Sermons on Close Encounter:

Keeping Our Focus

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 11, 2023

In order for churches and Christians to accomplish God's mission, we must have a shared vision from God. Jesus offered important direction when He told us what the most important command is.

Introduction: A. We just finished a long and I hope wonderful series about Jesus our King from the Gospel of Mark. 1. Before we start a new sermon series in January, I want to explore a few things before the Sunday of Christmas eve when we will focus on the birth of Jesus. 2. Today, I thought it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-40, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Finding The Gift Of Purpose (Joseph) Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Dec 12, 2023

Finding the Gift of Purpose (Joseph) Series: Finding the True Gift of Christmas Brad Bailey – December 3, 2023

Finding the Gift of Purpose (Joseph) Series: Finding the True Gift of Christmas Brad Bailey – December 3, 2023 INTRO I would venture to say that most of us have come here today…with a sense about our lives…that is related to the hopes and dreams we have had. … that is… we have ideas about how we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:19-25, Matthew 2:13, Proverbs 19:21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Seal Judgments - Part #2

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Dec 17, 2023

In the breaking of the 5th seal, we see the Amazing Grace of God during the Tribulation period by giving the souls under the altar that had been slain for the Word of God and the testimony they held white robes and told to rest for a little season.

The Seal Judgments Part #2 By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: - Last week we discussed the first 4 seal judgments which brought on the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. The White horse with its rider who had a bow and was given a crown bought deception in the form of the Anti-Christ, who ...read more

Denomination: Apostolic

The Way Of The Cross Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Dec 21, 2023

Find the highest honor in the lowest place. That’s where Jesus found it, and that’s where you will find it, as well.

When concert artists do a concert, they usually present a rider, which spells out what they expect from their hosts. Beyonce has such a rider, and several years ago (2013), The Daily Star obtained a copy of her rider. It includes the following demands: • All crew members must wear 100 percent ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Fullness Of God's Time

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Dec 26, 2023

IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME 1. GOD SENT HIS SON 2. GOD VISITED HIS PEOPLE 3.GOD FULFILLED HIS PROMISES 4. GOD PERFORMED HIS MIRACLES 5. GOD FULFILLED HIS PROPHECIES 6. GOD SENT HIS HOLY SPIRIT 7. GOD WILL SEND HIS SON AGAIN

THE FULLNESS OF GOD'S TIME OUTLINE 1. IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME , GOD SENT HIS SON 2. IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME , GOD VISITED HIS PEOPLE 3. IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME , GOD FULFILLED HIS PROMISES 4. IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME , GOD PERFORMED HIS MIRACLES 5. IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME , GOD FULFILLED ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:4

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Grave Injustice

Contributed by Rich O' Toole on Jan 3, 2024

Jesus gets arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane

A Grave Injustice Mark 14:43-52 Good morning. Here in America, we have certain rights and laws pertaining to false arrests. An article about false arrests on a legal encyclopedia website asked the question, “Is False Arrest a Crime?” “In many states, false arrest or false imprisonment are ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:43-52

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Church: Purpose, Profile & Priorities #1: Essentials We Can’t Do Without! Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Jan 8, 2024

The Church: Purpose, Profile & Priorities: Talk #'1: Essentials we can’t do without!' - 2 Timothy chapter 2 verses 1-7 - sermon by Gordon Curley (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: (1). Strong in Grace (vs 1) (2). Commitment to discipleship (vs 2). (3). Faithful through hardship (vs 3-7). SERMON BODY: Ill: A man was given a guided tour around a building/construction site, • He saw a carpenter and asked him, “What are you doing?” • The carpenter ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-7

Denomination: Brethren

The Narrow And Difficult Way Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jan 20, 2024

There are two separate gates that lead to two separate ways, or roads. One way leads to blessing and the other way to difficulty. So, which way, or which road, leads to life and blessing? The correct way is Jesus (John 14:6).

When I was in my twenties, I was an avid cave explorer. Now, I just watch caving videos on YouTube. It is interesting how spelunkers will naturally follow a large wide-open passage first. They will bypass numerous smaller ones, all because the larger one does not involve hunching over or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

Prisoners Of Hope

Contributed by Sajayan Chacko on Jan 23, 2024

how can we have hope when everything looks hopeless?

Prisoners of Hope We all need hope. • Hope is vital part in human life. Shout hope • People go into deep disappointment and depression in life when they don’t see hope in their life • People sometime lives a colorless ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 9:12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Show Them The Way Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Jan 29, 2024

Parents have the responsibility of preparing their families for Jesus' return. Fathers: leading spiritually. Mothers: examples of faith. We need to be mindful of the evil days we are in and set a positive example so that all are ready for Jesus’ return.

Introduction Video Ill.: Parenting - A Holy Stewardship Parenting is not easy! Parents Have It Rough Source: John Maxwell, "What Children Owe Their Parents (and Themselves)," Preaching Today, Tape 140. https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/1997/july/737.html Copied from ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34, Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 5:1, 2 Timothy 1:5, Titus 2:3-5, Ephesians 5:15-16, Proverbs 22:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

2 - Yours And Mine Series

Contributed by Kent Kessler on Nov 5, 2024

That is the promise, “I will be their God and they will be my people” or “I am yours and you are mine.” This is marriage language. And we have a symbol of this we practice every month in communion.

When was the last time you made a promise? Did you keep it? Perhaps when you were married? A wife took her husband to counseling and in tears the woman tells the counselor that her husband doesn’t tell her he loves her. The counselor asked the husband, if that is true, and he said, “I told her I ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Ezekiel 37:27

Denomination: Methodist

The God Of All Comfort Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Nov 8, 2024

To find healing for your heart, praise God who comforts you in affliction, and trust God who delivers you from affliction.

There is an old story floating around about a soldier who was wounded in a battle. His commanding officer ordered him to go to the nearest military hospital. When he arrived at the entrance, he saw two doors: one marked “For Minor Wounds,” the other “For Serious Wounds.” He entered the first door ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical Free

When There Is No One To Stand In The Gap Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 18, 2024

God makes a stunning statement here: there is no one left to stand in the gap on behalf of Israel. What does this passage tell us about the specific shortcomings of the people of God and the prophets of God in that day? And can this text encourage us today to stand strong amid a dark hour?

OFF-TRACK: The American church is far from what we should be. - I think this is largely beyond dispute, so I won’t belabor the point. - Let me simply share one proof that I think is instructive. - When you look at the early chapters of Acts, there are many people who are coming to know Jesus. The ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 22:17-31

Denomination: Baptist

O Little Town Of Bethlehem Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Dec 1, 2024

We sing O Little Town of Bethlehem, but it seems like a strange choice for Mary and Joseph to travel 120 km when Mary was "Great with Child". This message seeks to answer some of the questions

O Little Town of Bethlehem, So you probably know the story, the Angel Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her the exciting news, she’s going to be a mom, even though she is still a virgin, they work out the details but then there is the entire process of telling her parents and her fiancé, in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Wesleyan

Sermon - Advent Continues -The Ultimate Example Of God’s Love

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Dec 10, 2024

Advent, the season of anticipation reminds us of the hope we have in God, the peace we have with God and the love we have that always seeking and pursuing us for our good and for God’s glory. We find a compelling picture of God’s love in the book of Hosea.

Sermon - The Ultimate Example of God’s Love Scriptures: John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-17, Hosea 11:1-12, Romans 3:10-12, 2 Timothy 2:13, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist