Sermons on Close Encounter:

The Purpose Of The Gospel Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Dec 15, 2015

The primary purpose of the gospel is to display God’s righteousness, not just to make me right with God

I want to begin this morning by looking at a few pictures and asking you to tell me what you see. [Show “optical illusion” faces and ask people what they see]. With every one of those pictures, what you saw depended on your perspective. And by changing your perspective, it was possible ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:21-26

Denomination: Baptist

Christ The Coming King

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 28, 2015

In Revelation 1:7-8 John presents five truths about His second coming and answers these questions in considering its 1) Necessity (Revelation 1:7a), 2) Glory (Revelation 1:7b), 3) Scope, Response (Revelation 1:7c), and 4) Certainty (Revelation 1:8).

As the end of the year approaches, it is natural to consider what comes next. We spend so much time considering the birth of Christ. But for every time the Bible mentions the first coming of Christ, it mentions the second coming 8 times. Despite the scoffers who deny the Second Coming (2 Pet. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:7-8

Denomination: Other

Our Choices Will Determine Our Destiny Series

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on Jan 24, 2016

We make choices every day but we don't realize the importance of these choices for our destiny. In this message, we will discover that there are consequences when we make a wrong choice. God wants us to make the right choice in everything we do.

INTRODUCTION: Last week we talked about developing the attitude of steadfastness. We learned about the distinction between faithfulness and steadfastness. While faithfulness means being reliable, being trustworthy or devoted to the cause of Christ. Steadfastness on the other hand means the ability ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15

Denomination: Nazarene

Fear Not Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Jan 26, 2015

Because of Christmas we do not need to fear

[“The News” video] We live in a world where there is certainly no shortage of news. We have ABC News, NBC News, CBS News and all their local affiliates. We have the Cable News Network and Fox News. We have the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and the Arizona Daily ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Joseph: Meeting Destiny

Contributed by Edward Hardee on Feb 1, 2015

Message about Joseph and how his life is part of a bigger story.

Note: Andy Stanley's talk on Joesph at Catalyst Conferee 2004 had a big impact on this message. I had to share. Title: Joseph and the Process Theme: To show that many times our relationship with God is about a process and if we don’t give up on the process God will show us great and mighty ...read more

Denomination: Church Of God

Does God Love You... How Much?

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Feb 4, 2015

Gods Love knows no end...and there is enough Love there to forgive every man, woman and child...for all time And not only forgive...but to Bless beyond all human comprehension as well..

Does GOD LOVE You... How MUCH? John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. that's about as open ended as it gets...Gods inner circle Has an open invitation to it..to everyone and anyone who ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 13:1-33, John 3:16-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Ephesians 6 - God's Design For Children & Parents, Workers & Bosses Series

Contributed by Bobby Gilles on Dec 1, 2014

What is God's design for gracious relationships between children and parents? What about marketplace relationships, like those between labor and management?

Good morning. My name is Bobby Gilles, and I’m a deacon here. This fall we’ve been journeying through the book of Ephesians, which is a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to Christians in the city of Ephesus. The first half of this letter reminds us of who we are in Christ. We are ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Blind Faith!

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Oct 16, 2018

The Story of Bartimaeus is a story of 1. The Human Race 2. Courage and Perseverance 3. Transformation, Discipleship and Destiny

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52; Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22 Title: Blind Faith! Summary: Sometimes a story is more than a story. It is true with Bartimaeus story. It is our story as humans created to be a reflection of God's glory and honor. It is our story as seekers. It is our story as followers. It is ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Denomination: Nazarene

The Sanctification Process

Contributed by Richard Tow on Oct 19, 2018

This message examines God's side and the believer's side of the sanctification process using Phil. 2:12-13. Without the grace of God operating in our hearts, all our efforts. . . .

10.14.18 TEXT: Philippians 2:12-13, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”1 I. IN THOSE ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 1 Peter 1:15-16, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Romans 8:22-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Christmas According To Matthew Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 10, 2014

Jesus is the promised King of Christmas.

Christmas According to Matthew Matthew 1-2 Rev. Brian Bill December 6-7, 2014 Transition: “O Holy Night” Shalom! My name is Levi Bar Alphaeus, but most folks just call me Matthew. I had the honor of writing what has become known as the Gospel of Matthew. This title was added in the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

Where Two Or Three Are Gathered Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 28, 2017

Working towards reconciliation is always my responsibility.

Where Two or Three are Gathered Matthew 18:15-20 Rev. Brian Bill April 29-30, 2017 I learned a new word this week from Wikipedia, the source you can trust – contextomy. Contextomy (also known as quote mining) is a type of false attribution in which a passage is removed from its surrounding ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20

Denomination: Baptist

John Series Sermon 25 the Essential Authority Power To Meet The World’s Desperate Needs John 5:1–16 Series

Contributed by Rodney Fry on Apr 24, 2022

through this healing miracle, Jesus was claiming to have supreme authority over the Sabbath

JOHN SERIES SERMON 25 The Essential Authority Power to Meet the World’s Desperate Needs John 5:1–16 (5:1–47) DIVISION OVERVIEW: Jesus, Authority: Chapter 5 reveals Jesus to be the Authority over all of life. He is due the same worship, obedience, and service as God; for He is equal with God (Jn. ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

How To Live A Fruitful Life For Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 28, 2022

How can we live a fruitful life for Jesus Christ? 1. With the right seed. 2. With the right service. 3. With the right soil. 4. With the right Savior.

How to Live a Fruitful Life for Jesus Christ The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 13:1-23 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared April 28, 2022) BACKGROUND: *Please open your Bibles to Matthew 13. Today in vs. 1-23, we will take another look at one of the Lord's parables. These were the earthly stories ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

How Do You Respond When A Brother Falls. A Response To The Southern Baptist Convention Report

Contributed by Gene Gregory on May 24, 2022

This an account of how Christians respond when fellow believers fall, and specifically examines a response to recent revelations from the Southern Baptist Convention.

2 Samuel 12 How do you respond when a brother falls? - Read 2 Samuel 12 This is the sad account of King David when he was confronted by the prophet Nathan after he sinned greatly. We all know people, perhaps some of them close to us, who have led great lives, who have been great blessings to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Rebirth Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 29, 2022

You're not in, until you are born again.

Being a father today is not easy because there’s a lot of pressure on dads to be in the delivery room. I’m not discounting the importance of being involved in this way because I certainly wanted to be there…I just wasn’t sure if I could handle it. I think my dad had it easier in the 60s when he ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-18

Denomination: Baptist