Sermons on Close Encounter:

The Wonder Of Jesus’ Crucifixion Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 24, 2013

Jesus shed His blood several times during the last 24 hours of His life. And there is a powerful story to be found in blood and water that came from Jesus’ side. Do you know what that story is? And do you know what it can mean to your life?

In Oklahoma, someone saw this poster promoting a Red Cross blood drive: "I gave my blood. Christ gave his. I give a pint. He gave all. The needle is small, sharp. The nails were large, dull. The table soft, restful. The cross rough, painful. The nurses ...read more

Scripture: John 19:31-37

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Cross In My Belly

Contributed by Steve Wilson on Apr 2, 2013

What must it have been like to have actually carried the cross Jesus died on, for Him, up to Calvary's hill?

A CROSS IN MY BELLY A Monologue of Simon of Cyrene Introduction There are several Simons in the New Testament. Two of them were called by Jesus to be His disciples. One was Simon Peter and the other one was Simon the Zealot. One of Jesus’ half-brothers, son of both Mary and Joseph, was named ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:21-24

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Your Empty This Easter? Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Apr 3, 2013

This Easter message is an opportunity to present the gospel by asking the question concerning what is your "empty" the Easter -- an empty heart, an empty cross, or an empty tomb.

WHAT IS YOUR EMPTY THIS EASTER? OPENING ILLUSTRATION: AFTER THE SERVICE, WHEN WE GET HOME, WE WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE AN EASTER EGG HUT FOR MY GRANDSON. NOW, PREVIOUS TO THIS EVENT, I TOOK GREAT JOY IN HIDING THE EASTER BASKETS FOR OUR KIDS. I HAD A SIMPLE RULE; AS THEY GOT OLDER THE HIDING PLACES ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Bigger The Giant The Greater The Victory

Contributed by Spencer Miller on Apr 20, 2013

A giant is anything in your life that stands between you and where God wants you to be.

15-17 War broke out again between the Philistines and Israel. David and his men went down to fight. David became exhausted. Ishbi-Benob, a warrior descended from Rapha, with a spear weighing nearly eight pounds and outfitted in brand-new armor, announced that he’d kill David. But Abishai son ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:15-22

Denomination: Baptist

Bread And Water Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Apr 23, 2013

When life gets overwhelming, trust Jesus to provide rest, resources, and reassurance.

Once there was a turkey farmer who was always trying to perfect a way to breed a better turkey. All the members of his family enjoyed turkey legs, and there was never enough for everyone. But after several frustrating attempts, the farmer told his friends at the general store, “Well I ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:30-56

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Misunderstood God: The Distant God Series

Contributed by Ken Pell on Apr 25, 2013

God’s protection, trust and hope are based upon His unfailing love not on your unfailing works.

THE MISUNDERSTOOD GOD: THE DISTANT GOD** 1 CORINTHIANS 13:7 Big Idea: God’s protection, trust and hope are based upon His unfailing love not on your unfailing works. Supporting Scripture: Romans 8:28-39; John 13:31-35, 14:23-24; 15:9-10 INTRO “Truck Speak” In a humorous 2011 Chevrolet ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Denomination: Nazarene

Selfishness Separates Families

Contributed by John Lowe on May 6, 2013

Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, differed from the start. Esau, the oldest, was a man of the field, while Jacob was a “home boy.” Twice, during their days at home, Jacob took advantage of Esau.

Title: Selfishness Separates Families Text: (Genesis 27:43). Scripture Reading: Genesis 27:30-45 Introduction Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, differed from the start. Esau, the oldest, was a man of the field, while Jacob was a “home boy.” Twice, during ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 27:30-45

Denomination: Baptist

Rediscovering The Power In Prayer Series

Contributed by Ralph Juthman on May 6, 2013

Message five on the series of prayer with the empahiss on healing.

PRAYER: Rediscovering the Presnce, Promise and Power of God Rediscovering the power in Prayer to Heal Various Scriptures INTRODUCTION When we discuss prayer, the ultimate question arises, does God still heal today, or was healing meant for another age? I want to go on record to say that not only ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:4-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Dumb Dogs Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on May 14, 2013

Jesus is not impressed with the outward trappings of self-righteousness. He is impressed with a heart full of simple faith, which we find most often in the hearts of those we least expect. So like Jesus feed the "dogs" and touch the "dumb."

Dumb Dogs (Mark 7:24-37) I like this thought posted by Mike Atkinson in his daily email humor list some time ago. "If you can start the day without caffeine; if you can get going without pep pills; if you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains; if you can resist complaining and boring ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-37

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Ministering To The Lord Series

Contributed by Jeremy Poling on May 15, 2013

When they ministered to the Lord and fasted the Lord spake

Ephesians 6:10 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Confident Faith

Contributed by Jeremy Poling on May 15, 2013

You can be confident in your faith

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Most of Jeremiah’s life was spent ministering in a country that was backslidden and approaching the impending judgment of God. Born and raised a few miles northeast of Jerusalem, he was close ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Jesus Said About Love Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on May 6, 2012

This message looks at: What is Love and how does Christ expect his followers to display it?

What Jesus said about Love Last month our focus was “What Jesus Said About Money” and money is something that affects all of us in one way or another. Some of us because we have it and others of us because we don’t. And last week at the end of the series we had Step Up Sunday ...read more

Scripture: John 13:31-35

Denomination: Wesleyan

A Royal Priesthood

Contributed by Robert Sickler on May 7, 2012

If we are born from above we are one of God’s peculiar people, an immortal, a member of the Royal priesthood; we are a chosen one!

A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD INTRODUCTION It is quite evident that a large number of Christians prefer to read religious articles, which wrap them in comfortable warm and fuzzy feelings. This is perfectly understandable, and the Holy Bible is our best source for such a message. After all, there is truth in ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-15

Denomination: Christian Church

Sex, Lies And Videotape: The Real Deal Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on May 13, 2012

No Christian is immune to the LIES of the Evil One. Seduction is all around us. Yet through prayer, fellowship and a spirit of brotherly/sisterly love we can check in on ourselves and one another.

Sermon by Adam Cetrangolo [Begin with latest Crown Casino Advertisement, http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/22809362] What you have just seen is the most recent television advertisement for Crown Casino. It is the only one I could get a hold of for today and in some ways it is tamer than some of its ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

The Death Of Conviction

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on May 14, 2012

When Uriah died, David thought he was home free but he had really killed the voice of conviction in his life.

2 Samuel 11:14-17 KJV And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. [15] And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. [16] And it came ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:14-17

Denomination: Pentecostal