Sermons on Closed Doors:

So Close And Yet So Far Away

Contributed by Mike Cleveland on May 26, 2008

The invalid man by the pool of Bethesda was so close to the healing waters, but yet so far away from being healed. The Jews who heard Jesus were so close to Him, so far away from genuine faith. Many go to church, and are so close to eternal life, but so f

Let’s turn in our Bibles to John chapter 5: As you’re turning let me tell you a story I read recently....once upon a time there was an explorer by the name of “Guitan” who was famous for his daring adventures and grand discoveries. Now one day Guitan heard that there was a treasure in a cave just ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Knocking On Heaven's Door (Psalm 122)

Contributed by James Jackson on Aug 10, 2025

Three things give us confidence to knock on Heaven's Door: We've been invited, Someone's home, and we desperately want what's inside.

For a lot of people, there are few things more intimidating than knocking on a door. Think of the tension: at the closed door of your boss’s office. The front door of your prom date’s house. The front door of a neighbor’s house when you have girl scout cookies to sell. Knocking on a door can ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:16, Revelation 3:20

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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

Desperate Times - What Would You Do?

Contributed by Chip Monck on Jul 8, 2005

This sermon is designed to challenge traditional church thinking regarding waiting for "open doors", faith requirements to healing, and the true illness of the lost.

(This first paragraph was actually a list of bullet points to comment on, and transition through into the beginnning of the message. They will not have a flow like the remainder of the transcript that follows after this opening paragraph) Tonight I want to challenge your thinking. Let me begin ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:17-26

Denomination: Wesleyan

Intimacy With God

Contributed by Rolando, Jr Pama on Sep 6, 2022

• How intimate are we to God? • How familiar are we with regards to God? • Familiarity is different from Intimacy. • Familiarity has something to do with knowing God through a story. • Intimacy has something to do with our experience of God.

3 STEPS TO INTIMACY WITH GOD: 1. HEARING GOD’S VOICE. a. ...If a man hear my voice. b. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. c. Hebrews 3:15 While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 2. OPENING OUR ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:20

Recession Part 2 Series

Contributed by Shawn Williams on Aug 13, 2009

This message is to teach you how to close the door on fear, by strengthening your faith in God and solidifying your confidence in His Word.

Recession: This is not the Time to Fear 2 Timothy 1:7 John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. 1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

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

How Close Do I Need To Be? Series

Contributed by Matthew Bullen on Nov 14, 2006

a great series talking about what our values need to teach us in our everyday life.

Isaiah 59:19 (KJV) -According to national studies, 1 out of every 10 teenagers believes in absolute truth. -Live and you don’t have to listen to the other areas if you do not want to. When you aim at nothing it easy to hit the bulls eye. -We have got to understand that there has to be a standard ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 59:19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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