Sermons on Close Encounter:

A Time For War

Contributed by Cole Phillips on Mar 18, 2003

There is a time for everything under the sun, even war. When is the right time for war? What does God think about war? How should we fight a war? And how should a Christian respond?

Since September 11, 2001, America has been at war. We didn’t choose to be in this war, but we were violently awakened to the reality that we are under attack, and there are those in our world today who would destroy us if they have the opportunity. Today, we are facing a war with Iraq, and many ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:8, Deuteronomy 20:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Strength That Lasts Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 19, 2003

Followers of Christ can be confident of salvation and sanctification because of the work of the Holy Spirit. We’re to stand firm and hold to the truth of the Bible in these final days.

The Strength That Lasts I hope you had a good Thanksgiving! How many of you ate too much? Here are three signs that you may have overdone it. Paramedics had to bring in the ‘Jaws of Life’ to pry you out of the EZ-Boy. You set off 3 earth tremors on your morning jog Friday. When you had your ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Healing Prayer Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Mar 24, 2003

Practical teaching about healing ministry

James 5:13 –18 March 23, 2003 The Prayer of Faith 13Is any one of you in trouble? You should pray. Is anyone happy? Sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? Call the elders of the church to pray over you and anoint you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18

Denomination: *other

Be Intentional #9-Sharing The Good News Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Mar 31, 2003

First of two messages about witnessing.

Be Intentional #9 – Sharing the Good News of Jesus Acts 4:12, John 14:6 March 16, 2003 Introduction Since the beginning of the year, we have been looking at the whole issue of intentionality – in other words, living life by decision rather than by default. We have covered the areas of allowing ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:8-21, John 14:6

Denomination: Wesleyan

Born To Die Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 2, 2003

“Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When He had said this, he breathed His last.” Jesus knew that He was born in order to die. In this quotation from Psalm 31:5, Jesus is ready to die because He is confident

Born to Die Well, it finally hit us. I thought we could avoid it, but we got clobbered by the flu this week. Becca was the first one to fall. A couple days later Beth was wiped out, followed quickly by Lydia and Emily. I prayed that I would be spared [fold hands]. I succumbed on Wednesday and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 23:44-46

Denomination: Baptist

A Glorified Life Series

Contributed by Antonio Torrence on Apr 6, 2003

This sermon is about allowing God to be glorified in our trying and troubling circumstances.

"A Glorified Life" -by Reverend A. LaMar Torrence, Pastor of the Cross of Life Lutheran Church John 12:20-33 The great statesman, Winston Churchill, once said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” That proverbial statement best captures the meaning of this season we ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-33

Denomination: Lutheran

How To Be A Wise Guy Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 8, 2003

The aim of the Book of Proverbs is to help us acquire and apply God’s wisdom to the decisions and activities of daily life. The starting place in becoming a wise guy (or woman) is to treat God with reverence and awe.

How to Be a Wise Guy Happy New Year! How are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions? Not so good, huh? As the year unfolds before me, I often find it difficult to even remember what I resolved to do. I tell myself, “This year I’m going to turn over a new leaf. I’m going to start rooting for ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-7, Proverbs 2:2

Denomination: Baptist

Making Wise Decisions Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 8, 2003

Proverbs gives us some practical help in knowing, doing, and enjoying the will of God for our lives. We must exhibit both faith and commitment as we trust in the Lord with all our hearts and listen to the wisdom of others.

Making Wise Decisions I want to begin this morning by asking you to just shout out the most popular passages from the Bible. What verses do you hear quoted all the time? What’s your favorite Scripture? Here are some that come to mind: John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Baptist

From The Mouths And Backs Of Donkeys

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Apr 10, 2003

learn from two donkeys about going to the cross - cudos to R.L. for most of this by permission

“From the mouths and backs of donkeys” Fellow Redeemed: Donkeys are famous for being stubborn. They’re the kind of pack animals that don’t seem to get much respect, probably because they don’t give much respect. Compare someone to a horse, with terms like “she’s quite a fine philly,” or “he’s ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 22:21-35, Luke 19:29-40

Denomination: Lutheran

Jesus, The Conquering Warrior

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Apr 15, 2003

The Palm Sunday Parade was a victory parade for the battle that was yet to come.

Matthew 21-26 Palm Sunday, 2003 Jesus the Conquering Warrior You might wonder if speaking on the Palm Sunday passage as “Jesus the Conquering Warrior,” is wise with all the war going on in Iraq and all the bloodshed in the world. I think that now is the right time to talk of Jesus as ...read more

Denomination: *other

The Feast Of Victory

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Apr 15, 2003

sermon on the importance and efficacy of the Real Presence in the Lord’s Supper

The Feast of Victory What comes to your mind when you hear the word “feast”? I tend to think of a big table of about 10 to 15 people, all seated around a huge turkey, with cranberries and mashed potatoes. There’s nothing like the smell and the taste of freshly cooked meat between your teeth, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:26-29

Denomination: Lutheran

More Than Coincidence

Contributed by Kevin Higgins on Apr 18, 2003

There is great symbolism to be found in the events leading up to the cross, and even in the cross itself that God wants to use to draw you to His Son Jesus.

INTRODUCTION In last week’s message I preached from verses 24-26, and showed you briefly some of the powerful symbolism that was found in the events leading up to the cross. Today I want us to continue that look as we notice more of this symbolism, and I want you to take note of this – it is no ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:26-32

Denomination: Baptist

Carmel-Coated Christianity Won't Cut It

Contributed by Wayde Wilson on Jan 21, 2002

In the last days there will be a lot of people sportin’ a brand of Carmel-Coated Christianity that looks and sounds good that will be powerless.

I Kings 18:1-40 (READ) II Timothy 3:1 & 5 – “Mark my words. (Pay attention). In the last days there will be a lot of people who have a form of Godliness but there won’t be any power in it. Have nothing to do with them.” In the last days there will be a lot of people sportin’ a brand of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:1-40, 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Pharisee And The Tax Collector Or The Pastor And Irs Agent Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Feb 7, 2002

Jesus told a story in Luke’s Gospel to teach us about the irony of God’s righteousness and man’s sinfulness.

INTRODUCTION Sermonic Theme Opening Statement: There are many literary forms used in the Bible. There is poetry, proverb, legal document, dramatic narrative, hymn, sermon, theological treatise, personal letter, and apocalyptic vision. And sprinkled into all of these genres are figures of speech ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Tithing Is God's Idea

Contributed by Scott Hollebrands on Feb 7, 2002

This is a straight forward sermon on the issue of tithing according to God’s word.

Today we are going to talk about stewardship in regards to using our resources for the Lord. Usually we make this part of a series on stewardship, but last week I talked briefly about using our spiritual gifts for the Lord and I know that you are up on what was said last week. So instead of ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:8-11, 2 Corinthians 9:6-13

Denomination: Holiness