This sermon emphasizes the importance of appreciation, gratitude, and encouragement in restoring balance in our lives. It highlights the need to express gratitude to God, appreciate one another, and encourage those around us. The speaker addresses the cultural influences that hinder expressions of thankfulness and stresses the biblical significance of being grateful, as seen in stories like the thankful leper and Paul's appreciation for the Corinthians.

In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of going through trials and how it has deepened his understanding of God's power and ability. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's strength and comfort in times of difficulty. The speaker also highlights the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, where believers now have the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to overcome trials. He encourages listeners to view trials as opportunities for growth and maturity in their Christian walk.

This sermon emphasizes the urgency and importance of sharing one's faith with others, highlighting the need to engage with the culture and reach out to those who are lost. It challenges the audience to care enough to take action and not just profess concern. The speaker shares personal stories and insights to encourage a bold and active approach to spreading the message of Jesus Christ.

In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the "sentence of death" and its application to our spiritual lives. He explains that the sentence of death refers to a judicial decision that proclaims death as the end of everything. The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual life is resurrection life, emerging from death. He uses the example of Job, who experienced the glory of God under the sentence of death. The speaker also mentions three things in our natural life that oppose the grace of God: human energy, fleshly wisdom, and self-glory. Overall, the sermon highlights the importance of understanding and accepting the sentence of death in order to experience true spiritual life.

This sermon emphasizes the purpose of afflictions in breaking self-reliance and pride, leading individuals to rely fully on God's strength and comfort. Through the example of the Apostle Paul's trials and reliance on God, the sermon encourages listeners to set their hope on the God who raises the dead, finding comfort and strength in times of affliction. It highlights the importance of consulting the Lord, praying for deliverance, and being a means of comfort to others in their afflictions.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of being a new covenant servant, focusing on the need to have a transparent life without hidden shame, to renounce craftiness, and to allow the inner glory of God to shine through despite external weaknesses. It highlights the necessity of being broken like an earthen vessel to let the light of Christ shine, carrying the dying of Jesus in our bodies by dying to self and reacting to life's situations as Jesus did. The message encourages embracing afflictions and trials as a means to experience the unseen glory being worked within us.

This sermon delves into the topic of trials and suffering in ministry, emphasizing the positive perspective from God's standpoint. It explores the necessity of suffering in the Christian ministry, drawing insights from 2 Corinthians and highlighting the transparency of Paul in sharing the realities of New Covenant ministry. The sermon also discusses how suffering is not to be viewed with human sympathy but as a call to endure and rejoice in hardships, aligning our suffering with Christ's. Additionally, it touches on how trials and suffering in ministry are not only for personal growth but primarily for the benefit and consolation of others, emphasizing the importance of ministering to the flock even amidst personal struggles. Lastly, it transitions to the blessings of ministry, focusing on the joy found in the saints and the precious relationships cultivated through Christian fellowship.

In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of righteousness and its importance in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and that their prayers are heard. On the other hand, the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. The preacher encourages the audience to sanctify the Lord in their hearts and be ready to give an answer for their hope in Jesus. He also mentions that the closer we walk with Jesus, the more we will resemble Him and experience suffering like Him. The sermon concludes with a call to worship and praise God, acknowledging His righteousness and the need for personal righteousness in the lives of believers.

Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that our growth as Christians is ultimately for God's pleasure, not our own. He illustrates that suffering, while often bitter, produces fruit that delights the Lord and benefits others. The church is likened to a garden, where growth is essential, and we must shift our focus from personal gain to glorifying God through our trials. Beach encourages believers to embrace their struggles as opportunities for spiritual maturity and to become vessels of God's grace to others. He concludes with a call to patience and trust in God's cultivation of our lives for a divine harvest.

Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of maintaining an eternal perspective through the collaboration of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. He encourages believers to support one another in their spiritual journeys, fostering a community driven by love and good works. The sermon highlights that our personal struggles and triumphs are not solely for our benefit but serve to comfort and uplift others, reflecting the transformative power of Christ in our lives. Beach Jr. calls for a shift from self-centered interpretations of our experiences to a focus on how they can contribute to the body of Christ. Ultimately, he urges the congregation to become a dwelling place for the Lord, where His presence can rest and work through them.

Madame Guyon preaches about the deep longing for God's presence and rest, comparing it to being banished from the Beloved. She emphasizes the surrender and union with Jesus Christ as a spiritual marriage, accepting all trials and sorrows as part of the journey. Guyon highlights the importance of submitting to God's direction rather than trying to control Him, and finding true peace and harmony in His will. She shares the transformation of finding God in the midst of troubles, experiencing divine peace and consolation beyond earthly support.

Lehman Strauss preaches about the believer's journey to know God better through suffering, emphasizing the comfort found in the Savior, the Spirit, and the Scriptures during trials. He shares his personal experience of finding solace in God's Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit while caring for his wife after her stroke. Strauss highlights the importance of faith in receiving God's comfort and the transformative power of Scripture in times of affliction.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the theme of victorious suffering in his sermon on 2 Corinthians Chapter 1, illustrating how God, as the Father of mercies, comforts us in our tribulations so that we can extend that comfort to others. He reflects on the apostle Paul's personal experiences of suffering, highlighting that trials are a part of the Christian journey and serve a divine purpose. Simpson encourages believers to embrace their sufferings as opportunities for growth and service, reminding them that God's comfort is proportionate to their trials. He concludes with the assurance that God delivers us from our afflictions and calls us to share that comfort with a hurting world.

Meister Eckhart preaches about the incomparable perfection found in God, where all perfections that are fragmented in creation are united. He illustrates how earthly comforts, such as food, clothing, and possessions, always come with limitations and never fully satisfy, unlike the complete and unending comfort that God provides. God's comfort is described as full, lacking nothing, and a gift that He is compelled to give us until we have received all of Him.

Walter Wilson draws parallels between automobiles and Christians, emphasizing that just as cars are not self-made but carefully crafted for service, Christians are transformed by the Holy Spirit for a specific duty in God's kingdom. He highlights the importance of being guided by the Spirit of God, filled with His power, and equipped with the Holy Spirit's touch for effective service. Wilson stresses the need for both power and brakes in a Christian's life, symbolizing the balance between moving forward in faith and exercising restraint. He also underscores the role of the Holy Spirit as oil that lubricates and cushions that provide comfort, making the Christian journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Samuel Rutherford writes a letter to a Christian lady, sharing his personal experience of the kind dealings of Christ in the midst of trials and challenges. He testifies to the faithfulness of God in sustaining him, bringing joy and consolation even in the midst of suffering. Rutherford expresses his contentment in Christ, valuing the reproaches and cross of Christ over worldly treasures and comforts, highlighting the transformation of his heart and love solely for Christ. He encourages the lady to seek the love of Christ above all else, wishing the same for her family, and concludes with a prayer for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with her.

Samuel Rutherford delivers a heartfelt message of comfort and encouragement to a grieving mother, assuring her that her son, who has passed away, is now in the presence of the Lord. He emphasizes that even though the mother's sorrow is allowed, it is important to remember that her son's death was part of God's sovereign plan and that he is now serving the same Master in a higher house. Rutherford reminds the mother that her son's early departure to heaven was a merciful act by the Creator, and that she should find solace in the fact that her son is now in a place of everlasting joy. He encourages her to wait on God's timing for the living child and to trust in the free grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

A.B. Simpson preaches on 'Victorious Suffering,' emphasizing that suffering is an integral part of the Christian experience, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul. He highlights that through trials, believers can find comfort in God, which enables them to comfort others in their tribulations. Simpson illustrates that suffering can lead to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God, ultimately resulting in a ministry of consolation to others. He encourages the congregation to embrace their trials as opportunities for divine comfort and service, reminding them that God is always present in their suffering and will deliver them. The sermon concludes with a call to share the comfort received from God with a hurting world.

Thomas Reade preaches about the sources of consolation for Christians, focusing on the covenant titles of Jehovah, the immutability of God's counsel, the sufficiency of the Savior's grace, the efficacy of His power, and the assurance of future glory. He emphasizes the importance of meditating on the Divine Perfections displayed in our redemption by Jesus Christ and the work of grace in the heart through the Holy Spirit. Reade highlights the security, peace, and blessings that believers in Jesus experience, rooted in the everlasting Covenant and the unbreakable love of God. He encourages believers to find contentment, humility, and strength in Christ, to endure trials with joy, and to look forward to the eternal glory promised to those who love God.

Anne Dutton preaches about finding comfort and solace in Jesus Christ as our ultimate Friend, emphasizing His infinite fullness of love, grace, wisdom, and faithfulness. She encourages laying our burdens before Christ, who knows our griefs and offers compassion and refreshment to our souls. Despite trials and losses, she testifies to the kindness, mercy, and graciousness of the Lord, who sustains and supports His children through every difficulty, ultimately bringing them out of trouble. Anne Dutton highlights the importance of working diligently for Christ while there is still time, entrusting ourselves completely into the arms of Jesus, our love, life, and all.

Charles E. Cowman preaches on the concept that just like bread corn needs to be bruised to become food for the world's hunger, we too must go through trials and sorrows in Christ's hands to bless and touch the lives of others with benediction. He emphasizes that even though Christ's blessings may bring sorrow, the privilege of impacting others is worth the pain and tears we endure. Cowman highlights that many illustrious characters in the Bible, such as Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David, and Paul, were bruised, threshed, and ground into bread for the hungry, showcasing that trials and hardships lead to moral heroism and spiritual greatness.

Alexander Whyte preaches on the spiritual condition of the parish of Kilmacolm in 1639, highlighting the hunger for true spiritual nourishment among the parishioners due to the lack of impactful preaching and pastoral care. The letters written to Samuel Rutherford reveal a desire for deep spiritual insight and guidance, emphasizing the importance of digging deep into one's heart to understand corrupt motives and to have a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ. Rutherford addresses the dangers of spiritual complacency, the necessity of sincere repentance, and the misconception that perfect service is required for acceptance by Christ. He encourages seeking assurance in Christ's atonement, standing firm on the foundation of faith, and finding comfort and peace through self-mortification and enduring trials for Christ's sake.

Samuel Rutherford, in a heartfelt letter to a friend, shares his struggles and triumphs in his relationship with Christ. Despite facing temptations and doubts, he holds onto the unwavering love of Jesus, believing in His promises and the glory of heaven. Rutherford expresses the necessity of faith, the importance of being crucified to the world, and the realization that courage in times of trouble for Christ's sake requires divine strength and joy. He emphasizes the value of spiritual blessings and encourages faithfulness and repentance among believers.

Andrew Bonar writes to Rev. J.H. Wilson, expressing concern for his health and reflecting on the blessings that come from suffering, as seen in the lives of sick laborers mentioned in the Epistles. He encourages Wilson to find joy in his afflictions, reminding him that God has a purpose in every trial. Bonar also emphasizes the importance of personal visitation in ministry, suggesting that it can revitalize both ministers and their congregations. He concludes with a reminder of the joy that awaits believers in the presence of Christ, urging Wilson to remain steadfast in his faith and service.

George H. Morrison preaches on the problem of pain, highlighting the modern sensitivity to suffering and the emergence of the question of why the righteous suffer. He explores three reasons for the increased awareness of pain: the ability to escape it, the solidarity of life, and the revelation of the humanity of Jesus. Morrison delves into the place of pain in human existence, emphasizing its deeper impact compared to joy and its role in life, growth, and purification. He also addresses the acceptance of pain as a means of fellowship with God and the purifying power of pain, shedding light on the suffering of the innocent and the Gospel's role in helping believers endure pain through faith in God's love, hope of immortality, and advancements in medical science inspired by Christ.