Sermons on Closing The Gap:

The Yemptation Of Asceticism

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Sep 14, 2015

This is a Bible Study on some of the different ways the Church can withdraw from a missional focus and develop into a closed group of believers.

THE TEMPTATION TO ASCETICISM MATTHEW 17:1-9 LET’S BEGIN BY A DEFINITION OF WHAT ASCETICISM IS. NOUN 1. THE MANNER OF LIFE, PRACTICES, OR PRINCIPLES OF AN ASCETIC. 2. THE DOCTRINE THAT A PERSON CAN ATTAIN A HIGH SPIRITUAL AND MORAL STATE BY PRACTICING SELF-DENIAL, SELF-MORTIFICATION, AND ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

How Much Will You Risk In Worship?

Contributed by Scott Bradford on Aug 13, 2010

This sermon is about overcoming the the self controlling, self containment of worship to let oneself fully experiance a closeness of worship with God!

Michal, became embarrassed at King David’s dance. David responds “I’ll become even more undignified than this”. Michal is embarrassed by the manner in which her husband worshipped. Maybe we can ask ourselves: What Christian worship practices or styles of worship embarrass ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:12-23

Denomination: United Methodist

Heart Seekers

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Oct 18, 2010

God has opened the way to having a close, personal and intimate relationship with Him. Are we seeking after that type of relationship?

LONG AGO, EVEN BEFORE THE FIRST RECORDED WORDS OF GENESIS 1:1 SAID, "IN THE BEGINNING," GOD LOVED US AND CHOSE US IN CHRIST JESUS TO BE HOLY AND WITHOUT FAULT IN HIS EYES. HIS UNCHANGING PLAN HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO ADOPT US INTO HIS OWN FAMILY BY BRINGING US TO HIMSELF THROUGH JESUS CHRIST IN ORDER TO ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:12-13

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Cup Of Salvation

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Apr 20, 2016

What causes the psalmist to break out in his expression of love? The salvation of the Lord. Close to death, the Lord delivered him.

Psalm 116:1-19 The Cup of Salvation 4/20/00 Introduction Some of you may have picked up in the order of service that we are going through the six psalms of ascent sung by pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem for the Passover. As would have been traditional, Jesus and his disciples most likely ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 116:1-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Behold Your King

Contributed by Douglas Mcdaris on Feb 23, 2012

I want to consider the aspect of the kingship, the sovereignty of Jesus Christ, as revealed in the few hours at the close of His life on earth.

Behold Your King John 19:5 & 14 John 19:5   Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! John 19:14   And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! I ...read more

Scripture: John 19:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson Iii.b.3: Esau's Disappointment Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Nov 9, 2018

When Jacob had fooled his father and obtained the blessing, Esau (30) was close by, and busy preparing meat.

January 24, 2015 Commentary on the Book of Genesis By: Tom Lowe Lesson III.B.3: Esau's Disappointment. (Genesis 27:30-40). ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 27:30-40

Denomination: Baptist

“thomas: Believing The Risen King” Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Aug 7, 2016

Jesus' meeting with Thomas reveals the problem of a unbelieving heart and the persistence of a loving Savior to draw close to Him and believe and be blessed!

8 7 2016 “Thomas: Believing the Risen King” John 20:24-31 “Inquiring minds want to know?” was the caption on a supermarket tabloid for years. Most people are innately curious. People are also generally skeptical: they want proof or evidence in order to be convinced. We ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-31

Denomination: Baptist

Life’s Ups And Downs - Part 3 Of 3 Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 27, 2019

The Lord is close to all that call upon Him in sincerity, and is abundantly generous to them, and has promised to help and save them.

17 Let me not be ashamed , O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed , and let them be silent in the grave. Let me not be ashamed, O Lord The petition is the same as in verse 1; “In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.” ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 31:17-24

Denomination: Baptist

Eschatology 1 Of 16 The Rapture Of The Church

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Apr 13, 2022

I want you to pay very close attention today as we examine this scriptural passage that we will be reading from.

We hope these exciting things we are going to be reading about will take place during our life time, but if not during our life time, we know they will take place in the life of some Believers who will be living on the earth. Beloved, I am talking about the RAPTURE OF THE BELIEVERS! IS THE ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Romantic And Religious Love Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 17, 2021

The Christian can love on the physical level and the spiritual level. In Scripture the two become one, and are linked as closely as the body and spirit.

Love makes the world go round, says the one time popular song, and there are very few who will deny it. History reveals that one of life's greatest tragedies is to die unloved. During the Civil War, Charles Sumner was assaulted in the Senate chamber, and was seriously ill for months. ...read more

The Rapture Of The Church

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Aug 26, 2021

II want you to pay very close attention today as we examine this scriptural passage that we will be reading from.

We hope these exciting things we are going to be reading about will take place during our life time, but if not during our life time, we know they will take place in the life of some Believers who will be living on the earth. Beloved, I am talking about the RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH! IS THE RAPTURE ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Matter Of Thomas

Contributed by Laren Whaley on Apr 17, 2023

This morning’s message brings us behind closed doors with the disciples in those bewildering first days after Resurrection.

The Matter of Thomas John 20:19 - 29 (NKJV) 19Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20When He had said this, He ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-29, John 11:8, John 11:16, Psalm 139:6

Denomination: Church Of God

Hope In The Midst Of Sorrow

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 15, 2025

Sorrow is a reality of life, but it is not the final chapter. God is close to the brokenhearted, and He offers hope to all who trust in Him.

HOPE IN THE MIDST OF SORROW By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:10, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Matthew 5:4, Romans 8:18, Revelation ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 41:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Abiding In Christ PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 28, 2023

Explore and understand the profound truth of abiding in Christ, emphasizing the necessity, benefits, and challenges of maintaining a close, constant communion with Him.

Good morning, my brothers and sisters in Christ! Today, we're going to immerse ourselves in the profound truth found in the Gospel of John, Chapter 15, verses 1 through 11. It's all about the necessity, the benefits, and yes, the challenges of abiding in Christ. J.C. Ryle once said, "To abide in ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-11

Topics: Christ Central, Keeping Christ

The Lord Is Calling His People To Pray Fervently For The Nation

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Jul 13, 2008

PRAY FOR 1.OUR NATION 2.THE PLANS OF GOD TO BE FULFILLED 3. LEADERS WITH WISDOM AND INTEGRITY 4. BLESSINGS OF GOD UPON THE NATION5. 5. INTERCESSORS STANDING IN THE GAP 6.DIVINE STRENGTH AND DISCERNMENT 7. DIVINE AUTHORITY TO BIND THE PLANS OF THE ENEMY

THE LORD IS CALLING HIS PEOPLE TO PRAY FERVENTLY FOR THE NATION ************************************************************************ OUTLINE 1. PRAY FOR OUR NATION AND FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY SO THAT WE CAN LIVE IN PEACE 2. PRAY FOR THE PLANS AND THE PURPOSES OF GOD TO BE FULFILLED IN OUR ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal