Sermons on Closing The Gap:

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

Closing The Loose Ends Of Your Life

Contributed by Scott Sharpes on Aug 27, 2003

A message dealing with all the loose ends of life that tend to zap our energy, leaving nothing behind for revival. What can you do to change it?

Title: Closing the Loose Ends of Your Life: Preparation for Revival: 08/31/03 West Side A.M. Service Text: Matthew 8:18 and 19:16-22 Labor Day Purpose: A sermon of preparation for revival, as well as a message dealing the all the loose ends of life that tend to zap our energy, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:18-22, Matthew 19:16-22

Denomination: Nazarene

Keeping A Close Watch On Our Examples

Contributed by Todd Riley on Oct 18, 2000

Sometimes we do not want others following in our footsteps öthat could be our children, wives, fellow church members, co workers, etc.

Sometimes we do not want others following in our footsteps öthat could be our children, wives, fellow church members, co workers, etc. There are things about us, things that we have done, things that currently describe us that each one of us would say "Do not follow me in this" Between you and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Keep God's Word Close At Hand

Contributed by Christopher Raiford on Aug 1, 2002

Sermon on the importance of Christian education

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, How many of you have a cell phone that you usually take with you wherever you go? Let’s see a show of hands. How many of you know someone who hardly ever goes anywhere without their cell phone? Especially now that cell phones have become smaller, cheaper, and ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:9-14, Deuteronomy 30:1-33

Denomination: Lutheran

Close To The Cross But Far From The Blood

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Aug 13, 2002

Today, we find many people who are very close to the Cross and to Jesus; however, they are no different than someone who has never heard of the Cross or Jesus. You see, just like those who have never heard, they are not under the Blood of Christ!

Introduction: Today, we find many people who are very close to the Cross and to Jesus; however, they are no different than someone who has never heard of the Cross or Jesus. You see, just like those who have never heard, they are not under the Blood of Christ! You may ask, “Why do you have to be ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:24-39

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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

From Closed Doors To Open Minds

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Apr 29, 2006

Contemporary Chrsitians are tempted to sit behind the secure walls of the church rather than engage the enemy of sin in the world. But, Christ Jesus calls us to leave the closed doors and open our minds to his gospel by living and sharing it with others.

Luke 24: 36 – 48 Closed Doors to Open Minds Intro: Agoraphobia – fear of open spaces – people who cannot go outside and spend their entire life closed up inside a house or apartment. I’ve often wondered how these people earn a living or get their groceries. What happens when they get sick? --- ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-48, Acts 3:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

So Close, And Yet So Far

Contributed by Ron Hicks on Aug 16, 2006

On judgment day, many will recognize God’s voice, then realize just how close they were to Him and yet was so far away.

SO CLOSE, AND YET SO FAR Eph 2:13 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Sitting across the table from Him was Judas. (Been with Jesus throughout His entire ministry, leaves the table, sneaks out into night to betray Him) Wasn’t he close ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

Iwant God Close To Me Series

Contributed by Kevin Higgins on Dec 23, 2007

Emmanuel...God is close to us. What we really want is to feel that He is close to us.

Matthew 1:18-25 iWant God Close To Me Woodlawn Baptist Church December 23, 2007 Christmas is certainly about a lot of things: family, food, presents, shopping, get-togethers and most importantly, about the birth of Jesus Christ. For the past few weeks I’ve been preaching a series titled All iWant ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:23

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

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

"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