Sermons on Close Encounter:

Enjoying God's Approval - Psalm 4:1,3 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 5, 2025

This message is for times when you are being mistreated by people and you can’t do anything about it. Four attributes of God that can restore joy even if people continue to mistreat you

Psalm 4:1-8 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God (lit God of my righteousness). Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. 2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 4:1, Psalm 4:3

Eye Faithfulness - Matthew 5:27-28 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 14, 2024

What constitutes a lustful look? Is it adultery every time a man looks at an attractive woman and likes what he sees?We know it is not a sin to be tempted, and yet it is sin to have certain desires, so where do you cross the line into sin?

Matthew 5:27-30 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-28

An Eye For An Eye - Matthew 5:38-39 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 20, 2024

It’s surprising to discover how many subtle ways we take revenge on those who hurt us. This message will help you discover them and show you the remedy Jesus gave us.

Matthew 5:38-42 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42

Serves Not The Lord Jesus Christ (Lesson 2) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Aug 22, 2024

To herald Paul’s solemn plea and message to the church in Rome, to mark and turn away from those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine they had heard, learned, believed, and obeyed according to “The faith, once delivered to the saints.”

INTRODUCTION Outline. 2. Serves not the Lord Jesus Christ Introductory Remarks. 1. This is lesson two in this sermon series: “Paul’s Solemn Plea To Rome.” This was an urgent and solemn plea from the beloved apostle Paul to the saints at Rome. His message began with a sincere plea to the brethren ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:17-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Common Tools; Uncommon Tasks

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 12, 2023

God calls His people to serve now. He delights to use us with what we have, and not after some long, extended preparation in the distant future.

“Moses answered [the LORD], ‘But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, “The LORD did not appear to you.”’ The LORD said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ He said, ‘A staff.’ And he said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’ So he threw it on the ground, and it ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 4:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Christ And The Social Condition

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 27, 2023

Jesus came to give His life as a sacrifice for fallen mankind. He will reign as King, but that reign awaits His return.

“When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!’ “Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” [1] Few of the miracles Jesus performed had ...read more

Scripture: John 6:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

Complaints Against A Gracious God

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 17, 2023

It is a vain and futile thing to complain against God Who is gracious. A study of the descent of Israel into complaining serves to warn us against charging God with error.

“They sinned still more against [God], rebelling against the Most High in the desert. They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved. They spoke against God, saying, 'Can God spread a table in the wilderness? He struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 78:17-31

Denomination: Baptist

A Multigenerational Church

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Sep 2, 2023

Uncracking the secret of the early church is at the heart of this message. It looks at several key elements that has led the church to grow exponentially.

A young lady working on her master's degree in social work asked to work with me on a research project related to multigenerational trauma. She plans to get her Ph.D. and continue our work internationally. I had learned how various traits are transmitted across generations. My 5th great ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Qualifying Round - Mark 3:16-19 (Luke 6:12-16) Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 4, 2023

Jesus selected 12 men who, by all appearances, were deeply unqualified. But he was very deliberate about who he selected. Why did he chose the men he choose?

Mark 3:13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve-- designating them apostles-- that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:12-16

2nd Thessalonians Chapter 1 (This Is A Detailed Study Verse By Verse Of Chapter 1. You Will Need To Analyze, Synthesize, And Then Summarize To Fit Your Need.) Series

Contributed by Luther Sexton on Sep 4, 2023

Paul, Timothy, and Silvanus encourage the Thessalonians to continue in their faith knowing that God will have vengeance on their persecutors.

2nd THESSALONIANS - Chapter 1 2nd Thess 1:1 “Paul, and Silvanus [Silas], and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:” (KJV) 1:1 Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Courage To Rise Above Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 3, 2023

1) Courage from God’s Commission (Joshua 1:1–2). 2) Courage from God’s Promises (Joshua 1:3–6), and 3) Courage from God’s Written Word (Joshua 1:7–9).

Joshua 1:1-9. [1:1] After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, [2]"Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9

Denomination: Other

Let Me Die The Death Of The Upright!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 17, 2023

Surprised by the intervention of God, Balaam pronounces one of the great aspirations of all who know and worship the Lord God.

“Who can count the dust of Jacob. or number the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the upright, and let my end be like his!” [1] King Frederick the Great of Prussia is reported to have once asked his physician to provide proof for the existence of God. The physician is said to have ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 23:10

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Confusion - Mark 8:27-34 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 19, 2023

The question, “Who do you say I am” is important, but it’s not everything. Equally important is the question, “What does the way you listen to the hard words of Christ say about who you really believe he is?"

Mark 8:27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" 28 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 29 "But what about you?" he ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-34, Matthew 16:13-24, Luke 9:18-23

Who Are The True Jews? (Revelation 2:8-11, Romans 2:28-29, Romans 10:1-13) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Dec 11, 2023

Jesus encourages the church for its faithfulness in the face of persecution from the "ones calling themselves Jews, but aren't, but are a synagogue of Satan."

There was a time in the U.S. (and Canada) when white people could put on blackface, and people thought it was amusing. You could pretend to be Denzel Washington, or Will Smith, and people would laugh. There was a time when you could wear traditional Native American clothing on Halloween, and ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, Romans 2:28-29, Romans 9:1-29, Romans 10:1-13, Galatians 6:12-16  (view more)  (view less)

The High Cost Of Sin Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 14, 2023

Sin has infected the race. It contaminates our lives, ultimately ensuring our death. The Son of God was born to offer His life as a sacrifice, taking the sin of all mankind upon Himself. This is the neglected message of Christmas.

“To the woman [God] said, ‘I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.’ “And to Adam he said, ‘Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:16-19

Denomination: Baptist