Sermons on Closeness:

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

Just "That Close" To Loving God Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 7, 2010

Jesus told the young man that he "close to the Kingdom of God." What did He mean by that?

OPEN: In my files I have the observations someone made about how our culture uses the word “heart.” • For example, a person without compassion is described as "heartless," and we urge them to "have a heart." • The truly evil are "black-hearted" while godly saints have ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Danger Close: Is The Christian Life Safe? Series

Contributed by Charles Wallis on Jan 22, 2009

If we are going to experience what the NT church experienced, to see the lost saved and lives changed, we cannnot life a "safe" life. We have to be close to the "danger."

Danger Close: Is the Christian Life Safe? January 21, 2009 What is the scariest thing that has happened to you? What did you do? If we are going to experience what the NT church experienced, to see the lost saved and lives changed, we cannnot life a "safe" life. We have to be close to the ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Happens Behind Closed Doors Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 21, 2009

In worship God provides a way for us to deal with the lingering dirt in our lives, and offers us a vision of life’s beauty and possibility.

How many househusbands do we have here? Are there any househusbands? Not housewives … we don’t even say that word in these politically correct times! You know what I mean … how many of us men will admit that we get into the housework routine? Come on, I know about some of you! You have a working ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15

Denomination: Baptist

When God Opens And Closes Doors

Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Dec 12, 2010

How do you know whether it is right or wrong to switch jobs? How do you know if it is right or wrong to move from one place to another? If you’re making major decision, how do you know it is the right or wrong thing to do?

Intro: How do you know whether it is right or wrong to switch jobs? How do you know if it is right or wrong to move from one place to another? If you’re making major decision, how do you know it is the right or wrong thing to do? I think that there are times in our lives that doors seem to open ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:4-15

Denomination: *other

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

Getting Close Without Getting Hurt Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on Jan 8, 2008

This message explores the God given desire for intimacy without shame. Inspired by "The Seven Longings of the Human Heart" by Mike Bickle.

If I were to start this week’s teaching with a movie clip, as I have been known to do, it would actually be a collection of clips. All strung together in a row. Showing the same scenario being played out over and over again as shown to us in movies and TV shows. The sad part is that it is a real ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan

"So Close And Yet So Far!"

Contributed by Lee Miller on Aug 22, 2008

I believe there are hundreds of thousands and maybe even millions in the church of America and around the world who are close to, in other words, “not far from the Kingdom of God.”

“So Close and Yet So Far!” It was one of the best football games ever. Remember Super Bowl XXXIV between the Rams and Titans? In the final seconds Tennessee was driving for the game-tying touchdown and on the final play Kevin Dyson caught a pass over the middle and lunged ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Mennonite

God's Desire To Be Close And Intimate With Us Series

Contributed by John Gullick on Jul 5, 2007

A sermon that considers God’s desire to be intimate with us and how to respond

The character of God. The sovereignty of God The compassion of God The justice of God The eternity of God The intimacy of God. The Apostles Creed. - James 4:8, “Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.”This morning I want to highlight the fact that God is knowable. - This morning I ...read more

Scripture: James 4:8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Too Close Makes Us Uncomfortable Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Mar 1, 2011

is the fourth message in a series that will be a journey of discovery to gain a better understanding of the Holy Spirit's power, presence and role....This message looks at how we often experience discomfort with getting closer to the Holy Spirit.

The majority of Christians are extremely curious in regard to the Holy Spirit. We have heard accounts of people supposedly getting the Spirit. The vast majority of us over the years have received some vague teaching in regard to Him. However, if we were really honest we would have to admit that ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

The Church Is Closed But The Grave Is Still Open!

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Apr 14, 2020

I delivered this sermon Easter Sunday 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

Title: “It’s Easter the Church building is Empty” Scripture: John 20 and various Type: Thematic Where: GNBC Easter 2020 Intro: Today is Easter Sunday 2020, and as such, it is in my opinion the most important day of the Christian calendar. This is the day we celebrate Christ’s triumph over ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Sermon # 16 - The Lord Is Close At Hand Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on May 1, 2023

When our situations are gloomy and dark and there seems no hope, remember the Lord Jesus is close at hand and He specializes in transforming lifeless situations to those brimming with life and fruitfulness.

In Mark 16:1, we read, “And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.”(KJV) The Lord Jesus as He had already predicted to His disciples on several occasions, was crucified on a cross at ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1, Luke 8:1-3, John 20:10-11, John 20:14-15, John 11:3, John 11:6, John 11:32, Numbers 17:5, Numbers 17:8, Luke 2:48-49, Luke 1:32, Colossians 1:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Close To The Enemy's Fire

Contributed by Rich O' Toole on Jan 24, 2024

While Jesus is on trial, Peter is warming himself at the enemy's fire

Close to the Enemy’s Fire Mark 14:53-64 Good morning. Solomon asked in Proverbs 6:27, Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? NKJV According to bibleref.com, “This passage of Proverbs warns of the dangers associated with adultery. This statement is echoed by a common ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:53-64

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Divine Direction Through Closed Doors

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Nov 21, 2025

Every closed door has a divine purpose behind it. God never shuts one door without preparing a better one. His “No” today may be leading you into a greater “Yes” tomorrow.

DIVINE DIRECTION THROUGH CLOSED DOORS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Acts 16:6-10 Key Verse: “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” (Acts 16:9) Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 30:21; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28; Revelation 3:7-8 INTRODUCTION: In the journey of life and ministry, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God