Sermons on Distancing:

Wise Men Overcome Worship Obstacles

Contributed by Don Schultz on Dec 31, 2003

The wise men encountered three obstacles as they sought to worship Christ - distance, unbelief, and lowliness. So do we.

MATTHEW 2:1-12: WISE MEN AND OVERCOME WORSHIP OBSTACLES (Distance, unbelief, lowliness) “Let’s worship God.” “Welcome to worship.” “Come and worship Christ on Christmas.” We use the word “worship” a great deal around here. What does it mean to “worship” God? What pictures fly into your mind ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

Homeward Bound

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 18, 2025

Through Christ, the orphaned heart finds adoption, belonging, and peace — turning every cry of distance into a song of homecoming.

There’s something universal about songs of longing. Every culture has them — songs that rise up from somewhere deep in the soul, where words alone can’t quite reach. The Irish have “Danny Boy,” the Armenians have “Dle Yaman,” the Jews sing “By the Rivers of Babylon,” and African-American slaves ...read more

Scripture: John 14:18, Psalm 27:10, Isaiah 49:15-16, Romans 8:15-17, Revelation 21:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Love Connection Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Nov 19, 2008

We are often frustrated at feelings of distance between us and God, but often do not have lives characterized by loving others.

The Love Connection Brad Bailey – October 19, 2008 Series: Becoming Friends with God I returned a week ago from Nepal… to be a part of… South Asia Vineyard Family Gathering. Included a few key Indian leaders… but mostly Nepali… about a quarter from the urban area of Kathmandu… many from NE India ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Finishing Strong Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Apr 3, 2001

As we look at the life of Solomon we will be challenged to finish strong and to go the distance. (Real people True Stories - part four)

"SOLOMON, FINISHING STRONG - A GOOD START ISN’T ENOUGH" TEXT: 1 KINGS 1-11 Have you ever noticed in life that a good start isn’t always enough. Now there is nothing wrong with a good start mind you, but it is often not enough to get us to the finish line, or to the winners circle. And ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Attractive World

Contributed by Martin Holland on Sep 7, 2012

One of the biggest challenges for believers today is to dwell in this world and yet remain his or her distance from its fatal attraction.

The Attractive World 1 John 2:15-17 The world is an environment that we dwell in. We have families, jobs, we own things and involve ourselves in worldly activities. Though there is maybe nothing wrong with any of these things they make it easier for us to become attached to the world beyond that ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:15-17

Denomination: Baptist

Intimacy With Christ--How Close Do You Want To Get

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Feb 14, 2018

God calls us in order for us to be in a personal relationship with Him. Why is it that we want to keep Christ at a distance in our lives.

Not A Fan: Choosing Intimacy 1/21/2018 Psalm 139:1-18 Luke 7:36-50 Some of the ideas in this sermon came from Kyle Idleman’s series Fan or Follower which we did at our church. We are in our third message in our series Not A Fan. We have looked at “Fan or Follower”, an “Open Invitation, and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-18, Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Position Yourself

Contributed by Samuel M on Feb 29, 2024

Position yourself at a distance or at a place where – God can see you, God’s word can correct and guide you,

Position yourself at a distance or at a place where – God can see you, God’s word can correct and guide you, God’s Spirit can get hold of you, God’s fear can grip you, God’s vast love can surround you, God’s amazing grace can pull you, God’s unfathomable wisdom can guide you, God’s enormous ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:3

The Peril Of Not Honouring God

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 12, 2025

Failure to honour God not only distances us from His presence but also attracts divine judgement and removes the covering of favour.

THE PERIL OF NOT HONOURING GOD By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Samuel 2:30 Supporting Texts: Malachi 1:6, Romans 1:21, Proverbs 3:9-10, Acts 12:21-23, Isaiah 42:8 INTRODUCTION: To honour God is to reverence, respect, and give Him the rightful place in every area of our lives. Honour ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Do You Ever Feel Like A Motherless Child?

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 31, 2025

Through Christ, every orphaned heart finds adoption and belonging—turning lament into song and distance into home in the Father’s embrace.

I. The Song That Never Dies Every culture has its songs of longing — the melodies that rise from somewhere words cannot reach. The Irish have “Danny Boy.” The Armenians sing “Dle Yaman.” The Jews mourn “By the Rivers of Babylon.” And from the dark fields of the American South came one of the most ...read more

Scripture: John 14:18, Romans 8:15-17, Luke 15:11-24, Philippians 3:20, Revelation 21:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Time To Engage: "Distant Discipleship”

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Feb 2, 2025

Last time we met I introduced what I called being a secret disciple. Today, I’d like to introduce another type of disciple, one seen in the life of Peter, which I am calling, being a distant disciple. A distant disciple is one who follows Jesus, but at a distance.

Time to Engage: The Journey to Discipleship “Distant Discipleship” Luke 22:54-62 Watch on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnO8Qw29I6w As you probably know, we’re on the third word in the vision I believe God gave to us last year. And this new series takes us into the issue of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:54-62, Luke 22:31-32

Denomination: Foursquare

Part 2: Putting Away The Old Self Series

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Oct 25, 2019

If we want to walk in God's freedom, a first step is to stop doing the things that distance us from our God.

If you go into Chicago, maybe to the loop or North Michigan Avenue on a warm evening, you might see a strange sight, a 19th century horse and buggy out in the street in the 21st century. It’s wonderfully quaint to be brought back in time to ‘the good old days,’ and see a real horse in modern ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-24

Homesick For Christ's Church Series

Contributed by Gordon Weatherby on Nov 25, 2016

Paul was imprisoned in Rome and longed to be with the churches. With great distance between him and the churches, Paul did what he could to minister to the churches.

HOMESICK FOR CHRIST’S CHURCH Colossians 2:1-8 Greenmount and O’Leary Churches of Christ November 20, 2016 Audio link to an mp3 recording of this message: http://chirb.it/sg5042 INTRODUCTION: 1.) The definition for homesick is: to be sad because you are away from your family ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Beyond Limits: Embracing The Divine Call To Go Further

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Jul 21, 2025

The challenge isn’t just about physical distance but about spiritual boldness, faith, and trusting in God's limitless mercy.

Introduction In today’s world, many believers feel constrained by circumstances, doubts, or limitations. Yet, God’s Word constantly calls us to go beyond what seems possible—to push past boundaries and embrace His divine purpose. The challenge isn’t just about physical distance but about spiritual ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:23

Denomination: Methodist

The Antidote For Depression

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Mar 6, 2021

There has been an ever-increasing rise of personal individualism that has led to multiple dysfunctional and destructive trends resulting in people either willingly or unwillingly distancing themselves from others and struggling to make meaningful personal connections.

"Then God said, "Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground. So God created human beings in his own image. In the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-27, 1 John 5:18, Psalm 23:6, Ephesians 2:19, Hebrews 10:25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Curiosity Isn't Enough

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 13, 2009

It is not enough to be curious about Christ, keeping your distance or living in the world unequipped. If you are merely curious, come closer and you will grow and mature.

We have a new puppy at our house. She’s about 11 weeks old. And is she ever curious! She is curious about everything. There is nothing that escapes her attention, and nothing that does not interest her. She has to sniff at the house plants; she pulls at the towels; she tugs at the bedspread ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:43-52

Denomination: Baptist