In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of where we direct our gaze. He references a story from the book of Burgum about a man who could only look downward with a milk rake in his hand. Despite being offered a celestial crown, the man remains fixated on the straw and small sticks on the floor. The speaker warns against the enemy's tactic of constantly drawing our attention to our sins, but reminds us that as Christians, we have the answer to our sin problem through confession and the forgiveness of God. The sermon also touches on the idea of abiding in Jesus, using the analogy of a vine and its branches to illustrate the importance of remaining connected to Christ in order to bear fruit.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He shares a story of a little boy who overcame his fear by holding his father's hand, illustrating the need for us to trust in God's love and strength. The speaker also highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to love our enemies and live a life surrendered to God. He encourages believers to be willing to suffer for Christ and reminds them that Jesus is the ultimate victor in all situations. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the commandment to witness and make disciples, with the assurance that the Holy Spirit will empower believers to fulfill this calling.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. He shares stories to illustrate how the Holy Spirit can provide comfort and strength in times of fear and darkness. The speaker also highlights the need for obedience and surrender to God, pointing to Jesus' finished work on the cross as the answer to our redemption. He encourages believers to be right with God and with others, allowing the love of God to flow through them by the power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses and make disciples, and that it is through the Holy Spirit's work in us that we can fulfill this commandment.

In this sermon, the speaker, Corrigan Boone, talks about the importance of looking in the right direction and not being distracted by worldly things. He emphasizes the need to recognize our own insignificance and rely on God's grace. Boone shares the story of Moses, who had to learn to be a nobody before God could use him as somebody. He also mentions the temptation to focus on our own flaws and skin, but reminds listeners that Jesus' blood covers our sins. Overall, the sermon encourages having a sense of direction and relying on God's power rather than our own.

In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and allowing His presence to empower us to endure difficult situations with joy and gratitude. He highlights the fact that we can choose not to let obnoxious people affect us and instead respond with patience and joy. The pastor uses an illustration of a conversation with a shy woman to illustrate the need to overcome negative circumstances and not let them discourage us. He also mentions that patience is often tested by people who try our patience, and encourages the audience to endure with thanksgiving and joy, especially during holiday seasons.

In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experiences at a fishing dock and draws a parallel between fishermen fixing their nets and people staying focused on their tasks. He emphasizes the importance of love and how it should be demonstrated, referencing the book of Revelation. The speaker also highlights the significance of prioritizing people over material possessions, sharing a personal anecdote about a time when he had to choose between ministry and work. He concludes by discussing the early church's growth through prayer and reliance on Jesus, contrasting it with the modern focus on increasing attendance and financial success.

In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the importance of patience in our lives. He emphasizes that setbacks and difficulties are inevitable, but we should not let them stress us out. Instead, we should learn to be patient and trust that God is working in our lives. Pastor Steve gives examples from the Bible, such as Moses and Paul, who had to wait for years before God used them for His purposes. He encourages listeners to have the patience of Christ and to trust that God's timing is perfect.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of getting right with God, addressing areas of sin and disobedience in our lives. It highlights the need to surrender to God, seek forgiveness, and live a righteous life in the power of the Holy Spirit. The message encourages immediate action to align with God's will and promises a transformation by the cleansing power of Jesus' blood.

This sermon focuses on the concept of being 'according to God's power' as highlighted in Colossians chapter 1. It emphasizes the transformation from being in accord with the devil to being united with God's power and love. The speaker urges the audience to be rooted in God's love, strive to be in one accord with His power, and be willing to suffer for the gospel. The message concludes with a message of hope for exponential growth and the infinite power of God at work within believers.

The preacher delves into the concept of perseverance (hupomone), emphasizing the importance of enduring under trials and difficulties with steadfastness and hope. Perseverance is not about passive acceptance but about triumphantly facing challenges, turning them into stepping stones for growth and glory. The sermon highlights various Bible verses that underscore the significance of perseverance in the Christian life, pointing out that it is the Spirit's power within believers that enables them to endure and bear fruit. The preacher encourages believers to run the race of faith with endurance, exulting in trials as they produce proven character and hope, ultimately leading to a deeper life in Christ.

Horatius Bonar emphasizes the profound contrasts in Christ's nature as both the slain Lamb and the powerful Lion of Judah. He explores how Christ's apparent weakness in His incarnation, crucifixion, and the Church's struggles does not negate His true power, which is manifested through the resurrection and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Bonar reassures believers that despite the visible weakness in the world and the Church, Christ remains mighty and active, ensuring the safety and strength of His followers. The sermon encourages the faithful to rely on Christ's power rather than worldly measures of strength, affirming that true strength comes from being united with the risen Lord. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a recognition of the paradox of weakness and power in the life of Christ and His Church.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that our strength and ability to thrive in various circumstances come solely through Christ. He illustrates that despite our efforts to cultivate our spiritual lives, true growth and fragrance can only come from Christ's internal operation within us. Brooks reassures believers that their graces, though they may seem weak, are nurtured by God, who will not let them wither. He encourages Christians to trust in God's timing for the increase of their spiritual gifts and to remain hopeful in their journey of faith.

Watchman Nee emphasizes that God is a God of works, who sends His servants, particularly the apostles, to fulfill His divine purpose. He explains that Jesus Christ is the first Apostle, sent by God, and that the twelve apostles were chosen from His disciples to continue His work after His departure. Nee highlights the distinction between the original apostles and those appointed by the Holy Spirit after Christ's ascension, asserting that all apostles are sent ones, commissioned by God, and that their authority is validated by the fruits of their labor. He also notes that apostleship is not based on personal gifts but on divine commission, and he acknowledges the presence of women among the apostles, citing Junia as a notable example.

Miles J. Stanford preaches on the development of faith through conscious weakness, emphasizing the need to trust in God's all-sufficient strength when we become aware of our utter weakness. He highlights that true faith is only realized when we are completely reliant on God's unfailing strength, rather than our own abilities or resources. Stanford also discusses the importance of keeping our focus on the Word of God and maintaining faith in the invisible, warning against being distracted by the visible which can hinder our faith walk.

Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of rejoicing in Christ always, even in the midst of trials and challenges, finding joy and peace in His presence. She emphasizes the need to accept the circumstances appointed by God, trusting in His love and wisdom, and finding strength in patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Tileston highlights that mental discomfort arises when our minds are not aligned with God's will, and encourages accepting all events with the knowledge that God is love, even when they seem contradictory to our understanding.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the apostle Paul's prayer for the Colossians to be empowered with divine strength, enabling them to endure trials with patience and joy. He contrasts mere endurance, which shows strain and seeks sympathy, with the true endurance that embraces the joy set before us, as exemplified by Christ. Simpson encourages believers to remain steadfast like trees that thrive in adversity, reminding them that the lessons of patience and long-suffering are vital for their spiritual growth. He urges the congregation to embrace their current struggles, as they are opportunities to cultivate resilience and prepare for eternal rewards. Ultimately, he highlights that the trials faced now are essential for developing the character needed for heaven.

John Wesley emphasizes the significance of patience in the Christian life, urging believers to find joy in trials as they cultivate patience, which leads to spiritual maturity and completeness. He explains that patience is a divine quality developed through the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to endure suffering without losing faith. Wesley highlights that the ultimate goal of patience is to achieve perfect love and holiness, reflecting the character of Christ. He encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to believe in His ability and willingness to sanctify them fully. By embracing patience, Christians can experience peace, joy, and a deeper relationship with God.

Thomas Bradbury preaches on the importance of enduring suffering as part of the Christian journey, emphasizing the need to trust in God's grace and strength to make us perfect, establish us in faith, strengthen us in trials, and settle us on the firm foundation of Christ. He highlights the contrast between the sufferings of Christ and the glory that awaits believers, urging them to seek comfort and relief in God's Fatherly goodness during times of affliction. Bradbury encourages believers to find strength in weakness, to be steadfast in faith, and to rejoice in the assurance of eternal glory, offering a doxology of praise to God for His everlasting glory and dominion.

G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the transformative power of the Cross in the life of believers, highlighting that while they experience pardon, purity, and peace through Christ, they also require ongoing power to navigate life's challenges. He explains that the Cross is not just a historical event but a source of strength for those who are being saved, enabling them to resist temptation, endure suffering, and fulfill their divine purpose. Morgan encourages believers to embrace their weaknesses, as it is in surrendering to Christ that they can access the true power of the Cross, which empowers them for service and living a victorious Christian life.

Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith despite the presence of those who teach false doctrines, likening it to an anvil being beaten. He encourages believers to endure hardships like a noble athlete, bearing all things for the sake of God, who will also bear with them and bring them into His kingdom. Ignatius urges continuous growth in zeal and diligence, reminding listeners to be conquerors in this world while looking forward to the eternal rewards in Christ, who, though eternal and invisible, became visible and suffered in every way for humanity's sake.

Charles Spurgeon preaches on the importance of patience, describing it as the ability to endure provocation, misfortune, and unfavorable circumstances with emotional calm and quietness. He emphasizes that patience is the capacity to be wronged and not retaliate, manifesting forbearance under provocation, and reflecting God's patience towards sinful men. Spurgeon urges believers to imitate God's patience and never give up, even in times of adversity, exhibiting self-restraint and enduring to the end without hastily retaliating wrongs.

Martyn-Lloyd Jones emphasizes the paradox of spiritual strength in the Christian life, where acknowledging our weakness allows God's grace to infuse us with power. He reflects on the moments of feeling feeble yet experiencing divine strength, reminding us that God knows our needs and provides accordingly. The preacher encourages believers to focus on living the Christian life, praying, and meditating on God, trusting that He will supply the strength needed for each day. This relationship with God transforms our weaknesses into strengths, as we rely on His power rather than our own. Ultimately, it is through our connection with Him that we find true vitality and purpose.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes that the joy of the Lord is a defining characteristic of Christianity, contrasting it with the gloom often found in other religions. He illustrates how true joy comes from a deep, inner source that remains unaffected by external circumstances, allowing believers to face trials and temptations with strength and gladness. Simpson encourages Christians to embrace this joy as a vital part of their faith, asserting that it empowers them in service, testimony, and daily life. He concludes that this joy is rooted in the assurance of salvation, the Holy Spirit, and the indwelling presence of Christ, which together sustain a believer's joy amidst life's challenges.