Sermons on Proper 11:

A Critique Of Pharisaic Hypocrisy

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 20, 2014

To say and to do not, versus the grace of humility.

A CRITIQUE OF PHARISAIC HYPOCRISY. Matthew 23:1-12. Turning away from the Pharisees, Jesus addressed both the crowds and His own disciples (Matthew 23:1). From the outset, Jesus acknowledged the legitimacy of the Pharisees as a party within Judaism: they “sit in Moses’ seat” (Matthew 23:2). ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In The Beginning God Created Series

Contributed by Bruce Montgomery on Apr 21, 2008

The proper beginning place to discover where we came from and why we are here is not in evolution, but in Genesis.

In The Beginning God Created Genesis 1:1 By Dr. R. Bruce Montgomery Introduction • Where did we come from? • How did our universe around us come into existence? • When and how did animate life begin? • Why are we here? • Are we merely the products of chance, or is there a purpose and plan behind ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Knowing The Unknowable.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 28, 2013

The Cross-shaped love of Christ.

KNOWING THE UNKNOWABLE. Ephesians 3:14-21. The “For this reason” of Ephesians 3:14 echoes Ephesians 3:1, and picks up the thread of thought that was left there. This follows Paul’s contemplation of the reconciliation accomplished by our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22). Jesus, by His own ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is Tithing A Mandate Or Human Tradition?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Mar 10, 2025

This message takes an honest and impartial look at what the Bible says about Tithing, what it was, its biblical history, and how and why it was implemented.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8 NIV) Many Christians feel guilty and Tithe out of obligation rather than love. Some have ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:8, Matthew 6:19-24, Malachi 3:6-12, Mark 12:41-44, John 10:12-13, Luke 20:46, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 6:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Do All To The Glory Of God Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Oct 30, 2011

In today's lesson we learn some practical directions regarding the proper use of our Christian liberty.

Scripture We continue our study in The First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians in a series I am calling Challenges Christians Face. One of the challenges that Christians face is the issue of Christian liberty. I smiled recently when I read about Charlie Brown, the main character of the Peanuts ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Numbering Our Days.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 8, 2023

Reverencing God, and making a right application of the truth about the brevity of our lives.

NUMBERING OUR DAYS. Psalm 90:1-12. Psalm 90:1. It is remarkable that the children of Israel survived 400 years in Egypt, and for some of that time under unspeakable oppression. Yet despite their hard labour and sorrow, the LORD had been their dwelling place “from generation to generation”. This ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 90:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Call To Active Watchfulness

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 27, 2014

Are we really ready to meet Him?

A CALL TO ACTIVE WATCHFULNESS. Matthew 25:1-13. The parable of the ten virgins comes on the back of a call to watchfulness, which is illustrated by the faithfulness of a dutiful servant as opposed to the unfaithfulness of an evil servant (Matthew 24:42-51). The contrast is shifted into the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Your God Shall Be My God

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 13, 2013

The vow of Ruth seals the promise, binding her forever not only with Naomi, but also with the LORD.

YOUR GOD SHALL BE MY GOD. Ruth 1:1-18. Ruth 1:1. “The days when the judges judged” was an age of anarchy (Judges 21:25). Cycles of godlessness were followed by trouble and invasion, the raising of ‘saviours’ and restoration - only for the people of the LORD to fall back again into ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Relationship Of The Lord To The Righteous

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 25, 2013

The outworking of the good life.

THE LORD’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE RIGHTEOUS. Psalm 34:15-22. Jesus adopts the general principle, “the measure you give will be the measure you get” (Mark 4:24). This is because, despite all appearances to the contrary, we are still living in a moral universe. Yet God does allow bad things to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:15-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Clash Of Kingdoms

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 20, 2015

The Kingdom of God goes head to head with the kingdoms of this world.

A CLASH OF KINGDOMS. Mark 6:14-29. As a unit, Mark 6:14-29 begins and ends with people “having heard” something. Herod “heard” about Jesus and His disciples (Mark 6:14), and drew his own conclusions from it (Mark 6:16). John’s disciples “heard” about John’s death, and acted accordingly (Mark ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Faith And Works

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 31, 2013

The practical faith of Rahab stands in contrast to the platitudes of the person who sent the hungry empty away, and failed to clothe the naked.

FAITH AND WORKS. James 2:14-26. A person is making what seems to be a credible claim to “faith” - but (as yet) there is no evidence in their lives of their allegiance to Jesus Christ. They seem to have all the right words, but (so far) “works” are lacking. James 2:14. What is the profit in the ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

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

Care And Feeding Of The Body Series

Contributed by Daniel Austin on May 10, 2010

Paul’s exhortation to each of us is simply to give proper care and feeding to the body of Christ.

Care and Feeding of the Body 05/24/09 PM Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Introduction The body of Christ is made up of “brethren,” that is to say, “brothers and sisters.” Because God is a loving Father, all who join his family become fellow heirs with Christ and so are children ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ