Sermons on Closeness:

The Heart Of Heaven (Come Close) Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon introduction sets the stage for a series on Following Jesus, aiming to help listeners either connect with Jesus for the first time or deepen their existing relationship, using the analogy of how perspective changes with distance.

I’m excited to be kicking off this Following Jesus series. Over this series, we’re going to lean into 4 key themes found in the Bible and in the Following Jesus book. It’s our desire and goal that over the next few weeks you’d either connect with Jesus for the first time or you want to deepen your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:50-51, Luke 15:11-24, Luke 19:1-10

Topics: Following Jesus, Spiritual Growth, Divine Perspective

Sermon Series: Following Jesus

Iwant God Close To Me Series

Contributed by Kevin Higgins on Dec 23, 2007

Emmanuel...God is close to us. What we really want is to feel that He is close to us.

Matthew 1:18-25 iWant God Close To Me Woodlawn Baptist Church December 23, 2007 Christmas is certainly about a lot of things: family, food, presents, shopping, get-togethers and most importantly, about the birth of Jesus Christ. For the past few weeks I’ve been preaching a series titled All iWant ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:23

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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