The sermon transcript describes various anecdotes and situations to illustrate the importance of having reasons for our actions. The speaker shares a story about a boy trying to sell volume one of an eight-volume set, highlighting the need for a purpose or reason behind our actions. Another story involves a boy jumping onto a moving streetcar without a token, emphasizing the significance of having a reason to act. The speaker then contrasts these situations with the example of a train approaching on a railroad track, where the reason to jump is clear and urgent. The sermon concludes by discussing the Christian virtues of sympathy, purity, generosity, and courage, emphasizing the importance of having reasons for living a righteous life.

This sermon highlights the importance of community and missions, focusing on the impact of supporting and serving others selflessly. It shares stories of partnership with churches in Mexico, the power of collective giving to organizations like Children's Hunger Fund, and the miraculous provision and blessings experienced when prioritizing generosity and missions.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of being servants of the new covenant, highlighting the need to go through trials and experiences to understand and help others effectively. It discusses the significance of giving thanks in all circumstances, being content with weaknesses and insults, and finding ministry opportunities through personal struggles. The speaker encourages a mindset of gratitude, readiness to face challenges, and a commitment to serve others with compassion and encouragement.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the Church's witness for Christ. He highlights the truth that the Church is called to show forth the praises of God, who has called believers out of darkness into His marvelous light. The preacher references 1 Peter 2:9 and Acts 1, which both emphasize the Church's role as witnesses for Christ. He also mentions 1 Timothy 3:16, which outlines the order of God's manifestation in the flesh, His movement through the world, and His ascension into glory. The preacher encourages believers to be constantly in the presence of the Lord and to worship and praise Him faithfully.

In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of plowing with a horse to illustrate how life can sometimes throw us off track. He emphasizes the importance of refocusing and not dwelling on past mistakes. The speaker also discusses the qualifications for those who want to prepare for the Lord's return, highlighting the importance of ruling one's own household well. The sermon concludes with a message about the great reward for sacrificial communication and holy conversation, urging listeners to be ready for the signs of the Lord's coming.

This sermon discusses the formation of house churches and the circumstances under which one should consider starting a house church, emphasizing the importance of being able to receive the word of God in a pure and faithful manner. It encourages believers to leave churches that tolerate open sin or teach against the word of God, and to seek or establish Bible-believing fellowships. The sermon also highlights the role of prayer, worship, studying the word of God, and fellowship in a house church setting, emphasizing the need to be led by the Holy Spirit and to guard against false teachings.

This sermon emphasizes the practices of the first generation Christians, focusing on Apostolic teaching, fellowship as a family of God, the importance of sharing and caring, and the significance of prayer after offering sacrifice. It highlights the impact of these practices, including instilling fear of the Lord, experiencing signs and wonders, promoting sharing and caring, engaging in evangelism by 'sheep stealing' in the temple, and the church growing daily with new believers being added consistently.

In this sermon, the preacher shares a sad incident that occurred during a prayer meeting in South Africa. Initially, the prayer meeting was powerful and effective, with people seeking the presence of God. However, the meeting took a negative turn when they started spending time talking and debating instead of praying. This led to angry arguments and ultimately caused the prayer group to split up, leaving only a few people praying. The preacher emphasizes the importance of unity among Christians and highlights the devil's knowledge of this fact. He also references Bible verses that teach about the grace of God and the need to live righteously. The sermon concludes with a story about two individuals who tried to share the gospel but failed to show love and unity, ultimately hindering their efforts.

J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of sanctification in the life of a believer, asserting that it is essential for salvation and a clear indicator of one's relationship with Christ. He outlines twelve propositions that define sanctification, including its connection to true faith, regeneration, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Ryle stresses that sanctification is not only a responsibility of every believer but also a process that requires diligent use of Scriptural means and is marked by growth and struggle. He concludes that sanctification is necessary for a genuine witness of faith and preparation for heaven, where holiness is essential. Ryle urges readers to reflect deeply on these truths.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of taking holidays to rejuvenate our physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. He advises careful selection of travel companions who maintain a positive outlook and encourages bringing enriching books to stimulate thought. Meyer highlights the importance of considering others during travels and treating service staff with kindness, as this fosters a more enjoyable experience. He warns against losing spiritual vitality during vacations and suggests dedicating time for personal reflection and prayer. Ultimately, Meyer encourages integrating spiritual practices into our holiday routines to ensure a refreshing and meaningful break.

John Gill emphasizes the importance of speaking and ministering in accordance with God's word, urging that public ministry should reflect the authority and infallibility of the Scriptures. He explains that speakers must convey the whole counsel of God with boldness, clarity, and reverence, while ministers should serve according to their God-given abilities. The ultimate goal of all actions, whether in preaching or serving, is to glorify God through Jesus Christ. Gill concludes by affirming that all gifts and abilities come from God, and thus, all praise and dominion belong to Him.

John Gill emphasizes the profound love of God as demonstrated through Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for humanity, showcasing His grace and mercy. This act of love is not based on human merit but is a reflection of God's rich compassion. Gill encourages believers to imitate this love by being willing to lay down their lives for one another, as exemplified by figures like Priscilla and Aquila. He highlights that true brotherly love involves risking oneself for the sake of others and the Gospel. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding and practice of sacrificial love among Christians.

William MacDonald emphasizes the significance of giving as an act of worship, drawing from Paul's acknowledgment of the Philippians' gift in Philippians 4:18. He highlights that such gifts, though seemingly small, are viewed by God as a 'sweet smell' and a 'sacrifice acceptable,' akin to Christ's ultimate sacrifice. MacDonald encourages believers to see their giving as a form of priestly service, motivated by love rather than obligation, and to recognize the profound impact their generosity has in the spiritual realm. He reminds us that our gifts fill the throne room of God with fragrance, transforming our perspective on giving into an act of joyful worship.

J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of 'wayside ministries'—the small, unplanned acts of kindness that often go unnoticed but can have profound impacts on others. He contrasts these spontaneous acts with our more deliberate efforts, suggesting that the former may yield greater spiritual rewards. Miller illustrates how even casual interactions can uplift and encourage those around us, highlighting the importance of being mindful of our influence in everyday life. He encourages believers to cultivate a heart full of love and goodness, as this will naturally lead to unintentional acts of kindness that bless others. Ultimately, he reminds us that our true legacy may lie in these small, seemingly insignificant moments of grace.

John Gill emphasizes the multifaceted nature of good works, categorizing them into natural, civil, relative, and charitable actions. He explains that true good works must align with God's will, stem from love, be done in faith, and aim for God's glory. Gill also highlights that while good works are essential, they do not merit salvation, which is solely through grace. He stresses that only those transformed by Christ can perform good works, and these actions serve to glorify God and benefit others. Ultimately, good works are the fruit of faith and a reflection of one's relationship with God.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the church and its people have the privilege of making the Savior glad through their love, praise, and acts of kindness. He acknowledges that while our love may feel faint, it is sweet to Christ, who delights in our affection and gratitude. Spurgeon encourages believers to express their love not just through words but through heartfelt actions, such as forgiving others, giving to the poor, and sharing the gospel. He illustrates that even the smallest offerings, motivated by love, are precious to God. Ultimately, he calls on believers to joyfully honor Christ with their lives, just as the woman who anointed Him with precious oil did.

Hudson Taylor emphasizes the significance of princely service as depicted in Numbers 7, illustrating how God's blessings compel His people to give freely in service. He highlights that true offerings stem from love and gratitude, as seen in the examples of Mary and the widow who gave all they had. The lengthy account of offerings in this chapter serves to reveal God's delight in the loving gifts of His servants, showcasing that each act of giving is precious to Him. Taylor encourages believers to recognize the importance of the altar and the sacrificial nature of their offerings, urging them to live lives that reflect their love for Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a selfless commitment to service, reminding that our true value lies in our relationship with God and our willingness to serve others.

James Smith preaches on the concept of pleasing God, emphasizing that while sinners cannot please God, believers in Christ who have received His grace and salvation can indeed bring delight to God by living a sanctified life and seeking to honor Him in all they do. The sermon highlights that God takes pleasure in the prayers, praises, and consistent walking of His people, as well as in their obedience to His commands and participation in sacraments like baptism and the Lord's Supper. Pleasing God should be the ultimate aim of every Christian, as it leads to personal satisfaction and harmony within the body of Christ.

James Smith preaches on the importance of living a life that pleases the Lord, emphasizing the need to detach from worldly desires and focus on seeking to please God above all else. He highlights key principles such as having right views of God, being reconciled to Him through Christ, exercising filial confidence, keeping our eyes on Him, and cheerfully acquiescing to His will. Smith also stresses the significance of honoring Jesus, striving against sin, being zealous for God's cause, avoiding what displeases Him, and aiming at His glory in all aspects of life.

James Smith preaches on the importance of aiming to please God in every aspect of our lives, emphasizing that as Christians, our daily goal should be to seek God's approval in all that we think, say, and do. He highlights the need for believers to constantly ask themselves if their actions align with pleasing God, reminding them of the significance of glorifying God in all areas of life. Smith urges listeners to prioritize pleasing God above all else, emphasizing that God's approval should be the primary focus in decision-making, relationships, and daily activities.

John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of gratitude and thankfulness in serving God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. He emphasizes the need to continue in brotherly love, hospitality, and remembering those who suffer adversity. Chrysostom encourages contentment, faith, and offering the sacrifice of praise to God continually, regardless of circumstances. He highlights the significance of enduring afflictions with thanksgiving, as they draw us closer to God and lead to sanctification.

John Chrysostom preaches on the conversion of Saul, highlighting the fear and disbelief of the disciples towards him, the role of Barnabas in bringing Saul to the Apostles, and the transformation of Saul from a persecutor to a disciple. Chrysostom delves into the significance of Paul's journey and interactions, emphasizing the need for humility, forbearance, and the power of witnessing for Christ boldly. He reflects on the miraculous healings performed by Peter in Lydda and Joppa, showcasing the power of faith and the impact of these miracles on the communities. Chrysostom also discusses the importance of almsgiving, prayers for the departed, and the commemoration of martyrs during the celebration of the Eucharist.

Samuel Johnson preaches about the importance of charity and compassion towards the needy and distressed, emphasizing that God requires us to help those in need as a tribute of gratitude for His blessings. He highlights how charity not only benefits the recipients but also promotes virtue and protects individuals from falling into sin, especially in the face of poverty and temptation. Johnson urges the congregation to reflect on the shortness of life and the eternal rewards of practicing charity, reminding them that true charity arises from faith in God's promises and expects rewards in the afterlife.

David Servant delves into Jesus' command to 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' emphasizing the importance of lending without expecting repayment, especially to the poor and needy. He highlights the virtue of lending as an act of compassion and generosity, reflecting God's kindness to all. Servant explores the biblical context of lending, focusing on God's expectations regarding loans made to the poor and the significance of lending without interest. He challenges listeners to consider their ability to be lenders and suggests practical ways to obey Jesus' commandment in today's context.

Ignatius of Antioch urges the Church in Smyrna to continue in harmony and supplication, emphasizing the importance of unity and prayer. He expresses gratitude for the support he has received from the Church leaders and encourages them to refresh one another in faith. Ignatius humbly requests prayers for himself, seeking to be found worthy in the eyes of God and not be deemed reprobate.