Sermons on Opening Minds:

4 Ways To O-P-E-N The Gate Of The Promised Kingdom!

Contributed by Herbert Armstrong Bosantog on Nov 6, 2012

Jesus CHRIST fulfilled the Prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1-2), in Luke 4:18, using KJV, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To PREACH the GOSPEL to the POOR; He has sent Me to HEAL the BROKENHEARTED, To proclaim LIBERTY to th

O – Overview of CHRIST’s AUTHORITY! P – Preparation for the CONQUEST! E – Edification & Strengthening for the BATTLE! N – Navigation towards the PROMISED KINGDOM! INTRODUCTION: Jesus CHRIST fulfilled the Prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1-2), in Luke ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 13:30, Leviticus 13:25-32

Denomination: *other

Why Does God Allow Some Doors To Close And Others To Open?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jul 6, 2009

In this time when many are losing their jobs, their homes and their 401Ks let us learn why God uses closed doors to open others.

Why Does God Allow Some Doors to Close and Others to Open? (Acts 16:6-32) In this time when many are losing their jobs, their homes and their 401Ks let us learn why God uses closed doors to open others. Our God is the one who opens doors that no man can close and opens other doors that no man can ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time- The Opening Up Of A Relational Space By Forgiveness.

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jan 11, 2022

Forgiveness is a conditional gift offered that opens a relational space that expects a reciprocal response.

There used to be a sign in the Princeton University Book Store basement which said: "Love your enemies—it will drive them crazy." Clever but love of enemies and forgiving, commanded by Jesus in our Gospel this Sunday, is not hoping that the other person will change or trying to be ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38

Denomination: Catholic

He Came To His Own: A Christmas Story Of Open And Closed Hearts

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Dec 4, 2025

As we reflect on the birth of Christ this Christmas, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to Jesus, our Savior? Will we make room for Him, open our hearts, and joyfully welcome His presence, or will we turn Him away?

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Play the video “The Shepherd’s Story.” INTRODUCTION: Christmas is the celebration of God’s greatest gift to humanity—Jesus Christ, our Savior. But from the very moment of His birth, Jesus was met with contrasting responses: rejection by some and joyful acceptance by others. ...read more

Scripture: John 1:11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

4 Christmas Gifts You Don’t Have To Wait To Open

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 13, 2025

There are many gifts we'll receive we really don't care for. But this Christmas, God offers you gifts of His love, healing, forgiveness, and inner joy. And these best gifts you don't have to wait until December 25 to open!

4 CHRISTMAS GIFTS YOU DON’T HAVE TO WAIT TO OPEN Matthew 2:11 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: WHEN JOSEPH WENT ROGUE 1. The Director of the Christmas play was nervous when she cast Jimmy, the middle-school class clown, as Joseph in the Christmas Pageant. 2. Her fears were realized when Jimmy decided ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Taming The Wandering Mind: How To Pray For More Than 30 Seconds

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on May 4, 2007

Learning how to pray and what to do with a mind that wanders during prayer

Taming the Wandering Mind: how to pray for more than 30 seconds… Steve Simala Grant - February 13, 2000 Has this ever happened to you? You get set to pray – you think “ok, I agreed to spend 15 minutes a day in quiet prayer with my Lord, now I’m going to do it.” You get set, find the spot, and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1

Denomination: Baptist

Looking To The Future

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 29, 2013

What did the angels mean when they asked the disciples "Why do you stand here looking into the sky?" Were they rebuking them for wanting to see Jesus when He came back? Or was there something deeper that they (and we) need to hear?

It seems Moody Bible Institute supports a home for mentally handicapped children. One day the President of Moody (Joseph Stowell) went there for a visit. While walking through the corridors, he noticed that the windows were covered with tiny little hand prints. He asked the director, what that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:6-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Are You Troubled? Why Do Doubts Rise In Your Minds?

Contributed by Don Schultz on Mar 29, 2012

Jesus helps troubled and doubting people. He helps us too.

Are you a skeptical person? Do you believe everything you hear, right away? Or does it take awhile before you believe something to be true? The other day I got an email from someone who said that they were my long lost relative. They were trapped somewhere in Nigeria, and needed me to send $5000 to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-49

Denomination: Lutheran

Word And Spirit Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 14, 2012

The Holy Spirit acts in the human author of Scripture so that every word is inspired and true; the Holy Spirit also acts in the proclaimer and hearer so that the word can be efficatious in human life.

Monday of 2nd Week in Course 2012 Verbum Domini Word and Spirit The anointing of Saul as king of Israel was one of those pivotal moments in salvation history that set Israel on a whole new course, and not an altogether good one. We see Samuel, one of the great saints of the OT, filled with the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:16-23

Denomination: Catholic

A Father Appeals To His Children Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Nov 24, 2014

God's love is a purifying force. God's love for us seeks to free us from all defiling influences.

2 CORINTHIANS 6:11-7:1 [GAINING PERSPECTIVE Series] A FATHER APPEALS TO HIS CHILDREN [Ephesians 2:20-22] Love seeks to draw those loved nearer, and as we are drawn near to God our ability to love is enlarged and purified. God's love is holy and is therefore jealous of what would harm those He ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Silent Nights - Pt. 2 - Closed Doors Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Dec 15, 2013

We enjoy "Silent Night" at Christmas, but what if every night is silent? How do we endure quiet seasons of life when nothing is stirring . . . even God?

Silent Nights Pt. 2 - Closed Doors I. Introduction Silent night, Holy night All is calm, all is bright Round your virgin mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep heavenly peace, Sleep heavenly peace! Silent Night although it is one of the most popular (top 100) Christmas Songs of all ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:3-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Who Is At Your Gate Series

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Sep 8, 2016

This message is about reaching out to those who lie outside of our gates - be they Lazarus or the Rich Man. As Jesus reached out so too should the Body of Christ. May it be ever be so true today!

Scripture: Luke 16:14-31 along with Psalms 146 and Jeremiah 32:1-15 Title: Who Is At Your Gate? This message is about reaching out to those who lie outside of our gate - be they Lazarus or the Rich Man. As Jesus reached out so too does the Body of Christ. May it be so today! INTRO: ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:14-31

Denomination: Nazarene

From Birthright To Blessing. Isaac's Blessing Over Jacob

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jul 22, 2024

GOD chose to show HIS Grace and Mercy through an imperfect family, in order to bless those who will put their trust and faith in HIM.

2024.07.21. From birthright to blessing. Isaac’s Blessing over Jacob. William Akehurst, HSWC BIG IDEA. GOD chose to show HIS Grace and Mercy through an imperfect family to bless those who will put their trust and faith in HIM. SCRIPTURES: Genesis 27:1-46, Genesis 28:1-5, Romans 8:8, John 8:44, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 27:1-46, Genesis 28:1-5, Romans 8:8, John 8:44, John 14:6, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Psalm 36:1, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Hebrews 12:14-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Have Made Up My Mind! Luke Chapter 9

Contributed by David Cramer on Jun 24, 2024

A message from the Book of Luke about taking the next step to Follow the Lord in our walk here on earth.

Stand with me and lift your bible and repeat after me. This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I can do what it says I can do. I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be. Today I will learn more of the word of God. The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God. I will ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Blinded By The Dark

Contributed by Keith Broyles on Dec 4, 2007

Jesus comes to us, and anoints us, Christ opens the eyes of our hearts, our eyes are opened. With our eyes opened, we are no longer blinded by the dark.

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to what the fairly new movie Ray, staring Jamie Foxx. It is the life story of the soul and jazz musician, Ray Charles. The movie touched on Ray Charles’ life growing up and losing his younger brother in a tragic accident, an event that he blamed ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-41

Denomination: Methodist