Sermons on C Proper 15:

Our Part In The Refining Process

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 11, 2013

This seemingly random selection of exhortations follows on from Hebrews 12:29, and represents our part in the refining process which God is working in our lives (cf. Ephesians 4:1).

OUR PART IN THE REFINING PROCESS. Hebrews 13:1-8; Hebrews 13:15-16. I. PRACTICAL LOVE (Hebrews 13:1-3). 1. “Brotherly love” (Hebrews 13:1). Jesus is ‘not ashamed’ to call us brethren (Hebrews 2:11-12). The readers of Hebrews are viewed as ‘holy brethren’ (Hebrews 3:1). This section begins ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-8, Hebrews 13:15-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Stirring In The Heart Of God

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 11, 2019

It is a mystery, but our unchangeable God wants us to understand that He is not without compassion.

A STIRRING IN THE HEART OF GOD. Hosea 11:1-11. Through His speaking in the first person, and in what He says, this chapter offers us a unique view of the tenderness of the LORD toward His people (Hosea 11:1a). Moses reminded the people that the LORD ‘did not set His love upon’ them for any ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 11:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Universal Prayer

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 29, 2013

We are called to universal prayer because God desires that "all men" be saved. This is the purpose behind the doctrine of election. There is only one God, one Mediator, one sacrifice. The church's mission is to make a universal declaration of this truth.

UNIVERSAL PRAYER. 1 Timothy 2:1-7. CONTEXT. The faithful saying that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners is worthy of all acceptation - or ‘worthy to be accepted by ALL’ - (1 Timothy 1:15). “Therefore” - as a priority - Paul exhorts Timothy that “supplications, prayers, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Need For Christian Stability

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 2, 2013

Go on holding on: the day of Christ is not here yet.

THE NEED FOR CHRISTIAN STABILITY. 2 Thessalonians 2. The church of the Thessalonians had heard a rumour concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our being gathered together to Him (2 Thessalonians 2:1). There were those who taught that “the day of Christ” was already here (2 ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christ The End Of The Law

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 12, 2017

Righteousness by law versus righteousness by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

CHRIST THE END OF THE LAW. Romans 10:5-15. Jesus is the fulfilment of all that the law signified, and met all its righteous demands against ourselves. He is the end of the law as a possible means of our becoming righteousness. In Romans 10:4, the Apostle Paul says (literally): ‘For the end of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:5-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Walking In The Spirit

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 30, 2019

Sowing to the flesh versus sowing to the Spirit.

WALKING IN THE SPIRIT. Galatians 6:1-16. ‘If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit,’ said Paul towards the end of the previous chapter (Galatians 5:25). The Greek word translated here as ‘walk’ speaks of our deliberately ‘getting in line with’ the Holy Spirit’s leading in ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Big Life Little Life - Mark 15:1-15 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 22, 2024

What is it about the natural human heart that prefers someone like Barabbas to Jesus? If we don’t know the answer to that question, we’ll miss one of the most important messages of the whole book of Mark. And when it comes to a choice, we’ll make the wrong decision too.

Mark 15:1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. 2 "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate. "Yes, it is as you say," ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:1-15, John 18:28-40, Matthew 27:11-26, Luke 23:1-25

Working And Eating

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 29, 2019

If anyone does not wish to work, neither let him eat.

WORKING AND EATING. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13. Having expressed his trust in the Lord that they will already be doing the things with which he charges them (2 Thessalonians 3:4), the Apostle Paul now charges the brethren in Thessalonica - “in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ” - to withdraw ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Promises The Holy Spirit PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 28, 2023

To emphasize the intimate connection between loving Jesus and obeying His commands, the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit's help in our lives.

Good morning, brothers and sisters! Today, we are going to dive into the beautiful and comforting words of Jesus from John 14:15-31. Our focus will be on three key themes: Loving Jesus and Keeping His Commands, The Comforter Has Come, and Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit to Help Us. Let’s first look ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-31

Topics: Comforter, John 14:15-31

Warnings And Promises For Evil Days

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 7, 2016

Times and signs.

WARNINGS & PROMISES FOR EVIL DAYS. Luke 21:5-19. Every so often we are confronted with all the uncertainty that arises from the dawn of what seem to be evil days. One hundred years ago people wondered if the fierce battles of World War One represented the Apocalyptic Armageddon. Then came ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:5-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Appearing Of Our Saviour

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 5, 2013

The incarnation was not an afterthought, but part of the purpose of God for mankind from all eternity.

THE “APPEARING” OF OUR SAVIOUR. 2 Timothy 1:8-11. The incarnation was not an afterthought, but part of God’s purpose for mankind from all eternity. It is the manifestation of the salvation determined from, literally, “before the ages of time” (2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2; cf. Romans 16:25). No ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:8-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Song For The Journey

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Feb 6, 2014

The pilgrimage of life may - or even must - lead by the way of the Cross: but the destination is assured.

A SONG FOR THE JOURNEY. Psalm 121. This is a “song of ascent” - quite possibly sung by pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem for one of the festivals. It would be an appropriate Psalm for returning exiles, too, when faced with the dangers of a thousand mile journey back across the wilderness from ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 121:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Easter Sunday, Year C. Series

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 12, 2022

April 20th, 2025.

Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 118:1-2, Psalm 118:14-24, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12. A). NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH. Isaiah 65:17-25. “Behold,” says the LORD, “I create new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17). The word for “create” is the same as in ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 118:1-2, Psalm 118:14-24, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Pentecost Sunday, Year C. Series

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 30, 2022

JUNE 8TH, 2025.

Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, Psalm 104:24-35, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17, John 14:25-27. A). A PENTECOSTAL HAPPENING IN JERUSALEM. Acts 2:1-21. There is a time and a place for everything - or so the old folks used to say. There was a time for Christmas, and a time for Easter. There was a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, Psalm 104:24-35, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sexagesima (B C P). Series

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Feb 21, 2025

Sermons upon the Bible readings of the Book of Common Prayer.

Psalm 83:1-2, Psalm 83:13-18, Genesis 3:9-19, 2 Corinthians 11:19-31, Luke 8:4-15 A). IMPRECATIONS IN CONTEXT. Psalm 83:1-2, Psalm 83:13-18. Today’s Psalm begins, “Keep not silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still O God” (PSALM 83:1). As if He ever would, when to attack God’s people ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 83:1-2, Psalm 83:13-18, Genesis 3:9-19, 2 Corinthians 11:19-31, Luke 8:4-15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational