This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highlighting the need for repentance, humility, and a new heart through Christ. The message stresses the significance of acknowledging our sins, renouncing self, and accepting God's transformative power to experience forgiveness, new life, and a restored relationship with Him.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's revelation and warns about the consequences of its removal. He highlights that on Judgment Day, all the knowledge and understanding of God will be taken away, leaving people in darkness. The absence of a rainbow symbolizes the absence of God's promises and covenants. The preacher also urges Christians to not be proud of worldly accomplishments, as everything that is not eternal will be lost. The sermon serves as a reminder to consider the end of our days and the certainty of standing before God in judgment.

In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four benefits that come to those who truly repent. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sin, confessing it, making restitution, and experiencing the miraculous work of God. The preacher uses the example of Daniel to illustrate how repentance opens the ears, eyes, and understanding to receive divine revelation. He also highlights the direct line of communication with God that is established when one repents and makes things right. The sermon concludes with a call to be totally repentant and open before God, allowing His wonderful favors and benefits to pour into one's life.

Derek Prince emphasizes the profound truth that every action and motive of our lives is fully exposed to the Lord, who meticulously examines our paths. There is no hiding from God's sight, as He sees through all darkness and deceit. If our ways are crooked and filled with evil deeds, we will eventually be ensnared and held captive by our own actions, without the need for external punishment.

J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of the heart in one's relationship with God, arguing that a heart cannot be deemed good if it does not reflect righteousness in actions and thoughts. He challenges the notion that people can have 'good hearts at the bottom' while neglecting spiritual duties, asserting that true goodness must be evident in one's life. Ryle outlines the characteristics of a wrong heart, which is naturally inclined to evil, and contrasts it with the right heart, which is transformed by the Holy Spirit and exhibits faith, humility, and a desire for holiness. He calls for self-examination and urges individuals to seek a new heart through Christ, warning against complacency in spiritual matters. Ultimately, Ryle encourages believers to remain hopeful and diligent in their faith, looking forward to the day when they will be fully redeemed.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the possibility of walking before the Lord with a perfect heart, encouraging believers to earnestly desire obedience to God's command. He explains that perfection in God's eyes is not about being sinless but about completeness and maturity, characterized by constant obedience and responsiveness to God's guidance. Wilkerson highlights the importance of allowing God to search our hearts, revealing hidden sins, and fostering a deep communion with Him. The perfect heart seeks to dwell in God's presence and be prepared as a clean vessel for His blessings. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart that is open to God's examination and transformation.

James Bourne emphasizes the importance of the Lord searching the heart and trying the reins, leading to a deep spiritual awakening and a desire for a personal, intimate relationship with God. He warns against the dangers of a dead, presumptuous profession of faith without the genuine work of the Spirit in the heart. Bourne urges his friend to be vigilant, to seek God's guidance in secret prayer, and to heed the admonitions of God through tender checks and fears, highlighting the seriousness of true religion and the need for divine refuge and eternal life.

Paris Reidhead delves into the nature of man, exploring the traits and capabilities bestowed upon humanity by God. He emphasizes the impact of sin on man's moral character, highlighting traits such as being a traitor, rebel, anarchist, transgressor, and enemy of God. Reidhead discusses the concept of repentance and the importance of recognizing one's capacity for sin, urging listeners to acknowledge their potential for wrongdoing. He reflects on the story of Cain and Abel to illustrate the profound effects of sin on human nature, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and repentance.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of recognizing and detesting vain thoughts, which are often hidden from others but significant in the eyes of God. He illustrates that a holy man is aware of the dangers of secret sins, understanding that they require repentance just as openly visible sins do. Brooks points out that these hidden sins can be more perilous and that they grieve the Holy Spirit, urging believers to confront and humble themselves regarding their inner struggles. He draws on the example of Hezekiah, who humbled himself for the pride of his heart, highlighting the need for self-examination and accountability in one's spiritual life.

Chuck Smith discusses the story of Jeroboam, emphasizing the futility of disguising our true selves when approaching God. He highlights how people often come to God with hidden truths and masks, believing they can deceive Him, but God sees through all facades. The sermon warns of the heavy tidings that come from turning away from God, including judgment and the consequences of our actions. Smith stresses that just as Jeroboam faced dire consequences for his disobedience, so too will those who reject Christ face heavy tidings on the day of judgment. Ultimately, the message calls for authenticity in our relationship with God, as He knows our hearts.

Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of self-examination in determining true conversion, cautioning against mistaking transient religious impressions for genuine faith. He emphasizes the need to sincerely assess one's views of sin and Christ, the willingness to surrender the heart to Christ's service, and the necessity of a deep repentance and faith that leads to a transformed life. Doddridge stresses that true conversion involves a complete surrender to Christ, acknowledging one's need for Him and relying on His righteousness for salvation.

Peter Hammond preaches about the inspiring story of Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, who faced persecution with unwavering faith and courage, refusing to renounce Christ even in the face of death. Polycarp's trust in Christ, mentored by the Apostle John, exemplifies true discipleship and sacrificial service, challenging believers to trust Jesus completely, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being trustworthy and faithful servants of Christ, willing to be entrusted with hard assignments and fully committed to God's will.

K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the distinction between authentic and synthetic Christianity, using the metaphor of a vibrant synthetic plant to illustrate how many Christian activities may appear genuine but lack true spiritual life. He warns that zeal and good works can be motivated by a desire for personal gain or recognition rather than a pure heart for God. The church at Ephesus serves as a cautionary example, having lost their first love despite their hard work and dedication. Yohannan urges believers to examine their motivations and seek God's approval rather than the praise of men, reminding them that only authentic faith can produce lasting fruit. He concludes by stressing the importance of inner purity and sincerity in all acts of service to God.

Charles Finney emphasizes that a person's moral character is defined by their ultimate intention rather than their actions or subordinate intentions. He explains the distinction between intention and volition, asserting that true moral character lies in the supreme intention of the mind, which should be to glorify God. Finney warns that intentions can be sinful or holy, and that the ultimate aim of one's actions must be disinterestedly benevolent to be considered holy. He concludes that God will judge individuals based on their intentions, not merely their actions, highlighting the importance of self-examination in understanding one's true character.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes that a person's true identity is revealed by what they admire and think about when free to choose their thoughts. He argues that external religious practices and appearances do not define one's relationship with God; rather, it is the inner thoughts and desires that truly reflect who we are. Tozer encourages self-examination of our secret thoughts, urging us to seek purity and alignment with God's will through the Holy Spirit.