Sermons on Proper 23 Year B:

The Giddy Heights Of Agape Love.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jan 9, 2022

Some thoughts on 1 Corinthians 13.

THE GIDDY HEIGHTS OF AGAPE LOVE. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. At the end of the previous chapter Paul encouraged the Corinthians (church) to be, literally, ‘zealous’ for the best gifts (‘charismata’). ‘And yet,’ he said, ‘I show unto you a more excellent way’ (1 Corinthians 12:31). What is that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Everything She Had: A Life That Matters Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Nov 6, 2021

The first attribute of a life that matters that we will examine in this series of sermons this month is generosity. Generosity, as reflected in our gospel text this week, is about how we hold the stuff of this life lightly, even as we hold people and Christ tightly.

A well-known hymn that captures this idea of generosity is “Take My Life, and Let It Be,” 399 in The United Methodist Hymnal. The middle verse often catches us singing with our fingers crossed: “Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.” In this text of the widow’s mite, we need to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: United Methodist

The Unity Of The Spirit.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 25, 2024

"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (EPHESIANS 4:3).

THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT. Ephesians 4:1-6. Our unity is based in the unity of all three Persons of the Godhead (EPHESIANS 4:4-5). EPHESIANS 4:1. We are asked to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” How do we do that? EPHESIANS 4:2. “With all lowliness” = humility. Like the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Thanksgiving And Prayer.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 26, 2024

We do not lack knowledge, but need rather to tap into that which we already have.

THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER. Colossians 1:3-12. After introducing themselves, and acknowledging that those to whom they are writing are true Christians [i.e. 'saints and faithful brethren in Christ' (Colossians 1:1-2)], Paul and Timothy next “give thanks… praying always for you” (COLOSSIANS ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:3-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Parable Of The Weeds.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 11, 2024

There is no separating out until the harvest.

THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS. Matthew 13:24-30. The interpretation of the parable of the wheat and the tares (MATTHEW 13:24-30) should not be a matter of contention, as Jesus Himself gives the interpretation in Matthew 13:36-43. MATTHEW 13:24. “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Receive Not The Grace Of God In Vain.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 16, 2024

Let us always be open to that grace, and to the daily manifestation of it in our own lives, and in the lives of others.

RECEIVE NOT THE GRACE OF GOD IN VAIN. 2 Corinthians 6:1-10. With the once-and-forever experience of a true conversion to God-in-Christ, there continues to be the on-going necessity of being sanctified. Have we not, at times, failed God, and found it incumbent upon ourselves to repent, and to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Claims His Kingdom.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 31, 2024

The ultimate Son of man, the new Adam, is given dominion over all mankind.

JESUS CLAIMS HIS KINGDOM. Daniel 7:13-14. In DANIEL 7:13, “one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him.” In the Gospels, ‘Son of man’ is Jesus’ favourite name for Himself (cf. Mark 14:61-62). It was understood to ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 7:13-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

O Sing Praises Unto The Lord.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 1, 2024

"He doth send out His voice, and that a mighty voice" (PSALM 68:33).

O SING PRAISES UNTO THE LORD. Psalm 68:32-35. PSALM 68:32. The closing exhortation of this Psalm calls upon all the kingdoms of the earth to sing praises unto God. PSALM 68:33. He is again referred to under the figure of “Him that rideth upon the heavens” (cf. Psalm 68:4). But now we are told ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 68:32-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Healing Of The Son Of A Nobleman.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 13, 2022

The second significant sign in the Gospel of John.

THE HEALING OF THE SON OF A NOBLEMAN. John 4:46-54. Returning to Cana, where Jesus had turned the water into wine, He was met by a royal official from Capernaum whose son was sick, even to the point of death. The man entreated Jesus to come down and heal his boy (JOHN 4:46-47). “Except ye see ...read more

Scripture: John 4:46-54

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Fullness Of Time. Abridged.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 27, 2022

In the fullness of the time God sent forth His Son. Galatians 4.4.

THE FULLNESS OF TIME. Galatians 4:4-7. In Galatians 4:4, Paul speaks of a fullness of time. In what sense was it the fullness of the time? There is a time for everything under the sun (Ecclesiastes 3:1). God has set limits to the times and boundaries of the nations from all eternity (Acts ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:4-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is That Your Final Answer?

Contributed by Bob Joyce on Jul 15, 2009

God’s answer to the question: "Who is my neighbor?" often leaves us asking for option "B".

Today’s question from the Word of God is: Who is your neighbor? I would have to guess that this Scripture is the second most known story that Jesus ever told ... the story of the Good Samaritan. READ vv. 25-29 A Good Question And An Unexpected Answer That’s a good question. People ask questions ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Baptist

Shem, A Son Of Noah Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Sep 3, 2022

•Shem was one of the sons of Noah in the book of Genesis, the book of Chronicles, and the Quran. Genesis 11:10 records that Shem was 100 years old at the birth of Arphaxad, two years after the Flood, and that he lived for another 500 years after this, making his age at death 600 years.

? Facts About Shem, A Son of Noah ? •Scholars are unsure whether Shem is Noah's eldest or youngest son. ? •The children of Shem were Elam, Ashur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram, and unnamed daughters. ? •Parent(s) Noah ? •Shem was one of the sons of Noah in the book of Genesis, the book of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 10:21

Denomination: Baptist

Prologue Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Aug 16, 2024

Before getting to the story proper there is a Prologue – Creation. God breathed creative power. He said it and it happened – “In the Beginning.”

August 17, 2024 The Bible. Scripture. The Word of God. 66 books written by more than 40 authors, over a span of approximately 1500 years, on 3 continents (Asia, Europe and Africa) and in 3 different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek). And yet, despite all those variables, the Bible is ...read more

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

God Is On Whose Side?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 4, 2015

A proper understanding of God's character and His grace toward His own people will help preserve us from presumptuous sin.

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Breathe On Me Breath Of God.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jan 28, 2023

The remission or retaining of sins is declarative, and belongs to the task of preaching the gospel.

BREATHE ON ME BREATH OF GOD. John 20:19-23. It was the evening of the first day of the week: the day of the resurrection; the first day of the new creation. The disciples met together behind closed doors “for fear” (John 20:19). Fear stifles faith: this is why the Lord and His messengers so ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational