Sermons on Epiphany:

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

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 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 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

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

Spirituality, Diversity, And Gifts.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 18, 2021

No-one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

SPIRITUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND GIFTS. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. 1. Concerning spirituals (1 Corinthians 12:1-3). “Now concerning spirituals,” begins this passage (1 Corinthians 12:1). This may be masculine, ‘spiritual people’. However, given the emphasis away from individualism to “Jesus is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Proclamation To Be Believed.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 24, 2021

Scriptural testimony of the resurrection of Jesus.

A PROCLAMATION TO BE BELIEVED. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. Sometimes it is necessary for Christian people to get back to the basics of their faith, to remind themselves what they are about. Here in 1 Corinthians, Paul is not teaching his readers something new, but reviewing that which he taught ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The First Day.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 9, 2023

God spoke and it was done.

THE FIRST DAY. Genesis 1:1-5. GENESIS 1:1. “In the beginning” is a temporal expression; it pertains to time. In fact, here it refers to the beginning of time itself; but also to the beginning of Creation. This is the beginning of everything. “In the beginning God.” Before time was, before ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Song For The Sabbath Day.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 12, 2022

It is good to give thanks to the LORD.

A SONG FOR THE SABBATH DAY. Psalm 92:1-4, Psalm 92:12-15. We open with the declaration, “It is good to give thanks to the LORD” (Psalm 92:1a). Perhaps our prayers are too often loaded down with petitions: but we should be thanking God for past benefits, even as we make our requests known to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 92:1-4, Psalm 92:12-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Farewell To The Flesh (Mardi Gras Carnival)

Contributed by James May on Feb 15, 2004

This sermon deals with the evils of Mardi Gras and its effect upon the heart, mind and soul of men, especially Christians who take part in the revelry.

FAREWELL TO THE FLESH Since we live in south Louisiana, I think it would be timely for this message concerning the Mardi Gras season. It’s that time again; the time for King Cakes, Purple and Gold decorations, costumes and decadence beyond description. This is the time when the true heart of ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:16, 1 Timothy 4:1-3

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Good News For The Poor Series

Contributed by Charles Scott on Feb 25, 2008

God is ever willing to forgive and heal us of our moral leprosy.

Lk 4__14-22 and 5__12-13 Proclaim glad tidings to the poor Friday after Epiphany Reading 1 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 love God ...read more

Denomination: Anglican