Sermons on Close Encounter:

A Shepherd To Follow Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 2, 2021

1) What are the issues in shepherding? (1 PETER 5:1) 2) Who must be shepherded? (1 Peter 5:2) 3) How must shepherding be done? (1 Peter 5:2c-3) 4) Why should shepherds serve? (1 Peter 5:4).

1 Peter 5:1-4 [5:1] So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: [2] shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4

Denomination: Other

God’s Providence Is Practical – Genesis 45 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Sep 24, 2021

Wisdom has this idea that God has this amazing ability to put it all together in ways that are wise.

The word ‘providence’ is not a word found in the Bible. However, it is a word that describes a very important group of things about God in the scriptures. We're going to take three things. It combines the wisdom of God. Wisdom has this idea that God has this amazing ability to put it all ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Those Who Must Be Silenced Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 14, 2021

In Titus 1:10–16, Paul first gives a general 1) description of false teachers in the church who are to be silenced (Titus 1:10–13a). He then specifies 2) What the reaction to those should be (Titus 1:13b–14) and 3) Evaluates their lives (Titus 1:15–16).

Titus 1:10–16. 10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:10-16

Denomination: Other

Romans 6:23: "a Badly Misunderstood Verse" Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Dec 15, 2021

Romans 6:23 contrasts the ultimate fate of people who live as slaves to Sin, and those who live as slaves to God. The sermon reads 6:23 in the larger context of chapter 6.

When I was a teenager, my youth group taught me something called the Romans Road, which was designed as a tool to help me tell people the good news about Jesus. Romans 6:23 is part of the Romans Road. Let's start by just reading it, in the ESV: 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-23

The Greatest Gift Of All- John 3:16 Series

Contributed by Thomas Fortini on Dec 18, 2021

Many will be opening unwanted gifts this Christmas, but there is a gift that is the greatest gift that is available to all!

I’m going to present to you, as a present, my gift, or better said God’s gift to you, on the Sunday before Christmas, what would be considered the greatest verse, most widely read and communicated verse in the bible… John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Jesus Offers A Better Drink (John 2:1-11) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 6, 2022

The wine Jesus gives, is far superior to Judaism's water. Celebrate the grace given to you in Christ.

Our story continues this week in John 2. In the series of days we've seen so far in the gospel of John, this is day 7. Now, before I do anything else, I want to say this up front: I'm not sure I've ever studied a passage before, and seen so many gifted scholars come to so many ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11, Amos 9:13-15, Deuteronomy 7:1-16, Ecclesiastes 10:19, Joel 3:17-21  (view more)  (view less)

Don’t Take The Bait Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jun 16, 2022

Don't take the bait.I'm doing a great work and I cannot come down. I'm going to focus on the great work that God has given to me.

Each time we have new members come into GraceWay we like to acknowledge them. And we have a couple that has joined us here at GraceWay. That couple is my wife, Carrie, and me. So congratulations. So we are officially members here at GraceWay. I just want to tell you, things are going very well and ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The King In Tears Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 16, 2021

There is no doubt at all that Palm Sunday was one of the most emotion filled days of history. Jesus wept on other occasions, but his tears here say something different.

Little Bobbie listened with deep interest to the story of the Prodigal Son right up to the happy ending when the son returned; the fatted calf was killed, and the house was filled with music and dancing. Then he suddenly burst into tears. "Why what is the matter Bobbie?" exclaimed his ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:29-48

Do You Still Love Me? Series

Contributed by Pieter Rousseau on May 25, 2022

Do we still love Jesus? Do we Still love Him, as we loved Him at First? We might be doing much for Him. We might love everything about Jesus... but do we Still Love Him?

Our text this morning comes from an epistle, a New Testament letter from Jesus Christ himself, scribed by the Apostle John to the Church in Ephesus. It’s the first of seven letters sent to seven churches in Asia, over which the Apostle John was an overseer, or Bishop. For this letter to this ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Show Love, Not Favoritism (James 2:1-13) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on May 27, 2022

Favoritism is a tricky thing. But we need to copy God's example, in honoring the poor. Also, my first crack at unpacking "kingdom" in light of Scot McKnight's book Kingdom Conspiracy.

Let's start today by reading James 2:1-4: (1) My brothers, don't, with partiality, hold the faith of our glorious Lord, Jesus Christ. ["w/partiality" =focused] (2) For suppose someone should enter your assembly with a gold ring on his finger, with fine clothing. Now, also a ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

The New And Improved Commandment Of 1st John! Series

Contributed by Thomas Fortini on May 4, 2021

An examination of the “New and Improved Commandment” of 1 John 2, will place before us the essence and the evidence of eternal life!

Perhaps you have noticed with me that one of the marketing techniques that manufactures use is to stimulate a new interest in their product by making the assertion that there product, though it is the same old product, is now, new and improved! What is the point of this introduction? Well one of ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-11

How To Study The Bible Like A Pro - Class #1 - Course Objective, Goals, Content, And Introduction Series

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Sep 13, 2022

There are many different opinions about what the Bible says on a subject that can cause confusion. Some people doubt whether they can truly understand the Bible without a formal education from a Bible school or Seminary.

Course Requirements 1. Your hard work and faithfulness to consistently read the Bible. I want to encourage you to commit to this course of study for the next few weeks. You must be willing to lay aside preconceived notions, denominational distinctives, and favorite interpretations. 2. A Hungry ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Ezra 7:10, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Ephesians 3:14-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Which Shepherd Are You Choosing? (Pt. 2) Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 19, 2022

This exposition of Zechariah 11:7-17 examines Zechariah's prediction of Christ's rejection at his First Advent and the consequences of that rejection. The timeless truth taught is: when the leadership God sends is rejected, the judgment that follows is bad leadership.

Intro We concluded last week with God instructing Zechariah to take on the role of a shepherd. Follow with me as we read Zechariah 11:4. “This is what the Lord my God says: ‘Shepherd the flock marked for slaughter.”i That is the assignment God gives Zechariah. He is to represent the Lord as a good ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 11:1-17, Matthew 15:14-15, John 1:1-11, Matthew 23:1-39, Matthew 26:14-16, Matthew 27:1-10, Revelation 19:20, John 11:1-48, Galatians 5:15-23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Discipleship Matters: Engaging In Biblical Community

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Jun 13, 2021

The local church, when functioning Biblically, is the hope of the world and we get to be part of it.

Discipleship Matters: Engaging in Biblical Community Acts 2:42-47 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church 06-13-202 Review of series - what is a disciple? This morning, we come to the end of our Discipleship Matters series (for now). Over these past two months, we have been ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus – His Supremacy Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jun 21, 2021

Jesus – His Supremacy Series: CREED: Truths that Unite Brad Bailey - January 24, 2021

Jesus – His Supremacy Series: CREED: Truths that Unite Brad Bailey - January 24, 2021 Intro... A great big GOOD MORNING to each of you joining today...and a warm welcome to any who may be joining from afar or in the future. This week our nation held the inauguration of it’s presidency... and once ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16, Hebrews 1:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational