Sermons on Closed To Others:

Getting Along With Others Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 24, 2025

If we want the gospel to move along, we must get along.

Getting Along with Others Philippians 4:2-3 Rev. Brian Bill March 22-23, 2025 Several years ago, Thom Rainer, former CEO of Lifeway Resources, conducted an online survey to assess what kinds of conflict congregations are afflicted with. After sifting through a long list, he picked his favorites ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:2-3

Denomination: Baptist

Comparing Yourself To Others Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 10, 2025

Comparison is a thief of joy and destiny. It keeps people bound in cycles of self-doubt, pride, or jealousy. The enemy loves when we are distracted by others instead of discovering our divine purpose.

COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Corinthians 10:12 "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Other Cross Carriers

Contributed by Bruce Lee on May 28, 2025

On the northern coast of Africa in what is now modern-day Tripoli in Libya There was a Greek settlement known as the city of Cyrene.

The Other Cross Carriers “15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. 16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:15-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Smoking And Other Addictions

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 23, 2025

Any activity or substance use that harms your body, mind or spirit and can leave you addicted to it is evil.

Homily on Smoking and Other Enslaving Addictions Saint Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia was one of his earliest communications with the Church. He had visited that area early in his missionary journeys and left there a church with the kind of spiritual fire and enthusiasm we associate with ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, Galatians 5:19-21, 2 Timothy 1:7, 2 Peter 1:5-7

Denomination: Catholic

The Real Meaning Of Love

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jul 31, 2003

No matter how gifted you are – no matter how successful in ministry – no matter how close to God – there is one overarching principal that should guide everything we do. Otherwise anything you do for the Lord is a waste of time. That’s love.

For an audio copy of this message go to: www.LivingWatersWeb.com. Chapters 12, 13, & 14 are really one unit. Chapter 12 talks about the context of the Holy Spirit’s work through the believer. Chapter 13 the motivation in using Holy Spirit gifts, and chapter 14 the proper operation of those ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Becoming A Creature Of Habit 04 Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on May 2, 2023

THIS MESSAGE LOOKS AT THE FINAL HABIT WE SHOULD BE DEVELOPING -- IMMITATION. JOHN USES TWO PEOPLE HERE IN THE CLOSE OF THIS BOOKS TO CHALLANGE GAIUS REGARDING WHO HE SHOULD IMMITATE IN THE FUTURE.

BECOMING A CREATURE OF HABIT PART 4 3 JOHN 1:11-14 DEAR FRIEND, DO NOT IMITATE WHAT IS EVIL BUT WHAT IS GOOD. ANYONE WHO DOES WHAT IS GOOD IS FROM GOD. ANYONE WHO DOES WHAT IS EVIL HAS NOT SEEN GOD. 12 DEMETRIUS IS WELL SPOKEN OF BY EVERYONE--AND EVEN BY THE TRUTH ITSELF. WE ALSO SPEAK WELL OF ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:11-14

Denomination: Baptist

Whatever It Takes, I Must Get To Jesus

Contributed by Brad Stone on Jul 7, 2024

Looking at Peter walking on the water in a different light, we see his determination to get to Christ.

Whatever It Takes, I Must Get to Jesus Mt. 14:24-29 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

When God Is Distant - Mark 15:34 And Psalm 22 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 30, 2024

What can you do when God is far away? You cry out to him and receive no comfort, no strength, it just seems like your prayers bounce off the ceiling. That actually happened to Jesus, and when it did, he quoted a psalm that teaches exactly what to do in times like that.

Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Introduction What can you do when God is far away? You cry out to him and receive no comfort, no strength, it just ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:34, Matthew 27:46

Draw Near - Part Three

Contributed by Tim Vamosi on Jan 12, 2011

Draw Near – Whatever It Takes

OPEN: Today I wanted to focus one more time on the topic of drawing near to God. In James we were told: "Come near to God and he will come near to you." This morning we are going to be looking at a woman who has a desperate faith. She was determined to get to Jesus not matter what it took. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-34

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Faith Tested

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Jun 30, 2010

God tests our faith when He closes doors, but this leads to an even better open door.

FAITH TESTED Hebrews 11:6 Thank you for the opportunity to share with you again. I’ve been asked several times, “Are you ready?” My answer is, I’m never ready. When it’s time you do it relying on God’s help. So let’s do that now. I like hearing Ptr ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:6-10

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Iron Heavens, Brass Earth

Contributed by Babatunmishe Oke on Feb 18, 2018

One of the worst situations a human can experience is what we call iron heavens and brass earth. God is always particular about the consequences of idol worship.

Leviticus 26 26 ‘You shall not make idols for yourselves; neither a carved image nor a sacred pillar shall you rear up for yourselves; nor shall you set up an engraved stone in your land, to bow down to it; for I am the Lord your God. 14 ‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 26:14-20

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

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 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

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