Sermons on Opening Gates:

Prayer Changes Lives

Contributed by Tim Hinrichs on May 8, 2012

Intercession for the lost does not guarantee salvation but it opens tremendous doors for those that we intercede for and the Lord is calling us to faithfully pray and follow that up with our testimony of love.

Last week we looked at the foundational parts of having a close encounter with God. (Close Encounters with God) We saw how God wants to meet with us every day and that face to face encounter begins with our welcoming him. Then we worship him. We pour out our hearts to him. And finally we ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:20-33

Denomination: Lutheran

When Jesus Says Come

Contributed by Pastor/Author: Terry Sisney on Aug 12, 2011

When Jesus Says Come: He has just opened a door for you to a greater life than you could imagine, but it will cost you something to get it.

I prophesy right now that before this message is over, somebody is going to hear Jesus say come. It’s going to be just as real for you as it was for Peter on that stormy night, Jesus has not changed and he is still calling people to walk on the water and somebody ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-32

Denomination: Pentecostal

Easter Sunday, Expectations. Series

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Apr 5, 2015

The day of Jesus resurrection was a day of the unexpected, are we open to the unexpected taht God puts before us so that we might live in understanding of him and by his power?

Easter Sunday, expectations. I may have mentioned Nikolai Ivanovich Bukharin previously. But during his day Nikolai was as powerful a man as there was on earth. As Russian Communist leader he took part in the Bolshevik Revolution 1917, was editor of the Soviet newspaper Pravda (which by the way ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-23, Acts 1:7-8

Denomination: Salvation Army

Jesus From The Beginning

Contributed by Eric Hanson on Dec 7, 2013

Jesus' redemtive mission is hinted at even in the vey beginning chapters of Genesis. This message explores the Christmas Story in light of prophetic scriptures. It is a real encouraging and eye opening piece.

JESUS FROM THE BEGINNING (part 1) Pastor Eric J. Hanson December 1, 2013. At this time of year, believers in Jesus Christ need to take time to reflect on the wonderful things God has done through the Lord Jesus. First of all, God became a man. This is the very heart of what is called “The ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Stressed Or Blessed?" Series

Contributed by Kendall Hicks on Apr 25, 2016

This series is loosely based on a series by the same name offered by Life.Church. You can find their materials at open.church. There you will find videos, transcripts, outlines, and graphics.

A pet store delivery truck was making its way through town when the other travelers couldn’t help but notice the peculiar behavior of the truck’s driver. Every time the truck came to a red light or stop sign, the driver would jump out of the truck with a baseball bat in his grasp, run ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Chameleanity

Contributed by Shawn Miller on Feb 20, 2016

Chameleanity is Chameleon Christianity, the art of blending in with the world in order to avoid detection, persecution and ridicule. This is a message about Christians coming out of the closet and living our faith in the open.

Chameleanity Introduction: In one of Aesops fables he tells of the Miller, his Son, and his donkey. The two of them were riding their donkey to a nearby fair to sell him. They hadn't got very far when they met with a group of women that were chatting around a well, they began laughing ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Are You A Piece Of Merchandise?

Contributed by Kelly Durant on Jul 16, 2016

Deceitful pastors are on the rise and are a serious problem as we often lose members to false churches. Here is a way to deal with the situation to open eyes to appreciate the freedom and truths they have/

Are you a piece of Merchandise? Capt. Kelly Durant 7-06 The fleecing of the sheep by deceiving pastors! 2 Peter 2:3 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. John ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:3

Denomination: Salvation Army

Sixth Seal Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 12, 2017

The martyrs cried, “Avenge us!” but the unbelievers on earth will cry, “Hide us!” The opening of the “sixth seal” will produce worldwide convulsions and catastrophes, including the first of three “great earthquakes."

By: Tom Lowe Date: 11/17/2015 Title: (19) Sixth Seal: Cataclysmic Disturbances (Revelation 6:12-17) Revelation 6:12-17 (KJV) 12 And I beheld when he had ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Never Quench The Spirit Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jan 12, 2018

The Holy Spirit is our Guide today and we must be open to His direction. When we try to go our own way we quench His efforts.

1. 1 Thessalonians 5.16-24 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Persistent Prayer

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Oct 21, 2019

Jesus teaches us to pray always, never give up, and keep the faith until he returns. This kind of prayer keeps the line open with God throughout the day.

Luke 18:1-8 Persistent Prayer George Mueller prayed for a man for 63 years to come to Christ, and finally the man did so. When Mueller died, he had documented 50,000 answers to prayer! 5,000 of those were answered on the day he prayed for them, which means that about 90% of the time he had to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Job 1:21, 2 Peter 3:8-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Belief, Believing And Faith - Interchangeable Terms?

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Jul 23, 2020

The word “believe” is broad and is open to all kinds and variations of meaning depending on what the person has in mind. What does the Bible say about belief, believing and faith?

Belief, Believing and Faith - Interchangeable Terms? Today we will be reading from Hebrews 11:1-6 We live in the era of cheap grace and easy salvation. “Just repeat after me.” “Did you mean that with all of your heart?” “You’re saved! Write that date down in your Bible and make sure you tell ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-6, 2 Corinthians 5:17, James 2:14-26, Ephesians 2:8-10

Denomination: Nazarene

The Son Of Man Is Coming

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 7, 2018

Are we ready to open the door for Jesus upon His return? Let’s look at the parable of the waiting servants in Luke 12:35-48. A Year D Sermon.

Are we ready to open the door for Jesus upon His return? Let’s look at the parable of the waiting servants in Luke 12:35-48. Ready Luke 12:35 “Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit.” As a household servant would have had the lamps lit for the owner’s return, so do many of us leave an ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:35-48

Denomination: Baptist

The Doorkeeper

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 5, 2018

We are to be Doorkeepers: loving the House and Presence of God, and opening the doors of the Kingdom of Heaven to those without knowledge. As Doorkeepers, we're to go in and bring others with us.

THE DOORKEEPER Ps 84:1-10 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A little girl and her older brother were visiting their grandfather's farm – their first time out of the city. The older brother decided to play a trick on his younger sister. He told her that he had just seen a man-eating chicken. 2. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 84:1-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Message 6 - 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 – Paul Answers Matters Of Eschatology Asked Of Him – Part 1 (Verses 1-8) Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 29, 2022

This chapter opens with teaching on the Day of the LORD and then progresses to practical issues in the Christian life. We will look at the breastplate and the helmet, items for our protection. Paul loved these people at Thessalonica.

MESSAGE 6 - 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 5 – PAUL ANSWERS MATTERS OF ESCHATOLOGY ASKED OF HIM – PART 1 (Verses 1-8) PART 1. PAUL ADDRESSES TEACHING ON THE DAY OF THE LORD {{1Thessalonians 5:1 “Now as to the times (stretches of times) and the epochs (particular times), brethren, you have no need of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3, John 10:10, 2 Peter 3:10-11, Revelation 16:15-16, 1 Thessalonians 5:4, Matthew 24:3-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8, John 1:4-5, 1 John 1:5-7, 1 Corinthians 2:12-13, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 5:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Lord Is Faithful

Contributed by Larry Grant on Sep 25, 2022

A preacher once said, "We may sometimes be in as much or more danger from false and pretended friends as from open and avowed enemies." But the Lord is Faithful!

2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 NKJV The Lord is Faithful September 25, 2022 Intro: This second letter, from the pen of Paul, is written to a church that is experiencing great spiritual growth, 1:3. They are a giving, loving church that is active, growing and reaching out, 1:5. However, this church is ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Denomination: Baptist