In this sermon, the speaker focuses on three exhortations found in Hebrews 12:1-2. The first exhortation is to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that easily entangles us. This is important in preparing ourselves for perseverance in the race of faith. The second exhortation is to run with perseverance, just like the great cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 11, who endured great hardships and persecution. The third exhortation is to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross and is now seated at the right hand of God. The speaker emphasizes that these exhortations are not just historical accounts, but lessons for us to learn about the character of God and how he works in our lives.

In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of loving God and loving our neighbors. He explains that the Ten Commandments were given by God to regulate the lives of the Israelites and to show them their sin, not to save them. The preacher emphasizes the perfection of the commandments and suggests that children should be taught them by heart. He also mentions a story from Mark chapter 12 where a man is deeply impressed by Jesus' answer about the greatest commandment. The preacher concludes by reminding the audience of the existence of God and the need to be prepared for the day of resurrection.

Anton Bosch challenges the common notion of 'experiencing God' as being man-centered, emphasizing that true encounters with God in the Bible left individuals broken, humbled, and with a deep sense of their sinfulness and unworthiness. He contrasts these genuine experiences with modern descriptions of feeling wonderful, uplifting, or thrilling, highlighting the need for a real transformation when encountering God. Bosch stresses that authentic meetings with God result in lasting, fundamental changes in speech, goals, lifestyle, and attitudes, unlike shallow emotional encounters that lack true substance.

David Servant preaches about Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees and Sadducees, highlighting how Jesus navigated tricky questions about paying taxes to the Roman government and the concept of resurrection. Jesus emphasized the importance of giving respect and obedience to earthly authorities while also giving to God what belongs to Him. He debunked the Sadducees' disbelief in life after death by pointing to scriptural evidence and the eternal nature of relationships in heaven.

Watchman Nee explores the significance of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as pivotal figures in God's plan for His people. He emphasizes that God identifies Himself with these three men to illustrate His sovereignty, the principle of receiving, and the necessity of divine discipline in the lives of believers. Each patriarch represents a unique aspect of God's relationship with humanity: Abraham as the Father and source, Isaac as the recipient of God's promises, and Jacob as the one who learns to rely on God rather than his own strength. Through their experiences, Nee encourages believers to embrace their identity as the 'Israel of God' and to understand the fullness of their spiritual inheritance. Ultimately, the sermon highlights the importance of recognizing God's work in our lives and the transformative journey of faith.

John Calvin preaches about the importance of true wisdom, which consists of the knowledge of God and of ourselves, emphasizing how the two are interconnected. He explains how the knowledge of God humbles our pride, unveils our hypocrisy, and reveals our utter helplessness, leading us to seek God and acknowledge our own unworthiness. Calvin illustrates the effects of the knowledge of God through examples of holy patriarchs, angels, and celestial bodies like the sun and moon, showing how encountering God's majesty causes awe and self-awareness of our insignificance.

St. Augustine preaches about the eternal nature of God and the temporary nature of earthly things, emphasizing the need for faith and good works to dwell in the everlasting presence of God. He reflects on the perishable nature of the heavens and the enduring nature of God, encouraging believers to trust in God's unchanging nature. St. Augustine highlights the importance of serving God faithfully to ensure a place in His eternal kingdom, where the children of His servants, symbolizing good works, will dwell for ages.

A.W. Tozer explores the concept of 'wonder' as the third stage of true worship, emphasizing that it transcends understanding and leads to a delightful astonishment in the presence of God. He cites biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, Paul, and John, who experienced profound awe during their encounters with the divine, illustrating that such wonder is a timeless aspect of worship. Tozer acknowledges that while these experiences may seem extraordinary, the spiritual essence remains constant for all believers. He highlights the role of hymns in expressing this wonder, suggesting that they capture the ineffable feelings of worshipers. Ultimately, Tozer indicates that while wonder is significant, it is not the final stage of worship, as true adoration must follow.