In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not following man-made visions and plans, as they can lead to exhaustion and leave one in the wilderness. He uses the example of a mother casting her cherished son under a shrub to illustrate the danger of vulnerability. The speaker also highlights how many people have put their trust in men's plans and visions, only to be disappointed. However, he reassures the audience that God has a different purpose and plan for their lives, and encourages them to seek deliverance from their captivities and to allow the Holy Spirit to open their eyes.

Mike Bickle presents an overview of New Testament Bridal Theology, emphasizing that Jesus' ministry begins and ends with the theme of the Bride of Christ. He highlights the significance of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana, illustrating His desire to enhance the wedding celebration and the ultimate union with His bride. Bickle explains that Jesus identifies Himself as the Bridegroom, revealing His deep emotional connection and desire for His people, culminating in His final prayer for the church to be with Him. The sermon underscores the importance of understanding our identity as the Bride of Christ and the call to love Him in return, as well as the Holy Spirit's role in awakening this love within us.

Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of understanding Jesus as the Bridegroom, King, and Judge, highlighting the need for a holistic view of Christ in the context of the forerunner message. He discusses the prophetic history of IHOP and the divine mandates received through dreams and visions, which call for a deeper intimacy with God and a commitment to prayer. Bickle stresses that the church must embrace the fullness of Jesus' identity to prepare for His return, integrating the messages of love, power, and judgment. He shares personal encounters that shaped this understanding, urging believers to recognize the beauty of God and the importance of being forerunners in faith.

Mike Bickle discusses the complexities of God's emotions towards His people, emphasizing that God experiences joy, sadness, and anger based on how believers respond to Him. He clarifies that while God loves everyone, His delight is reserved for those who sincerely seek Him, and that true repentance involves a heartfelt turning away from sin. Bickle warns against the dangers of presumption in grace, urging believers to understand that God's approval is not unconditional and that spiritual immaturity is not the same as rebellion. He encourages believers to embrace God's delight in them, even amidst their weaknesses, and to pursue a genuine relationship with Him, which fosters growth and confidence in His love.

Mike Bickle emphasizes the end-time revelation of Jesus as the Bridegroom, King, and Judge, highlighting the simultaneous occurrence of the greatest revival and the worst sin in human history. He explains that understanding these three facets of Jesus is crucial for believers, as they reflect His desire for relationship, His power, and His righteous judgment. Bickle encourages the audience to embrace all three aspects, asserting that they are interconnected and essential for a complete understanding of Jesus' character. He calls for a commitment to grow in the knowledge of Jesus as the Bridegroom, while also recognizing the importance of His role as King and Judge. The sermon concludes with a call to action for the audience to respond to this revelation and to stand firm in their faith.

Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of understanding God's heart towards us, especially in our weaknesses. He shares how the enemy often accuses believers, leading them to feel condemned and distant from God. However, through the parables in Luke 15, Bickle reveals that God is not primarily angry or disappointed but rather delights in us and enjoys our relationship, even amidst our struggles. This understanding fosters confidence and encourages believers to approach God boldly, knowing they are loved and accepted. Ultimately, Bickle encourages sincere believers to embrace their identity as those whom God enjoys, which transforms their relationship with Him.

Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus as the Bridegroom, King, and Judge, highlighting the need for a forerunner message that prepares the church for His return. He shares personal experiences and prophetic encounters that shaped this revelation, stressing that the church must embrace all three aspects of Christ's nature to fully comprehend His love and authority. Bickle encourages believers to engage in prayer and intercession, aligning their hearts with God's desires and judgments, as they prepare for the coming of the Lord.

Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of understanding Jesus as the Bridegroom, King, and Judge in his sermon 'The Forerunner Message.' He reflects on the 15 years of prayer meetings that laid the foundation for the International House of Prayer (IHOP) and expresses a vision for the next 15 years, anticipating greater impact and challenges. Bickle shares personal encounters with God that shaped his understanding of the beauty of Jesus and the importance of the first commandment, urging the congregation to embrace a deeper relationship with Christ. He calls for a recommitment to the forerunner message, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith amidst the complexities of the world.

Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound fascination that comes from knowing Jesus, the most captivating figure in history. He explains that God created us to be in awe of Him, and that true pleasure is found in a deep relationship with Christ, who desires connection with us. Bickle encourages believers to pursue a life filled with the joy and pleasure of encountering God, highlighting that the greatest revelations of God bring the deepest satisfaction to our spirits. He shares personal experiences of his early struggles in faith and the transformative power of understanding God's love and desire for us. Ultimately, he calls for a generation to be captivated by the beauty of the Lord and to abide in His love.

F.B. Meyer reflects on the name Hephzi-bah, meaning 'My delight is in her,' and contrasts it with the wickedness of her son Manasseh, emphasizing that a godly lineage does not ensure a righteous offspring. He warns against the inconsistencies in the lives of religious parents, who may appear holy in public while neglecting their private lives and responsibilities at home. Meyer urges parents to avoid becoming so absorbed in public religious duties that they overlook the spiritual needs of their children, and to maintain a warm, approachable demeanor to foster a loving relationship with them.

Andrew Bonar shares his profound experiences during a visit to Jerusalem, expressing the overwhelming joy of being in the Holy Land where biblical events unfolded. He reflects on the beauty and desolation of the land, drawing parallels to scripture and the significance of places like the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane. Bonar emphasizes the spiritual refreshment he felt while partaking in the Lord's Supper in the city of Jesus' sacrifice, and he earnestly requests prayers for his own spiritual needs and for his congregation back home. His letter conveys a deep sense of connection to the biblical narrative and a longing for greater faith and zeal.

James Smith preaches about the glorious person of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully man, possessing all divine attributes and essential human properties. Through Jesus, God blesses and supplies our needs, exalting and dignifying us beyond measure. Jesus, as our Savior, embodies divine wisdom to guide us, offering bounty, deliverance, protection, comfort, and every provision we require. His sacrificial death and resurrection reconcile us to God, imputing our sins to Him and His righteousness to us, securing our eternal salvation and deliverance.

Jonathan Edwards preaches about the deep and profound love relationship between the church and Christ, likening it to a marriage where the church is the bride and Christ is the bridegroom. He emphasizes the great lengths Christ went to in order to obtain his bride, including becoming man and laying down his life for her. Edwards urges ministers to faithfully fulfill their role as stewards and ambassadors of Christ, leading the church in preparation for the glorious union with the bridegroom. He highlights the joy and honor bestowed upon ministers who are called to be part of this divine union and the eternal bliss they will share in the marriage-supper of the Lamb.