
Major Ian Thomas
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A Grain of Wheat
41K52:26Death To SelfJHN 7:30JHN 8:20JHN 12:24JHN 13:1JHN 17:1ACT 1:8ROM 10:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to Jesus Christ. He tells a story about an artist who becomes so engrossed in his work that he is unaware of the danger he is in. His assistant, realizing the danger, throws a bucket of paint to get his attention and save his life. The preacher uses this story to illustrate the choice between holding onto our own desires and surrendering to God's lordship. He emphasizes that the purpose of inviting others to come to Jesus is not just for forgiveness or to get to heaven, but to live a life fully surrendered to Christ, even if it means suffering or persecution. The preacher also highlights the righteousness of Christ and how he is the only one who lived a sinless life, making him the ultimate example of righteousness.
(1986 Prairie Series) 1 - Sent, Went, Put
17K47:19Prairie SeriesMAT 6:33ACT 5:12ACT 26:13ACT 26:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the privilege of being expendable for the Lord Jesus and allowing Him to work in His own way and time. The sermon highlights the power of God's intervention, as seen in the story of Paul and Silas being freed from prison by an earthquake. The angel of the Lord instructs them to go and speak in the temple, sharing "all the words of this life," which refers to the gospel message. The sermon also emphasizes that Jesus came to give life and restore what was lost in Adam, and that believers are called to be obedient to the heavenly vision and go where God sends them.
Available to God
16K36:26Bearing FruitISA 53:5ACT 2:37ACT 8:30ACT 8:32ACT 10:36ACT 16:6ACT 16:25In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a boy named Abraham who had no home, friends, family, money, or food. The preacher gave Abraham a German Testament and explained to him that if he received Jesus as his redeemer, he would be accepted back into the family of God. The preacher emphasizes that when we yield ourselves to Christ, His life overflows through us, impacting our church, community, family, and fellow students. The preacher also shares a personal experience of driving along the Rhine and encountering a weary boy, highlighting the adventure of life when we trust in God.
Are You Well
15K38:45SoulGEN 1:27MAT 6:33JHN 14:9ROM 3:231CO 12:132CO 5:17TIT 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers being a true representation of God in every aspect of their lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who was sinless and perfectly reflected God's character. The speaker explains that God has given us physical bodies to communicate what is happening inside us, just like animals communicate their behavior through their bodies. He urges believers to restore their relationship with God and become compelling examples of His presence to the world. The ultimate goal is for believers to live in such a way that everything they do, say, and wear reflects God's likeness and character.
Christ Imparts Life
14K45:04LifeMAT 6:33JHN 14:6ROM 8:92CO 13:5GAL 2:202PE 1:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fallen nature of humanity and the expectations that God has for us. He emphasizes that in our flesh, apart from Christ, we are destined for failure. The preacher uses the analogy of a pig finding delight in mud to illustrate the inherent nature of our sinful flesh. However, he also encourages believers to rely on Christ and expect Him to work in and through them, conforming them to His will. The sermon concludes with a cautionary reminder that leaving the door open to sin can have disastrous consequences.
Knowing Jesus
14K46:15KnowingMAT 6:33MAT 13:53ACT 17:11ROM 10:17EPH 1:72TI 3:16HEB 9:22In this sermon, the preacher addresses the idea that many people have been "house trained" or "brainwashed" into thinking that once they make a decision to follow God and attend church on Sundays, that is all that is required of them. However, the preacher emphasizes that true Christian faith goes beyond just attending church and making a decision. He encourages those who are truly interested in the Christian life to seek a deeper understanding of their faith and to let God work through them to impact the lives of others. The preacher also highlights the importance of trusting in Jesus Christ and allowing Him to guide every aspect of our lives. He warns that there may be some who will not continue on this journey and will never return, but he is hopeful to meet those who are genuinely seeking to know Jesus and live out their faith fully.
Faith to Leave the Gas Station
12K50:13FaithROM 3:202CO 5:19PHP 2:12JAS 1:171PE 1:231PE 1:25In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he came to have faith in God. He emphasizes the importance of mixing the truth of God's word with faith in order to experience its transformative power. The speaker explains that teaching alone is not enough, but preaching is necessary to exhort individuals to apply their faith to the truths they have learned. Ultimately, the sermon encourages listeners to obey the truth of God's word and experience the abundant life that comes from a relationship with Him.
(1986 Prairie Series) 4 - Rediscovering Christ
12K1:19:19Resurrection PowerLiving in ChristPrairie SeriesLUK 22:32LUK 24:49JHN 5:39JHN 14:6ACT 1:8ROM 8:112CO 5:17GAL 2:201PE 1:181JN 1:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing Christ's resurrection in the life of believers, particularly through the experience of Peter. He illustrates how Peter's denial and subsequent conversion led to a profound understanding of the necessity of Christ's sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Thomas explains that true Christian living is not about self-effort but about allowing Christ to live through us, highlighting the importance of faith and divine empowerment. He encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ and to share His life with others, moving beyond mere religious activity to a genuine relationship with the risen Lord.
The Timelessness of God
12K54:32Character Of GodISA 42:9ISA 46:9MAT 17:12PE 1:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of our sinful condition and the consequences it brings. He highlights that God, in His kindness and faithfulness, reveals the true nature of sin not to depress us, but to awaken us to our need for restoration. The preacher also emphasizes that God has provided a complete and all-embracing solution for our lost condition through Jesus Christ, who was slain from the foundation of the world. He encourages believers to fully embrace and be available to all that God is, as this is the secret to the Christian life and the source of confidence and peace.
(1986 Prairie Series) 2 - Message of the Early Church
12K55:58Prairie SeriesIn this sermon on Acts chapter 5, the speaker emphasizes the message that the early church was entrusted to proclaim: "all the words of this life." This life refers to the life that believers can have through repentance and faith in Christ, where every aspect of their being comes under his jurisdiction. The sermon highlights the demonstration of this life through the healing of a lame man at the temple gate. The early church boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus and the power of God was evident in their witness. The speaker also emphasizes that eternal life is not just a destination, but a person - Jesus Christ.
How Much Are You Worth
11K53:38WorthMAT 6:33ROM 8:1ROM 8:42CO 5:142CO 5:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transformation of a man named Solitars into the Apostle Paul. Solitars experienced a moment of humiliation where he realized that a person's worth is determined by the presence of God within them. This realization led to his emancipation and rebirth as Paul the Apostle. The preacher then delves into the argument presented in 2 Corinthians 5:14-17, explaining that the love of Christ compels believers to live exclusively for Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the concept of spiritual regeneration and the purpose of Christ's death for the ungodly, which is to enable them to partake in the divine nature.
Let God Be in You
11K42:34Christ In UsGEN 3:15PSA 107:9ISA 7:14ISA 9:6LUK 1:30GAL 4:4PHP 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God has chosen individuals from seemingly ordinary and unpromising backgrounds to serve Him. He encourages the audience, whether they are teaching a Sunday school class or preaching from a pulpit, to have confidence in the power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit to transform lives. The preacher uses the example of David facing a lion, highlighting how David's perspective shifted from feeling small to seeing God as bigger than the lion, leading him to defeat it. The sermon also references the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as an example of someone with a perfect heart towards God, whom God chose to show His strength through.
(1986 Prairie Series) 3 - Mount of Transfiguration
10K1:01:16Prairie SeriesMAT 6:33MAT 17:1MAT 17:9In this sermon, the speaker encourages preachers and teachers who may feel discouraged by the lack of impact their words have on their audience. He shares that even Jesus Christ faced a similar challenge, as he taught his disciples for three years without much penetration. The speaker then takes the audience to Matthew 16, where Jesus displays his sense of humor and instructs his disciples not to share the vision of his transfiguration until after his resurrection. The speaker emphasizes that the resurrection of Jesus is what ultimately transformed the lives of the disciples and apostles.
Knowing the Inner Man Body Soul and Spirit
9.8K1:32:28Inner ManROM 3:19ROM 3:22GAL 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the content of the gospel is Jesus Christ Himself. He explains that Jesus is the one who gave Himself for our redemption and the one who gives Himself to us for regeneration. The preacher shares a personal story about a promise made to him as a child, highlighting the importance of recognizing our needs and being convinced of them. He also discusses the nature of man, emphasizing that Jesus came as God incarnate to assume our humanity and be obedient to the Father. The preacher concludes by stating that all of humanity falls short of representing God's character due to sin.
(1986 Prairie Series) 8 - Biggest Thing God Ever Said
9.6K45:03Prairie Series1SA 16:11SA 16:3PSA 107:9HEB 10:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God chooses individuals based on their hearts, rather than their outward appearance or qualifications. The preacher uses the example of David, a young shepherd boy who was chosen by God to be the king of Israel. Despite being overlooked by his own family, David had a perfect heart towards God, which caught God's attention. The preacher emphasizes that God looks for those who have a disposition towards God and are willing to let Him be in control. The sermon also references other biblical figures, such as Abraham and Mary, who were chosen by God because of their perfect hearts.
Rediscoving Christ-Alive
8.9K1:13:05ResurrectionMAT 17:9LUK 24:45In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is searching for individuals from all walks of life who have a perfect heart towards Him. He uses the analogy of a violinist playing with only one string to illustrate how God can create beautiful music in our lives when we surrender ourselves to Him. The preacher also highlights the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, stating that through repentance and the shedding of His blood, we can receive forgiveness and a new spiritual birth. He urges the audience to spread the good news of salvation to the ends of the earth, starting from Jerusalem and reaching all nations.
The Power of His Resurrection
8.6K42:35Resurrection1SA 16:1PSA 107:20LUK 1:30JHN 6:37EPH 2:8PHP 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the presence of God in every aspect of our lives. He uses the story of David and Goliath to illustrate the power of faith over physical weapons. The preacher highlights that God is not looking for worldly accomplishments or talents, but rather for individuals who have learned to live by the principle of faith. He also emphasizes the significance of God's word, particularly Jesus Christ, as the ultimate expression of God's message.
Poor, Blind, Beggarly Believer
8.5K1:12:43Spiritual NeedMAT 6:33JHN 7:30JHN 8:20JHN 12:23JHN 13:1JHN 17:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a simple illustration used by Jesus in John 12:23-24. Jesus speaks of the hour of his glorification and uses the analogy of a grain of wheat falling into the ground and dying to illustrate the purpose of his coming into the world. The main point of the illustration is that through his death and resurrection, Jesus would share his life with countless others. The speaker emphasizes that sin separates man from God, and it is through Jesus' atoning death that this separation is overcome, allowing for the sharing of his life with believers.
God at War With Flesh
8.3K43:37FleshEXO 17:2NUM 22:4NUM 23:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the battle between Joshua and Amalek. The preacher emphasizes that the outcome of the battle was not dependent on Joshua's abilities, but rather on the faith and appropriation of the victory already given. This is illustrated through the story of Moses and the rod in his hand, where God instructed Moses to throw it on the ground and it became a serpent. The preacher encourages Christians to stop running away from their challenges and instead face them with faith, knowing that God will give them victory. The sermon also mentions God's command to utterly destroy Amalek and emphasizes that there is no salvageable content in Amalek.
(1986 Prairie Series) 6 - Asa Was a Good Man, but a Fool
8.2K40:19Prairie SeriesJAS 1:23In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging that he initially wanted to make the audience miserable, but he has good news to share. He references the book of James, stating that the Bible is like a mirror, reflecting who we are. He emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the truths revealed to us through God's Word. The speaker encourages humility and the willingness to be reminded of these truths, as God is always there to guide and remind us. He concludes by urging the audience to trust in God and commit their ways to Him, without preconceived notions of how He will work in their lives.
Christ Made Perfect
8.0K46:29Life Of ChristEXO 15:22PSA 34:8ISA 55:1MAT 6:33LUK 24:45JHN 20:9In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being reconciled to God at a young age. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of Jesus' death on the cross and how it relates to salvation. The speaker challenges the notion of standing in the world and witnessing to Christ, stating that it is more effective to stand in Christ and let the world see what Christ can do through us. He also highlights the significance of the Old Testament in revealing God's redemptive acts and the importance of understanding the historical records of God's dealings with Israel.
Rediscovery of Jesus Christ
8.0K47:25Jesus ChristMAT 16:13LUK 24:44In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and putting trust in Jesus Christ. He explains that God created humanity to be inhabited by Him and to share in His resurrection. The preacher highlights that everlasting life is found in God's Son, and those who do not have the Son do not have life. He also mentions that the disciples were not initially ready to fulfill their responsibility as witnesses, but Jesus promised to send them power from on high.
(1986 Prairie Series) 5 - Church in Action
8.0K1:09:35Prairie SeriesIn this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a boy near Hamburg who had a deep desire to know Jesus Christ but didn't know how. The speaker explains that God intervenes when he sees someone who wants to become a Christian but hasn't been told how. God directs a Christian to pick up the person and lead them to Christ. The speaker then goes on to describe how this simple act of picking up a boy on the side of the road led to the establishment of multiple centers around the world where people can learn about and experience a dynamic relationship with Jesus. The sermon concludes with a reference to Acts chapter 8, highlighting the church in action and the role of believers in spreading the message of Christ.
Ark of the Covenant - Part 1
7.6K1:07:41Ark Of The CovenantEXO 20:3LEV 24:1DEU 6:51CH 13:1MAT 6:33JHN 14:15ROM 12:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samuel and the Israelites' battle against the Philistines. The Israelites were defeated, and the elders of Israel questioned why the Lord had allowed this to happen. They decided to bring the ark of the covenant to the battlefield, believing it would save them. However, the preacher highlights the importance of a personal relationship with God and obedience to His commands, rather than relying on token obedience or external rituals. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationship with God and their practice of the Christian faith.
A Man Approved by God
7.5K45:23ApprovedMAT 6:33LUK 1:38JHN 1:1JHN 1:14PHP 2:5HEB 10:5HEB 10:7In this sermon from the 1966 Southland-Kazakh Convention, Major Thomas emphasizes the importance of Jesus as the fulfillment of all that was written and foreshadowed in the Bible. He explains that Jesus came to earth as a man, clothed in humanity, to demonstrate how man should live. Major Thomas references John 3:16 to explain that becoming a Christian means accepting Jesus as the Son of God and believing in him. He also refers to Philippians 2:5 to encourage listeners to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled himself and became a servant. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the truth about God and man that Jesus reveals through his life and teachings.