Sermons on How Close:

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

The God Who Opens Closed Doors Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 26, 2025

The God who opens closed doors is not limited by time, space, systems, or enemies. His authority supersedes that of men and principalities. When He opens a door, it stays open.

THE GOD WHO OPENS CLOSED DOORS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Revelation 3:7-8 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 22:22, Psalm 24:7-10, Acts 12:10, 1 Corinthians 16:9, Matthew 7:7 INTRODUCTION: There are times in life when opportunities, breakthroughs, and divine visitations are hindered by closed ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-8

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Divine Direction Through Closed Doors

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Nov 21, 2025

Every closed door has a divine purpose behind it. God never shuts one door without preparing a better one. His “No” today may be leading you into a greater “Yes” tomorrow.

DIVINE DIRECTION THROUGH CLOSED DOORS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Acts 16:6-10 Key Verse: “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” (Acts 16:9) Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 30:21; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28; Revelation 3:7-8 INTRODUCTION: In the journey of life and ministry, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Sermon # 16 - The Lord Is Close At Hand Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on May 1, 2023

When our situations are gloomy and dark and there seems no hope, remember the Lord Jesus is close at hand and He specializes in transforming lifeless situations to those brimming with life and fruitfulness.

In Mark 16:1, we read, “And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.”(KJV) The Lord Jesus as He had already predicted to His disciples on several occasions, was crucified on a cross at ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1, Luke 8:1-3, John 20:10-11, John 20:14-15, John 11:3, John 11:6, John 11:32, Numbers 17:5, Numbers 17:8, Luke 2:48-49, Luke 1:32, Colossians 1:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

The Church Is Closed But The Grave Is Still Open!

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Apr 14, 2020

I delivered this sermon Easter Sunday 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

Title: “It’s Easter the Church building is Empty” Scripture: John 20 and various Type: Thematic Where: GNBC Easter 2020 Intro: Today is Easter Sunday 2020, and as such, it is in my opinion the most important day of the Christian calendar. This is the day we celebrate Christ’s triumph over ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Why Should We Close 2024 Praising God?

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Dec 27, 2024

How do you view the year 2024? Whatever happened this year, let's have right perspective so that we can praise God and give Him thanks.

We will soon leave the year of 2024. Some people see 2024 as a difficult or even bad year because they experienced so many problems this year, whether in finance, relationships, or health. They may even lose something precious or someone they loved this year. So, they are disappointed with God and ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Close To The Cross But Far From The Blood

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Aug 13, 2002

Today, we find many people who are very close to the Cross and to Jesus; however, they are no different than someone who has never heard of the Cross or Jesus. You see, just like those who have never heard, they are not under the Blood of Christ!

Introduction: Today, we find many people who are very close to the Cross and to Jesus; however, they are no different than someone who has never heard of the Cross or Jesus. You see, just like those who have never heard, they are not under the Blood of Christ! You may ask, “Why do you have to be ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:24-39

Denomination: Baptist

How To Approach God Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Mar 17, 2013

Have you ever wondered how to approach God? Mankind makes up all kinds of ways to do it including external shows of relgious piety or elaborate ceremony. But in these three psalms we see God's recipe for drawing close to Him.

While Psalm 49 taught us that no amount of money can rescue you from the grave or redeem your life before God, Psalm 50 teaches that no amount of religious practice can save you from the wrath of God against evil. As in both psalms, only trusting in God for your salvation is what matters. This ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

How Much Will You Risk In Worship?

Contributed by Scott Bradford on Aug 13, 2010

This sermon is about overcoming the the self controlling, self containment of worship to let oneself fully experiance a closeness of worship with God!

Michal, became embarrassed at King David’s dance. David responds “I’ll become even more undignified than this”. Michal is embarrassed by the manner in which her husband worshipped. Maybe we can ask ourselves: What Christian worship practices or styles of worship embarrass ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:12-23

Denomination: United Methodist

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

Drawing Near To God

Contributed by John Oscar on Sep 14, 2017

Exploring how Moses drew near to God when everyone else ran away

Drawing Near To God CCCAG August 27th, 2017 Scripture- Exodus 20-18-21 Children and Santa Clause Which of us men here have had the experience of going Christmas shopping at a mall with your family? As a father of young girls, I found out very early that the only reason I am there is to deal with ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:18-21

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Respond To The Risen Savior Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jul 31, 2020

How should we respond to the Risen Savior? 1. Recognize who Jesus is (vs. 4-7). 2. Rush to get closer to Jesus (vs. 7-8). 3. Receive from Jesus (vs. 9-14). [1] Food. [2] Fellowship. [3] Forgiveness.

Respond to the Risen Savior The Gospel of John John 21:1-14 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - August 22, 2018 (Revised July 31, 2020) BACKGROUND: *Tonight in John 21, we will take another look at one of the Lord's appearances after He rose again from the dead. In this Scripture ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Rapture Of The Church (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Dana Visneskie on Jan 12, 2005

In this first sermon I discuss what the rapture is and show how close we really are to the Lord’s return. I give 5 points backed with news information that show the Lord could come back in our lifetime.

Title: The Rapture Of The Church (Part 1) Text: I Thess 4:15-18 and I Cor 15:51-52 Pray!!! Read Text!!! Introduction: While on a South Pole expedition, British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton left a few men on Elephant Island, promising that he would return. Later, when he tried to go back, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

God's Longings For Your Life #3: Renewal Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 8, 2015

How to be renewed: 1. Move closer to our Master (vs. 18-22). 2. Hold on to your hope (vs. 23). 3. Be strongly committed to God's Church (vs. 24-25).

God's Longings for Your Life #3: Renewal Hebrews 10:18-25 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - Sept. 14, 2014 BACKGROUND: *Over the past two Sundays, we looked at some of God's greatest desires for our lives. And we began with God's rescue: God wants to rescue all of us ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:18-25, Mark 1:35

Denomination: Baptist

When God Is Distant - Mark 15:34 And Psalm 22 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 30, 2024

What can you do when God is far away? You cry out to him and receive no comfort, no strength, it just seems like your prayers bounce off the ceiling. That actually happened to Jesus, and when it did, he quoted a psalm that teaches exactly what to do in times like that.

Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Introduction What can you do when God is far away? You cry out to him and receive no comfort, no strength, it just ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:34, Matthew 27:46