Sermons on B Proper 15:

Wisdom And Worship.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 11, 2024

When we pray aright, God grants all that we ask, and more besides.

WISDOM AND WORSHIP. 1 Kings 3:5-15. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. “Ask what I shall give thee,” offered the LORD (1 KINGS 3:5). We should take up these offers of the LORD: ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:5-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Lord Is My Salvation.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 16, 2024

The name Jesus means 'The LORD is salvation.' It is He who has saved me!

THE LORD MY SALVATION. Psalm 118:14-21. This Psalm is the last of the processional Psalms which were sung by pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem for the great Jewish feasts. There are echoes of the Passover, and anticipations of the death and resurrection of Jesus. PSALM 118:14 takes us back ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:14-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Anger And Reconciliation.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 6, 2024

The universal law against murder.

ANGER AND RECONCILIATION. Matthew 5:20-26. MATTHEW 5:20. The disciples were warned that if their righteousness does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, then they will not enter into the kingdom of heaven! This is emphatic. Mere outward conformity will never suffice (cf. 1 Samuel ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Adoption Of Mephibosheth.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 5, 2025

An illustration of what it means to be adopted into the family of God.

THE ADOPTION OF MEPHIBOSHETH. 2 Samuel 9:6-13. David the son of Jesse, and Jonathan the son of king Saul, were the best of friends. When they parted ways they entered into a covenant in which David vowed to show kindness to Jonathan’s family “for ever” (cf. 1 Samuel 20:14-16). After David became ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:6-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Grace Of Submission.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Mar 4, 2025

"But He giveth more grace" (James 4:6).

THE GRACE OF SUBMISSION. James 4:1-10. James has been contrasting the ‘earthly, sensual, devilish’ wisdom that engenders ‘envying and strife’ (cf. James 3:14-16) with the ‘peaceable’ wisdom of God (cf. James 3:17-18). JAMES 4:1. With a startling suddenness, James asks, “From whence come wars ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Joseph Reveals His Identity.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 19, 2024

All things DO work together for good for those who love the Lord (cf. Romans 8:28).

JOSEPH REVEALS HIS IDENTITY. Genesis 45:1-7, Genesis 45:15. The Old Testament Joseph is very much a Type of Christ. Favoured by his father (cf. Genesis 37:3), Joseph was sold by his brethren for twenty pieces of silver (cf. Genesis 37:28). Favoured by His Father (cf. Luke 3:22), Jesus ‘came ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 45:1-7, Genesis 45:15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Love Without Hypocrisy.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Feb 2, 2023

Agape love in action.

LOVE WITHOUT HYPOCRISY. Romans 12:9-16b. In Greek, the first clause of Romans 12:9 has no verb, so could literally be rendered “love without hypocrisy” or “love unfeigned”. So far in Romans, ‘agape’ has spoken of the love of God toward us (cf. Romans 5:5; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:35; Romans 8:39). ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (8:1-10:15) Part 3 Of 4 Series

Contributed by Rodney Fry on Oct 26, 2009

we shall continue our survey of Hosea by noticing God’s warning of punishment that is to befall Israel, chapters 8-10..

"STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Hosea - God’s Redeeming Love (8:1-10:15) INTRODUCTION 1. Thus far in our survey of the book of Hosea, we have seen... a. The analogy of Hosea and Gomer, illustrating God’s experience with Israel 1) Israel’s rejection symbolized, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Covenant For The Nations

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Feb 21, 2015

The covenant established with Abraham is not just about the land, or circumcision - but it is also about God's plan of redemption for the nations, via the cross of Jesus.

A COVENANT FOR THE NATIONS. Genesis 17:1-7; Genesis 17:15-16. Abram was ninety-nine years old. Ishmael, his son by his wife’s slave girl Hagar, was thirteen. Now, after a long silence, the LORD spoke anew to Abram. When we try to work out God’s purposes on our own strength, as Abram and Sarai ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 17:1-7, Genesis 17:15-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Time To Favour Zion.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 19, 2025

Keep on praying.

THE TIME TO FAVOUR ZION. Psalm 102:12-17. Man in his affliction may feel that his days are racing away from him (cf. Psalm 102:11). Yet, before our legitimate prayer (cf. Psalm 102:1) disintegrates into despair, it is well to remind ourselves that “thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever, and thy ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 102:12-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Coming Of The Holy Spirit And The Return Of Jesus.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 16, 2024

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27.

THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE RETURN OF JESUS. John 14:15-31. *Notice how closely our love and our obedience are bound together (John 14:15; cf. John 14:21; 1 John 2:3-5). 1. He has given us the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). Jesus said, “I will pray the Father, and He will send another ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Cross And Regeneration.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 22, 2024

The Holy Spirit applies the message of the Cross to our lives.

THE CROSS AND REGENERATION. John 3:1-15. JOHN 3:1. Nicodemus was a member of the strictest sect of the Jews: the Pharisees. No doubt he sought to keep all the man-made rules of his religion, as well as the law of God which was given to Moses. Nicodemus was a religious man; an upright man; a ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Neighbours.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 12, 2024

Applying Christian ethics to our daily dealings.

NEIGHBOURS. Leviticus 19:13-18. This section deals with certain ethical matters, framed for the economic, social, judicial, and neighbourly aspects of daily living. The refrain throughout is “I am the LORD,” or “I am the LORD your God.” A holy walk with God is best seen in our attitudes to ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 19:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Just Passing Through.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 11, 2025

Living in a world that is not our home.

JUST PASSING THROUGH. Psalm 120:1-7. The Psalmist’s testimony is, “In my distress, I cried unto the LORD" (PSALM 120:1a). Prayer is our only recourse in time of trouble (cf. John 16:23-24). It is sure to gain a response from the LORD: “and He heard me” (PSALM 120:1b; cf. Psalm 18:6; Psalm ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 120:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Safe Place

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 29, 2018

A present trust in our ever-present LORD. He has been with us in all our yesterdays, and will be with us in all our tomorrows.

A SAFE PLACE. Psalms 71:1-6. This short excerpt from Psalms 71 is a strong declaration of confidence in the LORD, based on long experience. Psalms 71:1a. A declaration of present, personal trust in the Personal God. “In You, O LORD, I put my trust.” We cannot trust in the impersonal. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 71:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational