Sermons on Close Relationship:

Thorn In The Flesh

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Dec 8, 2005

Some people become defined by their hardships while others rise above their pain. We may suffer broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations, but we don’t have to become broken people. Pain is inevitable--misery is optional.

No one knows for certain about the nature of Paul’s thorn, and there has been extensive speculation about the nature of his affliction. Explanations range from persistent temptation, dogged persecution, chronic malaria, migraine headaches, epilepsy, or a speech disorder. Because Paul dictated his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Congregational

The Prayer Of Jabez

Contributed by John Lowe on May 28, 2012

As for Jabez, he was well intentioned, wealthy, and famous; he was a man of prayer. The best honor that any man can have is to have a relationship with God, and Jabez did, and he has his prayer recorded in the word of God, because it is significant and in

The Prayer of Jabez One of the most popular books on the Christian best seller list is “The Prayer of Jabez.” I haven’t read the book, but I have heard an interview with the author. There are many who believe that this book brings a new revelation, and they put a lot of faith ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

A Picture Of God At Home

Contributed by Donald Carpenter on Jan 11, 2003

This message deals with the fact that God the Father disciplines those who are true children of God.

A Picture of God at Home Hebrews 12:5-13 Introduction: Today we will be studying the beautiful picture that God has given us of Himself, our earthly Father. Dads, you should be very aware of the fact that you are the first picture of God that your children will see. This Father’s Day we will ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:5-13

Denomination: Baptist

Mother's Love

Contributed by Bill Butsko on May 12, 2006

This message illustrates the characteristics of a mother.

Scripture Reading: I John 4:7-21 Message: “Mother’s Love” Text: “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him” (I John 4:16). Introduction: We were all created by God and brought into this world through one called “Mother”. Each one of us has an earthly mother and an ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21

Denomination: Christian Church

Isaiah 40 - Comfort My People Series

Contributed by Gene Brooks on Aug 12, 2012

Isaiah wrote Isaiah 40 to teach Israel that comfort is found in the Messiah who is a sovereign Shepherd, an incomparable Creator, and a strengthening Savior.

Opening thought: Ever had someone tell you to get out of your comfort zone? Those who say that want you to get out of your complacency, drop the laziness, get moving, do something you’ve never done before, try something risky. In today’s passage, Isaiah encourages us to find a real ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-31

Denomination: Baptist

The Way Of The Pilgrim

Contributed by Norbert Garcia on Aug 23, 2024

To be a Christian requires us to be fully involved in our relationship with Christ. If we truly believe we should be able to show how different we are to the world around us. The more we immerse ourselves with Christ the more we glow with an inner light.

THE WAY OF THE PILGRIM 2 Cor 5:17 Every year since 650 AD Muslims celebrate the Hajj. The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca. According to Islamic beliefs every devout Muslim must attend at least one Hajj in their lifetime if they wish to guarantee their arrival in Paradise upon their death. This ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:1-8

Denomination: Adventist

What About Faith And Good Works? (Part 1)

Contributed by Tony Miano on Apr 2, 2001

This morning our focus is going to be on verses 14-17, in chapter two. In this section of the passage we find an assumption (v.14), an analogy (vv. 15-16), and an application (v.17). Included is a historical looks at the relationship between James and Paul.

What About Faith and Good Works? An Answer to the believer James 2:14-17 Preached by Pastor Tony Miano Pico Canyon Community Church April 1, 2001 Introduction: We’ve spent the last couple of weeks tackling an issue that many people, present company excluded of course, would like to avoid. We ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-17

Denomination: *other

Warning Label Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 28, 2010

Romans 11 lists a "warning" for those who would take their relationship with God for granted. But there’s a tendency to focus more on the "warning" than on the powerfully positive message found in these verses. Do you know what that positive message could

Over the years, “The Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch” has sponsored an annual contest of the most absurd warning labels. Among their top place winners have been: "Do not use this snow blower on the roof." "Do not allow children to play in the dishwasher." A Clothes Iron had this advice: "Warning! ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:1-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Guidelines From The Great Commission

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jul 15, 2003

You have complete authority that is necessary for completing His great commission in the word of God. Help people to utilize the authority of the scriptures in all aspects of their personal lives, relationships and ministries. Do not hesitate to make disc

Guidelines From the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20) Most Christians are content to be spectators instead of becoming obedient disciple-makers. True blessings, power and fulfillment is found in being a multiplying disciple-maker. Let us see how we can think, do and become what the Lord’s will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Just Say No Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 24, 2003

Like Job’s friend Zophar, we eagerly find faults with others, thinking that pointing out their mistakes is all that is needed, and failing to build a relationship first. Contrast with Christ, who "became sin" for us.

We are studying the very human issue of faultfinding during this Lenten season. We are using the story of Job and his friends, if you call them that, as they tried to console him, no, really, instruct him in his misery. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, three miserable comforters, Job said, because ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

Comparisions Of The Old And New Covenant

Contributed by Andy Almendarez on Mar 22, 2004

Since the notion of covenants is unfamiliar to us, today we must take a moment to focus on the Bible’s portrayal of covenants. There are relationships that many people consider covenants, such as marriage and various pacts between friends and enemies and

Andy Almendarez Hebrews Comparison of the Old & New Covenant The Hebrew word that is translated into our word for covenant is berith. The root of the word it comes from means Ato fetter@ or Ato eat with,@ this would show a mutual obligation that is given to show grace to someone (Douglas 237). We ...read more

Denomination: Holiness

Taking Hold Of Contentment

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 28, 2004

Funeral service for Dock Burgess, whose last day of life was a time of acceptance and calm. We can take hold of contentment by learning to receive, by investing in a relationship with God, and ultimately by accepting grace for life eternal.

I am persuaded that the fundamental human problem is anxiety. I’ve watched the way we live for quite a while, and I am convinced that the most basic human issue is that we are anxious. We are fearful and afraid; we are anxious. And it is not just that we are afraid of what others may do to us. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-12

Denomination: Baptist

Prisoner Of Bitterness

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 6, 2004

6 things Bitterness will do to your life: DEVASTATE YOU SPIRITUALLY, DESTROY YOU PHYSICALLY, DISCOURAGE YOU EMOTIONALLY, DIVIDE THE FELLOWSHIP, DEFILE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS, DEPRIVE YOU OF A BLESSING. PowerPoint at website.

Prisoner of Bitterness Heb. 12:14-15 Powerpoint for this and hundreds more free sermons at our website: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html Has someone ever said or done something to you for which you found it difficult to forgive them? Every time their very name is brought up, even if it was ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

Growing Pains Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 19, 2003

God’s Word provides growth in our lives and our faith must be lived out in the context of relationships. When Jesus comes back, find your joy in Him and in the changed lives of your friends.

Growing Pains A small factory had to be shut down because their most important piece of machinery had stopped working. The company mechanic couldn’t get it running, so they called in an expert. The man looked over the machine for a few minutes. He then picked up his hammer and gently tapped it. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

Love Promises

Contributed by Roger Haugen on May 14, 2002

Paul has caught the vision of how relationships work best ... always showing concern for that other person’s needs and wants ... loving that other person enough to listen and perhaps change to make things better

Love Promises Ephesians 5:21-22, 25 As we gather here today for this festive occasion, Paul has some very good advice for you, Mark and Ronalda, as you prepare to begin their life together. Paul writes: Submit yourselves to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-25

Denomination: Lutheran