our Spiritual lives.

7 Deadly Sins Series July 13, 2008 Gluttony Have you ever been to Lamberts cafe? If not I highly recommend it, Lamberts is a nice sit down four star restaurant that serves food on this nice elegant plates, waiters are all well dressed in tuxes. It is a wonderful experience. Actually the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-25

Denomination: *other

Live Like You Believe Series

Contributed by Matthew Grise on Apr 17, 2009

Philippians 1:27-30. Scripture calls us to live lives worthy of the gospel by standing firm in unity, striving together for the faith, and suffering willingly for Christ.

AGAIN I SAY REJOICE LIVE LIKE YOU BELIEVE PHILIPPIANS 1:27-30 INTRODUCTION - A famous actor was an after dinner speaker at a big fund raising function; and apparently he was well known for his voice because when he stood up to speak, he invited his audience to choose a poem for him to recite. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Glory Of God In Suffering Series

Contributed by Tyler Edwards on Apr 24, 2009

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Glory of God Series June 1st, 2008 Glory of God in Suffering How are you doing? Bunch of liars. Now I am sure that for some of you that is true. Life is good and you are happy. By some of you are liars. When someone asks you at church: “How are you?” You know the proper Christian answer is: ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:3-10

Denomination: *other

Disconnected From God

Contributed by Tyler Edwards on Apr 25, 2009

Have you ever felt disconnected from God? How do we connect with Him?

Text: Psalm 51:10 March 30th, 2008 Disconnected Have you ever felt disconnected from God? Have you ever wondered if He was really there? Have you felt lost, alone and wondered if God was really listening? Why is it that if God desires a relationship with us so badly that it can seem so hard to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 22:1-19

Denomination: *other

How Should We Then Live? Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Apr 25, 2009

In today’s lesson we see how we should then live.

Scripture Last week we started a new section in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans. I introduced you to Romans 12:1-2, and gave you a brief overview of those two verses. In Romans 12 the Apostle Paul begins applying the doctrine that he has been teaching for the previous 11 chapters. Now, it ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Teach Me To Pray Series

Contributed by Mark Armstrong on Apr 26, 2009

The purpose of prayer complemented by a model on how we should pray.

I hope you remember the Peanuts cartoons. One day Lucy and Linus had a chicken wishbone and were going to pull it to make a wish. Lucy was explaining to Linus that if he got the bigger half his wish would come true. Linus said to her, ‘Do I have to say the wish out loud?’  Lucy said, ‘Of course, if ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Sticks And Stones Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Apr 27, 2009

Just as a tiny spark has the power to start a devastating fire, one word has the power to devastate lives, homes, churches and communities. Words can tear down but they also can build up. How do you think the Lord would have us use our words?

http://brushforkbanner.blogspot.com/ We have all either heard or used the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Is that true? We’ve had kids all over this church who have broken bones in the past year or so. Things like that happen. People get hurt. ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Article 1: The Holy Scriptures. Series

Contributed by Aubrey Vaughan on Apr 27, 2009

WE ARE STARTING A SERIES THROUGH THE 32 ARTICLES OF THE BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH 1689. A CONFESSION OF FAITH IS SIMPLY A STATEMENT OF DOCTRINE OF WHAT WE BELIEVE AS BAPTISTS - IT SO HELPFUL BECAUSE WE CAN SO EASY SLIP ANCHOR AND DRIFT OUT OF DOCK.

WE ARE STARTING A SERIES THROUGH THE 32 ARTICLES OF THE BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH 1689. A CONFESSION OF FAITH IS SIMPLY A STATEMENT OF DOCTRINE OF WHAT WE BELIEVE AS BAPTISTS - IT SO HELPFUL BECAUSE WE CAN SO EASY SLIP ANCHOR AND DRIFT OUT OF DOCK. IT WAS CH SPURGEON IN 1855 WHO ORDERED ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What's A Good Name For You? Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Apr 27, 2009

The benefits of having a good name give us good reasons to be people of integrity

Jim was a very meticulous neighbor. He was always concerned about not upsetting the people who lived around him. So, the night he let the dog out and forgot to get him back in for a couple of hours wasn’t the norm. That was bad, in his mind, but what was worse was that as his dog came in, he had ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 22:1

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ