Sermons on Close Encounter:

06 Joy In Pressing On Series

Contributed by Seth Lawson on Feb 19, 2025

Bottomline: Joy flourishes when we press on for heaven’s hope, not earthly glory.

We’ve been walking through Paul’s letter to the Philippians, exploring what it means to have defiant joy—a joy that flourishes regardless of circumstances because it is anchored in Christ. Each week, we’ve uncovered different aspects of this joy: Week 1: Joy flourishes when we share in God’s ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Wisdom Of God

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Feb 24, 2025

There are a lot of things that we don't know. And for years, people did not know the plan God had to make possible our salvation. Throughout the Old Testament, God kept giving hints, but now it has been made known.

Alba 2-16-2025 THE WISDOM OF GOD I Corinthians 2:6-16 A father and his small son were out walking one day when the boy asked him a question. “Dad, how does electricity could go through the wires stretched between the telephone poles?” “I don't know,” said his father. “I never knew much about ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Divine Jealousy Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Mar 6, 2025

If you want to keep from being deceived, follow only a leader, who, like a father, jealously guards your pure devotion to Christ, generously cares for you, and genuinely shows you his true self.

Pastor John Ortberg asks us to imagine picking your car up from the shop after a routine tune-up, and the technician says, “This car is in great shape. Clearly you have an automotive genius to take great care of your car.” Later that day, your brakes fail. You find out you were out of brake fluid. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Start Thinking And Don’t Worry Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Mar 10, 2025

Jesus calls us to stop worrying by not bringing the falsehoods of tomorrow into today, and by being thinking Christians who look to our heavenly Father.

You can listen to this sermon at https://npbc.org.au/podcasts/media Matthew 6:25-34 “Start Thinking and Don’t Worry” If you were old enough you will remember the powerful impact of the 1975 movie called “Jaws”. Even now, if you know the movie, you have the tune in your head. Durnut … durnut ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Fellowship Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Sep 1, 2024

Fellowship was more than just an activity for the early Christians—it was a way of life that fostered deep connections, mutual support, and spiritual growth. Through fellowship, including shared meals, prayer, and encouragement, the early church thrived in unity and love.

Introduction Video Ill.: Community — Church Fuel 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2, NIV1984) The unity that was present in the early church puts our world today to shame. Political Opponents Finish Debate ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47, Romans 12:10-13, Matthew 18:20, Acts 12:12-17, Hebrews 10:24-25, Galatians 6:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Wisdom Series

Contributed by Gene Gregory on Sep 8, 2024

Continues series on James. It addresses the importance of wisdom and how to get it.

James 1:5-8 Wisdom Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a Particular Baptist Preacher from the mid to late 1800’s, in London, England. The story is told of a time he attended a preaching conference when a preacher who was preaching at the conference boldly announced that he had reached a point in his life ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5-8, Acts 6:8-10

Denomination: Baptist

Strength In Times Of Trouble

Contributed by Kelvin Mckisic on Sep 22, 2024

This sermon encourages believers to persevere through trials, hold onto God's promises, and find strength in faith, using Revelation 2:8-11 as a guide.

Welcome, cherished family of faith, to our gathering today. It's a joy to see each one of you here, gathered in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are here, not by chance, but by divine appointment. Our lives, interwoven in the tapestry of God's grand design, have led us to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, James 1:12, Romans 8:28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sermon: Built For This.

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Sep 24, 2024

But if we choose to run to God and rely on His strength to help us, we can not only defeat our opposition, because God has been making us better, stronger and wiser through the process of life. Believers are built for this.

Sermon: Built for This. Scripture Lesson: Numbers 13:26-33 “to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran. They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land. This was their report to Moses: “We ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 13:26-33, Romans 10:17, Romans 8:28

Denomination: Methodist

Happy Money Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Sep 27, 2024

If you want to be a happy giver, give willingly from your heart, and give generously from your hoard.

Bob Russell, retired pastor of the Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, recalls a sermon he preached years ago on hoarding. In that sermon, Pastor Bob pointed out the foolishness of waiting until we die to give our children their inheritance. He explained, “When we die, our children ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 35:4-29, Exodus 36:2-7, 2 Corinthians 9:7

Denomination: Evangelical Free

A Covenant Community Prays Fervently Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Oct 7, 2024

One of James' final instructions to the exiled believers is on the topic of prayer.

Introduction In his profound book on the importance of prayer in the life of a congregation, John Onwuchekwa shares this quote - which is attributed to several different people including Martin Luther: To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. Martin ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon - The Paradox Of Biblical Faith

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Oct 15, 2024

Believers today must likewise persevere in faith and trust God, even when they do not see all the promises of God fulfilled in their lives. The faith that pleases God is a faith that can surrender God's promises back to Him and trust God for their fulfillment according to His will.

Subject: The Paradox of Biblical Faith Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:13-16 "All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:13-16, Hebrews 11:2-40, Job 23:3-10, Proverbs 4:4-6, Hebrews 12:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

Baptism And Politics

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Oct 19, 2024

A look at Romans 6 and how it pertains to politics

Christian Unity in Politics Romans 6:1-8 October 20, 2024 We’re a mere 16 days away from the most important election in the history of the world. You’ve probably heard that before. Most likely it was 4 years ago. And it was 4 years before that. I believe every election is important. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

"This Do In Remembrance Of Me”

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Oct 21, 2024

This do in Remembrance of Me is more than a mental snapshot of something that happed in the past. It is more than a sentimental emotion that places a smile on your face or causes you to perform a ritual out of tradition, but true remembrance affects every aspect of our senses.

“This Do In Remembrance of Me” By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: - Something my wife and I enjoy doing is having an elegant dinner experience like the Chef’s Table on the cruise ship or the exclusive private Chef’s Dinner experience. This is different than just a nice restaurant dinner ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:19-20, Genesis 1:26-29, Genesis 2:9

Denomination: Apostolic

The Call Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Oct 22, 2024

Psalm 66 is a corporate Psalm of Thanksgiving or Praise in response to the work of God in the lives of the people of Judah. This introductory message looks at the first four verses and the summons to praise - reflecting on the context of praise, the command to praise, and the content of our praise.

Psalm 66:1–4 ESV Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 66:1-4, Exodus 14:21, Joshua 3:14-17, Philippians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, James 2:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Building With A Kingdom Mindset Series

Contributed by Apostle Dr. Ruben L. Broadnax Jr. on Oct 24, 2024

Building with a Kingdom Mindset" focuses on prioritizing God’s Kingdom above all else. This sermon emphasizes aligning our actions with His will, seeking eternal impact, and building on a solid foundation that lasts

We live in a world that constantly pushes us to chase after success, comfort, and security. Society tells us to build our own dreams, secure our own futures, and prioritize our desires. The allure of worldly achievements can be strong—promising status, wealth, and a sense of accomplishment. But in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:33

Denomination: Other