Sermons on Close Encounter:

As We Come, So We Leave

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 30, 2016

Exploring the purpose of wealth through reviewing Solomon's dark book.

“There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

What's Fair About That?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 1, 2018

God's overwhelming generosity is difficult to comprehend, though every Christian has experienced that generosity. We must avoid attempting to cast God in our image, learning instead of the extravagant grace with which He showers each of us.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Dressing Up For The Lord

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Apr 4, 2018

A study in the book of Exodus 28: 1 – 43

Exodus 28: 1 – 43 Dressing up for the Lord 28 “Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron and Aaron’s sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 2 And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Creation Of Land Animals And Man Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 5, 2018

The method used to create remains the same—“And God said.” Man is a special creation, and he has a position, relationship, and a hope that no other creature has.

May 28, 2013 Commentary on the Book of Genesis By: Tom Lowe Lesson: Creation of Land Animals and Man. Gen. 1:24-28. (KJV) 24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. 25 And ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:24-28

Denomination: Baptist

Get Right Or Be Left

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Apr 5, 2018

A study in the book of Exodus 29: 1 – 45

Exodus 29: 1 – 45 Get Right or be left 29 “And this is what you shall do to them to hallow them for ministering to Me as priests: Take one young bull and two rams without blemish, 2 and unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil (you shall make them ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted For Righteousness Sake. Series

Contributed by Claude Alexander on Apr 6, 2018

Persecution the acid test of our faith. Persecuted for righteousness not for anything else.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for they shall be called the children of God - Matt. 5:10 -12 It may seem strange that Jesus passes so quickly from peacemaking in the previous beatitude to persecution—from the work of reconciliation to the experience of hostility. But ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What ---No Escargots?

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Apr 30, 2018

A study in the book of Leviticus 11: 1 – 47

Leviticus 11: 1 – 47 What ---No Escargots? 11 Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘These are the animals which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth: 3 Among the animals, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Dangerous Discipleship

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 26, 2018

To be a follower of Christ is almost certain to be costly. Many turn from following Christ because they fear what it may cost. They are willing to be religious, but hesitate to embrace discipleship. We are called to embrace dangerous discipleship.

“When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So, the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and ...read more

Scripture: John 12:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

Seagulls In The Empress

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 3, 2018

The teaching you receive will either equip you to honour the Master or will serve to allow birds to invade and despoil your life.

“When the disciples went to the other side, they forgot to take bread. ‘Watch out,’ Jesus said to them, ‘beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ So, they began to discuss this among themselves, saying, ‘It is because we brought no bread.’ When Jesus learned of this, he said, ‘You ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:5-12

Denomination: Baptist

Can I Get A Refill?

Contributed by Kraig Pullam on Dec 30, 2015

Christ's first recorded miracle, the turning of ordinary water into extraordinary wine, becomes a picture of Christ bringing joy in the midst of sorrow.

One of my favorite movies of which I will boldly, blatantly and unashamedly admit is the sequel “Bad Boys II.” It is a funny/amusing/somewhat comical/quite insightful movie whether you like or not with Martin Lawrence (of which I am a die hard fan/admirer/aficionado) and Will Smith and ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Truth Behind The Scene Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jan 7, 2016

A study of the book of Job chapter 1 verses 1 through 22

Job 1: 1 – 22 The Truth Behind The Scene 1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. 2 And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:1-22

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

One Holy Purpose Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2016

Examining the motivation for Paul's perseverance and service can encourage believers to persevere in the midst of a darkened world that increasingly opposes the Faith.

“I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” [1] The Apostle has emphasised a concept that is not often welcomed today—hardship. Directing student ministries at a major pastoral school some ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:10

Denomination: Baptist

Your New Name Series

Contributed by Ken Ritz on Mar 1, 2016

Part one of a series on the life of Jacob

Your New Name Dying to Self, Part One If you have your bible, turn to Genesis chapter 32. We’re starting a new series today, based on the life of Jacob. Gen 32:22 TNIV That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, By the way, we’ll deal with that in a couple weeks… his two ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Demas: Can We Quit When The Going Gets Tough? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 22, 2016

A study of Demas, a servant of God who quit when matters got tough.

2 TIMOTHY 4:10 SAVED? OR LOST? DEMAS: CAN WE QUIT WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH? “Demas ... has deserted me..” [1] “Well begun is half done.” This adage was quoted on numerous occasions during an earlier day—I certainly was on the receiving end of the saying repeatedly ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:10

Denomination: Baptist

Real Faith Will Not Play God Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Apr 1, 2021

Real Faith Will Not Play God Series: Real Faith (Book of James) Brad Bailey – November 8, 2020

Real Faith Will Not Play God Series: Real Faith (Book of James) Brad Bailey – November 8, 2020 Intro... My added welcome to each of you gathering today...to all the Vineyard family and friends. As Joel and Marlo shared...this past week began with the earthly loss of Cindy Pang...a dear part of our ...read more

Scripture: James 4:11-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational