Sermons on Fear Of Being Close:

On Being Ready

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Nov 10, 2020

At any given time, on any given day, God's kingdom is revealing itself to us. Are you alert and ready to respond?

November 8, 2020 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Matthew 25:1-13 On Being Ready Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. “Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:13) Caribou Coffee opened ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Being One

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on May 26, 2022

Unity in the church is not forgetting out differences; but, working with them by loving and service each other and our community.

Being One – John 17: 20 - 26 Intro: The Matterhorn is one of the highest peaks in the Alps rising 14,692 feet. Four men attempted to climb the northern face of the Matterhorn, all roped together. As they crossed a particularly treacherous place, one man lost his ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Being A Radical

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Jul 26, 2022

Reform is what Jesus was looking for. He was called a radical. The Pharisees took notice of what He was doing. Corruption was destroying Judaism. Is it happening to Christianity today? When humans create an organization eventually corruption sneaks in.

Being a Radical John 4:1-6 Rev. Dr. Michael Harvey Koplitz John 4:1 And Jesus knew, that the Pharisees had heard; that he made many disciples, and baptized more than John. 2 Yet Jesus himself did not baptize but his disciples. 3 And he left Judaea, and went again into Galilee. 4 And in going, he ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-6

Denomination: United Methodist

Being Obedient

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 28, 2022

What is meant by having joy in serving? We are to be humble like Christ.

This passage is comparative to Isaiah 53, the prophecy of the suffering servant. There are several characteristics of Christ that are brough about in this passage of scripture: 1. He has consistently existed with God. 2. He is equivalent to God since He is God. (John 1: I, Colossians ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Being A Disciple

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Sep 3, 2022

There is a distinct difference between being a member of a church and being a disciple.

Being A Disciple – Luke 14: 25 - 33 Intro: I am going to propose to the Session to initiate three new provisions for continued membership in First Presbyterian Church. Those wishing to be members must: 1) submit to the Administration Committee a copy of your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-33

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Being Salt Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 31, 2023

Immediately following the Beatitudes, Jesus turned the instruction from character qualities of his followers to their function in the world as salt and light. Matthew 5:13 warns about failing to function as salt.

Intro We have found in our study of the Beatitudes that a certain kind of person is blessed (approved and favored by God). This follower of Christ has the same characteristics developed in him that we see in Christ. He is poor in spirit, mournful of anything that does not glorify God, meek, etc. It ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3-16, 1 Peter 2:9-12, Ephesians 4:1-3, John 3:1-19, Luke 14:35, 2 Corinthians 11:4-15, John 17:1-18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Being Gentle

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Sep 15, 2023

Looking at what it means to be gentle

Becoming Gentle Galatians 5:22-23 September 17, 2023 Fragile: Handle with Care – How often have these words been put on a shipment to protect the package. When we moved here, the movers told us if our dishes broke they were not responsible because they didn’t pack them. Have you ever packed and ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:5

Denomination: Baptist

Being Seen Series

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Oct 30, 2025

We are called to be like Jesus—to look up, to see the lonely and lost, to extend radical acceptance, to invite ourselves into people’s messy lives.

Title: Being Seen Intro: We are called to be like Jesus—to look up, to see the lonely and lost, to extend radical acceptance, to invite ourselves into people’s messy lives. Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Reflection Dear Friends, There is something about being seen, really seen, that changes ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Other

Being Thankful PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 23, 2023

This sermon explores the importance of expressing gratitude for God's blessings, guided by the celebration and worship depicted in 1 Chronicles 16.

Beloved, we gather here today, not as mere spectators, but as active participants in the divine drama of life. We stand on the precipice of a new revelation, an understanding that will not only illuminate our minds but also ignite our hearts. We are here to embrace the wisdom of the Word, to drink ...read more

Topics: Thanksgiving

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

"When Life Seems To Be Closing In"

Contributed by David Washburn on Mar 25, 2002

We will each have a time in our lives where life seems to be closing in. We can turn to Stephen and draw stength and wisdom from how he coped when life closed in around him.

One day a man falls off a cliff, but manages to grab hold of a tree limb on the way down. The man calls out, “Is there anyone up there?” A voice answers back, “I am here. It is I, the Lord. Do you believe in me?” “Yes, Lord I believe, I really believe, but I can’t hold on much longer.” “That’s all ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60

Denomination: Baptist

The Incredible Impact Of Being Choosen By God

Contributed by Glenn Newton on Jun 18, 2004

Of coarse we know that Loneliness, fear, and discouragement are not limited to the lives of the Early Church Christians. Today’s Christians live as strangers in a world of shifting values, questioning life issues, and some are short on Hope. Peter has

The Incredible Impact of Being Chosen by God 1 Peter 1: 1-2 Sept. 19, 1999 Text: 1 Pet. 1: 1-2 ILL: Bob Benson, in his book, “See You at the House” describes his childhood experience on the softball field. He was always a frail kid, so when the captains picked teams based on size, ability, or ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-2

Denomination: Nazarene

Who Will Roll Away The Stone? (Easter Sunrise 2015)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Apr 6, 2022

We seem to need the evidence of the stone being rolled away before we will believe. Is our fear creating distance between who we are and who God wants us to be?

WHO WILL ROLL AWAY THE STONE? Text: Mark 16:1- 20 Did you notice who saw Jesus first? Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome were wondering who would roll the stone away. That stone can be thought of as a metaphor---a barrier between belief and unbelief. As ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-20

Denomination: United Methodist

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

If We Say Humans

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Oct 28, 2013

To prove being afraid of people is not right.

I. EXORDIUM: Are you afraid of people? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To prove being afraid of people is not right. IV. TEXT: Mark 11:32 (The Message) 11:32 if we say 'humans,' we'll be up against it with the people because they all hold John up as a prophet." V. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:32

Denomination: Pentecostal