Sermons on Drawing Close To God:

So Close Yet So Far Away

Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Nov 1, 2003

This is a sermon the the Great Commandment with the thesis that one can not love God and yet hate people for whom Christ died. Love for humanity is proff of our love for God.

SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR AWAY MARK 12:28-34; DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9; I JOHN 4:15-21 --by R. David Reynolds In One Church from the Fence, Wes Seelinger writes: “I have spent long hours in the intensive care waiting room . . . watching with anguished people . . . listening to urgent questions: Will my ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Methodist

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

Who Occupied The Rest Room?

Contributed by Carmelo Orlando on Feb 21, 2024

Do you know that little room in which you are called to live intimately with Jesus? Are you sure there isn't someone else in your place? Find it out.

Judges 3:13 Eglon gathered the children of Ammon and Amalek around him, and went and smote Israel, and took possession of the city of palm trees. 14 So the children of Israel were servants of Eglon king of Moab eighteen years. 15 But the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, and ...read more

Scripture: Judges 3:13-30, Matthew 6:6

Denomination: Pentecostal

Close Encounters Of The God Kind (Pastor Jose Gomez Jr)

Contributed by Jose Gomez Sr. on Mar 8, 2006

In order to build effective relationships, there must be a desire to be close. This is what drives every good relations, friendship, marriage, and devotion to God.

Premise: Relationships are the most important things in life. They connect people in ways allow us to express God’s love through taking our mind off of ourselves. However, in order to build effective relationships, there must be a desire to be close. This is what drives every good relations, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Our Refuge And Strength A Close Look At Psalm 46

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Feb 19, 2025

Psalms 46 is a powerful declaration of the Sovereignty of God over all creation declaring that victory does not come through human might but by His divine power, when what was once stable and secure has crumbled and become chaotic.

God Our Refuge and Strength A Close Look at Psalm 46 By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: - One of the most powerful verses in scripture yet seemingly the hardest for us to adhere to is Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God…” I believe part of this may be due to our misunderstanding ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:10

Denomination: Apostolic

When One Door Closes, Another Opens: God's Plan SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

Sometimes our disappointments in life can become God's appointments, so don't let closed doors bother you. The things we think of as failures and problems can often end up being blessings in disguise.

In life, we often encounter doors of opportunity that open and close before us. But are these doors being opened and closed by God? While the exact phrase "When God shuts one door, He opens another" is not found in the Bible, it aligns with the truth that we will explore in this sermon. We will ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-10

Topics: Apologetics General

Open Doors And Closed Doors: Listen To The Spirit PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 15, 2024

Explores trusting God's plan, persisting through challenges, and promoting His ministry, as exemplified by Paul and Timothy.

Good morning, dear friends. It is a joy to be here with you again, gathered in the name of our Lord. We are here to break bread, to share fellowship, and to delve into the Word of God. We are here to be encouraged, to be challenged, and to be transformed by the power of the Gospel. Today, we turn ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:1-10

Topics: Listening, Spirit

How Big Is Your God

Contributed by Kevin Jones on Mar 3, 2010

Having a close relationship with God

How Big is God to You? This morning I want to speak to you in a continuation of the series we just completed. A message that will help you as you put to practice the steps we have talked about the past 5 weeks about making Godly decisions and seeing 2010 become the best year of your life. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 147:11-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Under The Wings Of God Series

Contributed by David Gauthier on Jun 21, 2001

Finding refuge close to God’s heart.

As we left off last week, we saw how God had brought Naomi and Ruth through some very trying times. They had lost their husbands and were on a perilous journey back from Moab to Bethlehem. The lesson we looked at last week was that we have to come to the end of ourselves in order to find the ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Danger Close: Is The Christian Life Safe? Series

Contributed by Charles Wallis on Jan 22, 2009

If we are going to experience what the NT church experienced, to see the lost saved and lives changed, we cannnot life a "safe" life. We have to be close to the "danger."

Danger Close: Is the Christian Life Safe? January 21, 2009 What is the scariest thing that has happened to you? What did you do? If we are going to experience what the NT church experienced, to see the lost saved and lives changed, we cannnot life a "safe" life. We have to be close to the ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

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

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

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

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