Sermons on Close Encounter:

The Bible, Is It Just Another Book Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jan 30, 2019

In this message we will talk about how the bible is like no other book throughout human history and how all the evidence points that is was written by God.

“The Bible: Is It Just Another Book?” There’s a story of a guy on an airplane who was an atheist. He was sitting next to a little girl who was traveling alone, and the little girl brought out a Bible to read during the trip. The man struck up a conversation with the little girl, and after a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:24-25, 2 Peter 1:20-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Family Out Of Control; A Prophet Under God's Control

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 1, 2019

God commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute. This ensured that his was a dysfunctional family. A study of Hosea will encourage Christians as we struggle with honouring God through our families.

“The LORD said to me, ‘Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the LORD loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.’ So, I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley. And I said ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 3:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

I Meant To Say

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Feb 14, 2019

A study in the book of 2 Chronicles 36: 1 – 23

2 Chronicles 36: 1 – 23 I meant to say 36 Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah and made him king in his father’s place in Jerusalem. 2 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. 3 Now the king of Egypt deposed him at ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Sowing & Reaping Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 8, 2019

1) The Precept: (Galatians 6:6) 2) The Principle behind the Precept: (Galatians 6:7-8), 3) The Promise: (Galatians 6:9 and finally, 4) The Procedure (Galations 6:10) of Sowing & Reaping.

We have just experienced Daylight Saving Time. Although we may have lost an hour of sleep, the extra sunlight can make a big difference. For many people, the ever increasing amount of daylight in the average day, impacts their moods and their productivity. For the farmers, the sunlight makes a big ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:6-10

Denomination: Other

Well-Known, And Yet Unknown

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 14, 2019

The life of Patrick, evangelist to the Irish, exemplifies the impact of obedience to Christ's call to evangelise. Christians are charged to carry the message of life to all mankind.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” [1] Cities dye their rivers green in his honour; ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Biblical Discernment – Part 2

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Sep 21, 2020

Last time we were introduced to an essential doctrine of the Christian faith called the Deity of Jesus Christ, meaning that Jesus is divine or that He is God.

Last time we were introduced to an essential doctrine of the Christian faith called the Deity of Jesus Christ, meaning that Jesus is divine or that He is God. Today we will continue on that subject as we turn to the Gospel of John, chapter five. Before we get to chapter five in the Gospel of ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Gideon Prudently Pacifies The Offended Ephramites Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 20, 2019

They were angry with Gideon because they were left out and did not share in the glory. Gideon tactfully gave them the “soft answer” that healed the wounds and prevented division. Better to do that than to start another war.

Chapter 27 Gideon Prudently Pacifies the Offended Ephramites [Judges 8.1-8.4] Scripture 1 And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply. 2 And he said unto them, ...read more

Scripture: Judges 8:1

Denomination: Baptist

There Is No Sin In The Cemetery [*]

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 20, 2019

Baptism pictures the transformation that has taken place in the life of the child of God. How can we, then, continue to live as thought we were dead? To live as the world lives is to attempt to dig up the corpse we buried!

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

Weaponised Narratives

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 6, 2019

We must guard against creating a narrative as a mask of the truth of God's Word.

“If our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

Sometimes It's Like A Jungle [*]

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2020

Studying the response of Jesus to the devil's temptation lays a foundation for the child of God to withstand temptation.

“Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “Man ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Return To True Worship Series

Contributed by Dr. Tom Badia on Feb 21, 2024

God is to be worshiped as both "Father" and "Spirit.” Spirit is nature. Father is relationship. The issue of worship is not where and when it is done as much as who and how.

Topic: A RETURN TO TRUE WORSHIP: Objective: “Understanding the meaning, function, purpose and responsibility of being a New Testament priest” KEY SCRIPTURE; 1 PETER 2;1-10 The Ark of God's presence will return to our midst when we return to true worship. This is not worship ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-10

The Test Inside Every Blessing - 2 Samuel 8-9 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 3, 2025

Mephibosheth was lame, powerless, and overlooked—yet David called him to the palace and treated him like a prince. What does this teach us about God’s favor toward you?

Receiving the Promised Blessing Responding to blessing In chapter 7 we saw a wonderful interchange between God and David over God’s promises. It starts with David wanting to build a house for God, and God says, “No, I am going to build a dynasty for you.” And He goes on to make all kinds of ...read more

Living For The Pleasure Of God - Matthew 6:1 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 27, 2024

We all know hypocrisy is evil. But few people understand the remedy Jesus gave. How does living for reward cure the disease of hypocrisy?

Matthew 6:1-18 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1

Saul And The Spirit Of God Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Oct 20, 2024

The Holy Spirit is active in the empowering of God’s people to lead. He wants to comfort us, lead us, guide us, direct us, teach us and empower u to do what God wants done.

David Platt – Why we need the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of God. Opening Video Illustration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6DtRmyx1bA David Platt on the importance of the Holy Spirit in the church today! Series: Never Seen Before in 2024 – Understanding the importance of the Spirit of God for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:22-23, 1 Samuel 10:9-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God’s Unseen Hand: Lessons On Deliverance From 1 Samuel 19 - 1 Samuel 19:1-24 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 8, 2025

Trapped in a house surrounded by killers, David prayed a psalm that changed everything. Find out how in this sermon!

1 Samuel 19:1 Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan was very fond of David 2 and warned him, "My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. 3 I will go out and stand with my father ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 19:1-24