In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind our actions in the church. He encourages the congregation to be able to give good reasons for what they do. The sermon then delves into the first mention of the church by Jesus in Matthew 16, specifically focusing on the parable of the wheat and the tares. The speaker suggests that this parable encompasses all of humanity and the mystery of the kingdom of heaven. The sermon concludes by mentioning that future nights will cover topics such as the composition, position, practices, functions, government, and history of the church.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of our heavenly citizenship and living for the Lord Jesus Christ. He talks about the resurrection of the body and the faith needed to believe in it. The preacher also discusses the unity of believers in the body of Christ, regardless of race or ethnicity. He then delves into the topic of the second coming of Jesus and the need for believers to be prepared for it. The sermon concludes with a story about a man reading from the Old Testament and struggling to understand its meaning, highlighting the importance of seeking understanding from God.

John Nelson Darby explores the relationships of key figures named Mary and James in the New Testament, emphasizing their connections to Jesus and each other. He identifies Mary, the mother of James, Jude, and Joses, as the same Mary who is often mentioned alongside Mary Magdalene, and discusses the implications of these familial ties. Darby argues that James, referred to as the Lord's brother, is indeed the apostle James the less, highlighting the significance of these relationships in understanding the early church. He concludes that the identity of these individuals is crucial for grasping the narrative of Christ's life and the establishment of the church.

T. Austin-Sparks explores the life of James, the Lord's brother, emphasizing how his close proximity to Jesus did not lead to belief until after the Resurrection. He highlights the challenges James faced due to his practical mindset, which prioritized success and tangible results over spiritual depth. Despite his eventual leadership in the early Church, James is portrayed as a 'halfway Christian,' struggling to fully embrace the implications of the Resurrection and remaining tied to Jewish traditions. Sparks warns against the limitations of a faith that does not fully engage with the transformative power of the Resurrection, urging believers to seek a deeper spiritual understanding. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a balance between practicality and spirituality, rooted in the true essence of Christ's resurrection.

Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the celebration of the first day of the week by the church since Christ's resurrection, contrasting it with the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. He delves into the New Creation, highlighting believers' new relationships of grace and their individual divine transformations. Chafer explains the significance of the Lord's Day, prophesied under grace, and supported by various events like Christ's resurrection and the descent of the Holy Spirit. He clarifies that the observance of the Lord's Day is not imposed on the unsaved or the Church as a whole, but is a personal commitment to worship and serve God with liberty and grace.

Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of preaching the Gospel to every creature as a world-wide ministry that continues through each generation until the heavenly Church is gathered. He explains that the goal is not to reach every person in one generation, as countless individuals have passed away without hearing the Gospel. The evangelizing work will eventually be completed when the last member of Christ's body is gathered, leading to His return and the establishment of His righteous kingdom on earth, as taught in the Bible.

Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches about the new purpose of God in this age, focusing on the formation of a heavenly people who are part of the kingdom in its present mystery form but not related to the Messianic earthly kingdom of Israel. The disciples, being Jews, initially struggled to understand Jesus' sacrificial death and the ministry of the new gospel age, which was later revealed through divine compulsion and the first church council. The Apostle Paul received a special revelation about the church as the 'called out ones,' a new body formed by both Jews and Gentiles, united in Christ and destined to be His bride and body, fulfilling the eternal purpose of God in this age of grace.

Andrew Bonar reflects on the lack of belief from Jesus' own brethren, highlighting the emotional burden this placed on Christ during His ministry. He emphasizes the importance of family support in faith and the guilt that comes from not acknowledging the truth of Christ, especially for those who have unsaved family members. Bonar notes that after Christ's resurrection, there was a significant change in the hearts of His brethren, leading to their eventual faith and service in the early church. He encourages believers to pray fervently for their unsaved loved ones, as transformation can happen even in the most unlikely circumstances. The sermon serves as a reminder to turn to Christ without delay, as the opportunity for change is often in this lifetime.