Sermons on Drawing Close To God:

The Rejected God

Contributed by Hans Krause on Oct 22, 2018

We can call ourselves Christians, go to church, give our tithes, etc. and yet have rejected God effectively. The picture Jeremiah gives of life in Judah comes close to life in the Christian West, with several gods competing for our loyalty.

[Sermon preached on 4 March 2018, 3rd Sunday in Lent / 3rd year, ELCF Lectionary] It is so endearing at times to see little children in a big supermarket or shopping mall. They come in with mom or dad, but as soon as they see something interesting—toys, candies, pets, or anything else that ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:16-26, John 8:46-59

Denomination: Lutheran

God's Special Servants: Deacons

Contributed by Greg Nance on Sep 6, 2003

Appointing Deacons reminds us of the challenges God has given to all of us to follow Christ closely and work for his cause.

God’s Special Servants: Deacons I found this interesting illustration that is appropriate to today’s celebration of our new deacons… **Bruce Larson, in his book "Wind and Fire," points out some interesting facts about Sandhill Cranes: He says: These large birds, who fly great distances across ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7, 1 Timothy 3:8-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Closing In On The Cross Of Jesus Christ - Part 3: How To Triumph Over Our Troubles Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Mar 31, 2023

1. Wake-up to our shortcomings (vs. 31, 33-35). 2. Keep worshiping the Lord (vs. 30). 3. Keep trusting in God's Word (vs. 31). 4. Keep waiting on the Lord (vs. 31-32).

Closing in on the Cross of Jesus Christ Part 3: How to Triumph over Our Troubles The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 26:30-35 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared March 31, 2023) BACKGROUND: *Today in Matthew 26 we are closing in on the cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus and His disciples ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:30-35

Denomination: Baptist

God Glorified Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Apr 16, 2009

Isaiah closes by describing the conditions that will exist after the restoration of earth & God’s people. The mission of Zion has always been to declare the glory of God to all the inhabitants of the earth. During the millennia His glory will be revealed

ISAIAH 66: 18-24 GOD GLORIFIED The last section of the Book describes the conditions that will exist after the restoration of earth and God’s people. The mission of Zion has always been to declare the glory of God to all the inhabitants of the earth. During the millennia the glories of God’s ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 66:18-24

Denomination: Baptist

Apostles' Creed: Jesus, Christ, Son, Lord Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Aug 14, 2019

A close look at the meaning and message of Jesus Christ, the Son, the Lord

APOSTLES’ CREED: Jesus, Christ, Son, Lord ***I began with a video of a Jesus dashboard bobblehead. You could use some pictures of Jesus, tattoos, or other cultural images of Jesus**** Who or what is Jesus? For some, he is a figurehead, a good luck charm, a cultural icon. For others, he is a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:20-21, Hebrews 1:1-3, Titus 3:3-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Intimacy Through Brokenness And Surrender Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 5, 2025

Intimacy with God often emerges through seasons of brokenness and surrender. It is in our weakest moments that we discover the depth of God's grace and the power of His love.

INTIMACY THROUGH BROKENNESS AND SURRENDER By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 57:15, Matthew 5:3, Luke 9:23, Romans 12:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Where Will You Be When The Door Closes? (November 12. 2017).

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Aug 14, 2020

Today’s text is about the stewardship of your soul. Have you been saved or is salvation like a taxi cab ride? There is a relationship beyond your baptism because as it has been said, “your baptism is like a wedding ring”.

WHERE WILL YOU BE WHEN THE DOOR CLOSES? Text: Matthew 25:1 - 13 The story is told of neighbors having a conversation. The “…were talking over the back fence. “I went to a wedding this weekend,” said one, “but I don’t think the marriage will last.” “Why Not?” asked the other. “well when ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: United Methodist

Discern Friendships And Maintain A Respect For Those Who Are Close To You Series

Contributed by Tim Pollock on May 19, 2016

Discern Friendships and Maintain a Special Respect for Those Who Are Close to Your Family

We only have one chance to raise our children. I would hate to get to the end of it and have to say, “Boy, that strategy sure didn’t work very well.” It might be ok to try some new ideas out when it comes to decorating the house or golf, but when it comes to children we must not ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 27:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

A Powerful Yet Compassionate God

Contributed by Rev Silvester David on Jul 1, 2025

We believe in a powerful God who is also filled with compassion. He does all things for His glory! His compassion draws us closer to Him.

We have started this year with dedicating ourselves to grow in the knowledge of our God. This growing journey is a lifetime process. We need to keep learning, keep experiencing and keep trusting Him in this process. John 11 records a beautiful story of a family which was close to Jesus during His ...read more

Are We Fully Lifting Up Christ?

Contributed by Joe Mack Cherry on Jun 9, 2024

Jesus tells us that if He be lifted up, He will draw all men up to Him.

Are You Fully Lifting Up Christ? by Joe Mack Cherry I. Introduction A. Do you believe God has your back? 1. Really, do you believe He has your back? 2. Can you think of a time when you knew that only He could help and He did? 3. Were you willing to tell others or were you be too uncomfortable to ...read more

Scripture: John 12:32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Stone Is Rolled Away Series

Contributed by Roberta Karchner on Apr 13, 2020

God is the God of the Unexpected

John 20 (New Living Translation): 20 Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 2 She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Submitting To God's Will Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Aug 4, 2023

True religion submits to God’s will for our lives.

INTRODUCTION • How willing are you to follow the lead and direction of another person? • Many of us would say it depends on who the other person is and whether they are or someone we trust and respect. • Let's say the person in question is someone you trust and respect. • Are you willing to be ...read more

Scripture: James 4:7-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Desire For Other Things Series

Contributed by Charles Cockroft on Jul 13, 2007

Standing in the storms requires a commitment and desire for a close relationship, mant have a desire for other things

Standing In the Storm #5 Desire for "Other things" The girl knelt in the confessional and said, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned." "What is it, child?" "Father, I have committed the sin of vanity. Twice a day I gaze at myself in the mirror and tell myself how beautiful I am." The priest ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:7-19, Mark 4:7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Hate Hypocrisy

Contributed by Nate Herbst on Feb 25, 2009

Hypocrisy among believers is the excuse people use to justify not trusting Christ; hypocrisy kills and it is time we as believers draw close to our Savior living in the light in honesty and integrity.

Hypocrisy vs. Living in the light
 Stories!!!
 Hypocrisy is terrible - Any of you like hypocrites? 
 I’m not pointing any fingers but after hearing these stories I decided this was too important not to address it. 
 1 Cor.5:11 - You must not associate with anyone who calls ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:8-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Rise Of Lawlessness

Contributed by Larry Cockerham on Oct 11, 2008

Various reasons for the recent rioting have been offered; such as, multiculturalism, poverty, unemployment; but the Bible predicts that the spirit of lawlessness will undoubtedly increase as the closing stages of this dispensation draws near.

State Police Commissioner Ken Moroney said this past week that the recent riots had destroyed the festive season for the residents of Sydney, Australia’s largest city. The disturbances were described as some of the worst outbreaks in their history. Fierce gangs numbering up to 5000 young white men ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8

Denomination: Baptist