Sermons on Opening Gates:

Know Yourself (Short Homily)

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Feb 10, 2012

This is a very short Homily titled "Know Yourself". That was used for the opening of a Men's retreat weekend.

Let me share a reading from the Gospel of Mark with you. " They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:22-26

Denomination: Anglican

Incognito Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 13, 2013

The men walking to Emmaus didn't recognize Jesus until their eyes were opened.

Luke 24:13-35 “Incognito” INTRODUCTION In our close relationships, we strive to be together even when we are apart. Some of us have family and friend pictures on our desks, or in our wallets and purses. We may carry a letter or special card, which we take out and read on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Lutheran

Bread Of Vision Series

Contributed by Tim White on Apr 15, 2013

Two followers of Jesus had an encounter on their walk home that changed their lives and opened their eyes.

Our Church members have had a lot of interest in the Walk to Emmaus lately, and for a good reason. I have never known anyone who went on a Walk that wasn’t tremendously blessed. If you are not saved when you go on the Walk, there is a very good chance you will be saved before you come home. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Baptist

2020 Vision

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jan 5, 2020

It is clear to see that we have much to do for Christ and the open door to do it!

1 Corinthians 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. 2020 is a great and open door for ministry, The sky is the limit. There are many needs so there is one or two somewhere you can meet whether you are 8 or 88. God is on your side for ministry, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:9

Denomination: Baptist

It Is A Big Thing To Give Thanks To God Series

Contributed by Dr. Dave Hartson on Nov 3, 2021

Jesus clearly teaches us that gratitude opens the door for more blessings in your life.

Introduction HOW DO I STRUGGLE WITH THIS? Saying thank you is hard! Look at young children, it is not a natural response for a child to say thank you. Children are expecting; they are not appreciating. Children are expecting when they go with you to Wal Mart and you past the toy aisle that you are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Baptist

Impeccable

Contributed by Je Layugan on Jul 31, 2023

The danger in compromising is that it gives Satan an opening to do his destructive work in our lives.

A story is told about a hunter who was about to shoot a bear. The bear started to talk and said - “Wait, please don’t shoot”. The hunter said, “I sell bear skins for a living. Why should I not shoot you?” The bear replied, “We can negotiate lah!” “I don’t negotiate with a talking bear”, the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Galatians 5 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jun 5, 2022

Freedom in Christ opens up the one thing that helps us to keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians Part 5 – “Be free and live by the Spirit!” Thesis: Freedom in Christ opens up the one thing that helps us to keep in step with the Spirit. Opening thought about chapter 5: Paul tells the Galatia church to be free, to remember the one thing which is “faith is to express itself through ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-26, Galatians 3:25, 2 Corinthians 3:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Acts Of The Apostles (19 Of 39)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 14, 2022

When God miraculously opened the door for the gentiles to be saved, it was an exciting time for His church.

God selected Paul and Barnabas to carry out His first missionary assignment. They were not self-appointed, nor were they appointed by men. As they were serving the Lord, the Holy Ghost called them out, saying, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work...” They were APPOINTED BY GOD, SENT BY ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:13-52

Denomination: Baptist

Tribes, Trials, Trust Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 12, 2024

In this sermon, we consider James' opening remarks to believers as they face trials and persecution.

How do you respond when your rights as a citizen or resident of the United States collides with the life that God has called you to live as a follower of Christ? Can there be a conflict? This week, one of the the guys who came through for training was a man named Stephen. Story: malfunctioning ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Acts 8:1, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Denomination: Baptist

When God Blocks You For Your Own Good Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 4, 2025

Sometimes, the greatest blessings from God are not the doors He opens but the ones He shuts.

WHEN GOD BLOCKS YOU FOR YOUR OWN GOOD By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Samuel 29 Supporting Texts: Romans 8:28, Proverbs 16:9, Psalm 37:23-24, Isaiah 30:21, Revelation 3:7 INTRODUCTION: Sometimes, the greatest blessings from God are not the doors He opens but the ones He shuts. In 1 Samuel ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Two Blind Men And Jesus.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 4, 2025

They could not see with their eyes, but their spiritual eyes were open to the fact that Jesus is indeed the Messiah.

TWO BLIND MEN AND JESUS' Matthew 9:27-31. MATTHEW 9:27. After raising Jairus' daughter, as Jesus left the man’s house, two blind men followed Him. We are not told that they were bidden, like Matthew (cf. Matthew 9:9). But they were relentless, like the men who had carried the paralysed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:27-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Better Walk With God Through Thankfulness PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 31, 2025

Gratitude opens our hearts to God’s presence, transforming ordinary moments and burdens into opportunities for praise, hope, and deeper relationship with Him.

Some of us walked in today with full hearts; some with heavy ones. Either way, here you are, and here God is—nearer than the breath you just took. Picture an old, sturdy gate swinging open. Hear the hinges creak a welcome. On the other side? Not a cold courtyard, but the warm smile of a Father who ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:4

Topics: Thankfulness, Choice

How To Receive New Wine In 09 - Step 5 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Mar 6, 2009

When the church has reverence for communion then we are opening ourselves up for New Wine in 09. This act will open the door for a fresh out pouring of the Holy Spirit. Then it is our responsibility to drink in this fresh spiritual awakening and then go l

How to receive New Wine in 09 Step 5 – “Reverence for Communion” Thesis: When the church has reverence for communion then we are opening ourselves up for New Wine in 09. This act will open the door for a fresh out pouring of the Holy Spirit. Then it is our responsibility to drink in this fresh ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Contrast In Heart Attitudes Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 25, 2018

Dealing with people means adjusting to a variety of responses. Some are just nasty, bitter, agitators; others more open-minded/gracious. Some are open to the Gospel, others become adversaries, while others do not embrace the Gospel but are not hostile.

A Contrast in Heart Attitudes (Acts 17:1-15) 1. “On a highway in Indiana, about 20 cars were trailing behind a slow driver in the passing lane who wouldn’t change lanes. When Indiana State Trooper Sgt. Stephen Wheeles noticed the line of traffic, he decided to do something about it. “Wheeles, … in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Little Man With A Big Message Series

Contributed by James May on Aug 22, 2007

Message #1 in the Book of James series dealing with what is known of James’ background and the opening salutation of his epistle.

A Study of the Book of James #1 - A Little Man With a Big Message By Pastor Jim May This epistle is called "general", because not written to any particular person, as the epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon are; nor to any particular churches, as the epistles to the Romans, Corinthians, &c. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: Independent/Bible