In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking with God and avoiding backsliding. He highlights three key actions that must be consciously and deliberately done to backslide. Firstly, one must start the day by immersing oneself in the word of God. Secondly, deep and unhurried prayer with God is essential to prevent backsliding. Lastly, the speaker shares a personal experience where he was led to preach from Isaiah 53, emphasizing the power and relevance of this scripture. The sermon encourages listeners to prioritize the Bible and prayer in order to maintain a strong relationship with God and avoid backsliding.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of being chosen by God for a task, urging believers to seek God's purpose for their lives. It highlights the need for wholehearted discipleship, questioning if God can choose them for a specific task in their lifetime. The sermon stresses the significance of passing God's tests, like Abraham, to experience God's blessings and fulfill His plans.

In this sermon, the preacher talks about the annoyance of being constantly told about the wrongdoings of others, especially when it comes to children. He emphasizes the importance of obedience and refers to the story of Saul, who disobeyed God's commands and faced consequences. The preacher also mentions the boldness of Phineas, who took action and was rewarded by God. He then discusses the concept of land grants and relates it to our identity as friends of something greater than ourselves. Overall, the sermon highlights the need for belief, obedience, and boldness in our relationship with God.

In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a covenant between God and Abram (later known as Abraham). The speaker explains that in a covenant, both parties typically have something to offer, but Abram had nothing to give. Instead, God put Abram to sleep and walked through the split animals in his place, symbolizing an unequal covenant where God is the one who gives everything. The speaker emphasizes that all God wants from us is our love and acceptance of his covenant.

In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and his encounter with the Lord in the plains of Mamre. The preacher highlights the significance of Abraham's communion with God, emphasizing that God saw it as a conversation with a friend rather than a negotiation. The preacher also mentions that Abraham, despite his old age, showed great hospitality to the three strangers who appeared before him, offering them food and drink. The sermon concludes with a prayer, urging the listeners to seek God and reminding them of His faithfulness and grace.

In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the second verse of Hebrews 11 in order to tap into God's power and purpose. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about receiving a book by G. Campbell Morgan on the exposition of Hebrews 11 from a lady named Bertha Smith. Using a simple illustration of choosing a sturdy pew in a rotten auditorium, the speaker emphasizes the need to exercise faith in God's promises. The sermon also highlights the significance of worship as the key to overcoming problems and challenges in life.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning and growing in our relationship with God. He encourages the congregation to prioritize prayer and spending time with God, seeking a deeper friendship with Him. The speaker also challenges the audience to see the work of God in their everyday lives, not just in dramatic or extraordinary circumstances. He concludes by discussing the freedom from sin that comes through prayer and the need to extend forgiveness to others. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, seeking God's kingdom, and living out the values of the kingdom in our daily lives.

Michael Koulianos teaches on the concept of being a 'Friend of the Bridegroom,' emphasizing the importance of hearing God's voice and developing a deep friendship with Jesus. He highlights that while salvation is a free gift, true friendship with God requires trust and intimacy, which can be costly. Koulianos warns against the dangers of merely participating in religious activities without genuine connection to God, and he encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship characterized by obedience and humility. He draws parallels between biblical figures like Moses and Abraham, who were known as friends of God, and stresses the significance of living under God's authority and guidance.

G.W. North emphasizes the profound faith of Abraham, who obeyed God's call to leave his homeland for an unknown land, trusting in God's promise of inheritance. This journey symbolizes the spiritual journey of faith, where true fulfillment and purpose are found in obedience to God's call. Abraham's faith was not just about reaching a physical destination but about entering a deeper relationship with God, characterized by hope and perseverance. Despite never finding the city he sought, Abraham's faith and hope kept him moving forward, illustrating the essence of living as a pilgrim in faith. Ultimately, North highlights that true faith is rooted in love for God, which empowers believers to trust Him fully, even in the face of trials.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of being acutely aware of God's presence, which has been a hallmark of spiritual giants throughout history. He argues that this consciousness of God's presence empowers saints and prophets, enabling them to effect profound good across generations. Tozer encourages believers to approach God with boldness, affirming that true humility lies in recognizing and honoring God's self-revelation. He highlights the intimate relationship Jesus offers, calling His disciples 'friends' and inviting them into a deeper communion with Him. This awareness of God's presence transforms prayer into a genuine dialogue with Someone who is truly there.

Robert S. Candlish emphasizes the importance of not just believing in the omnipotence of God as a theological concept, but in truly believing God Himself. True faith involves a personal relationship with God, where He speaks, promises, and fulfills, and we respond by hearing, believing, and asking. This personal interaction with God is what strengthens and establishes our faith, glorifying Him in the process.

A.W. Pink explores the significance of the Abrahamic Covenant, emphasizing Abraham's unique role as 'the friend of God' and the father of all believers. He highlights how the covenant not only established a special relationship between God and Abraham but also set the stage for the blessings that would extend to all nations through Abraham's lineage. Pink discusses the historical context leading up to the covenant, including the prophecy of Noah and the events at Babel, illustrating God's sovereign grace in choosing Abraham amidst a world steeped in idolatry. The sermon underscores the dual principles of grace and responsibility inherent in the covenant, showing that while God's promises are rooted in grace, they also require human obedience. Ultimately, Pink reveals that the Abrahamic Covenant is a pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing the coming of Christ and the inclusion of Gentiles in the blessings of salvation.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of making Jesus Christ the central focus of our lives, urging believers to forsake reliance on their own strength and the influence of others. He illustrates that true intimacy with God, as exemplified by Abraham, requires a complete surrender to Christ as our source of life and direction. Wilkerson challenges the congregation to possess their Promised Land by fully embracing the blessings and provisions won for them at the cross. He calls for a faith that trusts in God's Word, rather than seeking fulfillment in spiritual excitement or human leaders. Ultimately, he invites everyone to find peace and rest in Jesus, who is our everlasting possession.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound relationship between God and Abraham, who is referred to as 'the friend of God' in both the Old and New Testaments. This title reflects a deep intimacy and affection, showcasing that true friendship with God comes from faith and closeness. Wilkerson highlights that while Abraham was engaged in worldly affairs, he prioritized his relationship with God, seeking a heavenly home with the Father rather than becoming attached to earthly possessions. The sermon encourages believers to cultivate a similar intimacy with Christ, recognizing Him as the true foundation of their lives.

Jesse T. Peck preaches about the possibility and desirability of achieving holiness in the sight of God. He emphasizes that God's command to be holy is achievable, as evidenced by the lives of biblical figures like Enoch, Abraham, Job, and Paul, who walked with God, exhibited faith, and maintained blameless lives. The divine promises of cleansing and sanctification, along with the prayers for sanctification found in the Bible, further support the belief that it is possible for believers to attain complete holiness through the power of God's grace.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the necessity of oneness with God through a repudiation of the world, illustrating this through the life of Abraham, who was called the friend of God. He explains that true friendship with God requires a spiritual pilgrimage, marked by a decisive step away from worldly ties and into a deeper relationship with God. This journey is not instantaneous but involves progressive stages, where believers must continually affirm their commitment to God amidst worldly temptations. Sparks highlights that God’s call to Abraham to leave his homeland symbolizes a broader call for all believers to separate from the world and embrace a life centered on God’s purpose. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to cultivate a heart wholly devoted to God, reflecting the character of Abraham as a blessing to others.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound relationship between God and Abraham, highlighting Abraham's status as 'the friend of God' and the significance of the covenant established through circumcision. Meyer illustrates that this friendship is not unique to Abraham but is available to all believers through Jesus Christ, who calls us friends. He outlines three essential conditions for enjoying this divine friendship: separation from sin, purity of heart, and obedience to God's commands. The sermon encourages believers to engage in open communication with God, sharing their burdens and joys, and to recognize the spiritual significance of their relationship with Him. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a deeper appreciation of the privileges of being friends with God and the transformative power of His grace.

J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of communion with God, showcasing how saints of old like Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, and David walked closely with the Lord in fellowship and communion. He contrasts the genuine communion of the living soul with the mere lip-service of formal professors, highlighting the deep sense of brokenness, contrition, humility, and self-abasement that true communion entails. Philpot delves into the struggles and triumphs of those who seek communion with God, illustrating the ongoing battle against sin, self-deception, and doubts, yet ultimately finding rest and intimacy in the presence and love of the Almighty.

John Sung preaches about the life of Abram, emphasizing his journey of faith and obedience to God despite challenges and fears. He recounts Abram's initial rejection of idol worship, his call to leave his homeland, and the trials he faced, including a famine that led him to Egypt. Sung highlights Abram's struggles with doubt and the importance of unwavering faith, culminating in the ultimate test of sacrificing his beloved son Isaac, which demonstrated his love for God above all else. The sermon illustrates that true obedience to God requires complete surrender and trust, as exemplified by Abram's life.

George MacDonald preaches about the righteousness that is of God by faith, emphasizing that it is not based on legalistic concepts like imputed righteousness or vicarious sacrifice, but rather on a deep, obedient relationship with God. He challenges the idea that righteousness is merely following laws, highlighting that true righteousness is a transformation of character that aligns with God's nature and will. MacDonald stresses the importance of faith in God as the foundation of righteousness, leading to a life of love, justice, and mercy towards others, reflecting God's righteousness in our own lives.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound significance of God as our friend, inviting us to reflect on the deep bonds of friendship we have experienced in our lives. He encourages us to recognize that God is not only a friend but infinitely more, being personally invested in our lives and offering unwavering support and love. Simpson highlights the importance of prayer as a means to connect with our heavenly Friend, who is always ready to assist us in our times of need. By recalling the acts of love from our earthly friends, we can better appreciate the depth of God's friendship and His promises to us. Ultimately, God desires an intimate fellowship with each of us, making Him our most trusted companion.

K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound nature of true friendship, contrasting the superficial connections of childhood with the sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus, who laid down His life for His friends. He shares poignant stories, including that of a soldier who risked his life for a friend in battle and Ram, a young man who left his affluent Hindu family to follow Christ, illustrating the costly nature of true discipleship. Yohannan draws parallels to Abraham, who left everything to follow God and became known as a 'friend of God,' highlighting that true blessing lies in intimacy with the Almighty rather than material wealth. The sermon challenges listeners to seek a deeper relationship with God, inviting them to consider if they truly desire such friendship and intimacy with Him. Ultimately, the message is a call to embrace the cost of discipleship and the honor of being called a friend of God.

Zac Poonen preaches about the way of the cross, emphasizing the importance of being broken and emptied, following the examples of Paul and Jesus who surrendered themselves completely to God. Through the life of Abraham, he illustrates the concept of being emptied, becoming God's friend, and receiving blessings to be a blessing to others. The sermon delves into the significance of faith, worship, and total dependence on the Holy Spirit, highlighting the need to trust God, be emptied of self-sufficiency, and offer everything to God, even the most precious gifts, in true worship.

Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound intimacy of Christ's friendship, highlighting that Jesus no longer calls His followers servants but friends, sharing with them the secrets of the Father. This friendship is characterized by a deep spiritual understanding and the privilege of being included in God's plans, which is made possible through the Holy Spirit. Murray explains that true friendship with Christ involves loving obedience, which purifies the soul and opens the door to closer fellowship with Him. The sermon invites believers to recognize the honor of being called friends by Christ and to seek a deeper relationship with Him through obedience and trust.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound nature of friendship as described by Jesus in John 15:13-16, where He calls His disciples 'friends' rather than servants. This title signifies a deep, intimate relationship where Jesus fully commits Himself to His followers, sharing all that He has received from the Father. Sparks illustrates that true friendship involves sacrifice and loyalty, as exemplified by Abraham's willingness to offer his son Isaac. He challenges believers to reflect on how their actions affect their relationship with Jesus and to cultivate a spirit of friendship among themselves, grounded in the Cross and the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a complete commitment to God, fostering a friendship that is reciprocal and loyal.