Sermons on A Proper 21:

Stop Supporting Missionaries!

Contributed by Byron Harvey on Apr 7, 2016

This message, from Acts 13, argues that the proper relationship between the church and missionaries involves missionaries supporting the church, rather than the other way around, because the work of mission is the work of the church as led by the Spirit.

Three Statements: • I propose that effective immediately, Grace Community Church stop supporting missionaries. • I am completely serious. • By the end of this message, I believe you will agree with me. Got your attention? Follow along this morning as we read Acts 13:1-4: Now ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Give Ear, O Shepherd Of Israel.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 7, 2013

No matter what the world throws at us, we will persevere in the LORD.

GIVE EAR, O SHEPHERD OF ISRAEL. Psalm 80:1-7; Psalm 80:17-19. Belief in the God of Israel is not blind faith, but an informed trust. One expression of our confidence that the LORD is in control of all things is to make our complaints known to Him. In Psalm 80 the writer bemoans the plight of the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 80:17-19, Psalm 80:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Blessing The One Who Blesses Us With Blessings.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 23, 2013

Chosen to be holy.

BLESSING THE ONE WHO BLESSES US WITH BLESSINGS. Ephesians 1:3-14. In their original language, these verses constitute the longest sentence in the whole Bible. They form one long celebration of the Blessed One, who blesses us with blessings (Ephesians 1:3). The blessings begin with Him, bring ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Final Revelation

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 14, 2013

When we see Jesus, we see the very reflection of God Himself.

THE FINAL REVELATION. Hebrews 1:1-4. The poetry of this short passage is beautiful, and the theology is exquisite. The high Christology of these words and phrases resonates with the majesty and dignity of our Saviour. We are left in no doubt that “the Son” is the very voice of God to mankind. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

From Crushing Constrictions To Newness Of Life

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jan 7, 2017

What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me? (Psalm 116:12).

FROM CRUSHING CONSTRICTIONS TO NEWNESS OF LIFE. Psalm 116:1-4; Psalm 116:12-19. Have you ever had an experience where you felt as if the life was being crushed out of you, as surely as if a boa constrictor had its coils around you? This could be physical illness, or mental anguish; crushing ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 116:12-19, Psalm 116:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Unjust Steward

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 12, 2013

Some thoughts on a challenging text.

THE UNJUST STEWARD. Luke 16:1-9. 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 to show that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Neighbourly Kindness Of The Hated Samaritan

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 6, 2016

Jesus sees us in our plight, naked and left for dead by the ravishes of sin in our lives. He picks us up, binds us, anoints us, and takes us to a place of safety.

THE NEIGHBOURLY KINDNESS OF THE HATED SAMARITAN. Luke 10:25-37. This well-known parable is best understood within the framework of the question-and-answer narrative between “a certain lawyer” (an expert in the Scripture), and Jesus (Luke 10:25). The motives of the would-be student may well be ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Father Of Lights Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jan 2, 2020

Someone shows that they are a follower of the "Father of Lights" through their: 1) Words (James 1:19-21), 2) Walk (James 1:22-25), and 3) Works (James 1:26-27).

James 1:17-27 [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. [18] Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. [19] ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17-27

Denomination: Other

The Lord Is With Us Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Apr 23, 2020

We should not be asking whose side God is on, but rather if we are on God’s side. God is the Almighty. God is the Creator. Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords… the proper question is “am I on God’s side?”

MESSAGES FROM THE PROPHETS: THE LORD IS WITH US AMOS 5:14 #6weeksintheprophets READ AMOS 5:14 (NIV) Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say He is. READ AMOS 5:14 (MSG) Seek good and not evil— and live! You talk about God, the ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Go! And Don’t Remove Christ From Christmas Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Nov 21, 2025

If you removed all the wrapping paper, all the lights, all the tinsel, all the adverts, all the parties, and all the pressure… would Christmas still make sense to you?

Go! And… Don’t Remove Christ from Christmas INTRODUCTION — “When Christmas Loses Christ” If you removed all the wrapping paper, all the lights, all the tinsel, all the adverts, all the parties, and all the pressure… would Christmas still make sense to you? Some years ago, a large shopping centre ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6, John 1:14, John 1:1, Colossians 1:15-17, Luke 2:11, Philippians 2:9-11, John 3:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Saved By Grace, Changed By Grace - Repentance, Faith, And The Life That Follows Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 13, 2025

“How can a sinful person be made right with a holy God?” That question sits at the very heart of the Christian faith. It is not theoretical. It is personal. It is eternal.

Saved by Grace, Changed by Grace - Repentance, Faith, and the Life that Follows Introduction – The Most Important Question You Will Ever Answer There are many important questions in life. What career will I choose? Who will I marry? Where will I live? But none compare to this one: “How can a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:23-24, Acts 20:21, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16, Romans 5:1, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 15:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sent By The King: Following Jesus Into A World That Needs The Gospel Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 15, 2025

Last words matter. The final recorded words of Jesus before He ascended in glory are not suggestions - they are not optional extras for “special Christians.” They are orders from our risen Lord and King.

Sent by the King: Following Jesus into a World That Needs the Gospel – Matthew 28:19–20 Introduction – The Call That Still Echoes Church, some final words change everything. A last embrace. A final instruction. A parting commission. The words of a dying parent. The charge of a commanding ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, Philippians 2:9-11, Luke 9:23, Revelation 7:9, Romans 6:4, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Acts 3:19, Romans 10:15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Blessed Because We Believe: Discipleship And The Promise Of God - Luke 1:45 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 20, 2025

Mary, a young virgin from an obscure village, received a divine promise that seemed impossible. She would carry the Son of God. And Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, declared a powerful truth—a truth for every disciple of Jesus today.

Blessed Because We Believe: Discipleship and the Promise of God - Luke 1:45 Introduction – Faith That Transforms Obedience Have you ever received a promise that seemed impossible? Perhaps a doctor gave a grim diagnosis. Perhaps your bank balance whispered fear instead of hope. Perhaps your past ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:45, Hebrews 11:1, Numbers 23:19, Luke 1:38, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Prayer Is "Heightened Awareness” Of God's Constant Presence.”

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Oct 12, 2001

Year C. Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Luke 18: 1-8 October 21, 2001 Heavenly Father empower each of us, to learn the discipline, of consistently turning our attention to You and your eternal dimension and outlook. Amen.

Year C. Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Luke 18: 1-8 October 21, 2001 Heavenly Father empower each of us, to learn the discipline, of consistently turning our attention to You and your eternal dimension and outlook. Amen. Title: “Prayer is “heightened awareness” of God’s constant ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

"Becoming Psychically Conscious Of Our State Of Surrender."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Jun 10, 2002

June 16, 2002 -- FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -- Proper 6 Matthew 9:35--10:8 Color: Green Title: “Becoming psychically conscious of our state of surrender is a life-long challenge, a life-long discipline.”

June 16, 2002 -- FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -- Proper 6 Matthew 9:35--10:8 Color: Green Title: “Becoming psychically conscious of our state of surrender is a life-long challenge, a life-long discipline.” The Harvest Is Great, the Laborers Few 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran