Sermons on Close Encounter:

Stand Down, Or Stand Up!

Contributed by Norman Lawrence on Jan 14, 2013

I believe today that America and the Church in America is at a Crossroad, and it is up to each and every one of us here to decide whether it’s time to “stand down” or “stand up”! I believe it’s time to stand up!

The past couple weeks, I have heard a term more and more that to be quite honest with you, as a person who has not served a day in the military, hadn’t heard the term, and even when I did, I was a bit unsure what it meant. Here is the meaning of the term STAND DOWN: A relaxation from a state ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

When Technique Eclipses Relationship-4 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jan 16, 2013

4 of 4. We incur certain liabilities when we allow our relationship to Jesus to become eclipsed by technique. But what exactly becomes liable? When technique eclipses relationship, Our.....is Liable.

WHEN TECHNIQUE ECLIPSES RELATIONSHIP-IV—Revelation 2:1-7 Firstless Love Muddying the water above where clarity is needed. A man who spends all his time at work—Neglecting his family in order to do it—Forgetting that his initial drive for the work is to meet his family’s need. The way in which we ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

His Name Shall Be...jesus - Savior Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 17, 2013

An examination of the name "Jesus" geared to help the audience understand the huge significance of the saving work of Jesus on the cross and embrace His work as our Savior

What does your name mean? If you’re not sure, you can probably look it up on the internet and find out pretty quickly. Surnames in particular often meant something about a person’s ancestors - Many names tell us about a person’s parentage, like O’brien, Anderson, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:20-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

No Place But First Place Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 17, 2013

Dominant Thought: God’s desire and rightful place is the first place in every aspect of our lives

There’s a new crisis forming in the Strait of Hormuz with Iran. That could lead to a gas price crisis. There’s a global economic crisis that keeps erupting in pockets in Europe. There’s a new worldwide crisis called Lady Gaga, but I want to direct attention to a crisis in our ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Rest Of The Story Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 17, 2013

A study of the Sabbath and how that should fit into NT Christianity

490 B.C., the Persians are at war with the Greeks. Persian soldiers have just destroyed the Greek city of Eretria and are on the move toward the plain of Marathon. A Greek soldier named Pheidippides runs a hard 24 miles without stopping to take the news from Athens to Sparta. He arrives, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Whatever Happened To The Humans? Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 17, 2013

I want my audience to better understand the place human life should hold in their thinking and to apply this by putting away hatred and anger and apathy toward others’ lives

Timothy McVeigh, the OK City Bomber. His terrorist attack was the worst on US soil before 9-11, killing 168 people and injuring more than 800. McVeigh was executed June 11 2001. Not only did he confess to his crime, but he also granted 75 hours of interviews for the writing of a book about ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Can’t Understand The Bible! Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 17, 2013

God gave us a word that’s understandable and useable by just regular people!

Before I can jump into this, there’s a preliminary test. I mean, we’re going to be seeing if you can understand the Bible or not. Part of what will help answer that is if you can understand __________ or not. She’s got a…It’s a…I mean there’s not ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who But God Alone? Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 17, 2013

Dominant Thought: Jesus' priority went beyond the physical needs of men to meet the needs of their fallen souls

I’m intrigued by what people consider important today; priorities. For instance, college students are people who are apparently concerned with finding a job – something than has been getting tougher over the past few years. The average college student is also concerned with Texting, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God’s Favor Series

Contributed by Jon Miller on Mar 3, 2011

This message is part of a series through the book of Ruth. It shows how the events that happened in Ruth’s life were a part of God’s favor and not just happen chance.

Gods Favor Ruth 2:1-19 Review- Naomi and Ruth have returned to Bethlehem. Naomi has grown bitter about the events that have happened in her life. She has lost her husband and her two sons, suffered through a famine. Last week we looked at how she blamed God for her situation. She said “The ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:1-19

The Call To Purity

Contributed by David Owens on Mar 6, 2011

In this lesson we look at many verses that describe God's call for the purity of his people. We seek to understand the call and live it.

Introduction: A. The story is told of a teenage boy and his grandfather who went fishing one day. 1. While fishing, the old man started talking about how times have changed. 2. The young fellow picked up on that and started talking about the various problems and sexually transmitted diseases going ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Be The Manager Of My Life

Contributed by Donnie De Loney on Mar 15, 2011

This sermon deals with handling of our monies and time

“Jesus, be the MANAGER of my LIFE!” 1. EARN AN HONEST LIVING. The principle of WORK. 2Thessalonians 3:6 “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we appeal to people – no, we command them: settle down and get to work. Earn your own ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How Long Are You Willing To Persevere

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Mar 26, 2011

God calls us to persevere and endure things in life to get to the place God wants us to be. David went through a lot before becoming King.

How Long Are You Willing To Persevere Psalms 13:1-13:6 2 Timothy 2:1-13 Saints we are in part 3 of our series, “Why Me, Why Now.” Pastor Toby brought us “When Losses Come Into Our Lives”, Pastor Kellie came with “I Didn’t Expect This To Happen To ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Letter To Me

Contributed by James White on Mar 31, 2011

HOW you were born the 1st time makes no difference… OH but WHAT a difference being Born Again makes. It doesn’t change your past, but it releases you from it. It will change your present and make you brand spanking NEW.

Brad Paisley wrote and sings a song which I am borrowing the title from today. “Letter to me” speaks of a desire to send a message to his own past self. It’s a note of encouragement…words to the wise and hope for the future. From the moment of our birth, we begin a lifelong ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Running In Circles

Contributed by James May on Apr 10, 2011

We often find ourselves running in circles around our mountains instead of overcoming them. God said that its time we quit circling an turn to him. Overcome the mountains, walk the path of holiness and cross the finish line victoriously.

Running in Circles Sunday, April 10, 2011 AM Pastor James May I’m not often in a pet store. I just don’t have the time nor the inclination to own a pet. The closest I come to being a pet owner is the 10 gallon aquarium in my home where I keep a few tropical fish and even that ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 2:1-3

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Green Eggs And Ham Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Apr 11, 2011

Green Eggs and Ham was the starting place for this message on Evangelism and the churches need to be flexible in methods for reaching people.

(Read from Green Eggs and Ham pages 1-16) Do you know the story? I bet you do. It's one of Dr. Seuss greatest works. “Green Eggs and Ham”. You know I hate that book. Didn't always hate it though, no sir when I was a kid I loved Green Eggs and Ham, and when Stephen was born I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Denomination: Wesleyan