Sermons on Closing The Gate:

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

Too Close Makes Us Uncomfortable Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Mar 1, 2011

is the fourth message in a series that will be a journey of discovery to gain a better understanding of the Holy Spirit's power, presence and role....This message looks at how we often experience discomfort with getting closer to the Holy Spirit.

The majority of Christians are extremely curious in regard to the Holy Spirit. We have heard accounts of people supposedly getting the Spirit. The vast majority of us over the years have received some vague teaching in regard to Him. However, if we were really honest we would have to admit that ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

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

Its About Time, Isn't It?

Contributed by Allan Kircher on Apr 16, 2013

We may not enjoy walking in the valley, but it is a necessary part of our Spiritual growth!

Pastor Allan Kircher Shell Point Baptist Church It’s about time, isn’t it? part two Nehemiah 3 We have seen the symbolism and rich meaning behind the first 3 gates of Jerusalem's 12 gates. • The sheep gate reminded us of Jesus, the Lamb of God. • The fish gate speaks of ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 3:1-31

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Needs Gate Shakers Today

Contributed by Michael Dephillips on Feb 8, 2003

Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against his church but where are the Gate Shakers today?

"We need some gateshakers" Luke 4:44 – 5:11 Want to describe this situation to you if I may. Jesus has been preaching in the synagogue to the religious people of his day, this would be the modern day church, and afterwards the people pressed upon him. Now I don’t know what the message ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Which Gate Should I Enter

Contributed by Tommy Ellis on May 10, 2002

What is the true way to God? Sermon describes the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. But . . . which is the true church? Both spiritual laziness and legalism are denounced, in favor of a sincere service of God, through humbling faith in Jesus.

WHICH GATE SHOULD I ENTER? Often people ask me which church they should join. I am always tempted to tell them to join an Assemblies of God church, since I belong to that fellowship. However, I believe God needs to direct them specifically. So, I simply encourage people to join one that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14, John 3:16-17

Denomination: Pentecostal