Sermons on Closeness:

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

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

Go Into Your Room, Close The Door And Pray

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Oct 17, 2013

God is calling his people to be persistent in prayer. God is calling his people to be changed, to be transformed through prayer. God is calling to those who truly enjoy and who truly yearn to spend time with Him.

Let us pray -- O' Heavenly Father, we come before you this day and we ask that you reveal more about the nature of prayer. May our hearts and our minds be open to your Word this day. We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus your son and our Savior .... Amen. A young man went into a drugstore to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 8:3-4, Matthew 6:5-6, Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Anglican

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

Silent Nights - Pt. 2 - Closed Doors Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Dec 15, 2013

We enjoy "Silent Night" at Christmas, but what if every night is silent? How do we endure quiet seasons of life when nothing is stirring . . . even God?

Silent Nights Pt. 2 - Closed Doors I. Introduction Silent night, Holy night All is calm, all is bright Round your virgin mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep heavenly peace, Sleep heavenly peace! Silent Night although it is one of the most popular (top 100) Christmas Songs of all ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:3-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Take A Far And Close Look At The Baby In The Manger

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Dec 24, 2020

John shows us the Word made flesh to live and die for us.

12.25.2020 John 1:1-5, 9-14 When the first Star Wars movie came out, it was rather unique in that it started with a scrolling dialogue describing what had happened prior to the movie, so you’d at least have some clue as to what was going on and be able to follow along better. The same thing ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Denomination: Lutheran

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

Open Doors And Closed Doors: Listen To The Spirit PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 14, 2024

Explores trusting God's plan, persisting through challenges, and promoting His ministry, as exemplified by Paul and Timothy.

Good morning, dear friends. It is a joy to be here with you again, gathered in the name of our Lord. We are here to break bread, to share fellowship, and to delve into the Word of God. We are here to be encouraged, to be challenged, and to be transformed by the power of the Gospel. Today, we turn ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:1-10

Topics: Listening, Spirit

Closing In On The Cross Of Jesus Christ: Part 1 Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Mar 25, 2023

Here God shows us... 1. His sure plan for our salvation (vs. 1-5). 2. The great evil of His enemies (vs. 3-5, 14-16). 3. The great love we should have for our Lord (vs. 6-7). 4. Some great reasons why we should love Jesus (vs. 8-13).

Closing in on the Cross of Jesus Christ: Part 1 The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 26:1-16 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared March 25, 2023) BACKGROUND: *In today's Scripture Jesus was just two days away from dying on the cross for our sins. And here, the Holy Spirit shows us some of the most ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:1-16

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

Shepherd Well Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Feb 23, 2023

God will keep you CLOSE as you keep close to His WORD.

Shepherd Well Acts 20:25-38 In his book, “They Smell Like Sheep,” Dr. Lynn Anderson relates an event that happened when he was in Palestine on a Holy Land tour with his wife. He said as the bus stopped alongside the road and looked into the countryside where many sheep were gathered, the tour ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:25-38

Denomination: Baptist

Marks Of Unity Series

Contributed by Duane Smith on May 21, 2006

A unified chruch will bring praise and honor to the Lord. In turn God will bless the church for their unity.

THE BOOK OF ACTS – WHEN LIFE IS ABOUT GOD Marks of Unity Acts 4:32-37 INTRODUCTION: A. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! David declared in Psalm 133:1 1. There is nothing better than a church, a group of brethren, who dwell together in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:32-37

Denomination: Baptist

An Encounter With God

Contributed by John Butler on Feb 28, 2009

See from the scriptures what takes place when we have a close encounter with God.

An Encounter with God Turn to Isaiah 6:1-8 I. Something More Than A Shout (Introduction)... I’m glad I go to a church where I can lift up the name of the Lord right out loud! Amen? I love singing songs, clapping and shouting in church just as much as the next guy, maybe even more! But ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Where Are You? Series

Contributed by Mark Nichols on Aug 4, 2008

The first question God asks is the question he cares about the most: Where are you?

TEXT: Genes 3:1-9 TITLE: Where are you? SERIES: Questions God Asks TOPIC: Sin & farness from God OCCASION: Burnside Christian Church, August 3, 2008 PROP.: The first question God asks is the question He cares about more than anything: Where are you? INTRODUCTION: Have you seen those ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Let's Make A Deal? Which Door?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Aug 17, 2018

Many think they can play eternal games like LET'S MAKE A DEAL without realizing the choices of the door may have great consequences. Let us study the choices about doors. (This is a several part lesson)

LET’S MAKE A DEAL? FINDING THE OPEN DOOR… By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com THE LATCH STRING… My Grandfather Hughes was born in 1878 in Lee County, Kentucky. The house was known as THE SUSAN HUGHES HOUSE. It was built in the early 1850’s. It was a log cabin. When I was young, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 19:6-9

Denomination: Assembly Of God