Sermons on C Proper 5:

The Knowledge We Have

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 13, 2013

Paul's answer to Gnostic tendencies in the Church.

THE KNOWLEDGE WE HAVE. Colossians 1:1-14. The Apostle Paul was in prison (Colossians 4:10; Colossians 4:18), probably in Rome. We can imagine that any bearer of news of the churches, and of the progress of the gospel, was a welcome visitor. Such was Epaphras a “fellow-servant, who is for you a ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Pleading

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 17, 2019

We have left a God-shape hole in our lives and try to fill it with other things.

A PLEADING. Jeremiah 2:4-13. In this passage the LORD yet again makes His complaint against the whole house of Israel (Jeremiah 2:4). As we read it, we begin to realise that this is also His indictment against the whole of mankind, and against the visible Church in particular. “What ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:4-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Hymn To The Redeemer.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 10, 2023

Worship is not only a duty for the congregation, but also of the individual Christian.

A HYMN TO THE REDEEMER. Psalm 149:1-9. PSALM 149:1. The exhortation to “Praise ye the LORD” is especially addressed to “saints” = those loved by God with His covenant love. All of God’s people are saints, and we are envisaged as met together in congregation, singing His praise. It is only those ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 149:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Table Etiquette In The Kingdom Of God

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 6, 2016

This is God's work, and the order of priority in God's kingdom.

TABLE ETIQUETTE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Luke 14:1; Luke 14:7-14. One Sabbath, one of the chief Pharisees gave Jesus the courtesy of a dinner invitation. Jesus courteously accepted. Somewhat discourteously, the Pharisees were keeping their eye on Jesus (Luke 14:1). It was on this occasion, as ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:1, Luke 14:7-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Essential Article Of The Christian Faith

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 6, 2016

Death is not the end.

AN ESSENTIAL ARTICLE OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. Luke 20:27-38. The Sadducees, the ruling class in the Jerusalem Temple, flatly denied the resurrection of the body (Luke 20:27). They failed to find this teaching in their only authoritative Scriptures, the five books of Moses (Genesis to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:27-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Act Of Love Of A Forgiven Woman, And The Inclusivity Of Jesus' Ministry.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 23, 2016

Nurturing our relationship with Jesus is an essential part of our Christian formation.

1. A FORGIVEN WOMAN’S ACT OF LOVE. Luke 7:36-50. This incident ties in with two earlier episodes, illustrating Jesus’ conquest over sickness (Luke 7:1-10), death (Luke 7:11-17) - and now sin. The unnamed woman is identified as “a sinner” (Luke 7:37; Luke 7:39; Luke 7:47). This tells us nothing ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50, Luke 8:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Contest On Mount Carmel

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 13, 2013

Prevarication is not an option!

THE CONTEST ON MOUNT CARMEL. 1 Kings 18:20-39. The prophet Elijah is nothing if not bold in his confrontation with King Ahab. The king accused Elijah of being “he that troubles Israel” (1 Kings 18:17). The prophet’s retort was rather to accuse Ahab and his family of troubling Israel, as they had ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:20-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Vision Of Salvation

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 7, 2013

Mercy and truth meet together, & righteousness and peace embrace - in the Cross of Jesus Christ.

A VISION OF SALVATION. Psalm 85. First, the Psalmist remembers the favour and forgiveness of the LORD (Psalm 85:1-3). This is a good place to begin in our petitions to God, rather than diving into our shopping list of requests. We base our belief that God will give us a favourable answer in His ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 85:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Overview Of The Book Of Joel

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Feb 15, 2015

We cannot change the past: but in Christ, God restores to us what would have been had we not allowed sin an entrance (Joel 2:25).

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF JOEL. Joel 1-3. The name Joel means ‘Yahweh is God’ or perhaps ‘Whose God is the LORD’. There is no doubt that Joel's God is the LORD: not only on account of his given name, but also because of his courage in confronting Israel and the nations with a far-reaching ...read more

Scripture: Joel 1:1-20, Joel 2:1-32, Joel 3:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Lost Sheep And A Lost Coin.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 5, 2022

Man in sin is lost, whether he is aware of it or not. Jesus came to seek that which was lost. The testimony of Christians is, I once was lost, but now am found.

A LOST SHEEP AND A LOST COIN. Luke 15:1-10. In the first parable of today’s reading we see the caring shepherd. He left his ninety-nine other sheep in order to seek the one that was lost, until he had found it. This is an image which is familiar from both the Old Testament and the New Testament: ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Outreach & Discipleship #5 Of 5 Series

Contributed by George Mclaughlin Jr. on Nov 8, 2009

The Great Commission is "to make disciples." "Going," "baptizing," and teaching explain "make disciples." Yet this is a neglected area in our day. What does it mean to make disciples? How is it done? What does it have to do with outreach/evangelism?

Intro. - The COMMAND: Make disciples I. What this text tells us about making disciples A. It’s not easy, v. 18. (Only by God’s grace) B. What are the ingredients for discipleship? 1. "going" - connecting 2. "baptizing" - converting 3. "teaching" - completing II. What’s involved in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Family Table

Contributed by Ronald Harbaugh on Jun 16, 2007

A sermon for the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 6, Series C

3rd Sunday after Pentecost [Pr. 6] June 17, 2007 “Series C” Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, through our baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection, you came to us, invited us, called us, and embraced us ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

It Is A Strange Story

Contributed by Ronald Harbaugh on Jun 19, 2010

A sermon for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost, proper 7, Series C

4th Sunday after Pentecost [Pr.7] June 20, 2010 “Series C” Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. Let us pray: Almighty God, through your Son, Jesus the Christ, you not only revealed your redeeming grace, but you also call us to be ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:26-39

Denomination: Lutheran

The Years That The Locust Has Eaten

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 31, 2019

A promise of restoration to the repentant. A prophecy of the outpouring of the Spirit. A warning of the judgment to come.

THE YEARS THAT THE LOCUST HAS EATEN. Joel 2:23-32. A very old elder once said to me that his only regret was “the years that the locust has eaten” (Joel 2:25). However, there is no point in bemoaning what may have been, but rather our eyes should be on the here and now, and in the prospects ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:23-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Yet I Will Not Make A Full End

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 10, 2016

A text of hope in the context of God's determination against His people.

“YET I WILL NOT MAKE A FULL END”. Jeremiah 4:11-12; Jeremiah 4:22-28. Many of our readings in Jeremiah seem to, like Lamentations, open out on to a vista of total devastation and despair. However, depending on what translation one uses, there is hope: “yet I will NOT make a full end” (Jeremiah ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 4:11-12, Jeremiah 4:22-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational