Sermons on A Proper 12:

Israel Exalted.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jan 17, 2024

Re-establishing the Davidic dynasty through Jesus.

ISRAEL EXALTED. Ezekiel 17:22-24. The word of the LORD came ‘expressly’ to the priest Ezekiel in ‘the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity’ (cf. Ezekiel 1:2-3). Our present chapter is a ‘riddle,’ or an allegory: ‘a parable unto the house of Israel’ (EZEKIEL 17:2). It speaks of two eagles: ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 17:22-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Parable Of The Unjust Steward.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 9, 2022

The unjust steward is not commended for his fraud, but for his thinking on his feet.

THE PARABLE OF THE UNJUST STEWARD. Luke 16:1-13. For centuries interpreters have been more than a little puzzled, perplexed and disturbed by the parable of the unjust steward, at the beginning of Luke 16. The Emperor Julian, otherwise known as Julian the Apostate, even tried to use this parable ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

We Have Heard The Joyful Sound.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 28, 2023

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. Psalm 89:15.

WE HAVE HEARD THE JOYFUL SOUND. Psalm 89:1-4, Psalm 89:15-18. The Psalmist Ethan twice applauds the LORD’s mercy and faithfulness (PSALM 89:1-2). This reassurance is rooted in the LORD’s covenant promise to David (PSALM 89:3). The “seed” whose throne is “for ever” (PSALM 89:4) ultimately ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 89:1-4, Psalm 89:15-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Words And Meditation.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 29, 2025

A prayer for guidance.

WORDS AND MEDITATION. Psalm 5:1-8. PSALM 5:1. David longs for a hearing from the LORD: “Give ear to my words, O LORD” (cf. Psalm 54:2; Psalm 55:1). Then he adds, “consider my meditation.” We see the same combination of words and meditation in the well-known quotation from Psalm 19:14. If we ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 5:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Trust Of A Little Child

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 18, 2018

Of such is the kingdom of God.

THE TRUST OF A LITTLE CHILD. Mark 10:13-16. In one of our previous readings, Jesus set a little child in the midst of His disciples (Mark 9:36). Now such children, in the ancient world, had no rights: yet Jesus was happy to scoop such a one up into His holy arms and teach. We noticed then ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Rich And Poor In The Church Of Jesus Christ

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 31, 2013

There are no 'untouchables' with God!

RICH AND POOR IN THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST. James 2:1-17. James 2:1. The Greek of this section of the letter of James begins somewhat abruptly: “My brethren, not with partialities!” The impact of the whole sentence is: “Do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect of persons.” ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Forgive Us Our Debts (Contd) - Matthew 6:12 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 20, 2024

When we sin God is displeased and our relationship with Him is disrupted. That continues until we confess in sorrow and repentance and He forgives and brings us back out into the light.

Matthew 6:5-15 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:12

I Love The Lord Because.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 29, 2021

Returning to our rest in Him.

I LOVE THE LORD BECAUSE. Psalm 116:1-9. If I was asked why I love the LORD, I might well answer: because He heard and answered my prayer (Psalm 116:1). Yet this may, at first glance, appear self-serving: what would I have to say for myself if my prayers had not been answered in the way that I ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 116:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Wakeful Watching

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 20, 2020

The day of the Lord and the children of Light.

WAKEFUL WATCHING. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. The Apostle has already spoken concerning the status of the Christian dead at the return of Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Now he turns his attention to the question of preparedness for the day of the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:1. It would be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Love Of Jonathan And The Resentment Of Saul.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Feb 5, 2024

Jonathan confirmed the kingship of David by clothing him in the regalia of the Crown Prince; whereas Saul confirmed the kingship of David by putting him in the forefront of the battle.

THE LOVE OF JONATHAN AND THE RESENTMENT OF SAUL. 1 Samuel 17:57-58, 1 Samuel 18:1-5, 1 Samuel 18:10-16. It was evidently quite difficult for Saul to recognise in the giant slayer the same young man who had been serving at court as his own personal music therapist (1 SAMUEL 17:57-58; cf. 1 Samuel ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:57-58, 1 Samuel 18:1-5, 1 Samuel 18:10-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sharp Words Spoken By Love

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 25, 2018

All things are possible with God, but those who set their hearts on riches will be sadly disappointed.

SHARP WORDS SPOKEN BY LOVE. Mark 10:17-31. The first three Gospels all report Jesus’ encounter with the character who has become known by the composite name of ‘the rich young ruler’. They all mention that he was ‘rich’ (as in Mark 10:22), but only Matthew mentions that he was ‘young’ ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Loving The One And Hating The Other

Contributed by John Walls on Jun 28, 2004

Making the proper choice between Chrsit and the world

LOVE THE ONE AND HATING THE OTHER Luke 16:13 Introduction: We find a stern warning from God’s word that was uttered from the lips of the Lord Jesus. He shows the principle that you must choose whether you are going to serve God or the demon of materialism or money. The word "mammon" is only ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:13

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Teaches To Go To A Quiet Place, Alone And Rest.

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Feb 5, 2014

Jesus teaches us the way of love, how to give grace to our neighbors, whether we like them or not. Jesus teaches us about faith and miracles and healing but Jesus also teaches us about the simple things in life like going to a quiet place, alone and rest.

Word Count: 2050 2 Samuel 7:1-14a Psalm 89:20-37 Ephesians 2:11-22 Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Summary: Jesus teaches us the way of love, how to give grace to our neighbours, whether we like them or not. Jesus teaches us about faith and miracles and healing but Jesus also teaches us about the simple ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:30-34

Denomination: Episcopal

An Overview Of The Book Of Habakkuk

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 17, 2013

The LORD gives us 'strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow'.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF HABAKKUK. Habakkuk 1-3. Habakkuk 1 – THE BURDEN. Habakkuk 1:1. When Habakkuk speaks of his message as a burden, it is to convey something of its weightiness. No prophet should take God's words upon his lips lightly; but neither are those who are truly called to ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-17, Habakkuk 2:1-20, Habakkuk 3:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

We Are The Image Of God! Series

Contributed by Chris Mccall on Jan 14, 2003

Getting a proper perspective on our true identity.

Genesis 1:26-28 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational