Sermons on Closing The Gap:

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

Close To The Cross, But Far From The Blood

Contributed by Jeremy Morford on Mar 15, 2008

Four Soldiers were at the foot of the cross, but they were not repenting, but gambling! Why? Because they were distracted by Duty, Desires, and Deception.

Intro: Easter is coming earlier this year and I have been thinking about the cross. This morning, I would like to look at four men whose names we are not given. They are the four soldiers that gambled for Jesus’ clothes. One of the mysteries of the crucifixion is that there were so many who ...read more

Scripture: John 19:23-24

Denomination: Holiness

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

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

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

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

"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

The Church Is Closed But The Grave Is Still Open!

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Apr 14, 2020

I delivered this sermon Easter Sunday 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

Title: “It’s Easter the Church building is Empty” Scripture: John 20 and various Type: Thematic Where: GNBC Easter 2020 Intro: Today is Easter Sunday 2020, and as such, it is in my opinion the most important day of the Christian calendar. This is the day we celebrate Christ’s triumph over ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Sermon # 16 - The Lord Is Close At Hand Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on May 1, 2023

When our situations are gloomy and dark and there seems no hope, remember the Lord Jesus is close at hand and He specializes in transforming lifeless situations to those brimming with life and fruitfulness.

In Mark 16:1, we read, “And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.”(KJV) The Lord Jesus as He had already predicted to His disciples on several occasions, was crucified on a cross at ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1, Luke 8:1-3, John 20:10-11, John 20:14-15, John 11:3, John 11:6, John 11:32, Numbers 17:5, Numbers 17:8, Luke 2:48-49, Luke 1:32, Colossians 1:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Close To The Enemy's Fire

Contributed by Rich O' Toole on Jan 24, 2024

While Jesus is on trial, Peter is warming himself at the enemy's fire

Close to the Enemy’s Fire Mark 14:53-64 Good morning. Solomon asked in Proverbs 6:27, Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? NKJV According to bibleref.com, “This passage of Proverbs warns of the dangers associated with adultery. This statement is echoed by a common ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:53-64

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Divine Direction Through Closed Doors

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Nov 21, 2025

Every closed door has a divine purpose behind it. God never shuts one door without preparing a better one. His “No” today may be leading you into a greater “Yes” tomorrow.

DIVINE DIRECTION THROUGH CLOSED DOORS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Acts 16:6-10 Key Verse: “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” (Acts 16:9) Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 30:21; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28; Revelation 3:7-8 INTRODUCTION: In the journey of life and ministry, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Put Out Into The Deep! Deeper, Close.

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jul 17, 2025

Are we satisfied to stay the same? God's plan is to PUT OUT INTO THE DEEP. There is more. Ezekiel saw a revival of a closer personal walk with God.Will we stay in shallow waters?

PUT OUT INTO THE DEEP? LOOKING FOR THE CURE? COME DEEPER… By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) (TWO PART) FINDING DEEPER MEANING… SHALLOW V. DEEPER. I was in the 7TH grade and we lived in Oliver Springs, Tennessee. My mom wanted us to learn how to ...read more

Scripture: James 4:8, Luke 5:4, Ezekiel 47:1-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The God Who Opens Closed Doors Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 26, 2025

The God who opens closed doors is not limited by time, space, systems, or enemies. His authority supersedes that of men and principalities. When He opens a door, it stays open.

THE GOD WHO OPENS CLOSED DOORS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Revelation 3:7-8 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 22:22, Psalm 24:7-10, Acts 12:10, 1 Corinthians 16:9, Matthew 7:7 INTRODUCTION: There are times in life when opportunities, breakthroughs, and divine visitations are hindered by closed ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-8

Denomination: Assembly Of God