Sermons on Drawing Close To God:

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

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

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

The King Is Coming Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Mar 17, 2009

When the Tribulation period draws to a close the King of Kings will come again to usher in the new reign.

A Biblical View of the End Times The King Is Coming Revelation 19:11-21 Intro: Since the day man sinned in the Garden of Eden, the whole of history has been moving toward one tremendous event. That event is the day when Jesus Christ returns to this world in power and glory to reign. When Jesus was ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 19:11-21

Denomination: Baptist

Close To The Cross But Far From The Blood

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Aug 13, 2002

Today, we find many people who are very close to the Cross and to Jesus; however, they are no different than someone who has never heard of the Cross or Jesus. You see, just like those who have never heard, they are not under the Blood of Christ!

Introduction: Today, we find many people who are very close to the Cross and to Jesus; however, they are no different than someone who has never heard of the Cross or Jesus. You see, just like those who have never heard, they are not under the Blood of Christ! You may ask, “Why do you have to be ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:24-39

Denomination: Baptist

5 Tips For Christian Living In The New Year

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jan 16, 2024

Pray, ask God for guidance, and then write a simple statement on a piece of paper as a guidepost for the coming year. Put it on your fridge, and let it be a reminder to you through the year.

As we head into a new year, I want to give you some tips for how to live your life in the coming year. As people we should always be growing, always learning more about God, and always attempting to see ourselves becoming more like Jesus. That takes intentional decisions, decisions to live a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:35

Denomination: Salvation Army

A Good Cry Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 12, 2012

Go ahead, have a good cry if you need to. Then let your tears draw you close to others and to God.

There is a new trend in China’s changing culture, which I find very interesting. The trend is a Cry Bar and it’s spreading to several major Chinese cities. The first Cry Bar opened eight or nine years ago (2003) in the city of Nanjing with only a sofa, a few tables, and tissues – a lot of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:1-26

Denomination: Evangelical Free

When You Can’t Draw Near - Mark 7:1-13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 23, 2023

Legalism is an insidious problem because it allows your heart to drift far from God while making you think you’re doing great spiritually.

Mark 7:1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 2 saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were “unclean,” that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-13, Matthew 15:1-9

Drawing More Power From Christ's Resurrection

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Apr 10, 2006

Ten ways to draw more power from Christ’s resurrection to help you overcome problems.

Drawing More Power From Christ’s Resurrection This Easter we are besieged with scandalous attacks against the divine power of Jesus Christ with the DaVinci code, the gospel of Judas and the ABC series called the Jesus papers. Each of these heinous attempts to discredit, delude and deceive ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:22-36

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Draw Near #2 Lessons From The O.t. Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Mar 9, 2006

A look at 4 OT men who Walked With God: Enoch-Walk by Choice; Noah-Walk in Obedience; Abraham-Walk by Faith; David-Walk with all your Heart

Drawing Near #2 Lessons from the Old Testament Psalm 119:97-105 SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 119:97-105 INTRODUCTION: Last week we talked about Lessons from Mt. Horeb. At the same Mountain where God gave the 10 commandments, God showed that He passionately wants a close, personal relationship ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:97-105

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's Will For Every Church Series

Contributed by Patrick O'loughlin on Jul 19, 2010

How to stop your church from closing.

Text: Galatians 1:2-10 Title: God’s will for every church. Today we begin a new series on the book of Galatians. Today’s message is “God’s will for every church.” When Jesus founded the church he did so with a promise. “I will build my church and the gates of ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:2-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God Is Knocking At The Door Of Your Heart

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 14, 2025

The Bible paints a vivid picture of God’s love for humanity through Jesus’ invitation to every individual to open the door of their heart to Him.

GOD IS KNOCKING AT THE DOOR OF YOUR HEART By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Revelation 3:20 Supporting Texts: John 10:9, Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 11:28 INTRODUCTION: The Bible paints a vivid picture of God’s love for humanity through Jesus’ invitation to every individual to open the door of their ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Open Handed Blessings, Closed Handed Consequences

Contributed by Andrew Drummond on Jul 30, 2006

When we look back on all of the gifts that have freely been bestowed upon us by God we clearly see richness, yet how freely are we giving it away? I believe that Jesus desires that we not hoard these gifts, but give them away...

How many of you know what it is like to have a kid coming up to you asking for candy? I had Pastor Adam and Emi’s kids Harry and Jordan in my office the other day wanting a lolly. How do you look into the faces of those cute kids and say, ‘no’? You can’t. I opened up my drawer and gave them each a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:7-8

How To Build Close Relationships With Your Disciples

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Jesus knew how to win the trust, confidence and love from His disciples because He chose men who were committed to the goals of the heavenly Father. If you really want to have close relationships, base them around mutual goals of giving God glory through

If you want to know how to build close relationships with your disciples, follow the model given by Jesus Christ. Jesus loved His disciples and they loved Him with unmitigated affection. The Lord knew how to build relationships with the twelve apostles through intimate communications, sharing ...read more

Scripture: John 15:12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Of Mercy Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on May 27, 2003

God is so merciful, he draws us back even when we run away.

God Stories – Attributes of God The God of Mercy – Jonah May 25, 2003 Last week – the God of Justice – we are thankful that he is the God of Justice, that he does not let evil deeds go unpunished, but we are also thankful that he is a merciful God because we find it easy to say with the ...read more

Denomination: *other