Sermons on Closing The Gap:

Stay Close To The One With The Key

Contributed by Grant Macdonald on Jun 4, 2012

How can a church be really successful?

I am always thankful for Bill, but a couple of days ago, I was particularly thankful! Some of you might have noticed this recycling bin next to me. If you didn't notice it, you need to work on your powers of observation. (And no, this isn't my subtle way of tipping you off to the fact that ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When Open Doors Close Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Mar 17, 2013

Start of the 2nd missionary journey - Powerpoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info

SERMON OUTLINE: (1). A New Partner (15:40-41): (2). A New Helper (16:1-5): (3). A New Vision (16:6-10) (4). A New Convert (16:11-15) SERMON BODY: Ill: • One day when C.S. Lewis was in the tool shed in his garden. • And he noticed a sunbeam shining across the shed. • And it ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:1-5

Denomination: Brethren

Standing Fast And Following Close

Contributed by Ken Pell on Sep 13, 2010

With a constant barrage of attacks and pressure comes a danger of compromise and to surrender to the enemy which can be avoided by staying close (following) to the Savior.

STANDING FAST AND FOLLOWING CLOSE Rev. 7:13-17 Sermon Objective: With a constant barrage of attacks and pressure comes a danger of compromise and to surrender to the enemy which can be avoided by staying close (following) to the Savior. Supporting Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6-8; 1 Corinthians ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 7:13-17

Denomination: Nazarene

From Behind Closed Doors

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jun 9, 2011

Sermon for Ascension Sunday, 2011

Luke 24: 44 – 53 / From Behind Closed Doors Intro: The following item appeared in the Lewiston, Idaho Tribune – “The crossword puzzle which should have appeared in today’s Tribune appeared instead in yesterday’s together with the answer to the puzzle that should ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:44-53

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Close Encounters Of The Jesus Kind

Contributed by Carl Greene on May 10, 2008

A sermon challenging each member of the congregation to answer Jesus’ question... "But what about you? Who do you say I am?"

A Close Encounter of the Jesus Kind Matthew 16: 13-16 —William Willimon, “Who do you say that I am?” August 22, 1999, Duke Chapel Web Site, chapel.duke.edu. A student came to me and asked me to explain to her the difference between Christianity and Judaism. She is in love with a student who is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-16

Denomination: Methodist

Close Encounters Of The Holy Kind Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Dec 31, 2014

Isaiah encountered the living God and responded with a sense of awe and service.

1. Peter Marshall once prayed before the U.S. Senate: "Lord, we thank you that we can come to you just as we are. But remind us that we dare not leave as we came." (Senate Chaplain, '47-48) 2. What are some purposes of worship? a. Respect God; Love God; Honor God b. Dying in Service Little ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Huddled Behind Closed Doors

Contributed by Howard Gunter on Apr 14, 2020

Today, many are huddled behind closed doors, fearing the dreadful disease - Coronavirus.

Message/Devotion April 19, 2020 John 20:19-31 Huddled Behind Closed Doors As I read today’s gospel message, it was abundantly clear to me that today masses of people are huddled behind closed doors due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Some are in a self-imposed lockdown. Some are in a lockdown ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31, 2 Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 41:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Communion - Open, Closed, Or Cracked? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 7, 2020

Is the Communion Meal Open to all who profess Christ? Or is it overseen by the congregation hosting the meal and thus restricted to those who are in open fellowship with the assembly? The message is a study of this controversial question.

“In the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-32

Denomination: Baptist

A Safe Place To Come Close

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Sep 11, 2019

Humility and gentleness are keys for creating a church fellowship where people feel safe to come close to one another.

Last week we started with the dilemma of two porcupines on a very cold night, who needed to snuggle up close to each other to stay warm. But the closer they got the more they pricked each other with their quills, so they pulled apart. But the more they pulled apart, the colder they got. So it ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6, Matthew 11:28-29

Open House, Closed Minds

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on May 2, 2018

Life is about attitudes! You are a product of your menial everyday choices. The Pharisee invited Jesus to his house, but never gave him the proper care. Yet, they judged the lady that did what she could...

AN OPEN HOUSE WITH A CLOSED MIND? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com THERE WAS AN INVITATION FROM A PHARISEE, HE WAS A VIP (VERY IMPORTANT PERSON), SEARCH YOUR HEART AND YOUR ATTITUDES… BAD ATTITUDES ARE CHOICES… WHY ALL THIS WASTE? Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:37-47

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Open Tomb, Closed Case Series

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Apr 26, 2025

In our cynical world today, it's hard to trust anyone. All the institutions have been shown to be engaged in fraud, lying, and deception. But we can trust the Word of God and the God who gave us that Word.

Open Tomb, Closed Case Text: John 20:1-29 So we just celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And like I said last Sunday, it’s the most amazing event in all of human history. So even though we’re going to be back in John’s Gospel this morning, we’re right at the point ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-29, Romans 1:1-4, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Corinthians 15:14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Closing The Door For A Divine Encounter

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 14, 2025

The widow in 2 Kings 4 teaches us that divine encounters require faith, obedience, and separation. When we shut the door—removing distractions and focusing on God—miracles begin to unfold.

CLOSING THE DOOR FOR A DIVINE ENCOUNTER By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Kings 4:1-7 "Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

When The Mirror Is Too Close

Contributed by Gene Gregory on Jul 9, 2023

When Paul switches from them to us

- Read Romans 2 Last week we sought to address the question, “What happened to America”, What happened to my country. I believe most of us can admit that the second part of Romans 1 is a pretty fair description of what America looks like today. Look there again at Romans 1:28. - Read Romans ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Closing The Year Without Regret Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Dec 27, 2025

A timely call to intentional reflection, repentance, and wise action so believers can end the year fulfilled, aligned, and pleasing to God.

CLOSING THE YEAR WITHOUT REGRET By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Ephesians 5:15-17 Key Verse: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16) Supporting Texts: Psalm 90:12; Philippians 3:13-14; Ecclesiastes ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Being Thankful For The Close Of Year Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Dec 28, 2025

A call to recognise God’s faithfulness at the close of the year and to respond with genuine gratitude that positions us for greater blessings.

BEING THANKFUL FOR THE CLOSE OF YEAR By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Psalm 103:1-5 Key Verse: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2) Supporting Texts: Psalm 107:1; Lamentations 3:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Luke 17:15-19; Deuteronomy 8:10 INTRODUCTION As ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God