Sermons on Closeness:

Our Spiritual Checklist For 2008

Contributed by Jonathan Falwell on Jan 14, 2008

Today, as we bring this year to a close and we begin to think about 2008 and where this new year will take us, I thought it would be wise for us to take a look back at where we’ve been as a springboard for where we are going.

Our Spiritual Checklist for 2008 On July 1, 2007, as we celebrated our 51st anniversary of Thomas Road Baptist Church, we shared an important vision for the next five years of our church. We talked about some of the goals that we want to see accomplished and why we should try to accomplish them. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-25

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Wired For The Kingdom Of Light? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 12, 2011

God lit up the night with angels to celebrate Christ’s birthday. We can light up the world when we do the same... but are we wired to do that? (Uses a famous sycronized home light display as the opening and closing of the sermon).

Open with youtube video of Christmas lights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F44d2IzCrKo (beautiful synchronized Christmas light display featuring “Carol of the bells”) APPLY: The light show you just saw was put together by the Holdmans of Pleasant Grove, Utah. For the past few years 1000s of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-36

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What The Bible Says About Prayer Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 24, 2012

What is Prayer? To say that prayer is “conversation with God” is an oversimplification.” Prayer is the sincere desire of our souls spoken to God. Prayer is what allows us to establish closeness with the Creator. Prayer creates an awareness of God’s co

February 6, 2003 Title: What the Bible Says About Prayer Text: “And when you pray…” (Matt. 6:5). Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:5-13 What is Prayer? To say that prayer is “conversation with God” is an oversimplification.” Prayer is the sincere desire of our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-13

Denomination: Baptist

Amos - The Country Prophet (7:1-9:15) Part 3 Of 3 Series

Contributed by Rodney Fry on Oct 26, 2009

In this third and final lesson on Amos, we will... a. Focus our attention on the last three chapters which contain... 1) Five "Visions" of Amos 2) An "interlude" in which Amos defends his prophetic role 3) A closing glimpse of a b

"STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Amos - The Country Prophet (7:1-9:15) INTRODUCTION 1. In the first two studies on the book of Amos, we briefly surveyed... a. The "Oracles" of Amos, concerning sin and judgment of eight nations (ch. 1-2) b. The "Sermons" of Amos, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Psalm 91 - A Conditional Promise? Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Nov 17, 2009

No conflicts or predicaments should crush us, as long as we can draw close to God. We have no idea how long the onslaught of trouble might last or how deep the troubled waters may get, but they will pass and we will have ultimate deliverance.

Psalm 91:1-16 Everyone has favourite verses or chapters of the Bible. Words of promise, words of encouragement, others speak to us about God’s love and mercy towards us. Life is filled with problems, some small and some great and Psalm 91 has been and continues to be a source of strength, hope, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-16, Psalm 93:1, John 15:4, Psalm 32:7, Proverbs 18:10, Proverbs 29:25, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 34:17, Isaiah 26:3-4, Psalm 32:10-11, John 15:7, Isaiah 53:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Security In The Shepherd

Contributed by Christopher Nerreau on May 9, 2008

In a dialog with the religious leaders of Christ’s day, Jesus describes Himself as the "Good Shepherd". When we get a hold of what Christ was saying, then we will find security, peace and comfort. Today we will explore a little more closely what it means

“Security In The Shepherd” John 10:7-16 05/11/2008 By Dcn. Chris Nerreau Introduction: I know a man named Steven who grew up in foster homes. He went from place to place, family to family and averaged a move a year – By the time Steven was 9 he had lived in at least ten different homes. ...read more

Scripture: John 10:7-16

Denomination: Orthodox

Developing The Outward Focus Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 17, 2014

Paul has addressed our personal lives, church life, family life. These are introverted concerns, about us and those we are close to. As he concludes his letter, he wants to make sure we also transition to an extroverted focus.

Developing the Outward Focus (Colossians 4:2-6) 1. I have my taxes all done. I am one of those persons who gets stressed up by paper work and red tape, so I found it stressful just preparing my stuff for the tax preparer. So I have to tell an IRS joke. 2. The pastor got a call form the IRS. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Anger Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Dec 11, 2015

God knows our tendency to struggle in the area of anger. His Word gives us some instruction in this matter. Let’s pay close attention so that we might honor God in all things – even in our anger.

Series: There’s an App for That “Anger” Matthew 5:21-26, 39, 43-48 Open In Lille, France, a woman became fed up with neighbors parking outside of her home blocking her gate. For weeks, she asked and pleaded with them to not do it. She woke up before dawn one morning to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-48

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Three Things To Remember This Mother's Day

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on May 10, 2015

In this message, we will study closely the right attitude to our mothers, how we express our appreciation to them and the result when we honor them. The more we express our love and appreciation to our mothers, the longer our lives will be on earth.

Exodus 20:12 (NIV) "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." There are three things we are going to talk about from this verse: 1. What is the right kind of attitude we need to show towards our father and mother? We are to HONOR ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:12

Denomination: Nazarene

Strength To Stand-11 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Dec 5, 2017

11 of 11. Paul closes his direction to the Ephesian church by encouraging them to find their strength in the Lord. But where or how do God's people find strength to stand victorious? God’s people acquire strength to stand victorious thru a distinct...

STRENGTH To STAND-XI—Ephesians 6:10-20 Attention: Self-Conscious At The Gym: I was self-conscious about going to the gym, because I thought the pounds I had put on would make me stand out among the spandex-clad regulars. I chose a treadmill in the corner so I'd be inconspicuous. However, as I ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Man And His Message Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 22, 2017

Confessing sin is more than just speaking words; it may involve a broken heart. The mature Christian and those living close to God, recognize that their sin is degrading and offensive to a Holy God. Deep sorrow will flow from the heart when sin is confe

-AD 25-27- Judean Wilderness The Man and His Message (Isaiah 40:3) Matthew 3:2-12, Mark 1:2-8, Luke 3:3-14 All four Gospels quote Isaiah 40:3, and they assign it to John the Baptist, therefore I will accept their testimony. John the Baptist would fulfill this prophetic verse. A voice of one ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:2-12, Mark 1:2-8, Luke 3:3-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Rejected God

Contributed by Hans Krause on Oct 22, 2018

We can call ourselves Christians, go to church, give our tithes, etc. and yet have rejected God effectively. The picture Jeremiah gives of life in Judah comes close to life in the Christian West, with several gods competing for our loyalty.

[Sermon preached on 4 March 2018, 3rd Sunday in Lent / 3rd year, ELCF Lectionary] It is so endearing at times to see little children in a big supermarket or shopping mall. They come in with mom or dad, but as soon as they see something interesting—toys, candies, pets, or anything else that ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:16-26, John 8:46-59

Denomination: Lutheran

Memorial For A Dear Friend

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 11, 2017

A funeral message delivered on the death of a close friend. Though a good woman, she never professed Christ, nor did her family confess the Saviour. Nevertheless, they were good to me over a long period of time, showing respect for the Faith of Christ.

“Just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” [HEBREWS 9:27, 28]. Among the most difficult services over ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:27-28

Denomination: Baptist

Strength To Stand-10 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 25, 2017

10 of 11. Paul closes his direction to the Ephesian church by encouraging them to find their strength in the Lord. But where or how do God's people find strength to stand victorious? God’s people acquire strength to stand victorious thru a distinct...

STRENGTH To STAND-X—Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul urged the Ephesian church to find their strength in the Lord by effectively arming themselves. The church must acquire God’s strength to stand victorious. Where & How can the church find strength to stand victorious? 12 distinctions of the Christian ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

Touched By Others And The Passing Of Time

Contributed by Gordon Weatherby on Aug 26, 2013

This was a message for a unique worship service. A little country church that closed its doors years ago, and now just has one service a year. This was a Memorial service for all those who had died from the community over the previous 40 years.

TOUCHED BY OTHERS AND THE PASSING OF TIME Mark 14:1-11 INTRODUCTION: 1.) Today is certainly a special time as we assemble to remember the lives and contributions of members of this community who over the years have gone to be with the Lord. 2.) Today, I want us to see a good friend of Jesus. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ