Sermons on Encounter:

Miracles

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Apr 19, 2022

It can be confusing to understand when to expect God to intervene in our lives in the form of a miracle and when not to expect it. Jesus' encounter with a widow who had just lost her only son can give us some clues.

Two weeks ago we wrapped up the account of the Sermon on the Mount from Luke’s Gospel. This morning we take up the story again of the amazing things that happened as Jesus traveled from town to town in Israel, announcing and demonstrating the kingdom of God. This morning’s text is Luke 7:11-17. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-17

Not Far From The Kingdom Of God

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on May 5, 2022

You've heard the phrase, "close but no cigar". It communicates that getting almost there is not good enough. Jesus had an encounter with a teacher of the law in Mark 12 where he tells him that he was not far from the kingdom of God.

NOT FAR FROM THE KINGDOM OF GOD Mark 12:28-34 You've heard phrases like, "close but no cigar" or “almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades”. These communicate that getting almost there is not good enough. Jesus had an encounter with a teacher of the law in Mark 12 where at ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-29, Philippians 3:4-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Disciple Peter - Former Memories Kindled – Part 4 Of 4 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 14, 2022

Peter was miserable for 2 plus days with the whole sense of failure drowning him. His whole life changed when he had that special encounter with the Lord and was restored. God deals in restoration for all of us and lifts us out of failure.

THE DISCIPLE PETER - FORMER MEMORIES KINDLED – PART 4 OF 4 SERIES - THE CHARACTERS IN JOHN’S GOSPEL John 20 v 1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb, John 20:2 and so she ran and came ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-9, Galatians 6:1-3, Luke 24:32-36, 1 Corinthians 15:4-5, John 21:1-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Set Free By Grace: Living In The Freedom Of Romans 8:1 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Apr 2, 2024

In Romans 8:1 we encounter the profound reality of God's grace that sets us free from condemnation. Let us delve into this passage together and discover how we can live victoriously in the freedom that Christ offers.

Set Free by Grace: Living in the Freedom of Romans 8:1 Introduction: Today we embark on a journey through the liberating truths of Romans 8:1. In this scripture, we encounter the profound reality of God's grace that sets us free from condemnation. Let us delve into this passage together and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1, John 10:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Who Shall Roll Us Away The Stone?

Contributed by Grant Adams on Sep 13, 2025

The women on their way to apply spices to the body of Jesus were concerned because the inability to roll the stone away. To their surprise they discovered the stone had already been rolled away, leading to their encounter with the angel who announced Jesus's resurrection.

Here in our text, we find 2 ladies going to the grave side of someone they love very much! As they approached the place where Christ was, or so they thought, they brought him sweet spices to show remorse, regret, and respect for who he was. As they approached the grave site they were forced with a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:55-58

Denomination: Baptist

The Journey Of Faith

Contributed by Darrin Fish on May 7, 2014

Have you truly encountered God’s grace? Has he revealed to you the depth of your sin? Has he awakened you to the miracle of his mercy? Has he offered you a new and fuller life? And are you will to take Him up on his offer.

The Journey of Faith Acts 9:1-22 Background Story • The church is flourishing in Jerusalem, • But resistance is intensifying, • It’s all starting to come to a head following the death of Stephen, • Stephen can be viewed as the church’s first martyr. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-3

Denomination: Christian Church

Zacchaeus

Contributed by Lucy Paynter on Sep 7, 2019

Every time I read the gospels recounting of Jesus ministry I am amazed at how every turn, route or path Jesus took was a planned season for someone to encounter him. Jesus entered and passed through Jerico and this time it was Zacchaeus season of visitation.

Luke 19 King James Version (KJV) 19 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zaccheaus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10, Revelation 3:20, Psalm 139:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Finding Faith In Unexpected Places SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

Philip leaves a place of spiritual revival to venture into a desert, seemingly barren of life. Yet, it is here that he encounters an individual chosen by God to receive His word. This narrative explores the theme of finding faith in unexpected places and the divine guidance that leads us there.

Today, we will explore the fascinating account of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, as recorded in the book of Acts. This story highlights the work of the Holy Spirit, the power of God's Word, and the role of a faithful servant in leading someone to faith in Jesus Christ. Philip's Divine ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-39

Topics: Faith, Divine Guidance, Evangelism

The Passion Of The Magi Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Nov 3, 2008

Today, we look at the wise men. There is one thing which sets this God encounter apart from the others in the Nativity story. Mary, the shepherds and Joseph weren’t expecting or looking for anything special to happen in their lives. The Magi weren’t eithe

The Passion of the Magi Matthew 2:1-12 Jeff Vanderhoof writes, Earlier this month I was privileged to fly to England with the incoming class of ordinands, the Bishop, and others from our Conference. It was an outstanding experience, one that I will treasure for years to come. Part of me expected ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Methodist

Zacchaeus

Contributed by Clay Gilbreath on Mar 24, 2007

Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus teaches us about His ministry. Insignificant to us may be significant to Him; He always has time to minister; He doesn’t really care what self-righteous think; His mind was on His mission.

LUKE 19:1-10 Imagine the story with me. Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem. He knew what awaited him there, he knew he was going to be received royally, then in a matter of days, he would be crucified and murdered. He understood this was God’s master plan to offer salvation to the world – ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Three Significant Things About Jesus Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jun 15, 2005

From this encounter with Jairus and the sick woman, we learn three things about Jesus: (1) No one who comes seek Jesus will be ignored; (2) No situation in your life will ever be a problem to Jesus, and (2) He always respond to your faith.

Look at how Jesus treats people. Here we have a miracle inside of a miracle! Again we see two apparently hopeless situations. • Again Mark highlights to us Jesus as the Hope of the Hopeless; the Help of the Helpless. • The problem is not the ‘problem’ (sickness, difficulty…). Jesus can tackle ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Independent/Bible

New Beginnings

Contributed by C Jordan on Dec 29, 2007

God wants to do a new thing in all of our lives as we head into this New Year. New Beginnings start when we realize that we are powerless to change ourselves, but we look to God for an encounter with Jesus that can change us forever.

NEW BEGINNINGS FOR A NEW YEAR INTRODUCING VISION 2008: 2007 was TRANSITIONS; 2008 is NEW BEGINNINGS. OPENING TEXT: “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19

Denomination: *other

Thunder In The Mountains, Silence In The Soul

Contributed by Carl Greene on Jun 21, 2010

Elijah the great prophet shows us his humanity when he panics after a triumphant encounter with Baal worshipers. But God never gives up on him, God feeds him, shelters him, and speaks to him, not in the thunder, but in a still quiet voice.

Ever been caught in a disaster? Chances are that all of us will be at some point, whether it’s a personal crisis or something more widespread such as a tornado or an earthquake. Doesn’t it seem we’re used to hearing about disasters every day? Some, like the oil spill, or the sudden flood in the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-15

Denomination: Methodist

The Faith Of Rahab

Contributed by Daniel Austin on Oct 30, 2009

In Hebrews 11 we encounter faith’s Hall of Fame. In this roster we read the names of truly famous biblical characters such as Abraham, Moses, and David. However, there is one name in particular listed this Hall of Fame which raises a few eyebrows. That na

The Faith of Rahab 01/09/05 AM Reading: Hebrews 11:1-13 Text: Joshua 2:1-24 INTRODUCTION In Hebrews 11 we encounter faith’s Hall of Fame. In this roster we read the names of truly famous biblical characters such as Abraham, Moses, and David. The list is an extended one, as we would expect. Most of ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 2:1-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Spider And The Web

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on May 30, 2009

It is so very easy to drop your guard and your readiness and give in to the complacency that boredom sometimes offers. I thought how similar we are with the temptations we encounter; often we take no real account of giving in to a little temptation here o

The Spider and the Web Call to Worship Psalm 85:8 8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints— but let them not return to folly. Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed