Sermons on Opening Gates:

Come And See Jesus (John 1:43-51) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 5, 2022

Nathaniel is open-minded enough to come see Jesus for himself, and overcomes his initial skepticism. This makes him the ideal Israelite. Also, Jesus is not a ladder. Angels come "to" Jesus, not "upon" him.

This week, starting in John 1:43, we find ourselves on day 4. Let's just start there: (43) On the next day, he (Jesus) wished to depart to Galilee, and he finds Philip, and Jesus says to him, "Follow me." Already in the gospel of John, we've seen a number of people take the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51, 2 Samuel 7:14-16, Genesis 28:10-17

What Burns Your Heart?

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 11, 2003

"They said one to another, did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked with us by the way and while he opened to us the scriptures" (Luke 24:32).

A. INTRODUCTION ( Luke 24:13-21) On Easter Sunday afternoon, Jesus met two disciples who were returning home from Jerusalem. The reports of the empty tomb confused and discouraged them. Jesus explained to them the message of the resurrection. "They said one to another, did not our hearts burn ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

Tithing

Contributed by Dean Morgan on Sep 2, 2004

I don’t believe for one minute that tithing buys God’s blessing. But I do believe that it opens a door – or better, a “window” – of release for God to bless continually and mightily.

TEXT: Malachi 3:6-12 TITLE: TITHING Let me begin by making three statements about tithing: 1. Tithe means “a tenth” – Genesis 28:22 – “And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” The word tithe in the Hebrew ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:6-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Discover The Keys Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 17, 2006

Ephesians gives us keys that open us up to the powerful movement of the HS in our lives. The first key to understand it God’s overwhelming grace. In Christ we are made alive.

Ephesians 2:10 “Alive in Christ” INTRODUCTION If you don’t have the correct keys, you cannot unlock the door. This is true in our daily lives and it is true in our Christian lives, also. If we are going to live the abundant life that is ours in Christ, there are certain keys that we must ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Lutheran

Speaking Of Tongues Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 18, 2004

Greek Word Study which has convinced many open-minded that this sign gift has ceased in its Biblical form. Link included to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

SPEAKING of TONGUES I Cor. 14 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/SpeakingOfTongues.html I want to make it crystal clear that our purpose tonite is not in any way to impune, insult, or attack any brother or sister in Christ. Any friend of Jesus is a friend of mine! And so, w/ no malice, no anger, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:1-37

Denomination: Baptist

God The Creator (Elohim) Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 3, 2005

Turn with me to Genesis 1 and follow along as I read the opening verses. I’ll insert this Hebrew name as I read: “In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth.

Because I have three first names, people often don’t know what to call me. I can see the hesitation on their faces. Is his name Brian or is it Bill? My middle name is John so I like to say when you use my full name three guys come running! I’ve gone by many names in my life… Ibam – This is ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

A Stone, A Veil And A Door

Contributed by James May on Oct 17, 2004

Jesus wants us to roll away the stone of doubts and fear, then he will tear the veil that keeps us separated from Him, and then He will give us an open door into eternal life.

A Stone, A Veil and A Door By Pastor Jim May The Stone: John 11:38-40, "Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he ...read more

Scripture: John 11:38-40

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Polluted Streams Still Turn Turbines Series

Contributed by Pat Cook on Nov 3, 2004

#8 in Romans 8 - What a Way to Live! series. God works all things together for good for Christians. Useful opening illustration. Also describes this truth in Jesus’ death too.

Romans 8:28-30 – Polluted Streams Still Turn Turbines Read passage. Once there was a river. It was a wide river with many docks and wharves along its shores. It provided income for many with its sport fishing and recreational opportunities. It provided leisure for many with its beautiful ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

Check The Rock!

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Apr 27, 2004

We at Easter need to be COOL by doing the following actions: 1. Check the rock. 2. Observe the empty tomb. 3. Open our spiritual eyes. 4. Look and see Jesus.

Check the Rock! It Rocks! COOL!: Easter Sermon 2004 Thesis: We at Easter need to be COOL by doing the following actions: 1. Check the rock. 2. Observe the empty tomb. 3. Open our spiritual eyes. 4. Look and see Jesus. Scripture Text: Matthew 28:1-20; (Play on CD) Luke 24:1-10; Mark 16:1-8 So ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-20, Luke 24:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Deceptive Power Of Compromise

Contributed by Don Baggett on Nov 10, 2007

When a Christian compromises his godly values and rationalizes that the ends justify the means, he opens the door to all kinds of trouble, not only in his own life, but in the lives of many others.

Compromise is not always bad. I heard one preacher say that he torn the word compromise out of his dictionary. I thought, “You must not be married!” However, if we compromise our godly values, we open the door for trouble in our lives. This is true because God loves us, and when we start in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 9:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Faithful Church Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jan 14, 2008

There are specific reasons Christ opened the door of opportunity for the church at Philadelphia. Christ also gives promises to churches, though they be of a little strength, who respond in faith by going through the door of opportunity.

Revelation 3:7-13 THE FAITHFUL CHURCH [1 Corinthians 16:9 ] The church at Philadelphia was a church that was worthy of praise. Christ hands out their praise liberally. Jesus did not wait for their work to be perfect or for their character to be ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

Reflecting Her Noble Character

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Aug 17, 2009

How many times has God given us the right lenses to see what we need to see through His Word? Proverbs 31 is a text that can be eye-opening.

REFLECTING HER NOBLE CHARACTER Text: Proverbs 31:10 -31 How well perceive things spiritually can help us to see how we might have missed the bigger picture. Consider this story … “A man went to his doctor in an acute state of anxiety. “Doctor, you have to help me; I’m dying,” he ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31

Denomination: United Methodist

The Tragedy Of Unrepentance-2

Contributed by Byron Sherman on May 4, 2011

2 of 2. Cain’s lack of repentance & subsequent grudge, ended in his brother’s murder. Willful unrepentance opens the door to tragedy. What is the tragedy? The tragedies of unrepentance are a Lost...

THE TRAGEDY OF UNREPENTANCE-II—Genesis 4:1-24 Repentance is vital to a true Christian. Repentance is necessary to anyone really seeking God. Need: Why don’t I have the relationship to God that others seem to have? Does God hear me? Unrepentance always ends badly, in a loss. it is always ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

There Is No Other Gospel

Contributed by Kraig Pullam on Feb 18, 2014

Paul's discourse in the opening 10 verses of his letter to Galatia seeks to convey Who we are in Christ, the essence of the Gospel of Christ and the characteristical underpennings of a lifestyle saturated in and by the grace of Jesus Christ.

No Other Gospel by Kraig Pullam Galatians 1:1-1:10 Introduction Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Four score and seven years, means 87 years. It ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Opportunistic Infections

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Oct 15, 2012

Life can cut you wide open. More dangerous than the cuts of life, is the very real danger that spiritual bacteria will take advantage of the situation and turn a person from God.

Opportunistic Infections An opportunistic infection is an infection caused by pathogens, that take advantage of certain situations. These infections usually do not cause disease in a healthy host, a compromised immune system, however, presents an "opportunity" for the pathogen to infect. Today ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:13

Denomination: Pentecostal