Sermons on National Reflections:

Reflection B.1 / Does God Have A Purpose In Coronavirus? / How To Approach The Question

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on May 11, 2020

We should ask whether God has a purpose in coronavirus. It's a logical and reasonable question to ask. But we first need to think about how to even approach the question.

In my second Reflection I wrote: “Some Christians are asking why we’re experiencing this pandemic. Is coronavirus a judgement from God? Are we living in end times?” In my fifth Reflection I noted that the Daily Express [an English newspaper] had asked another question: “What does the Bible say ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Reflection B.9 / Does God Have A Purpose In Coronavirus? / The Siege Of Jerusalem By Rome

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on May 11, 2020

The story of the siege of Jerusalem by Rome reminds us that God judges. But it also tells us that in a time of judgement, God protects his people.

In an earlier 'Reflection' I mentioned that I would include a few Reflections on notable events in Christian history, mainly to give us a bit of variety. Today we’re going to have the first of those. The event is the siege of Jerusalem. In 66 A.D. a Roman prefect attempted to seize money ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:20-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Transforming Mirror: Reflecting God's Glory 2 Corinthians 3:18 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 28, 2024

In the corridors of 2 Corinthians 3:18, the Apostle Paul unveils a profound truth—the transformative power of beholding God's glory. Today, let's journey into this passage and explore how, as believers, we are continually transformed by the truth we behold.

The Transforming Mirror: Reflecting God's Glory 2 Corinthians 3:18 Introduction: In the corridors of 2 Corinthians 3:18, the Apostle Paul unveils a profound truth—the transformative power of beholding God's glory. Today, let's journey into this passage and explore how, as believers, we ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 12:2, James 1:23-25, Psalm 119:105, 2 Corinthians 3:16-17, Galatians 5:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Title: The Power Of Jesus's Christmas Story: Reflecting On Hope, Love, And Redemption

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Dec 11, 2023

Beyond the familiar nativity scenes and carols, the narrative of Jesus's arrival has incredible significance, touching hearts and transforming lives. The power of Jesus's Christmas story can be seen through its profound themes of hope, love, and redemption.

Introduction: The Christmas season is a time of joy and celebration, but amidst the glittering lights and festive cheer lies a profound story of power and meaning—the story of Jesus's birth. Beyond the familiar nativity scenes and carols, the narrative of Jesus's arrival has ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-14

Denomination: Methodist

How Our Nation Turned Its Back On God's Commandments Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jun 26, 2021

No city, no nation, no culture deliberately sets out to become a society of depraved miscreants, to be forever remembered as abhorrent, to give its name to an unspeakable sin.

Homily for Monday of 13th week in Course Gen 18; Mt 8:18-22 Have you ever wondered how Sodom and Gomorrah got to be the way they were in the time of Abraham and Lot? In their day gangs of violent homosexuals roamed the city night after night, invading the homes of law-abiding citizens, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:16-33, Matthew 8:18-22

Denomination: Catholic

Lessons From Jeremiah – Part 12 – The Treacherous Nation Will Repent And Be Gloriously Restored Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Mar 22, 2024

Judah in Jeremiah’s time was treacherous and idolatrous. Their LORD was rejected which is still the case today. HOWEVER Israel's future restoration will be marvellous, when in shame and contrition the nation returns to God . These verses at the end of Chapter 3 cover that glorious time.

LESSONS FROM JEREMIAH – PART 12 – THE TREACHEROUS NATION WILL REPENT AND BE GLORIOUSLY RESTORED PART 12 - Jeremiah 3:19-25 CHAPTER 3 Today we continue with the remainder of Chapter 3 and look at different aspects in this whole story of Judah’s pitiful state in her rejection of God and her ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 3:19-20, James 1:17, Romans 8:26-27, John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Isaiah 10:20, Isaiah 15:2, Jeremiah 3:21, Zechariah 12:10-12, Zechariah 13:8-9, Joel 2:25-27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Day Of Pentecost

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on May 10, 2008

Some reflections on Pentecost

11-05-08 UW 8.30 What can we learn from the Experience of Pentecost? Story; A parishioner called his vicar up, very angry on a Monday morning. ” Rector”, He said “I tried to get you on Friday but you weren’t in”. “It was my day off “the vicar replied. “Day off”, the parishioner stormed, ”the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Anglican

Reflection D.4 / Does God Have A Purpose In Coronavirus? Revelation. The Rider On The White Horse.

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Jun 12, 2020

Could the rider on the white horse be 'a spirit of conquest' which has been with us for the past 2000 years? The correspondence between Matthew 24 and Revelation 6:1-8 might lead us to think so.

I started this enquiry in response to the question, could God be behind coronavirus? Could coronavirus be some form of judgement from God or a sign of ‘End Times’? To answer that in relation to ‘End Times’ we want to know what ‘End Times’ will look like. A decision we make at this point will ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Gethsemane

Contributed by Randy Croft on Dec 21, 2009

Reflections on Gethsemane

When have you been closest to death? ILLUS: I seem to come close every time I play softball with (name of parishioner)...especially when I’m on Third base and he lines a sharp foul ball...or playing paintball-- I remind everyone that I’m a noncombatant, but that doesn’t work either... ILLUS: I ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:32-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Three-Fold Response To Christmas

Contributed by Jaco Bester on Feb 13, 2013

A reflection on Christmas

THE THREE-FOLD RESPONSE TO CHRISTMAS LUKE 2:1-20 Introduction: When Pope Julius I, in the year 353, authorized December 25th to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus; who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today. When Professor Charles Follen, in 1832, lit candles on the first ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

I Will Go

Contributed by Michael Monica on May 16, 2020

Reflections in Ruth

I Will Go Ruth 1 The book of Ruth is a beautiful "interlude of love," set in... 1. The period when judges ruled Israel - Ru 1:1 2. An era marked by immorality, idolatry, and war. Ruth tells a heartwarming story of devotion and faithfulness... Ruth illustrates how Jehovah rewards ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Omicron Christmas

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Dec 8, 2021

Christmas Reflection

Omicron Christmas Christmas Reflection Scripture: Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-6, John 1:1-18. Dear sisters and brothers, We are in Omicron period of the deadly pandemic during the time of Christmas 2021. And we have Jesus the Word, the Light of the Human Race. Jesus the Word, the Light ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-6, John 1:1-18

Denomination: Other

Haste To Give Out Our Presence

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Dec 13, 2021

Christmas Reflection

Haste to Give out our Presence Christmas Reflection Scripture: Micah 5:2-5, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45. Dear sisters and brothers, Giving is always connected with the celebration of Christmas everywhere in the world. In other words, Christmas is the feast of giving. Christmas ...read more

Scripture: Micah 5:2-5, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45

Denomination: Other

Bad Decisions Can't Stop You Series

Contributed by David Shipman on Nov 22, 2001

Made bad decisions in your life? With God’s plan of redemption it does not matter what your past is, God can restore and bless your future.

Breakthrough III - Bad Decision’s Can’t Stop You 1. Confession of Faith: “I am a possessor of the promises of God. 1A. Don’t look at other’s or be discouraged if others don’t act. Don’t look at how many shows up for church. Know that God’s promises to you are true. 2. Review: 1st ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 7:22-23, Romans 3:21-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Country In Need

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jun 29, 2008

This message compares Judah under King Asa to the USA today. (Actually, the audio came out much different than did this manuscript)

A COUNTRY IN NEED 2 Chronicles 15:1-15 * Psalms 33:12 says this, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen for His own possession.” Of all the nations which have ever been established, conceived, or made, the USA is without a doubt the greatest Nation to ever grace ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 15:1-15

Denomination: Baptist