Sermons on Close Encounter:

The God Of Great Turnarounds Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on May 22, 2023

The story of Esther and Mordecai is full of plot twists, unexpected outcomes, and surprise endings, all reminding us that we serve a God of great turnarounds. Do we have “Hamans” in our lives? From the story of Esther and Mordecai we can draw encouragement for our lives today.

Introduction Video Ill.: The Story of Esther - Second Look Films (segment 4) We are continuing our study today based loosely on Max Lucado’s book, You Were Made for This Moment. When we started, we saw that Esther and Mordecai just wanted to blend in — to be cosy in the Persian culture. Don’t ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 35:17, Jeremiah 12:1, Acts 17:31, Psalm 7:11, Mark 12:29-31, Matthew 5:43-45, Isaiah 58:6-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Message In 1peter – Number 6 – Follow My Example Of Suffering And Walk Accordingly (But Not The Writer’s Example) – 1peter 2:21-23 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on May 24, 2023

This message looks at examples, especially Christ's example in suffering. Committed Christians take up their crosses and follow Christ, their example. Our Lord has set the example in suffering. That will lead to persecution/suffering when we deny self and walk in His footsteps.

MESSAGE IN 1PETER – NUMBER 6 – FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING AND WALK ACCORDINGLY (BUT NOT THE WRITER’S EXAMPLE) – 1Peter 2:21-23 {{1Peter 2:21 “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,”}} [A]. A ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21, Acts 17:10-11, Philippians 3:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-9, 2 Timothy 3:12, Matthew 16:24, John 12:24-25, Isaiah 53:3-5, 1 Peter 2:22, Hebrews 7:26, John 8:46, James 5:10-11, Philippians 3:10-11, Acts 5:41, Romans 8:18, 2 Thessalonians 1:5, John 6:15, Philippians 3:8, 1 Peter 2:23, Matthew 26:62-63, Luke 6:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Don’t Miss The Kingdom Series

Contributed by John Bright on May 27, 2023

Working through the Gospel of Luke using consecutive expository preaching. Teaching sheet included at end of text.

"Don’t Miss the Kingdom" Luke 13:18-35 A sermon for 10/9/22 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Pastor John Bright Luke 13 22 And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:18-35, Daniel 4:3, Psalm 103:19, Romans 13:1, John 18:36, Zechariah 4:10, John 14:6, 2 Corinthians 6:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10, Matthew 21:8-9, John 3:5-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

The Reality Of Joy

Contributed by Denn Guptill on May 28, 2023

What is Biblical Joy? Throughout the New Testament, we are encouraged to be joyful and to rejoice. But does that mean that we always have to be happy?

The question that Paul seems to be trying to answer for most of this passage of scripture is, how Jewish do you have to be to be a Christian? It was the question of whether or not Christians had to follow all of the Jewish regulations and guidelines was an ongoing debate throughout the New ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11

Denomination: Wesleyan

I Want To Know Christ Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on May 28, 2023

Those who know the Lord as their personal Savior will not have regrets upon their deathbed for they will consider all things a loss in comparison to having a relationship with Christ!

I Want to Know Christ Philippians 3:7-11 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 Please look at the screen and tell me what all the people shown have in common. They all accomplished much in life and are written in the annals of history. Albert Einstein is known for ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Holy Spirit At Work!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jun 6, 2023

Over the years I have been amazed at some of the ways that the Holy Spirit gets our attention. In this message Casey tells how the Holy Spirit finally got through to him. And I would like for you to hear his story too.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK THE HOLY SPIRIT AT WORK! TEXT: Romans 8:38-39; Acts 2:2-4, 36-43, 4:19-20, 8:1, 31-39, 9:3-5, 18:8, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:38-39, Acts 2:2-4, Acts 2:36-43, Acts 8:31-39, Acts 9:3-5, Acts 18:8, Acts 4:19-20, Acts 22:10-16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Assurance(2023)-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Aug 29, 2023

1 of 2. Luke assured Theophilus of the validity of his faith, because his faith was based on fact. Likewise, readers of Luke’s gospel can be certain of their faith. But What historical assurances are offered/gained thru Luke’s Gospel? Luke’s Assurance offers us Historical...

ASSURANCE-I—Luke 1:1-4 ATTENTION: A couple was asked to dinner by a new friend. When they sat down at the table, they noticed that the dishes appeared to be dirty. It was so obvious that they even asked the hostess, “Were these dishes washed?”, as they rubbed my fingers over the surface of the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:1-2, Luke 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Is The Fulfillment Of Prophecy Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Sep 1, 2023

Psalm 118:1-29 gives us four practical instructions about praising God for his steadfast love.

Introduction We are concluding our short series in the book of Psalms that I am calling “Jesus in the Psalms.” Today I would like to look at Psalm 118. Let me begin by asking you a question: What was Martin Luther’s favorite psalm? Perhaps you would say, as I did, that it was Psalm 46. After ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:1-29

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Learning The Lesson Of Contentment

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Sep 2, 2023

This is a message from a series I preached on Philippians.

Title: “Learning the Lesson of Contentment” Scripture: Phil. 4:10-13 Type: Expository series Where: GNBC 9-3-23 Intro: Listen to the words of the wisest and richest man who ever lived. He literally had “it all”. “These are the words of the Teacher,[a] King David’s son, who ruled in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Songs Of Ascent – Part 11 – Psalm 129 – Israel Is The Most Persecuted Nation In History Yet The Lord Is Righteous – Part One Of Three Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Sep 4, 2023

This Psalm of Ascent has its focus on Israel and the constant persecution it endured. We look at the role churches played in this persecution (and Martin Luther). History must NOT be eradicated but we need to learn from it.

THE SONGS OF ASCENT – PART 11 – PSALM 129 – ISRAEL IS THE MOST PERSECUTED NATION IN HISTORY YET THE LORD IS RIGHTEOUS – PART ONE OF THREE [A]. THE INTRODUCTION The next Psalm in the Songs of Ascent is not an easy one on which to deliver a message as it is more of a bible study Psalm. Also it ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 16:16-17, Psalm 129:1-8, Deuteronomy 4:25-28, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Psalm 129:2, Genesis 12:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Gospel In The Old Testament & The New Testament

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Sep 10, 2023

This is a message on the extraordinary continuity between the Old and New Testaments as relates to the Gospel. Hints or bold statements about the coming Good News of Jesus Christ are everywhere in the old Testament.

CATM Sermon for September 10, 2023 We’re in the middle of a month-long discussion about evangelism, or sharing our faith. We decided to focus on this area for this month because we’re exploring for the whole year what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Sharing Jesus is an important aspect of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:15-16, Genesis 12:1-3, John 6:32-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Resurrection Of The Body

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Sep 10, 2023

If there is no resurrection, then the crucifixion of Christ didn’t achieve anything for us, and we are still in our sins but there is a resurrection, not only for Christ but also for us as well.

The Resurrection of the Body By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: - A Doctor, a Nurse, and a Preacher have a conversation. Sounds almost like the start of a joke but this is no joking matter. A Dr, a Nurse, and a Preacher have a conversation about what happens after a person dies. The Dr. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-15, 1 John 3:1-3, Titus 2:13, Luke 24:39, John 20:16, Matthew 22:23, Matthew 22:29  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Apostolic

Rough Beginnings Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 11, 2023

In this sermon, we consider the back story of the letters to the Thessalonians - the founding of the church. It's tumultuous beginning helps us to understand a bit of the environment into which the new church was planted and some of the ongoing struggles they faces.

Pre-quals Every story has a back story. We may not always gain insight into the back story, but there are things impact characters and cultures. When George Lucas wrote the original Star Wars series, he had in his mind some of the events leading up to the movie that many of us were first ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

The Voice Of The Lord In The Storm

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Sep 17, 2023

Despite living in a chaotic world filled with trials and tribulations as believers we are to experience the peace of God that surpasses all understanding for the voice of the Lord is sovereign, redeeming, filled with grace and mercy.

The Voice of the Lord Psalms 29 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 There are many things in life that are truly frightening! Public speaking, heights, going to the dentist, snakes, spiders, and lizards, flying in an airplane, enclosed spaces, being rejected by ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Passionate Prayer

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Sep 19, 2023

We have access to resources far more powerful than the internet. Yet, we choose instead to trust our wisdom and our ability.

Technology can be an amazing instrument when we need help. I needed to install a new cabin filter in my car and I wanted to make sure I did it correctly. So, I searched YouTube and it gave me step by step instructions of how to do it. Through the internet, we have pretty much a direct line to ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 2:13-28

Denomination: Baptist