Sermons on Close Encounter:

Jars Of Clay - By Design

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Sep 7, 2025

When we think we aren’t enough, we’re right! We’re not supposed to be.

Recently, something very strange happened to me. Something that I always knew was theoretically possible, but which still came as a shock. A couple of weeks ago, I woke up one morning and realized that I was now — wait for it — a “Grandpa”. Now, the event which brought about this transformation ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Denomination: Baptist

Are You A Fan Or A Follower?

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Sep 11, 2025

The Lord loves fishermen

• He saw in them in a trade that He liked and could use. • At least four of the twelve disciples were commercial fishermen. • That means one-third of His disciples were fishermen. (1) Peter and Andrew were fishermen. Look at Matthew 4:18-19, we read, "And Jesus, walking by the sea of ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-42

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed Forever In Him

Contributed by Mike Hullah on Sep 22, 2025

God wants to bless those who believe in him, eternally and naturally.

A People Blessed Forever Deuteronomy 28 Deuteronomy is the third most often quoted book in the New Testament - it is a covenant document which discloses to us the Lord’s desire to bless his people as they live in relationship with him - the heart of this covenant of grace is God’s declaration: “I ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sustained By The Faithfulness Of God

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Sep 25, 2025

Oliver Cromwell asked for a portrait “warts and all.” Paul writes 1 Corinthians the same way—seeing the flaws but starting with grace. In 1:1–9 we’ll see our called identity and God’s faithfulness to sustain us.

Today we’re going to be in the first 9 verses of 1 Corinthians. While studying these verses, I came across a story that I’d like to share with all of you. Oliver Cromwell It’s a story of Oliver Cromwell. If you’re unaware of who he is, I’ll give you an extremely brief summary: he was a political ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:10-11, 1 Corinthians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 6:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sometimes We Must Stand Alone

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Aug 26, 2024

As a child of God, we will all face times when we might have to take an unpopular stance for the word of God. When this happens we might find ourselves standing alone. This message tells us how to do it.

Sometimes We Must Stand Alone Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15; John 6:60-67; Matthew 7:13-16 Good morning, Strangers Rest. The title of my message this morning is, “Sometimes We Must Stand Alone.” The eleventh chapter of Hebrews records those of the Old Testament who walked with God in faith. It ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15, John 6:60-67, Matthew 7:13-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Great Reasons To Pray Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 8, 2024

Pray, because God: 1. Puts a great priority on prayer (vs.18). 2. Has a great plan for salvation (vs. 19-20). 3. Has a great purpose for our lives (vs. 21-22). 4. Wants to put great peace in our lives (vs. 23). 5. Wants first place in our lives (vs. 24).

Great Reasons to Pray Ephesians 6:18-24 Sermon by Rick Crandall Series: The Book of Ephesians (Prepared September 8, 2024) BACKGROUND: *Today we will finish our study of the book of Ephesians, and this is a good time to review the background to this ancient letter from Paul to the Christians in ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18-24

Denomination: Baptist

Manifestations Of Supernatural Faith Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 10, 2024

Message clarifies the supernatural gift of faith from other expressions of faith and provides examples of this gift in operation.

Intro The essential key to the kingdom of God is faith. Your future depends upon believing the promises of God. When Israel finally went into the Promised Land, there were only two men from those who left Egypt who entered in: Joshua and Caleb. All the others failed to enter into what God had ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Hebrews 11:1-30, Acts 17:20, Mark 11:12-23, Romans 10:9-10, Hebrews 3:19, Matthew 14:14-20, 1 Kings 18:33-35  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Training Young Disciples Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 22, 2024

The task of parenting is to train young disciples.

Training Young Disciples Ephesians 6:1-4 Rev. Brian Bill April 20-21, 2024 I came across some letters children wrote to their pastor. • I know God loves everybody, but He never met my sister. Yours Sincerely, Arnold.” • “Are there any devils on earth? I think there may be one in my class. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Circumcision Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 22, 2024

Using OT Scripture, Paul proves in Romans 4:9-12 that circumcision is not a prerequisite for justification. Justification is by faith alone. Vital principles applicable today are taught in this passage of Scripture.

Intro Romans 4 naturally divides into sections: 1. Justification is by faith, not by works (vv.1-8). 2. Justification by faith is not dependent on ritual (vv. 9-16). 3. The kind of faith that leads to justification is exemplified by Abraham (vv. 17-22). 4. Justification is available now for all ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-16, Genesis 15:6, Galatians 6:12, Galatians 3:28-29, Romans 11:1-36, Romans 9:6-7, Luke 3:8, 2 Corinthians 5:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Exodus 20:8-11 Remember The Sabbath

Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 22, 2024

Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. We examine God's purposes for Sabbath rest in the life of His people.

As we discussed over the last few weeks in the Ten Commandments, the first four deal with your relationship with God, and the last six deal with your relationship with others. If you get commandment number one right—love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength—you're ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Understanding The Doctrine Of The Kingdom Of God

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Jun 2, 2025

Understanding the Doctrine of the Kingdom of God is to understand the complete timeline of Biblical history past, present, and future, the proper place of the Church and the prophetic future of Israel. Who will be allowed to enter it and who will be rejected?

Understanding the Doctrine of The Kingdom of God By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr OPENING: - Mark 1:14-15 “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:14-15, John 17:20-21, 2 Timothy 2:15, Matthew 11:12, John 3:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Apostolic

Free Hugs

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Jun 4, 2025

Other than the computer, I can’t think of any invention that has impacted our lives more than the cell phone. This device I hold in my hand goes with us everywhere.

“Free Hugs” “8 I baptize you with[e] water, but he will baptize you with[f] the Holy Spirit. 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:8-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sermon: There Is A Reason For Our Glorious Hope In Christ

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Jun 4, 2025

Knowing the limits of their power and influence in a hostile environment, Peter encouraged them to live above reproach by living a wholesome life, a good profession, and being always ready to give an answer to everyone who ask their reason for hoping in Christ.

Sermon: There is A Reason for Our Glorious Hope in Christ Scripture Lesson-1Peter 3:13-22 “Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22, Romans 8:28-31, Psalm 56:4, Matthew 5:10, Romans 8:35-39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

From Darkness To Light

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Jun 5, 2025

Some of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met have been blind.

From Darkness to Light “As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those who led ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:35-43

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Purifying Fire (Zephaniah) Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jun 27, 2025

If you want to be clean in the face of God’s purifying judgment, genuinely seek the Lord, patiently wait for the Lord, and joyfully sing to the Lord.

If you have a stainless-steel refrigerator, you know it’s very hard to keep clean. But what if you owned a stainless-steel car? That’s what worried Matt McClure even before he purchased his brand new $100,000 Tesla Cybertruck. He spent hours researching the internet for tips on keeping the ...read more

Scripture: Zephaniah 1:1-18, Zephaniah 2:1-15, Zephaniah 3:1-20, 2 Peter 3:10, James 5:7-8, 1 John 3:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free