Sermons on Closeness:

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

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

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

Almost Only Counts In Horseshoes Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Jun 14, 2009

Agrippa was close, but was it close enough.

This post was published to Denn’s Sermons at 7:12:23 AM 14/06/2009 Almost Only Counts in Horseshoes. Account Denn’s Sermons You ever play horseshoes? Angela’s Dad loved to play horseshoes. Throughout the summer months if you are wondered where Al was all you have to do is wander down to the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:19-29

Denomination: Wesleyan

"When Life Seems To Be Closing In"

Contributed by David Washburn on Mar 25, 2002

We will each have a time in our lives where life seems to be closing in. We can turn to Stephen and draw stength and wisdom from how he coped when life closed in around him.

One day a man falls off a cliff, but manages to grab hold of a tree limb on the way down. The man calls out, “Is there anyone up there?” A voice answers back, “I am here. It is I, the Lord. Do you believe in me?” “Yes, Lord I believe, I really believe, but I can’t hold on much longer.” “That’s all ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60

Denomination: Baptist

Keeping A Close Watch On Our Examples

Contributed by Todd Riley on Oct 18, 2000

Sometimes we do not want others following in our footsteps öthat could be our children, wives, fellow church members, co workers, etc.

Sometimes we do not want others following in our footsteps öthat could be our children, wives, fellow church members, co workers, etc. There are things about us, things that we have done, things that currently describe us that each one of us would say "Do not follow me in this" Between you and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Worship: Drawing Close To The Heart Of God

Contributed by David Yarbrough on Apr 8, 2002

People go to church to get connected to the heart of God. This message revels a few important points that occur when we make this connection.

Worship: Drawing Close To The Heart of God Acts 9:42-47 Intro: Back in 1992 when the Dallas Cowboys were preparing to play the San Francisco 49rs for the NFC Championship in San Francisco the Cowboys had a pep-rally at Texas Stadium. The audience cheered wildly for each player when he was ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Worship: Drawing Close To The Heart Of God Series

Contributed by David Yarbrough on May 20, 2002

What we do in one hour of corporate worship each week is to be a reflection of what we as individuals are doing the other 167 hours a week. In fact, God despises corporate worship if the worshipers have hearts that are not right with Him.

Intro: Back in 1992 when the Dallas Cowboys were preparing to play the San Francisco 49rs for the NFC Championship in San Francisco the Cowboys had a pep-rally at Texas Stadium. The audience cheered wildly for each player when he was introduced. The fans carried banners. They painted their fans and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:42-47, Psalm 100:4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Keep God's Word Close At Hand

Contributed by Christopher Raiford on Aug 1, 2002

Sermon on the importance of Christian education

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, How many of you have a cell phone that you usually take with you wherever you go? Let’s see a show of hands. How many of you know someone who hardly ever goes anywhere without their cell phone? Especially now that cell phones have become smaller, cheaper, and ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:9-14, Deuteronomy 30:1-33

Denomination: Lutheran

Close To The Cross But Far From The Blood

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Aug 13, 2002

Today, we find many people who are very close to the Cross and to Jesus; however, they are no different than someone who has never heard of the Cross or Jesus. You see, just like those who have never heard, they are not under the Blood of Christ!

Introduction: Today, we find many people who are very close to the Cross and to Jesus; however, they are no different than someone who has never heard of the Cross or Jesus. You see, just like those who have never heard, they are not under the Blood of Christ! You may ask, “Why do you have to be ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:24-39

Denomination: Baptist

From Closed Doors To Open Minds

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Apr 29, 2006

Contemporary Chrsitians are tempted to sit behind the secure walls of the church rather than engage the enemy of sin in the world. But, Christ Jesus calls us to leave the closed doors and open our minds to his gospel by living and sharing it with others.

Luke 24: 36 – 48 Closed Doors to Open Minds Intro: Agoraphobia – fear of open spaces – people who cannot go outside and spend their entire life closed up inside a house or apartment. I’ve often wondered how these people earn a living or get their groceries. What happens when they get sick? --- ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-48, Acts 3:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Close To Sinners, Far From Sin Series

Contributed by Pat Cook on Nov 13, 2005

25th in series on Joshua. This is about avoiding evil, but still being near unbelievers. Somehow Jesus was holy, even though He was near unholy people. It must be possible for us too.

Joshua 23:1-16 – Close to Sinners, Far From Sin There’s an old story about a man who tried to save the city of Sodom from destruction by warning the citizens. But the people ignored him. One day someone asked, “Why bother everyone? You can’t change them.” “Maybe I can’t,” the man replied, ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 23:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

So Close, And Yet So Far

Contributed by Ron Hicks on Aug 16, 2006

On judgment day, many will recognize God’s voice, then realize just how close they were to Him and yet was so far away.

SO CLOSE, AND YET SO FAR Eph 2:13 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Sitting across the table from Him was Judas. (Been with Jesus throughout His entire ministry, leaves the table, sneaks out into night to betray Him) Wasn’t he close ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Closing The Loose Ends Of Your Life

Contributed by Scott Sharpes on Aug 27, 2003

A message dealing with all the loose ends of life that tend to zap our energy, leaving nothing behind for revival. What can you do to change it?

Title: Closing the Loose Ends of Your Life: Preparation for Revival: 08/31/03 West Side A.M. Service Text: Matthew 8:18 and 19:16-22 Labor Day Purpose: A sermon of preparation for revival, as well as a message dealing the all the loose ends of life that tend to zap our energy, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:18-22, Matthew 19:16-22

Denomination: Nazarene

Close To The Cross, But Far From The Blood

Contributed by Jeremy Morford on Mar 15, 2008

Four Soldiers were at the foot of the cross, but they were not repenting, but gambling! Why? Because they were distracted by Duty, Desires, and Deception.

Intro: Easter is coming earlier this year and I have been thinking about the cross. This morning, I would like to look at four men whose names we are not given. They are the four soldiers that gambled for Jesus’ clothes. One of the mysteries of the crucifixion is that there were so many who ...read more

Scripture: John 19:23-24

Denomination: Holiness