Sermons on Close Encounter:

Truths Worth Fighting For

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 26, 2023

Some truths, those that define the Faith of Christ the Lord, demand that we stand firm in defending them against distortion. The faithful depend upon each of us as followers of Christ to defend the Faith, speaking the truth in love.

“Some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Gaslighting God

Contributed by Robert Walderman on Jan 9, 2024

This chapter can be a case of Gaslighting and false repentance by the people in an attempt to change the reality of their situation by minimizing their responsibility and blaming God. Some say it is a “Straw man” set up by the Prophet to be demolished by God’s answer in the next chapter.

Well, it feels good to be back in this particular pulpit after 25 years! I want to thank Pastor Caleb for the opportunity. Please turn to Isaiah 64. Hear now the word of the Lord. May God be blessed with the reading of His word. Please join in prayer. Before I get to looking at the chapter, I ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Plan - Mark 3:11-15 (Luke 6:12-13) Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 4, 2023

Jesus never wrote anything that we know of. All the information we have came from the Apostles. Why?

Mark 3:7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. 8 When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. 9 Because of the crowd he told his disciples to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:11-15, Luke 6:12-13

Healing Church - Words Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Oct 1, 2023

Words our words carry the power to create a positive environment or a negative environment. Words create worlds – yes- the world’s around us are created by our words. What do your words sound like each day?

Series: “The Healing Church 2023” Sermon #2: Healing Church – Words Thesis: Words our words carry the power to create a positive environment or a negative environment. Words create worlds – yes- the world’s around us are created by our words. What do your words sound like each day? ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12, Philippians 2:1-5, Philippians 2:14-15, Philippians 4:8-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Call Me Crazy Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Feb 23, 2023

Our hope in the resurrection will be VINDICATED on the last day. Press forward in confident ASSURANCE because Jesus came out of the grave!

Call Me Crazy Acts 26:1-32 You know throughout the centuries of human existence there have been those who dared to dream and imagine things that were, to their contemporaries, the epitome of crazy. History has since vindicated them, but at the time they made their bold proclamations, they were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:1-32

Denomination: Baptist

Revealing God's Plan Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 10, 2023

In Romans 11:25-32, Paul explains why God has preserved a Remnant of Israel in order to show His glory. In this we can see how God is glorified in His: 1) Sovereignty (Romans 11:25–26a), in 2) Integrity Romans 11:26b–29), and in His 3) Generosity (Romans 11:30–32).

Romans 11:25-32. 25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:25-32

Denomination: Other

The Joy Of Experiencing Forgiveness

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 1, 2022

The Joy in knowing (1) God can forgive sin (2) God will forgive sin (3) God will completely restore us. He will receive our honest repentance and confession; remove our guilt; and restore our joy. (4) Finally, God will guide us every step of the way.

Sermon: The Joy of Experiencing Forgiveness In his book, The Preaching Event, John Claypool tells a poignant story about identical twin brothers who never married because they enjoyed each other’s company so much. When their father died, they took over his store and ran it together in a joyful ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:6-8, Psalm 32:1-9, Romans 3:23, Romans 3:10, Romans 3:19-20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

Your Place In His Plan - Philippians 3:1b-3a Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 3, 2022

Paul gives yet another strong warning about the Judaizers because they are a major threat to the most important thing – knowing Christ.

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, watch out for those men who do evil, watch out for the mutilation. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-3

Introduction To The Olivet Discourse - Mark 13:1-4 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 7, 2024

Are you obeying the command in 1 Thessalonians 4 to use the words about the end times to encourage others?

Mark 13:1 As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" 2 "Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Je-sus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:1-4, Matthew 24:1-3, Luke 21:5-7

Six Signs Of Sleepiness - Mark 14:1-9 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 27, 2024

Why do so many people crash their cars because they fell asleep at the wheel? It’s because sleep comes upon you so gradually that you don’t realize when you’re crossing the threshold from being awake to being asleep. It’s the same spiritually.

Mark 14:1 Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him. 2 "But not during the Feast," they said, "or the people may riot." 3 While he was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:1-9, Matthew 26:6-13, John 12:1-8

Moms: A Winning Game Plan

Contributed by Steve Malone on May 8, 2024

In this conversation we discuss six strategies that will enable moms to have a winning game plan.

Moms: A Winning Game Plan Mother’s Day 2023 DISMISS KIDZ NOW - we’ve come together this morning May 14th 2023... FOR - 2 primary reasons. FIRST - to honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… AND UNDERSTAND B/S – Jesus is so deserving of our praise, our attention, our worship, our commitment… ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Godly Values In America

Contributed by Chris Cuthbertson on Jun 5, 2024

I believe The United States of America has been a blessed nation because it has a Godly base. The reason we are the wealthiest, most free, most secure, most envied nation on earth is that we were established as a nation under God, and God has kept His promise to bless us.

“Re-establishing Godly Values In America” 2 Kings 21 - 23 I want to tell you about a little-known hero in the Bible named Josiah. It’s a fascinating account that has some very relevant applications to America. Josiah’s grandfather, Manasseh, had been the most wicked king the nation of Judah ever ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Praise God When His Help Comes (Isaiah 44:24-28; 45:1-8] Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jul 6, 2024

God sometimes helps us through people we don't like, using means we don't like, to the point we doubt it's actually from God. See God's help, and thank him, regardless of how it comes.

There is a short list of people in the church who are responsible for proclaiming a message from God to his people. Apostles, teachers, prophets, and evangelists, basically. That's the list. Now, sometimes the specific word from God that needs to be communicated is controversial. If ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 44:24-28, Isaiah 45:1-8, Leviticus 25:47-52, Isaiah 41:2-5, Isaiah 41:25-26, Isaiah 43:14, Leviticus 25:29-34  (view more)  (view less)

2 Samuel Part 4

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Aug 25, 2024

NASB

Notes from Marilyn Hickey Ministries: David knew God was on his side: he was never the aggressor with Saul, he never lost a battle, he filled up boundaries promised to Abraham, the spoils of war were consecrated to Jehovah, his alliance with Hiram made him safe on his Mediterranean border, he had ...read more

Denomination: Vineyard

Psalm 103 Part 2 Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Aug 26, 2024

David is going to highlight God's father heart.

Getting our Hearts in Tune Psalm 103:6-22 (Part 2) Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church 8-25-2024 Intro Earlier this year, I took Maxine to the symphony in Peoria. It was a wonderful night that brought back memories for Maxine, who played in orchestras growing up. The conductor ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:6-22

Denomination: Baptist