Sermons on Close Encounter:

Biblical Theology Of Church Planting

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 13, 2001

``If you want to study something, begin with its origins.’’ In this lesson we want to ask the Lord’s help in examining the origins, nature, aims, Biblical commands, and methods of the apostles first century church planting Biblical Theology of Church Pla

A Brief Biblical Theology of Church Planting From The Acts of the Apostles Learning Objectives 1. The students will be able to explain how the first church started and grew. 2. The students will be able to explain five principles from Acts that will help their church grow. 3. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

His Gift To The Guilty

Contributed by Mike Hays on Sep 9, 2001

What the blood of animals shed in the Temple could never do, God has done for His people through the sacrifice of His Son on our behalf. Receive the perfect sacrifice that sets us free and cleanses us before His presence.

His Gift To The Guilty Hebrews 10:1-18 Guilt is an interesting word. It is the opposite of innocence and according to the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary it means, "the fact of having committed a breach of conduct especially violating law and involving a penalty; the state of one who has ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

In God We Trust

Contributed by Steve Malone on Sep 18, 2001

In this message we will answer 3 questions that many in our nation are asking. Why did this happen? Where should I turn? What should I do?

“In God We Trust” In Isaiah chapter 54, we read; “Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return without watering the ground. They cause plants to sprout and grow, making seeds for the people and bread for the farmer. The same is true of the words I speak. They will not return to me ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:28-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Genuine Joy

Contributed by Cedric Portis on Oct 1, 2001

Genuine Joy comes from Jesus Christ.

Genuine Joy 15 John 11 “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” In a world that is shadowed with despair, disappointment, in a world that has grief all around; this world stands in need of some genuine joy. Genuine Joy, every human ...read more

Scripture: John 15:11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Power Of Faith Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Jan 4, 2001

When our faith is properly anchored in Christ it makes a noticable difference in our lives, qualifies us to be God’s ministers, and brings us God’s salvation.

Americans have a love/hate relationship with faith. One the one hand people in our culture admire people who have a strong faith. Success literature tells us, "If you believe it, you can achieve it." The Robin Williams movie "Jacob the Liar" captures our culture’s fascination with faith. In the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:8-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Enjoying The Traits Of Our Mates

Contributed by Brian Mavis on Jan 8, 2001

Gives biblical and practical advice tohusbands and wives on creating a strong long-lasting marriage.

“Enjoying the Traits of our Mates” Do you remember when you first saw him or her? You turned to your friend and said “whooooo is that?” (real slow) I remember the first time I saw Julie. She was walking; I luuuuuuved her walk. Do you remember meeting for the first time? You knew there was ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:25, Revelation 2:4-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Remnant

Contributed by Chuck Morley on Feb 10, 2001

How to recognize the true believer in a time of apostacy and compromise.

Scripture is very clear as it describes the apostasy that will befall a great portion of the last days church. Whether inside or out of evangelical circles, many churches have eliminated the preaching of the blood sacrifice, rejected the virgin birth, sinless life, death and physical resurrection ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:32

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Community Of God's Grace Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Feb 21, 2001

Two characteristics of a community based on God’s grace.

One of the more troubling books I’ve read recently is a book called Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert Putnam. Bowling Alone isn’t a Christian book, but it’s an analysis of the health of our sense of community in American culture. The author of Bowling Alone ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:24-33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Great Losses

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Feb 26, 2001

There are many great losses in life. Three are considered here: the lost book, the look opportunity and the lost soul.

GREAT LOSSES INTRO.- ILL.- The story is told about a police car that pulled up in front of grandma’s house and grandpa got out. The police officer explained that he found this elderly gentleman wandering around the park. He said he was lost and couldn’t find his way home. Grandma said, “Oh, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 23:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unwrapping The Gifts God Has Given You

Contributed by Gene Barron on Mar 1, 2001

Second in a series on Spiritual Gifts

“Understanding and Unwrapping God’s Gifts to You” (Part 2 of 3) Romans 12:1-16 INTRODUCTION A few years ago, the World Press Review carried a quotation from the National Concord of Lagos, Nigeria. That paper reported that twenty-six lakes have been found beneath the Sahara desert. The American ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Peter And Me

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 10, 2001

My life verses and basis for Maverick Ministries

Peter and Me Luke 22:31,32 I have given the testimony of my conversion at various times since coming to this church. Sometimes you heard the long version and sometimes the short version. More often than not, you have the long version since I am not real good at short versions of anything. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:31-32, 1 Corinthians 10:12

Denomination: Baptist

Taking The Mystery Out Of Muslims Series

Contributed by Mark Jackson on Aug 6, 2002

In this sermon you will learn about the beginning of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, what Muslims believe and how it compares to the BIble.

Taking The Mystery Out Of Muslims Since September 11, 2001 all of us have become very aware of the world religion called Islam. Words like jihad, ayatollah, martyr, and Allah are commonly heard on TV, radio and talked about in American households. The question is, “Who are the Muslims?” The ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-3

Denomination: Independent/Bible

R.e.l.a.t.e. Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 9, 2006

Using that acrostic, RELATE, we deal with six essential actions for establishing and maintaining healthy relationships.

R.E.L.A.T.E.[1] Series: Cultivating Healthy Relationship #1 Col. 3:12-15[2] 1-30-05 Intro On your table this morning is an outline of our message entitled simply, RELATE. Using that acrostic we are going to deal with six essential actions for establishing and maintaining healthy relationships. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-15, Colossians 3:13

Denomination: Charismatic

Secrets To A Great Marriage

Contributed by Joey Nelson on May 10, 2006

Men and women, this is what is important to God. This is what He cares about. He wants spouses to come in alongside one another and become teammates.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: Four-year-old Suzie had just been told the story of Snow White for the first time in her life. She could hardly wait to get home from nursery school to tell her mommy. With wide-eyed excitement, she retold the fairy tale to her mother that afternoon. After relating ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:33

Secrets To A Great Marriage

Contributed by Joey Nelson on May 10, 2006

Men and women, this is what is important to God. This is what He cares about. He wants spouses to come in alongside one another and become teammates.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: Four-year-old Suzie had just been told the story of Snow White for the first time in her life. She could hardly wait to get home from nursery school to tell her mommy. With wide-eyed excitement, she retold the fairy tale to her mother that afternoon. After relating ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:33