Sermons on The Kingdom Is Near:

Advancing Without Hindrance

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Oct 18, 2001

In our own lives, as well as in the life of the church, there are barriers to advancement, but they are nowhere near as difficult as our spiritual hindrances.

When I entered junior high school, I was introduced to track and field games – to things like the 100-yard dash, relay races, and, most of all, the hurdles. As any red-blooded American boy would have done, I had done my share of running and climbing and bicycling and the like. But hurdles I had ...read more

Scripture: Acts 28:23-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Drawing

Contributed by Sean Dees on Mar 1, 2022

We need to be drawing near to God not buttering up to God just to "Get Something".

From this passage we read that God desires a relationship an intimate relationship with His creations. I believe that we forget that we were created for the Lord and that He desires to have fellowship with us. We are the apple of God’s eye, His one true love. My heart has been so heavy toward my ...read more

Scripture: James 4:8

The Good Employer Series

Contributed by Kevin Brady on Sep 13, 2021

The owner of a vinyard pays all of his workers the same amount. How can this be fair? The motivations of the employer are explored within the cultural context of the first century.

The Good Employer (Matt. 20:1-16) Harvest time. The morning sun burned just below the hillside and backlit the ancient vines rising up from the even more ancient earth. The ground was parched and packed. Only the grapes held the promise of moisture, the pulp near bursting through their skins. A ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Shrinking Camels - Good People Have Little Chance In The Kingdom Of God

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Jul 27, 2010

Being good, will not make you a spiritual man or a spiritual woman. Good people don’t go to heaven. Good people are not spiritual people.

Who is the rich man? Who is the rich man in this passage this morning? YOU are the rich man. You are the rich man in this passage this morning. To us, when we read this passage, to us, the rich man is always someone who has more money than we do. As a result, we are able to step outside the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Pathway To The Passion Pt-2 The Garden Series

Contributed by Brian Menear on Feb 3, 2007

When Jesus knew the end was nearing, he went to that quiet special place to be alone with God.

Pathway To The Passion Part Two-The Garden The Garden At Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-53) -About 1 mile from Jerusalem at The Mount of Olives -This area was familiar to Jesus and the disciples. They had rested and prayed there before. -Probably one of Jesus’ favorite spots. -Biblical scholars estimate ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:39-53

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Good Shepherd

Contributed by Colin Coombs on Nov 9, 2006

Showing how the Good Shepherd can draw near in a time of grief, bringing comfort and salvation.

SCRIPTURE READING: JOHN 10:9 – 18 (SELECTED VERSES) 9. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the ...read more

Scripture: John 10:9-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What True Worship Says Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Oct 31, 2011

If we are to draw near to God in worship, we must do so in full assurance of faith.

Our church has adopted the following statement concerning our priorities, or core values: The HEART of FBC is to . . . Help others through ministry, our greatest privilege; Encourage one another through fellowship, our greatest pleasure; Adore Christ through worship, our greatest passion; Reach the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25

Denomination: Baptist

Ways To Deal With The Future

Contributed by Carl Allen on Oct 7, 2009

In this text James is making the point to the readers that knowing the future is not near as important as being prepared for the future.

Ways to Deal with the Future James 4:13-17 Introduction Mankind has always demonstrated an almost unquenchable desire to know the future. Psychics in this country rake in millions of dollars annually because people want to know what the future holds. Probably every major newspaper in this ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

After All, I Didn't Kill Anybody

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 9, 2014

There is a good reason to avoid the near occasions of sin, but not even that is enough to make us the image of Christ.

“What’s bothering you so much? After all, I didn’t kill anybody!” That lame excuse is often given to people who have seen another doing wrong. The wrong action could be anything short of murder. Maybe it’s a so-called “white lie,” told by somebody to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-24

Denomination: Catholic

The Armor Of God (From A Us Army Perspective)

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Jul 23, 2025

Written by Paul in Ephesus (near the Mediterranean/Great Sea), family relationships are in the chapter before this.

Verses 10-11 Be strong in the Lord Job 1 - satan = adversary, the accuser of the brethren Ezekiel 28 - Prince/king of Type/Eden Isaiah 14 (the 5 "I wills" of Lucifer, Sheol (v.9), cherub (v.16) See Revelation 12, 13, 20 v 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Vineyard

Parable Of The Wheat And Tares

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Jan 26, 2024

Parables of the Kingdom

Title: Parable of Wheat and Tares Type: Series Script: Mt. 13:24-30, 36-43 Where: GNBC 9-23-07 Intro: “One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty . . .” We say it. We argue about it (especially the “under God” part). But is it true? In reality, how united is the United States? The “more ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:24-43

Denomination: Independent/Bible

#3. Exercising Moral Purity Series

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on May 24, 2004

What’s a “near” autopsy? Well – it’s opening up the body before it stops breathing. This near-autopsy is on our culture in America…the way we live in the good ol’ USA. I want to look inside the body before it becomes a corpse.

THE PASTOR’S POINTS Bible Teaching Ministry of CEDAR LODGE BAPTIST CHURCH Thomasville, NC a fellowship of faith, family and friendships ---------------------------------------------- May 23, 2004 ---------------------------------------------- A Mom shared about how …one night our family was doing ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:14

Denomination: United Methodist

Did You See That?

Contributed by Greg Nance on Mar 11, 2008

What does God want us to see as we walk through this world? Jesus teaches us about a vision of the Kingdom of God that makes a forever difference in our lives. Can you see it today? Come see.

Three men were laying stone and someone passing by asked them one by one, “What are you doing?” The first man didn’t even look up but said, “I’m laying stone!” The second man looked up and said, “I’m working to feed my family and pay my bills.” The third stone layer looked up and smiled and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:1-42

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Joshua’s Wilderness

Contributed by Samuel M on Oct 16, 2023

Moses' wilderness was near Mount Sinai for 40 years, whereas Joshua's wilderness was near the tent of meeting for many years. God was speaking directly face to face with Moses, but God was not speaking directly face to face with Joshua.

Moses' wilderness was near Mount Sinai for 40 years, whereas Joshua's wilderness was near the tent of meeting for many years. God was speaking directly face to face with Moses, but God was not speaking directly face to face with Joshua. Joshua's wilderness was that “Being in a close ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 33:11

Hospice Chaplaincy

Contributed by Davon Huss on Sep 18, 2016

I want to say a few words about hospice chaplaincy, the ministry where I will be serving in the near future

HoHum: I came to Pleasant Ridge in September 2010. It is hard to believe that it has been 6 years since that time. The ministry here is a blessing to me and my family. The church has left an indelible mark upon my children. This is where they came to faith and were baptized into the Lord Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:34-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ