Sermons on God Encounters:

The Hidden Work That Brings God’s Power

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 18, 2013

This encounter makes no sense (why would Matthew just get up and follow this man) unless you know the behind-the-scenes encounters that happened prior. This message unpacks the need for that hidden work in our lives to see God moves powerfully.

WHY DOES MATTHEW FOLLOW A STRANGER? The public commitment was preceded by behind-the-scenes work. - Matthew 9:9. - Matthew 4:18-22; John 1:35-42. - Matthew doesn't follow a stranger. He had a previous relationship with Jesus. This public moment was preceded by behind-the-scenes things. - The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9

Denomination: Baptist

Trusting God Or Money

Contributed by Jenny Franklin on Nov 1, 2023

This Rich Young Ruler is recorded in three of the gospels. (Matthew 19:16-26, Mark 10:17-27, Luke 18:18-27) In this encounter, a rich, young man chooses money over God.

The Rich Young Ruler: Seeking Eternal Life ?A ruler came running to Jesus and kneeled to him. He asked Jesus, "Good Master, what must I do to receive eternal life?" In Matthew's account, the ruler phrased the question slightly differently: "Good Master, what good thing must I do ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6, Leviticus 19:13, Matthew 19:16-26, Mark 10:17-27, Luke 18:18-27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Heaven's Open Door

Contributed by Carl Greene on Jul 18, 2009

In the middle of nowhere, Jacob encounters God and realizes God’s presence encompasses more that what just his eyes see.

Last week, we looked at a central figure of the OT, Abram, later named Abraham. We talked about some of the similarities between the unknowns of Abrahams life, such as the lack of any information about his childhood, and that of Jesus and how little is know of his childhood. We discovered that as ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-15

Denomination: Methodist

Jesus Questioned About The Afterlife Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Sep 21, 2023

This account tells us of the encounter between Jesus and the Sadducees. These were the sophisticated aristocracy class questioning Jesus. The Sadducees denied the resurrection

When a popular, but not so dignified preacher gave a chapel message at a prestigious university he offended a lot of people. He was straightforward and blunt. He called sin, sin and told the people they were lost without Christ. He presented the plan of salvation to them. He was not very ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:18-27, Daniel 12:2, Isaiah 26:19, John 11:25-26, Exodus 3:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

There is a huge difference between an encounter and a Close Encounter. In this 4 part series, learn the ingredients that are necessary to have a Close Encounter with God. You will be challenged by this series.

“Close Encounters” Pt. 1 - The Challenge From the very beginning we want to make it very clear that we are here on purpose. We believe that we have a very clear mandate from God. That mandate can be simply wrapped up in three words . . . Encounter, Equip, Engage. We are passionate and committed ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 44:11-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Terms Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

There is a huge difference between an encounter and a Close Encounter. In this 4 part series, learn the ingredients that are necessary to have a Close Encounter with God. You will be challenged by this series.

“Close Encounters” Pt. 2 - The Terms Review – I want to spend just a moment in review so you will remember what we discussed last Sunday since it is the foundation of where we are going this morning. I remind you of the Passion Process – our mandate is simply to Encounter, Equip, and Engage. We ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 5:11-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Time Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

There is a huge difference between an encounter and a Close Encounter. In this 4 part series, learn the ingredients that are necessary to have a Close Encounter with God. You will be challenged by this series.

“Close Encounters” Pt. 3 - The Time Review – You are going to get sick of this, but I want to make sure that you not only know it by memory but you know it by heart. Our mandate is simply to Encounter, Equip, and Engage. We illustrate this by Hands Up, Hands Open, Hands Out. We will do nothing ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 5:11-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Together Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

There is a huge difference between an encounter and a Close Encounter. In this 4 part series, learn the ingredients that are necessary to have a Close Encounter with God. You will be challenged by this series.

“Close Encounters” Pt. 4 - Together Review – Do a test. What is the process? And so to fulfill that process we must begin by having a close encounter. We started this whole thing off by declaring that we want to be a 2 Chronicles 5 church where the glory of the Lord fills this place and our ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 5:13

Denomination: Pentecostal

God's Awesome Love For Us

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Jul 24, 2006

We stand in awe when we consider the great love God has for us. Surrounded by such love, we can triumph in every trial or crisis we encounter.

GOD’S AWESOME LOVE FOR US “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NASB It is very difficult to select a text for a sermon that sets forth God’s love for every one of us because there are so many Scriptures from which to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:8

Denomination: Baptist

Nearer, My God, To Thee Series

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Dec 7, 2006

When we are most in need of a "Close Encounter with the Divine," is when we should look for God to build a ladder to us, that we might experience His grace and guidance.

Texts: Genesis 28:10-22 Date: Sunday, July 21, 2002 Author: Rev. Jonathan K. Twitchell Last week, we watched Esau trade in his birthright for a simple bowl of red stew. Overcome by hunger, he gave into his selfish, deceitful younger brother Jacob and traded the double portion of his father’s ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22

Denomination: Nazarene

The God Who Shows Himself

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Apr 17, 2019

This is a sermon based on Jesus' encounter with Thomas following the Resurrection. It focuses on how the LORD Jesus revealed Himself to Thomas and helped Thomas find faith, security and peace.

Scripture: John 20:24 – 31 Title: The God Who Shows Himself INTRO: Grace and peace this morning in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! I want to talk to you about the God who cares so much that He takes the extra time to reveal Himself to us even in those times that we may not ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-31, Judges 7:9-14, Luke 15:11-24

Denomination: Nazarene

Out Of The Whirlwind: Born To Trouble Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Oct 16, 2021

What job encounters in our text this week is a god who overwhelms and transforms him, even in the depth of his pain.

There’s nothing wrong with once in a while leaving the place of worship awestruck. It would become tiring on a weekly basis, but now and then, it is good to tremble at the threshold of the throne of God. I wonder this morning Wesley Does anyone come to worship expecting to encounter the living ...read more

Scripture: Job 38:1-11, Job 38:31-41

Denomination: United Methodist

The Burning Bush

Contributed by Samuel M on Jul 3, 2023

By looking at your lives, others around you should have a burning bush experience or an encounter with God. Let your lives be burning in the fire of God and in that fire, others around you should have an encounter with God.

By looking at your lives, others around you should have a burning bush experience or an encounter with God. Let your lives be burning in the fire of God and in that fire, others around you should have an encounter with God. Allow God’s fire to burn in your lives continuously until others have an ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:4, Exodus 3:14

Stepping Into A New Season

Contributed by Rick Adams on Jul 23, 2003

We serve a God of seasons. This sermon addresses three main points that saints encounter when we step into a new season of God.

Introduction This morning I want you to look around you. Look over this building, and the faces of those sitting around you. You see, this is a different place than you walked into this morning. And those of you who came into this place this morning are different, because you just stepped into ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Matthew 4:19, Isaiah 1:19-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Divine Fire Of The Holy Lord

Contributed by David Heflin on Feb 13, 2007

In this sermon, we look to one of the greatest texts in the Scripture and discover how Isaiah’s encounter with a holy God must become ours.

The Divine Fire of the Holy Lord Is. 6:1-8 PSCOC 2/11/07 Introduction: The perils of idealistic youth. When I was a young preaching student I was full of zeal for serving the Lord. The problem was is that I was also full of pride. I remember a particular song that I really identified with by ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ