Sermons on The Ears Are Closed To God:

Huddled Behind Closed Doors

Contributed by Howard Gunter on Apr 14, 2020

Today, many are huddled behind closed doors, fearing the dreadful disease - Coronavirus.

Message/Devotion April 19, 2020 John 20:19-31 Huddled Behind Closed Doors As I read today’s gospel message, it was abundantly clear to me that today masses of people are huddled behind closed doors due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Some are in a self-imposed lockdown. Some are in a lockdown ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31, 2 Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 41:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Stay Close To The One With The Key

Contributed by Grant Macdonald on Jun 4, 2012

How can a church be really successful?

I am always thankful for Bill, but a couple of days ago, I was particularly thankful! Some of you might have noticed this recycling bin next to me. If you didn't notice it, you need to work on your powers of observation. (And no, this isn't my subtle way of tipping you off to the fact that ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Safe Place To Come Close

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Sep 11, 2019

Humility and gentleness are keys for creating a church fellowship where people feel safe to come close to one another.

Last week we started with the dilemma of two porcupines on a very cold night, who needed to snuggle up close to each other to stay warm. But the closer they got the more they pricked each other with their quills, so they pulled apart. But the more they pulled apart, the colder they got. So it ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6, Matthew 11:28-29

The Heart Of Heaven (Come Close) Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 8, 2023

This sermon introduction sets the stage for a series on Following Jesus, aiming to help listeners either connect with Jesus for the first time or deepen their existing relationship, using the analogy of how perspective changes with distance.

I’m excited to be kicking off this Following Jesus series. Over this series, we’re going to lean into 4 key themes found in the Bible and in the Following Jesus book. It’s our desire and goal that over the next few weeks you’d either connect with Jesus for the first time or you want to deepen your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:50-51, Luke 15:11-24, Luke 19:1-10

Topics: Following Jesus, Spiritual Growth, Divine Perspective

Sermon Series: Following Jesus

Communion - Open, Closed, Or Cracked? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 7, 2020

Is the Communion Meal Open to all who profess Christ? Or is it overseen by the congregation hosting the meal and thus restricted to those who are in open fellowship with the assembly? The message is a study of this controversial question.

“In the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-32

Denomination: Baptist

When Open Doors Close Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Mar 17, 2013

Start of the 2nd missionary journey - Powerpoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info

SERMON OUTLINE: (1). A New Partner (15:40-41): (2). A New Helper (16:1-5): (3). A New Vision (16:6-10) (4). A New Convert (16:11-15) SERMON BODY: Ill: • One day when C.S. Lewis was in the tool shed in his garden. • And he noticed a sunbeam shining across the shed. • And it ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:1-5

Denomination: Brethren

Behind The Closed Doors Of Easter

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Mar 25, 2008

There isn’t a locked door strong enough to keep Jesus out.

Behind Closed Doors of Easter John 20:19-29 Mar. 23, 2008 FBC, Chester Mike Fogerson, Pastor Introduction A A Muslim said to a Christian, "WE Muslims have one thing you Christians do not have. When we go to Medina (Saudi Arabia), we find a coffin and know ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-29

Denomination: Baptist

Doing Close Up Work Series

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Dec 7, 2011

I. No Soul Is So Lost But The Lord Can Find It II. No Situation Is So Small But The Lord Can Use It. III. No Strength Is So Feeble But The Lord Can Increase It. IV. No Start Is So Small But The Lord Can Magnify It

- You need another lens to do close-up work - Macro lens on water + Without water, you can’t have life! - Water covers about 70% of the Earth’s surface - Mayo Clinic Guideline 8x8 (8 oz x 8 glasses) - An American taking a five-minute shower uses more water than a typical person in a ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-42

Denomination: Baptist

Open House, Closed Minds

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on May 2, 2018

Life is about attitudes! You are a product of your menial everyday choices. The Pharisee invited Jesus to his house, but never gave him the proper care. Yet, they judged the lady that did what she could...

AN OPEN HOUSE WITH A CLOSED MIND? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com THERE WAS AN INVITATION FROM A PHARISEE, HE WAS A VIP (VERY IMPORTANT PERSON), SEARCH YOUR HEART AND YOUR ATTITUDES… BAD ATTITUDES ARE CHOICES… WHY ALL THIS WASTE? Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:37-47

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Close Encounters Of The Jesus Kind

Contributed by Carl Greene on May 10, 2008

A sermon challenging each member of the congregation to answer Jesus’ question... "But what about you? Who do you say I am?"

A Close Encounter of the Jesus Kind Matthew 16: 13-16 —William Willimon, “Who do you say that I am?” August 22, 1999, Duke Chapel Web Site, chapel.duke.edu. A student came to me and asked me to explain to her the difference between Christianity and Judaism. She is in love with a student who is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-16

Denomination: Methodist

Why Should We Close 2024 Praising God?

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Dec 27, 2024

How do you view the year 2024? Whatever happened this year, let's have right perspective so that we can praise God and give Him thanks.

We will soon leave the year of 2024. Some people see 2024 as a difficult or even bad year because they experienced so many problems this year, whether in finance, relationships, or health. They may even lose something precious or someone they loved this year. So, they are disappointed with God and ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Reconnecting With God

Contributed by Ivy Drafor-Amenyah on Jul 9, 2024

We often move away from God without noticing it. We all need to return to Him, approach Him and reconnect with Him. This needs to be periodic

We often move away from God without noticing it. Let us return to Him, approach Him and reconnect with Him. God always wants us to be in close fellowship with Him, since the days of Adam in the Garden of Eden. Our sins keep moving us from Him. We often withdraw ourselves from Him in our mind (our ...read more

Scripture: James 4:6-10, James 1:6-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Getting Close Without Getting Hurt Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on Jan 8, 2008

This message explores the God given desire for intimacy without shame. Inspired by "The Seven Longings of the Human Heart" by Mike Bickle.

If I were to start this week’s teaching with a movie clip, as I have been known to do, it would actually be a collection of clips. All strung together in a row. Showing the same scenario being played out over and over again as shown to us in movies and TV shows. The sad part is that it is a real ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan

Give Ear To My Words, O Lord Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Oct 28, 2012

How to plead with God to hear your prayers. 1- Ask early 2- Hate evil 3- Seek mercy 4- Live righteously 5- Find refuge

INTRO.- ILL.- One Sunday in a Midwest city a little boy was "acting up" during the morning worship. His parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle. Finally the father picked the little boy up and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out. Just ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 5:1-12, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 5:1-5, Hebrews 4:16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Daddy, Stay Close By Me, Catch Me If I Fall!

Contributed by Bala Samson on Aug 20, 2013

The book of Jude closes with the above beautiful scripture which says that God is able to keep us from stumbling and present us holy and blameless before God. How lovely!

Daddy, stay close by me, catch me if I fall! Jude 1:24”Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” When my son Joshua was a little boy, my husband would take him to the park and it would be ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:24

Denomination: Pentecostal