Sermons on Strange Encounter:

First Things First

Contributed by Larry La Douceur on Nov 6, 2005

Some form of the word “Seek” is used in the Bible over 150 times, therefore when we encounter a verse that clearly states we are to “seek first” something, that should clearly get our attention.

First Things First Introduction Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. The bible in different ways tells us what we need to seek for and what we should not seek. Examples – Leviticus 19:31 “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Magi's Guide To Following A Star

Contributed by Chris Tiller on Nov 19, 2005

God just might give you a star to capture your attention and to guide you. And if you follow that star, everything just might change. An intimate encounter with Jesus has a way of doing that to people.

I love the story of the magi. There was a time when the magi lived far away from Jesus. They were given a special star to capture their attention and to guide them. They followed the star, and it changed everything. An intimate encounter with Jesus has a way of doing that to people. I love the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"Why Is There So Much Suffering In The World?"

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 28, 2006

God is able to use the mystery that suffering often brings. Yet, some people quickly reach the end of their rope when they encounter adversities. The Lord’s grace is sufficient for any weakness, confusion or problem.

"Why is There So Much Suffering in the World?" John 9:1-9:38 "It was neither that this man sinned or his parents, but in order that the works of God might be displayed in him." (John 9:4) Many people fail to understand God’s greater purposes for physical suffering. Instead of allowing the ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living Amongst Trouble

Contributed by Richard Schwedes on Nov 18, 2007

Jesus reminds us that one of the guaranteed things about being a Christian is that we will encounter troubles. This sermon helps us view troubles from God’s perspective and that we should not be afraid of it.

When you sense difficulties how do you react? When you sense problems what is your response? Recently I saw some hilarious videos of how people respond when they are in trouble In one video a man was carrying a box of photocopier paper when some jumped out from the behind corner and scared him….he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:5-19

Denomination: Lutheran

The Gift That Never Stops

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Jan 15, 2014

There is a thirst in every heart that can only be satisfied by our Creator. This is seen in John's account of the woman at the well. Like her, we must encounter Jesus in order to satisfy the spiritual thirst we have.

THE GIFT THAT NEVER STOPS John 4:1-18 The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. 4 Now he had to go ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Unthankfulness Sign Of Last Days!

Contributed by Tony Abram on Sep 4, 2018

Learning from Jesus' cleansing of ten lepers according to Luke's account, on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus encountered ten lepers. He healed them, but only one returned to thank Jesus afterwar

UNTHANKFULNESS SIGN OF LAST DAYS! 2 Timothy 3:1-2 (KJV) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Learning from Jesus' cleansing of ten lepers ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-2, Luke 17:11-19

Reluctant Recruits

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jan 1, 2018

Jesus did not present a rosy, unrealistic picture of the Christian life. In Luke 9 we encounter 3 potential recruits. Jesus appraises their resolve, exposes their excuses, and urges them to consider the cost of discipleship

It’s Career Day at the high school and a small crowd is gathered at the Army’s booth. A Recruiter tells the students about field duty in the winter, eating MRE’s, family separations, grueling physical exercise, frequent moves, and the likelihood of war…and pretty soon he’s standing alone. The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

Denomination: Congregational

Isaiah Series

Contributed by Ricky Nelms on Jul 29, 2010

This is the final message from the series "Close Encounters". This is also a good message for a World Missions emphasis. The outline is 1-Isaiah's Upward Look, 2-)Isaiah's Inward Look, and 3-)Isaiah's Outward Look.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS SERIES 16 – THE PROPHET ISAIAH This morning, we’re continuing with our sermon series, entitled CLOSE ENCOUNTERS and we’ve been talking about the lives of some of the greatest in the Word of God and seeing how they have had CLOSE ENCOUNTERS And it’s been ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Woman Caught In Adultery

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Apr 15, 2013

Taking a look at the dynamics involved in Jesus' encounter with the religious leaders and with the woman caught in adultery. The religious leaders set the trap, Jesus turned it back on them and in the end the woman was released from her trap.

The woman caught in adultery John 8:1-11 1) Setting the trap (Vs. 1-6a). Unlike today, the sin of adultery was a serious crime in biblical day-punishable by death. We don’t know how she was caught in the act. Perhaps it was a set-up. And the Pharisees could’ve brought her to Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11, Romans 8:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Worry About The Lions Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Jul 29, 2012

We live in a world that can be a scary place sometimes. How can we live a life that is pleasing to God when we encounter circumstances and real problems that will come solely as a result of following God?

Don’t worry about the Lions Daniel 6 Intro Slide Good Morning. This morning we are going to talking about Daniel and the Lion’s Den. Now when I mention Lions, you either think about the Lions’ you have seen at the zoo or at a circus Slide Lions that look like this and are ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 6:1-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Can Music Heal?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on May 23, 2019

There has been a growing interest in the healing ability of music within the church. That has led some to explore ancient religious music traditions and practices as people seek supernatural encounters and deeper intimacy with God.

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn — shout for joy before the LORD, the King.” (Ps 98:4-6 NIV) Music has always been an ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 14:11, Ezekiel 28:13-15, Psalm 98:4-6, Isaiah 53:5, Revelation 5:10, Ephesians 5:19-20, Colossians 3:16-17, Revelation 15:3-4, Acts 16:25-26, Isaiah 24:16, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:16, Romans 8:26, Jeremiah 2:13, Matthew 8:7, Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:3, Psalm 33:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Healing At The Pool Of Bethesda Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 19, 2025

John 5:1-8 tells the story of a paralysed man who encountered Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda. This event highlights God's compassion, the futility of misplaced trust, and the power of divine intervention.

Title: THE HEALING AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: John 5:1-8 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 103:2-3, Matthew 11:28 INTRODUCTION: John 5:1-8 tells the story of a paralysed man who encountered Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda. This event highlights God's ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-8, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 103:2-3, Matthew 11:28

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Wrestling With God Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

This morning, I invite you to consider with me, “How do people actually have a life-changing encounter?” Is it near death experience that causes us to change? What would cause you to change?

We continue our series, My Crazy Family, the story of Jacob. Jacob is a complex character – we would say in our day, “He’s a piece of work.” Jacob’s life is a Russian nesting doll with one conflict inside conflict inside yet another, conflict. What begins as a conflict with his twin brother Esau, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:22-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Ascension Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 8, 2021

It was reported by official Soviet channels upon their entry into space in 1961 that the Russian Cosmonaut who first traveled into space said these words: “I went up to space, but I didn’t encounter God.”

Jesus stayed on the earth for forty days after His resurrection. Now, forty days is a long time. If Jesus rose on March 27, this would place His ascension from earth on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo). America has holidays that mark the birth of Jesus (Christmas), the death of Jesus (Good Friday), and the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:35-53

Denomination: Baptist

Evangelism At A Local Watering Hole

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 9, 2020

Who can spread the Gospel? Let’s see that the Gospel is spread by ordinary people who have had an encounter with Jesus. Let’s examine the woman at the well in John 4:5-42.

Who can spread the Gospel? Let’s see that the Gospel is spread by ordinary people who have had an encounter with Jesus. Let’s examine the woman at the well in John 4:5-42. An Unbiased Savior John 4:5-9 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his ...read more

Scripture: John 4:5-42

Denomination: Baptist