Sermons on Close The Book:

So Close, Yet So Far Away Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Sep 17, 2017

A study of the Gospel of John 20: 1- 18

John 20: 1- 18 So close, yet so far away 1 Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

So Close Yet So Far Away

Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Nov 1, 2003

This is a sermon the the Great Commandment with the thesis that one can not love God and yet hate people for whom Christ died. Love for humanity is proff of our love for God.

SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR AWAY MARK 12:28-34; DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9; I JOHN 4:15-21 --by R. David Reynolds In One Church from the Fence, Wes Seelinger writes: “I have spent long hours in the intensive care waiting room . . . watching with anguished people . . . listening to urgent questions: Will my ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Methodist

"Lukewarm Laodicea--The Church Of The Closed Door" Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 6, 2002

The consequences of complacency

"Lukewarm Laodicea-the church of the closed door" Rev 3:14-22 The Letters to the 7 Churches; Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts When I lived in Germany, I discovered the most popular soft drink overseas wasn’t Coke, Pepsi or Fanta, but mineral water, and ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22

Denomination: Congregational

Close Your Mouth And Open Your Ears Series

Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 14, 2001

If you’re always talking you can’t be taught.

Close Your Mouth and Open Your Ears James 1:19-27 I. Listen up A. Don’t just hear B. Listen and carefully consider II. Slow down A. Don’t speak impulsively 1. Consider words 2. Carefully choose them 3. What would Jesus do? B. Slow to anger 1. Just because you are justified, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Build Close Relationships With Your Disciples

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Jesus knew how to win the trust, confidence and love from His disciples because He chose men who were committed to the goals of the heavenly Father. If you really want to have close relationships, base them around mutual goals of giving God glory through

If you want to know how to build close relationships with your disciples, follow the model given by Jesus Christ. Jesus loved His disciples and they loved Him with unmitigated affection. The Lord knew how to build relationships with the twelve apostles through intimate communications, sharing ...read more

Scripture: John 15:12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Close Do You Want To Get?

Contributed by Mike Rickman on Dec 1, 2007

God is inviting you to get as close as you dare to get.

December 2, 2007 Evening Service Text: Exodus 33:7-23 Subject: The Presence of God Title: How Close Do You Want to Get? I have known a lot of different people. When I worked in a factory as a young man I think I knew every one of the 200+ people that worked there. When I worked in construction ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 33:7-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Go Into Your Room, Close The Door And Pray

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Oct 17, 2013

God is calling his people to be persistent in prayer. God is calling his people to be changed, to be transformed through prayer. God is calling to those who truly enjoy and who truly yearn to spend time with Him.

Let us pray -- O' Heavenly Father, we come before you this day and we ask that you reveal more about the nature of prayer. May our hearts and our minds be open to your Word this day. We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus your son and our Savior .... Amen. A young man went into a drugstore to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 8:3-4, Matthew 6:5-6, Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Anglican

Part 30: The Blessings Of Being Close To God Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jan 12, 2012

When we draw close to God... 1. He will move us to the ultimate place (vs. 1-2). 2. He will give us His ultimate protection (vs. 3-10). 3. He will show us His unfolding prophecy (vs. 9-16).

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 30: The Blessings of Being Close to God Psalm 91:1-16 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Grayson Baptist Church - August 27,2017) (Revised August 18, 2025) BACKGROUND: *James 4:8 makes a great promise to us when it says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Open Handed Blessings, Closed Handed Consequences

Contributed by Andrew Drummond on Jul 30, 2006

When we look back on all of the gifts that have freely been bestowed upon us by God we clearly see richness, yet how freely are we giving it away? I believe that Jesus desires that we not hoard these gifts, but give them away...

How many of you know what it is like to have a kid coming up to you asking for candy? I had Pastor Adam and Emi’s kids Harry and Jordan in my office the other day wanting a lolly. How do you look into the faces of those cute kids and say, ‘no’? You can’t. I opened up my drawer and gave them each a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:7-8

How We Should Draw Close To The Lord

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jan 31, 2022

We often hear someone saying of someone else, “HE HAS AN ATTITUDE PROBLEM.”

What do people mean when they say that? They mean that person has an attitude that is not right about some things in his life. This was exactly what James was saying about people in our text. For example, many think the Bible condemns people for having money. The Bible does not! HOWEVER, ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

One Door Closes, Another Door Opens

Contributed by Greg Moller on Feb 6, 2020

What happens when a church closes doors for the last time but Jesus isn't done with them yet.

Our ministry has been holding services as part of a mainline denominational Church ( I won't name names) and for the last couple years I had been pastoring there. I was informed a few weeks ago that the church would be shutting down and closing the church. About a week later I was informed ...read more

Denomination: Bible Church

Closing In On The Cross Of Jesus Christ: Part 1 Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Mar 25, 2023

Here God shows us... 1. His sure plan for our salvation (vs. 1-5). 2. The great evil of His enemies (vs. 3-5, 14-16). 3. The great love we should have for our Lord (vs. 6-7). 4. Some great reasons why we should love Jesus (vs. 8-13).

Closing in on the Cross of Jesus Christ: Part 1 The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 26:1-16 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared March 25, 2023) BACKGROUND: *In today's Scripture Jesus was just two days away from dying on the cross for our sins. And here, the Holy Spirit shows us some of the most ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Part 30: The Blessings Of Being Close To God

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Aug 18, 2025

When we draw close to God... 1. He will move us to the ultimate place (vs. 1-2). 2. He will give us His ultimate protection (vs. 3-10). 3. He will show us His unfolding prophecy (vs. 9-16).

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 30: The Blessings of Being Close to God Psalm 91:1-16 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Grayson Baptist Church - August 27,2017) (Revised August 18, 2025) BACKGROUND: *James 4:8 makes a great promise to us when it says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Slammed Doors

Contributed by Bala Samson on Aug 24, 2014

Friend, we need fortitude to hang on to God and wait for Him! I repeat fortitude!

Slammed doors! Revelation 3:8”I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” Have you had doors slammed on your face? I have had many, many, many, so much ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Closer To God, Closer To One Another

Contributed by Greg Nance on Nov 23, 2013

This is the theme of our small group ministry. This sermon is a celebration and review of lessons in Genesis from this past eleven week series.

Dan Chambers is a Christian whose parents attend Mountain Creek Church of Christ. Dan has written a book entitled Churches in the shape of Scripture. In it, he explains several of the distinctive practices of the churches of Christ and why these practices matter. He has made it easy to read with ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ