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The Heart Of Christmas – 3 Thoughts To Reflect On

December 9, 2020 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

A picture of Christmas decorations that includes a pink heart. — Image by Gundula Vogel from Pixabay

Introduction: As we go through the music of today and days gone by, we find that the ‘Heart’ is referred to over and over again. To take a few examples of songs that came out during different stages of my life, we find titles like ‘Heart of Gold’, ‘A Good Heart’, ‘My Heart Will go on Loving You’, and ‘Your Cheating Heart’. (I guess these titles show how old I am!). That’s because the heart is at the center of all life.

One of the meanings given by the Cambridge Dictionary for the word ‘Heart’ goes like this: “The central or most important part” (of a matter). That’s how we come to the term “Let’s get to the heart of the matter”. Another description of the term “the heart of the matter” by The Free Dictionary goes like this: “The most important, basic or fundamental essence or elements of an issue….or matter at hand. That brings me to the main thought in this sermon.

Proposition: Let’s ensure we get to ‘The Heart of Christmas’ this year.

God’s Care For His Children

October 26, 2020 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

One of the most well loved statements in the Bible is when God proclaims, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you. This promise of God’s care has encouraged thousands of His children throughout history. In fact, most of us may know it by memory.

This short video (Approx 5 minutes) Covers 4 passages in the Bible where God’s care through this promise , (or something close to it), comes through emphatically. it is a promise revealed to Moses and Joshua. It is also emphasized in the Book of Hebrews and in a slightly different format through the words of Jesus. References are from the Books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Hebrews, and the Gospel of Matthew.

May this video of God’s care be a blessing and encouragement to you. If you would like to read the full sermon on this topic, please click on the link given below.

Sermon: A God who never deserts us

Crossing Turbulent Waters – (Isaiah 43:2)

September 19, 2020 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

A visual of turbulent waters in a swirling river to capture the theme of God's protection in danger. — Image by Hardebeck Media from Pixabay

Introduction: Illustration on Turbulent Waters.

In 1969, Reggae singer Jimmy Cliff recorded a song that has been subsequently covered by many illustrious artistes. It was titled, ‘Many Rivers To Cross’. Jimmy Cliff mentioned that the song was birthed out of the frustration and helplessness he felt after moving from Jamaica to the UK. The feelings came about because unlike what he had expected, nothing significant seemed to be happening in his career at that time.

The lyrics go like this:

Many rivers to cross 
But I can't seem to find my way over 
Wandering I am lost 
As I travel along the white cliffs of Dover

Are you feeling like that today? Surrounded by turbulent waters that you can’t seem to cross? It is a fact that many people are facing turbulent waters today, specially with the ripple effects of COVID-19. In the midst of such challenges, the Word of God gives us great hope and assurance. In fact, the Bible encourages us to trust Him completely as we face the turbulent waters of life.

God’s Provision Revealed: Devotional

September 1, 2020 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 2 Comments

Visual of grain in abundance to signify God's provision. — Image by Trung Hieu Dang from Pixabay

Introduction to God’s Provision:

Are you in need of God’s provision today? Is there a situation in your life in which you need to experience His answer to your prayer?

In 1 Kings 4:42-44, we see how God’s powerful provision came through at a critical time for Elisha and a large group of prophets that were being mentored by him at that time.

Background:

If we look at 2 Kings 4:38, we find that the region of Gilgal was going through a famine at that time. This meant that food was scarce for Elisha and his students. As a result, verses 39-41 of this chapter show us that the group had just come through a scary moment of food poisoning, due to the preparation of some wild gourds for one of their meals. Thankfully, they were delivered from this attack of food poisoning due to a mighty healing God provided through Elisha ( 2 Kings 4:41).

Follow Us on YouTube

August 25, 2020 / Yohan Perera / 0 Comments

To all Subscribers and Friends of The Preaching Platform: Introduction to our You Tube channel.

Thank you for your continued loyalty towards the ministry of The Preaching Platform and for upholding our work in prayer. As a result, we are extremely happy to see that many view our content daily and are blessed by it.

We also thank the Lord that since we started this blog, opportunities have opened up for us to have our sermons, articles, sermon illustrations, and devotionals published on popular websites such as Crosswalk, Preaching Today, Sermon Search, You Version and Thoughts About God.

To further enhance our ministry and reach, we have now started a YouTube channel. Through this channel we look forward to bring you inspirational messages of hope on a regular basis.

We would humbly request you to subscribe to our YouTube channel. This would enable you to receive and be encouraged through our videos. You could do so by clicking here.

Thank you once again for being a loyal follower of The Preaching Platform. We pray God’s continued blessing and favor on you and your future work. God bless you!

Look At God Through Your Tears And Find Victory (Psalm 30:5)

August 11, 2020 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

So many people have been weeping because of pain, sorrow, and losses over the past 12 months. Let’s however continue to keep our eyes focused on Jesus through our pain. Please share if you are blessed by this short video (4.42) and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqU64oLXDFWqv_yPVSt9x6w

You can read the entire sermon on the link given below. Thanks.

https://www.preachingplatform.org/sermons/sermon-keep-your-eyes-on-god-through-your-tears

Navigating The Future Effectively – Post COVID-19 – Video Part 2 (1 Kings 5)

July 4, 2020 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

Fishing in Sri Lankan Waters / Photo Credit – Vasantha Jayasooriya

This is the second part of a 3 Part video series titled “Post COVID-19: Navigating The Future Effectively. It is based around 1 Kings 5 and covers points 6-9 of the 12-Point Study.

In 1 Kings 5, Solomon had now become King over Israel, and felt the need to build the temple of God. His father David had the same dream in his heart but the Lord did not permit David to fulfil his desire (1 Chronicles 22:7-8) . David however made extensive preparations for Solomon to complete the project for God’s glory (1 Chronicles 22:5).

At this time, Hiram, the King of Tyre, sent his Ambassadors to congratulate Solomon on becoming King (I Kings 5:1). Solomon used the opportunity to ask Hiram for help to complete the massive task. According to what he proposed, Hiram would provide Solomon with the timber he needed for the building program while Solomon would pay handsomely for the timber in return (1 Kings 5:6).

As they partnered together, by God’s grace, Solomon was able to complete the project successfully. This 3 part Bible Study series covers the story behind the project. May you be blessed as you watch and may the practical steps outlined help you to overcome the challenges of COVID – 19.

Navigating The Future Effectively – Post COVID-19 – Video Part 1 (1 Kings 5)

June 29, 2020 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

This is the first part of a 3 Part video series titled “Post COVID-19: Navigating The Future Effectively. It is based around 1 Kings 5 and covers points 1-5 of the 12-Point Study.