Sermons on Jonathan:

Of Campaigns And Callings

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Oct 26, 2006

Twenty-first political campaigns in the United States seem to be a far cry from the intentions of the founding fathers of our country. And yet, the aspirations for titles and positions go back in history. Every organization with people seems to have a pol

It’s that time of year again… the air is cool and crisp, the days are getting shorter, the leaves are beginning to fall, and the television is full of pithy little advertising spots exhorting why I should choose one candidate over another. I think I’ve figured out how to identify a negative ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 5:1-10

Denomination: Nazarene

Finding Jesus Through Suffering

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Oct 26, 2006

The Problem of Evil asks "How can evil co-exist in a universe with an all-good, all-powerful God?" Pastor Jon looks at this difficult problem, drawing from the doctrine of free will, the tarnishing of creation at the fall of man, and the simple fact that

Last week we spoke of the difference between campaigns and callings—highlighting that Jesus did not campaign for his position as the Great High Priest, but was called to that position like the priests of old. He fulfilled his calling and was obedient to his Father, even though that calling led Him ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-38

Denomination: Nazarene

Article #1 - The Triune God Series

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Oct 26, 2006

The first in a 16 sermon series on the Nazarene Articles of Faith. This sermon explores several scriptures related to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

Article of Faith #1 - The Triune God Date: Sunday, June 6, 2004 Author: Rev. Jonathan K. Twitchell Today, the first Sunday after Pentecost, is known as Trinity Sunday. Trinity Sunday is a day in the Christian calendar which is set aside for us to reflect upon the Nature of the Triune ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Nazarene

Article #2 - Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Oct 26, 2006

The second in a sixteen-sermon series on the Nazarene Articles of Faith. This sermon explores the incarnation and our understanding of the Divine-Human nature of Jesus.

Article of Faith #2 - Jesus Christ Date: Sunday, June 13, 2004 Author: Rev. Jonathan K. Twitchell Despite the somewhat bizarre weather we’ve had of late, it appears as though Summer is finally on its way. Friday was my last day of volunteering in the school lunchroom until next fall, as the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Nazarene

Article #3 - The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Oct 26, 2006

This third sermon on the Nazarene Articles of Faith explores scriptures related to the Holy Spirit.

Article of Faith #3 - The Holy Spirit Date: Sunday, June 20, 2004 Author: Rev. Jonathan K. Twitchell Today, we continue our study on the Articles of Faith of the Church of the Nazarene, helping us to more fully understand the teachings of the Bible in matters of faith and doctrine. It is my ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-11

Denomination: Nazarene

Article #5 - Sin, Original And Personal Series

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Dec 7, 2006

The fifth in a sixteen-sermon series on the Nazarene Articles of Faith. This sermon explores the doctrine of sin and the way in which we can have an "Independance Day" in our lives.

Article of Faith #5 - Sin, Original and Personal Date: Sunday, July 4, 2004 Author: Rev. Jonathan K. Twitchell Before we begin our study today, I’d like to take a moment of pastoral privilege. A couple of weeks ago you took some time to recognize some special occasions in my life; my birthday, ...read more

Denomination: Nazarene

Article #6 - The Atonement Series

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Dec 7, 2006

The sixth in a sixteen-part series on the Nazarene Articles of Faith. In order to understand The Atonement, we must also understand the difference between God’s Mercy and His Grace

Experts can’t agree if the following is a true story or if it should be written down next to the tale of George Washington and the Cherry Tree. While there is no concrete evidence of its truth, there is enough anecdotal evidence that the story has been in existence long enough to quite possibly be ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:6-21

Denomination: Nazarene

Article #7 - Prevenient Grace Series

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Dec 7, 2006

Seventh in a sixteen-part series on the Nazarene Articles of Faith, this sermon deals with the Wesleyan Doctrine of Prevenient (or Preventing) Grace.

Article of Faith #7 - Prevenient Grace Date: Sunday, July 11, 2004 Author: Rev. Jonathan K. Twitchell It’s not a simple matter to adjust the Constitution of an entire denomination. We don’t expect that our Articles of Faith could be easily adjusted to fit the changing times. Since God is ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:1-7

Denomination: Nazarene

When All Hell Breaks Loose - Help Is On The Way

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Dec 7, 2006

This sermon was preached on Advent 1C, and highlights the hope we have in the promise of Christ’s Second Coming. The sermon concluded with a service of prayer and anointing.

Happy New Year! Yes…Happy New Year! Today marks the beginning of the New Year in the Christian Calendar. No, this is not the calendar year, neither is it the beginning of the church statistical and budget year—but the beginning of the Christian Worship Year. Today is the First Sunday of Advent, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:25-36

Denomination: Nazarene

Salvation Full And Free

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Dec 7, 2006

As a priest in the order of Melchizedek, Jesus came to offer salvation full and free.

These past several weeks have taken us on a journey through portions of Job, Mark chapter 10, and the book of Hebrews. Through looking at the combinations of those Scripture passages, we’ve been reminded that Jesus is our Great High Priest, and that He journeys with us on the path to glory—which ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 7:1-28

Denomination: Nazarene

In Covenant With God

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Dec 7, 2006

Pastor Jon continues his study through Hebrews, looking at ways in which the New Covenant in Jesus fulfills the Old Covenant.

If you were with us last week, you remember hearing about how Abram (later called Abraham) chased after the kings and their armies after they defeated Sodom and captured Lot. Lot was blessed by the King of Salem—Melchizedek. We learned that Melchizedek was superior to Abram because the blessing ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:1-15

Denomination: Nazarene

The Requirements Of The New Covenant

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Dec 7, 2006

The author of Hebrews has made the case that the New Covenant is superior to (and fulfills) the Old Covenant. What then are the requirements of this new covenant?

Before we continue our study of Hebrews this morning, I want to take a moment to comment on our Gospel lesson found in Mark chapter 12. I love that short little story about the widow who placed her two coins in the offering. I love the way that Jesus so graciously commends this woman—not because ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:11-24

Denomination: Nazarene

Running The Marathon Of Faith

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Dec 7, 2006

The "Holiday Marathon" provides a backdrop for understanding the sort of "Marathon of Faith" which we are called to run.

Yesterday we made the colossal mistake of attempting to run errands in the mall and surrounding areas. Oh, I know better than to go to the mall between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but yesterday was still the Saturday before Thanksgiving. And…on top of that…there’s an extra week between ...read more

Denomination: Nazarene

Complete Surrender To Christ The King

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Dec 7, 2006

The story of Eric Liddell (Chariots of Fire) forms the backdrop for this sermon on Christ the King Sunday. Are we willing to surrender all of our commitments and allegiences to Christ the King?

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy ...read more

Scripture: John 18:28-40

Denomination: Nazarene

Article #8 - Repentance Series

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Dec 7, 2006

The eighth in a sixteen-part series on the Nazarene Articles of Faith, this sermon looks at the conversion of Saul/Paul as an example of true repentance.

Article of Faith #8 - Repentance Date: Sunday, July 18, 2004 Author: Rev. Jonathan K. Twitchell It’s an ongoing battle at the Twitchell household. We have a great number of beautiful songbirds that come to our birdfeeders in the front yard: goldfinches, house finches, red-winged blackbirds, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:1-23

Denomination: Nazarene