Sermons on Stay Close:

Developing The Outward Focus Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 17, 2014

Paul has addressed our personal lives, church life, family life. These are introverted concerns, about us and those we are close to. As he concludes his letter, he wants to make sure we also transition to an extroverted focus.

Developing the Outward Focus (Colossians 4:2-6) 1. I have my taxes all done. I am one of those persons who gets stressed up by paper work and red tape, so I found it stressful just preparing my stuff for the tax preparer. So I have to tell an IRS joke. 2. The pastor got a call form the IRS. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Dare To Be Different

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jan 11, 2016

Change is difficult-it’s hard to sustain. There is much working against it so we need motivators and incentives to keep at it and stay the course. Daring to be differerent may not be easy but it's rewarding and it's what we're called to do as Christians.

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT 2nd Cor. 6:14-7:1 INTRODUCTION: As we roll into January we find ourselves being dedicated to making some changes-losing weight, eating better, exercising more; as well as making resolutions to be better people, manage our finances better, things like that. But, as we all know, ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Posture Of Growing Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jan 16, 2016

Use your influence to make an impact for the preborn.

The Posture of Growing Exodus 1:15-2:10 Rev. Brian Bill January 16-17, 2016 Pray Play Brit Hume Commentary on Abortion We stand with thousands of other churches this Sanctity of Life weekend and proclaim that human life begins at conception and is therefore worthy of protection. This Friday ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Am I Supposed To Do With My Unanswered Questions?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 1, 2017

This message focuses on Luke 2:6-7 and the unanswered questions that Mary and Joseph must have had as they end up in with no decent place to stay when the baby comes. How could God be with them and she have to put the baby in a manger?

SOME OF MARY AND JOSEPH'S QUESTIONS: “God, why have the birth so far from home?” “God, why didn’t You provide a place for us to stay?” “God, how can this be the place for the miracle child to be born?” - Luke 2:6-7. - I’m sure when the angel visited Mary and told her that she’d be carrying this ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

God's Provision Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Apr 18, 2003

This is the 2nd study in the study "God Is On The Job". This study shows how God provides for us although we are unaware of what He is doing.

GOD’S PROVISION Ruth 2:1-23 It is hard to learn how to be satisfied with what God has given you when you start looking around and see what others have; but God tells us not to worry about God’s provision for us. Matthew 6:25-34 Our text tells us about God’s provision. God ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:1-23, Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Keeping The Wolves At Bay

Contributed by Richard Laraviere on Aug 9, 2008

deaking with the uncertainties of life by faith

Keeping the wolves at bay Dealing with the uncertainties of life by faith Opening… 1. Wolf hunting An organization in Montana offered a bounty of five thousand dollars for every wolf captured alive. Two hunters named Sam and Jed decided to head for the hills and make some money capturing ...read more

Scripture: John 14:27

Denomination: Mennonite

Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross Series

Contributed by Rudolf E. Y. Mensah on May 21, 2024

The hymn "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" is a profound reflection on the Christian faith and the significance of the cross in salvation. Here's a line-by-line explanation!

The hymn "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" is a profound reflection on the Christian faith and the significance of the cross in salvation. Here's a line-by-line explanation: 1. **"Jesus, keep me near the cross, There a precious fountain; Free to all, a healing stream, Flows from ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:13, Galatians 6:14, John 19:25, Revelation 22:1-2, Ezra 4:17, John 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Navigating Home Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

The rugged hope of the believer is not that we will escape distress or peril or hunger or slaughter, but that Almighty God will make every one of our agonies an instrument of his mercy to do us good. God gives us the staying power to make it home.

General Motors has a feature since 1996 that makes their cars unique. It’s the OnStar system. You have probably heard of the OnStar system on television. It can help you unlock your car when you lock yourself out. It can assist you finding a restaurant or directions to your hotel when traveling. It ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-2, Mark 9:2-8

Denomination: Baptist

Shield And Buckler Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Dec 3, 2020

The shield and buckler are weapons that protect one from the attacks of the enemy. The adversary may attack us from afar or from close at hand. Whatever be the case, God’s children must realize that God’s protection is available to us nonetheless.

Psalm 91 - Study 14 - Shield and Buckler We read in Psalm 91:4, “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” (KJV) The shield and buckler are weapons that protect one from the attacks of the enemy. The adversary may ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:4

Denomination: Other

1 Peter Chapter 5 Commentary Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 30, 2021

Peter closes out his letter to the scattered Christians in the churches of Asia Minor with some final instructions. He counsels the elders about how to lead, includes how and why to live in humility with each other, and gives a final warning.

1 Peter Chapter 5 Commentary INTRODUCTION to Chapter 5 Peter closes out his letter to the scattered Christians in the churches of Asia Minor with some final instructions. He counsels the elders about how to lead, includes how and why to live in humility with each other, and gives a final warning ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Secret Place (Matthew 6:1-6) Series

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Feb 23, 2026

God is not impressed by your performance. He is drawn to your privacy. This Lenten season, He is calling you away from the crowd and into the secret place where only He sees.

THE SECRET PLACE Morning Lent Prayer, Day 4 INTRODUCTION There is a place God keeps calling you toward. Not a stage. Not a platform. A room with a closed door, where no audience exists except the Father. Jesus did not say, "If you pray." He said, "When you pray." Prayer is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:6, Matthew 6:1, 1 Samuel 16:7, Galatians 1:10, Proverbs 21:2, Psalm 131:2, 1 Kings 19:12, Luke 5:16, James 4:8, Mark 14:36, Philippians 4:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

It's Time Series

Contributed by Jerry Mckee on Mar 6, 2009

This series is based on the book, "Do Hard Things" by Brett and Alex Harris. It is a 7 week series that challenges teenagers to step up from the low expectations that our culture has placed on them.

The Rebelution It’s Time “How to do hard things that make a difference” 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: *other

Our Daily Bread Series

Contributed by Brian Matherlee on Oct 10, 2006

Part 3 of 4 in The Lord’s Prayer series done during a VBS adult tract.

THE LORD’S PRAYER Part 3 of 4 Tuesday, August 09, 2005 Matthew 6:11 “Give us today our daily bread.” The simplicity of this portion of the prayer reminds us: 1. God is the source (Recognition) a. Of our strength We need God’s help on a daily basis. "A Morning Prayer for Help" - "Dear God, so far ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:11

Denomination: Wesleyan

David, Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ricky Nelms on Jul 24, 2010

This is Part 2 of looking at the life of David. This is part of the sermon series "Close Encounters" where we're looking at the lives some of the great Bible characters. The outline is: 1)David's Sin With Bathsheba, and 2)David's Sin In Numbering The P

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS SERIES 7 – DAVID, PART 2 This morning, we are continuing with our sermon series on CLOSE ENCOUNTERS You say, “Pastor, you’ve been preaching on this for a long time, how much longer are you going to preach on this?” Until we have CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Because ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:36

Denomination: Pentecostal

This Is How I Fight My Battles!

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Dec 17, 2024

Last week I challenged you to consider how you prepare yourself for worship before you enter the Lord’s house and His presence. Crystal closed out the message with a prayer that we worship everyday, not just on Sunday’s!

Today’s word is about worship. I looked back at all my sermons since 2020 and strangely enough, not a single one was on the topic of worship. So I am rectifying that today! The title of today’s message is “This is how I fight my battles”. We will examine 4 passages, 3 of which are centered around ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1