Sermons on Following Closely:

So Close And Yet So Far Away

Contributed by Mike Cleveland on May 26, 2008

The invalid man by the pool of Bethesda was so close to the healing waters, but yet so far away from being healed. The Jews who heard Jesus were so close to Him, so far away from genuine faith. Many go to church, and are so close to eternal life, but so f

Let’s turn in our Bibles to John chapter 5: As you’re turning let me tell you a story I read recently....once upon a time there was an explorer by the name of “Guitan” who was famous for his daring adventures and grand discoveries. Now one day Guitan heard that there was a treasure in a cave just ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Cost Of Discipleship

Contributed by Greg Yort on Apr 8, 2018

Call for people to become true disciples

Introduction Has anyone heard of a man by the name of Dietrich Bonhoeffer? Bonhoeffer was born into a large family in Breslau, Poland in 1906. He became a German pastor, theologian, spy, anti-Nazi dissident, and key founding member of the Confessing Church, who was one of few Christian churches in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22

Denomination: Church Of God

Sermon – When Following Jesus Gets Hard, Follow Jesus!

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Jul 1, 2025

When following Jesus gets hard, and it will, we must remind ourselves that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Be encouraged and Follow Jesus Anyway!

Sermon – When Following Jesus Gets Hard, Follow Jesus! Scripture - John 6:66-69 “At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give ...read more

Scripture: John 6:66-69, John 6:1-12, John 6:56-59, 2 Timothy 3:12, Luke 9:23, Mark 10:28-30  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

Part 30: The Blessings Of Being Close To God Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jan 12, 2012

When we draw close to God... 1. He will move us to the ultimate place (vs. 1-2). 2. He will give us His ultimate protection (vs. 3-10). 3. He will show us His unfolding prophecy (vs. 9-16).

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 30: The Blessings of Being Close to God Psalm 91:1-16 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Grayson Baptist Church - August 27,2017) (Revised August 18, 2025) BACKGROUND: *James 4:8 makes a great promise to us when it says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Part 30: The Blessings Of Being Close To God

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Aug 18, 2025

When we draw close to God... 1. He will move us to the ultimate place (vs. 1-2). 2. He will give us His ultimate protection (vs. 3-10). 3. He will show us His unfolding prophecy (vs. 9-16).

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 30: The Blessings of Being Close to God Psalm 91:1-16 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Grayson Baptist Church - August 27,2017) (Revised August 18, 2025) BACKGROUND: *James 4:8 makes a great promise to us when it says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Closing In On The Cross Of Jesus Christ: Part 1 Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Mar 25, 2023

Here God shows us... 1. His sure plan for our salvation (vs. 1-5). 2. The great evil of His enemies (vs. 3-5, 14-16). 3. The great love we should have for our Lord (vs. 6-7). 4. Some great reasons why we should love Jesus (vs. 8-13).

Closing in on the Cross of Jesus Christ: Part 1 The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 26:1-16 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared March 25, 2023) BACKGROUND: *In today's Scripture Jesus was just two days away from dying on the cross for our sins. And here, the Holy Spirit shows us some of the most ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Are You A Follower Of Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 1, 2011

Pray this, take this class, give this much money. Christianity has been minimized to a one time prayer, an occasional Bible study, and a regular monetary donation. What did Jesus really invite us to? Radical discipleship. Radical commitment. He dindn

Intro: With Rob Bell, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Michigan and his seemingly Universalist claims that everyone will be saved. It seems more and more the Gospel message is being muddled and what it really means to be a believer is misunderstood. From the time I was young I remember hearing just ...read more

Scripture: John 10:27

Denomination: Baptist

Dependence (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 7, 2010

Have we been able to identify the obstacles that keep hindering a close relationship with Christ and ask Him to help you to overcome them?

Opening illustration:  What does a teacher desire from his/her students?  What does a general desire from his soldiers?  What does a ruler desire from his citizens?  What do parents desire from their children? WHAT DOES CHRIST DESIRE FROM US? All these ...read more

Scripture: John 15:4-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Close Your Mouth And Open Your Ears Series

Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 14, 2001

If you’re always talking you can’t be taught.

Close Your Mouth and Open Your Ears James 1:19-27 I. Listen up A. Don’t just hear B. Listen and carefully consider II. Slow down A. Don’t speak impulsively 1. Consider words 2. Carefully choose them 3. What would Jesus do? B. Slow to anger 1. Just because you are justified, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Close Do You Want To Get?

Contributed by Mike Rickman on Dec 1, 2007

God is inviting you to get as close as you dare to get.

December 2, 2007 Evening Service Text: Exodus 33:7-23 Subject: The Presence of God Title: How Close Do You Want to Get? I have known a lot of different people. When I worked in a factory as a young man I think I knew every one of the 200+ people that worked there. When I worked in construction ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 33:7-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How Close Do I Need To Be? Series

Contributed by Matthew Bullen on Nov 14, 2006

a great series talking about what our values need to teach us in our everyday life.

Isaiah 59:19 (KJV) -According to national studies, 1 out of every 10 teenagers believes in absolute truth. -Live and you don’t have to listen to the other areas if you do not want to. When you aim at nothing it easy to hit the bulls eye. -We have got to understand that there has to be a standard ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 59:19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Silent Nights - Pt. 2 - Closed Doors Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Dec 15, 2013

We enjoy "Silent Night" at Christmas, but what if every night is silent? How do we endure quiet seasons of life when nothing is stirring . . . even God?

Silent Nights Pt. 2 - Closed Doors I. Introduction Silent night, Holy night All is calm, all is bright Round your virgin mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep heavenly peace, Sleep heavenly peace! Silent Night although it is one of the most popular (top 100) Christmas Songs of all ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:3-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

The Danger Of Following From Afar (Peter's Story)

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 11, 2025

Peter’s story is a powerful warning and an encouraging reminder. Though he followed from afar and fell, he also found restoration. Let us not be casual in our walk with God. A distant walk leads to disaster, but a close walk leads to destiny.

THE DANGER OF FOLLOWING FROM AFAR (PETER'S STORY) By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Matthew 26:57–75 “But Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.” – Matthew 26:58 (KJV) Supporting Texts: Luke 22:54–62, John 18:15–18, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:57-75

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Provokes Us To Follow And What Provokes Us Not To Follow?

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Aug 23, 2012

The sermon shares what provoked the disciples to follow and what provoked some to discontinue their following of jesus.

John 6:59-69 1. First let’s look at what provoked them from not following Jesus 60On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" A. Partiality to other Beliefs provoked them from not following “I f Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 6:60-69

Denomination: Methodist