Sermons on Closer:

Joshua 3: "Canaan’s That-A-Way—let’s Go!” Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Mar 8, 2024

Israel had moved even and ever closer to Canaan, their Promised Land. They were still on the eastern side of the Jordan River, but now it was time to cross over. Imagine Joshua saying, "Canaan's that-a-way! Let's go!"

Introduction: Israel had endured 40 years of wandering here and there in the desert wilderness but now was just a few miles from the Promised Land. They had camped near the Jordan River at a place called Shittim, and while there the two spies had gone to Jericho and returned. One can almost feel ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Is It Wrong To Doubt God? Series

Contributed by Dana Chau on Sep 4, 2022

What is one doubt you have about God? What if you knew healthy ways of dealing with doubt that would bring you closer to God instead of pushing you away? Get ready to discover how we can respond when we experience doubt!

Is It Wrong to Doubt God? Genesis 2:15-17 and 3:1-6. Psalms 73. John 20:24-28. (If you feel this sermon is helpful, you are welcome to visit https://danachau.thinkific.com/ for a free online course.) Sometime ago one of my daughters asked me "If you could ask Jesus one question, what ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-28, Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 3:1-6

Denomination: *other

How To Thirst For God

Contributed by David Scudder on Dec 4, 2011

What do we need more than anything else in our lives? We know that the answer is "God" but do we really live that way? Trials reveal what we are trusting to make life work. Here we see David's deep longing to be closer to his God.

INTRODUCTION: "In his riveting and unsettling book Night, Elie Wiesel describes his boyhood experiences as one of the countless victims of the Holocaust. Ripped from his home and separated from everyone in his family except his father (who would die in the death camps), Wiesel suffered a dark night ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Why "Doubting Thomas" Got A Bad Rap

Contributed by Austin Mansfield on Jun 3, 2007

In our world today we face doubts all the time. Doubts in our ability to be salt and light. Doubts in God’s ability to use us for his great plan. Doubts about our worthiness to God. But Thomas let his doubts bring him closer to Jesus.

Sermon – 060423 (Set up: Time Hack request with music minister -- Check watch at start of sermon, tap it a few times then ask music minister the following:) “What time is it?" (No matter what answer is given say:) "Naw, that can’t be right. (walk over to her to look) Let me see your ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

You Can't Mean That, God? Overview Of Habakkuk

Contributed by Warren Bird on Dec 15, 2002

When Habakkuk asked God to eradicate evil he got an answer he never expected. His reflections on that answer help us to consider how to respond to evil, how to understand why God allows evil to cause great suffering and draws us closer to our Lord.

Introduction One of the great literary achievements of the 20th Century has become one of the great cinematic achievements of the 21st Century. The first instalment of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy is quite simply a phenomenal film that has brought to life a phenomenal book. And that is a ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Nothing But Christ

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Dec 15, 2008

If your goal is truly to serve the Lord and come to an ever increasing knowledge of Him...the Holy Spirit is here to take you on that most exciting journey...right to the throne of God...to His table where He will draw you closer to Him than you ever drea

NOTHING BUT CHRIST EPHESIANS 2:6 New Years resolutions ? Some say they are nonsense...just for breaking...but I believe there may be some validity in the basic concept. There is an old song that has a particularly special meaning. It says, "Jesus has a table spread, where the saints of God are ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:6

How Close Is Your Miracle?

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Sep 5, 2011

God's Word tells us, and I believe it...we serve a mighty God...a loving God...a miracle working God. He wants to work in your life so that you will draw closer to Him and that through you others will also come to know Him.

HOW CLOSE IS YOUR MIRACLE? 2 KINGS 4:1-7 I've tried to look at ministry through the eyes of Jesus. What was the message Jesus preached? If pastors are to carry out His ministry until He returns, it would be good to know what type of message and ministry Jesus had when here on earth. The good ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Life Quest

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Jun 2, 2011

Our LIFE QUEST is one of building lives of obedience (MSG, 2Cor 10:6). Many of us have learned that the more obedient we are to God’s authority the more we grow like Him, the closer we get to Him and the better life is because of Him.

LIFE QUEST Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, MSG Text: Verse 6 – “Building lives of obedience into maturity” (All other references are quoted from NASB unless otherwise stated) A boy had been disobedient. His mother sent him to the corner and said “you sit there” to which he responded with folded ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Denomination: Salvation Army

Focus Amidst The Storm

Contributed by Rakesh Sharma on Oct 25, 2024

In times of uncertainty and chaos, maintaining our focus on Jesus becomes essential for navigating life's storms. Today, we'll explore how our focus can empower us to overcome doubt and distractions, leading us closer to our God-given purpose.

>> Opening Bible Verses John 6:16-21, Mark 6:47-52, Matthew 14:24-33 As evening fell, the disciples found themselves in the middle of the sea, battling fierce winds and rising waves. Amid their struggles, Jesus approached them, walking on water, and reassured them, "It is I; do not be ...read more

Scripture: John 6:16-21, Mark 6:47-52, Matthew 14:24-33, Psalm 16:8, Colossians 3:2, Exodus 14:19, Exodus 15:22-27, Exodus 16:1-7, Exodus 16:11-12, Numbers 14:4, John 16:15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Gratitude As A Lifestyle Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Nov 10, 2024

We’re challenged to move beyond occasional thankfulness and embrace gratitude as a daily decision. Gratitude is more than a reaction to blessings—it's a way of life. By living gratefully, we grow closer to God, and become a powerful witness of His goodness to the world around us.

### Introduction Video Ill.: Thanksgiving Every Day — Freebridge Media Transcript: Today we are thankful. We give thanks to God for His love, His mercy, and His faithfulness. We give thanks for family and friends, life and laughter, and the little things which bring joy to our lives. We give ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Nehemiah 8:10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Is The Source Of Temptation?

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jul 26, 2023

The sermon title asks, What is the Source of Temptation? Just who is it who lures us into sin? We immediately want to say Satan and blame him. We say, “the devil made me do it,” but the answer is a bit closer to home. Thankfully, the solution is as close as prayer.

For the next few weeks I would like to talk about temptation. What is it that tempts you? Is it food? We all have a favorite food. We get a whiff of it, and our mouth starts watering. It's so tempting. The urge to take a bite of cake may not necessarily be a bad thing, but we're often ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Go – Go -- Go Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Sep 16, 2012

BEFORE WE LOOK AT THE PASSAGE THIS MORNING, I NEED TO ASK YOU ALL TO DO SOMETHING FOR ME TODAY. I NEED YOU ALL TO HUDDLE UP. IN OTHER WORDS, KIND OF GET CLOSER TO EACH OTHER. IN FACT LET US KIND OF POOL OURSELVES TOGETHER IN THE CENTER OF THE SANCTUARY

GO – GO -- GO ACTS 8:26-40 NOW AN ANGEL OF THE LORD SAID TO PHILIP, "GO SOUTH TO THE ROAD--THE DESERT ROAD--THAT GOES DOWN FROM JERUSALEM TO GAZA." 27 SO HE STARTED OUT, AND ON HIS WAY HE MET AN ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH, AN IMPORTANT OFFICIAL IN CHARGE OF ALL THE TREASURY OF CANDACE, QUEEN OF THE ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Baptist

It’s Time To Wake Up! Time Is Short Series

Contributed by Saumiman Saud on Feb 3, 2025

Last Tuesday I heard news that a church member at Sacramento suddenly passed away. On Sunday I actually still had a chance to chat with him after my sermon. That makes me realize that our time always gets closer. Then what should we do with such a short time?

It’s Time to Wake Up! Time is Short by Rev. Saumiman Saud THE TIME HAS COME (It’s Time to Wake Up! Time is Short) (Romans 13:11-14) Last Tuesday I heard news that a church member at Sacramento suddenly passed away. On ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:11-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Your Walk With God–a Sermon Based On Enoch

Contributed by Peter Pilt on Apr 19, 2019

Both Enoch and Eve walked with God. But they have very different results. What can we learn about the walk of Enoch

There are three main types of Bible translations: word-for-word, thought-for-thought and paraphrase. A word-for-word translation attempts to translate each Hebrew or Greek word into a corresponding English word. However, some consider a word-for-word translation harder to understand, particularly ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6, Genesis 5:25, Hebrews 11:5, Amos 3:3, Genesis 6:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Endurance Series

Contributed by Louis Mare on Feb 5, 2023

trials and difficulties can be opportunities for growth in our faith. As we endure them, we become more like Christ and grow closer to God. So, let us consider it all joy and trust in God's strength as we face the trials in our lives. May the Lord bless you and keep you

I want to look at James 1 verses 2-4 which says: "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4, Job 1:20-22, Hebrews 11:8-10, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible