Sermons on How To Be Close To God:

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

Confidence In God

Contributed by Gary Bennett on Feb 24, 2003

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 should be the first thing we pray for each other and ourselves - that the Holy Spirit would strengthen and empower us to understand the vast extent of the love of Christ for us, and to know that love for ourselves.

ASPIRATIONS One of the new phrases dotting the political landscape of late has been the one "aspirational voters". As we come up to a State election, I’m sure we will hear that phrase many times from both sides of the political divide (which is itself a very narrow, very low outcrop of shifting ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Huddled Behind Closed Doors

Contributed by Howard Gunter on Apr 14, 2020

Today, many are huddled behind closed doors, fearing the dreadful disease - Coronavirus.

Message/Devotion April 19, 2020 John 20:19-31 Huddled Behind Closed Doors As I read today’s gospel message, it was abundantly clear to me that today masses of people are huddled behind closed doors due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Some are in a self-imposed lockdown. Some are in a lockdown ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31, 2 Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 41:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Behind The Closed Doors Of Easter

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Mar 25, 2008

There isn’t a locked door strong enough to keep Jesus out.

Behind Closed Doors of Easter John 20:19-29 Mar. 23, 2008 FBC, Chester Mike Fogerson, Pastor Introduction A A Muslim said to a Christian, "WE Muslims have one thing you Christians do not have. When we go to Medina (Saudi Arabia), we find a coffin and know ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Of The Closed Door - Laodicea Series

Contributed by Graham Kettle on Dec 19, 2017

Laodicea was the second of the seven churches of Asia to receive no commendation from the Lord. Such a state requires us to look very carefully at this church, which lived within an affluent society whose attitudes clearly rubbed off on the church.

THE CHURCH OF THE CLOSED DOOR READING Rev 3:14-22 1. INTRODUCTION Laodicea was the second of the seven churches of Asia to receive no commendation from the Lord. Such a state requires us to look very carefully at this church. Can it teach something to us today? We shall see as we move through ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22

Denomination: Church Of God

From Behind Closed Doors

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jun 9, 2011

Sermon for Ascension Sunday, 2011

Luke 24: 44 – 53 / From Behind Closed Doors Intro: The following item appeared in the Lewiston, Idaho Tribune – “The crossword puzzle which should have appeared in today’s Tribune appeared instead in yesterday’s together with the answer to the puzzle that should ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:44-53

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Reconnecting With God

Contributed by Ivy Drafor-Amenyah on Jul 9, 2024

We often move away from God without noticing it. We all need to return to Him, approach Him and reconnect with Him. This needs to be periodic

We often move away from God without noticing it. Let us return to Him, approach Him and reconnect with Him. God always wants us to be in close fellowship with Him, since the days of Adam in the Garden of Eden. Our sins keep moving us from Him. We often withdraw ourselves from Him in our mind (our ...read more

Scripture: James 4:6-10, James 1:6-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

God Of Restoration

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Jul 24, 2021

Jonah is angry; God helps him to deal with it. God's action is a great example to us in how to help someone who's hurting. We also see how God sometimes speaks to Jonah. We should be aware that God may speak in this way.

Over the past four weeks we’ve been following a series on Jonah. Today we move on to the last chapter in the book of Jonah and the last talk in our series. Since some of you haven’t been with us as we’ve gone through the book of Jonah, I’d like to fill you in on what’s been happening. The prophet ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

God's Eye For The Praying Guy

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on May 16, 2005

God is more concerned with the soundness of your heart than with how your prayer sounds.

God’s Eye for the Praying Guy Matt. 6:6 April 3, 2005 FBC, Chester Mike Fogerson, Speaker "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:6

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Close Without Getting Hurt Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on Jan 8, 2008

This message explores the God given desire for intimacy without shame. Inspired by "The Seven Longings of the Human Heart" by Mike Bickle.

If I were to start this week’s teaching with a movie clip, as I have been known to do, it would actually be a collection of clips. All strung together in a row. Showing the same scenario being played out over and over again as shown to us in movies and TV shows. The sad part is that it is a real ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan

What Happens Behind Closed Doors Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 21, 2009

In worship God provides a way for us to deal with the lingering dirt in our lives, and offers us a vision of life’s beauty and possibility.

How many househusbands do we have here? Are there any househusbands? Not housewives … we don’t even say that word in these politically correct times! You know what I mean … how many of us men will admit that we get into the housework routine? Come on, I know about some of you! You have a working ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15

Denomination: Baptist

Powerful God Gentle Saviour

Contributed by Ian Johnson on Jun 3, 2003

God is all powerful: But He has chosen to restrict His power where you are concerned. He did this by giving Mankind a free will.

Powerful God, Gentle saviour. There are 4 types of people here tonight: 1)Born again accept & believe in the power of God to accomplish what ever he desires 2)B A but struggle accepting the power of God 3) A believer but no relationship with God 4) Sceptic who cant believe that God wants to touch ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:23

Denomination: Pentecostal

When God's Your Boss ...

Contributed by Mark Bauer on Jul 5, 2006

We are all called to prophets just as Ezekiel was called.

When God’s Your Boss… Jesus returned home to Nazareth was he coming home to rest? to visit family? see old friends? Whatever his reasons he brought his disciples with him this time. Maybe he came to Nazareth as one of his stops along his travels to share again with them the “good ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 2:1-5

Denomination: Lutheran

God's Conditions For Answering Prayer

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 4, 2004

Too many people are frustrated, discouraged and disillusioned when they do not get their prayers answered. Here are eleven ways to help bring in the reign of God and see His will done and find sweet relief.

God’s Conditions for Answering Prayer Too many people are frustrated, discouraged and disillusioned when they do not get their prayers answered. Here are eleven ways to help bring in the reign of God and see His will done in, through and with your life. Hebrews 4:15-16 - "For we do not have a ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:15-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God, Help! A-Men

Contributed by John Browning on Aug 6, 2007

Prayer is the center of our Christian walk. We all have times of need and our prayer life will keep us going. Even Christ had times of need.

Lord, Help! A-men By Pastor JC Browning August 5, 2007 Luke 11: 1 – 13 Matthew 6 : 5 – 13 Prayer is a central part of any Christian’s life, both Up’s and Down’s. Illustration: A story is told of a small group study that was done each week a church. Each week it would be held in a different ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13

Denomination: Baptist