Sermons on epiphany:

A Sinner Saved

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 8, 2018

A miraculous catch of fish, and the commencement of the Church's ministry.

A SINNER SAVED. Luke 5:1-11. I can remember reading a quaint old book by a Puritan whose only acknowledged qualification for conducting a Christian ministry was, ‘Sinner Saved’. Without that we are either honestly mistaken, or really just charlatans and frauds! This begs the question, ‘What ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Joyous Prospect

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 22, 2018

This is not just about a City, but about the whole People of God.

A JOYOUS PROSPECT. Isaiah 62:1-5. Isaiah’s so-called ‘Song of the Vineyard’ (Isaiah 5:1-7), spoke of a time when judgment and desolation loomed large upon the horizon of his contemporaries. There the husbandman (cf. John 15:1) looked for a fruitful harvest, but the vineyard yielded only bad ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 62:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Prophet Like Moses

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 28, 2014

Jesus is the Prophet like unto Moses, and all His words are truth.

JESUS: A PROPHET LIKE MOSES. Deuteronomy 18:15-20. 1. A Prophet raised up by God (Deuteronomy 18:15). John the Baptist was asked, ‘Are you that Prophet?’ (John 1:21). His answer was an emphatic, ‘No!’ So people began to wonder if it was Jesus (John 6:14). 2. From your own people (Deuteronomy ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Valley Of Trouble As The Door Of Hope

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 29, 2013

From our many backslidings, to "you shall know the LORD."

THE VALLEY OF TROUBLE AS THE DOOR OF HOPE. Hosea 2:14-20. Hosea’s own rocky marriage stands as a metaphor for the troubled relationship between the LORD and Israel. Just as Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea, so Israel broke covenant with the LORD (Hosea 1:2). One harbinger of hope is discovered - ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 2:14-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Reaching Out To Samaria

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 26, 2013

The gospel is not only for Jerusalem and Judea, but also for Samaria, and all the nations.

REACHING OUT TO SAMARIA. Acts 8:5-25. I. ORIGINS OF THE SAMARITANS 1. The schism (1 Kings 11:26-40; 1 Kings 12) 2. The city of Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-24) 3. The province of Samaria (2 Kings 17:5-41) People of the land unfriendly to returning Jews 1. Hindered building the Temple (Ezra ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:5-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who Stands In Awe Is Blessed

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jan 4, 2014

When we put our trust in the righteous LORD we shall not lose our reward.

WHO STANDS IN AWE IS BLESSED. Psalm 112. Like its immediate predecessor, Psalm 112 is an acrostic poem, using the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order as the opening letter of each line. This can best be represented in English by: “Alleluia. “Blessed is the man…” (Psalm 112:1). The ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 112:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Hymn To The Mercy Of God

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 4, 2013

The correct response to the love of God, is to put our trust “under the shadow of His wings”.

A HYMN TO GOD’S MERCY. Psalm 36:5-10. This beautiful meditation on the excellence of God’s loving-kindness, is encompassed within an oracle concerning the transgression of the wicked. Like a beautiful portrait set against a dark and gloomy background, the centrepiece is highlighted by the use of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 36:5-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Tree Planted By The Waters

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Feb 5, 2019

The two states of being, the two ways of life: confronting our own hearts.

A TREE PLANTED BY THE WATERS. Jeremiah 17:5-10. The prophet Jeremiah’s response to the political and international situation of his day was, “Thus says the LORD” (Jeremiah 17:5). And what does the LORD say? He says, in effect, that there are two states of being, and two ways of life: and ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Look Up And Praise The Lord

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 28, 2017

A summons to praise our God, with reasons attached.

LOOK UP AND PRAISE THE LORD. Psalm 147:1-11, Psalm 147:20c. Why “Praise the LORD” (Psalm 147:1)? There are two possible readings of the answer: “For it is good/ pleasant/ delightful to sing praises to our God” (cf. Psalm 92:1); or “For He is good/ gracious/ beautiful” (cf. Psalm 27:4). It could ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 147:1-11, Psalm 147:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Ascension Of Elijah.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 19, 2013

Passing on the mantle: issues of succession in the church.

THE ASCENSION OF ELIJAH. 2 Kings 2:1-12. I. ASCENSION The taking up of Elijah by the LORD prefigures the ascension of the Lord Jesus, and anticipates our own meeting with Jesus in the air. 1. Elijah’s ascension was attended by horses and chariots. As Elisha and the sons of the prophets ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Solemn Feast Day

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 8, 2020

A summons to resounding praise.

A SOLEMN FEAST DAY. Psalm 81:1-7. This Psalm opens with a summons to resounding praise (Psalm 81:1-3), with reasons to do so attached (Psalm 81:4-7). It continues with an address by God, beginning with a commandment, with a promise attached (Psalm 81:8-10); and going on to upbraid the people ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 81:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Honey Out Of The Rock

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 11, 2020

Even now, God is waiting to forgive.

HONEY OUT OF THE ROCK. Psalm 81:8-16. If we allow that the summons to praise (Psalm 81:1) is a call to celebrate the kingship of the LORD, it is because He, and He alone, is God (Psalm 81:9-10; cf. Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Psalm 81:8. “Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto you: O Israel, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 81:1, Psalm 81:8-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Yea And Amen In Christ Jesus

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 29, 2020

The integrity of God. The integrity of the preached message. The commonality of Christian community.

YEA AND AMEN IN CHRIST JESUS. 2 Corinthians 1:18-22. On account of his decision to postpone his planned second visit to Corinth, the Apostle Paul was facing the accusation of vacillating. Is it ‘yes, he’s coming’ or ‘no, he’s not coming’? wondered his opponents. Paul is quite clear: ‘I was ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Mountain Top Experience

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Feb 15, 2023

The Transfiguration, yes is a moment of intimacy with God but more. If at Mt. Hermon demonstrates His power over the realm of Satan which began with Peter's confession "You are the Christ" and concludes with Jesus driving out the demonic from the boy.

In Jesus Holy Name February 19,2023 Matthew 19:1-5 Transfiguration Redeemer “A Mountain Top Experience” Almost everyone has a favorite bible story. When you think of all the bible stories you know…. Which is your favorite? I love this story. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:3-18, Luke 9:18-36

Denomination: Lutheran

Good News For The Poor And Infirm

Contributed by Charles Scott on Jan 11, 2008

Jesus came to restore the whole man, both physically and spiritually as evidenced by his healing of the Leper.

Lk 4__14-22 and 5__12-13 Proclaim glad tidings to the poor Friday after Epiphany First Reading 1 Jn 4:19–5:4 Beloved, we love God because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot ...read more

Denomination: Anglican