In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a young man who committed his life to Christ despite his mother and grandmother's disapproval. The young man expressed his deep love for them but explained that his love for Jesus was greater and he must obey Him. The preacher then goes on to discuss the importance of understanding Jesus' words and teachings. He suggests that Jesus was more concerned with revealing the desperate need of people's hearts rather than just pleasing them. The preacher encourages the audience to consider the challenge of becoming a true disciple of Jesus rather than simply accepting Him for salvation.

In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who finds himself in a dangerous situation. The man is hanging from a rope and realizes that his only chance of survival is to hold on tightly. He prays to God for help and jumps when the rope comes close enough. He manages to cling to a rock and discovers that there are birds and their chicks nearby. However, he realizes that the rope is slipping away from him and he fears being lost and exposed. The sermon emphasizes the importance of holding on to God's promises and not being distracted by worldly temptations.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of the Church as seen by God, highlighting the tragic consequences of departing from the heavenly vision. It explores the contrast between the heavenly vision of Christ and the earthliness that can infiltrate the Church, leading to spiritual blindness, division, and a departure from God's intended purpose. The call is for the Church to return to its heavenly vision, rejecting earthly influences and embracing the fullness of the Holy Spirit for a true outpouring.

This sermon emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Jesus, who took on all impurity and wickedness to consume iniquity. It challenges believers to truly believe in Jesus, even when faced with doubts and betrayals, and to be willing to embrace the cross and separate from the world in order to receive the fullness of the Spirit.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of manifesting Christ through walking in suffering love. He highlights the attitude of Jesus, who showed forbearance, kindness, and love even in the face of anger and retaliation. The speaker encourages listeners to present their bodies as living sacrifices to Jesus and to refrain from seeking revenge. The sermon also explores the implications of this teaching in various aspects of life, such as business, family, church, relationships, and even driving habits. The speaker urges believers to manifest the character, teachings, and spirit of Jesus in order to inspire a joyful, loyal, courageous, and heavenly patriotism.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of being fully surrendered to God, focusing on the need to be dead to the world and alive to the things of God. The title 'Dead Men See God' is explored in the context of discussing the rapture and Matthew 24. The sermon delves into the urgency of being prepared for Christ's return, highlighting the signs of the times and the need to be watchful. It stresses the concept of being dead to sin and the world to draw closer to God, urging believers to be vigilant in their spiritual walk and to starve sin to death.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and walking in His ways. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is used as an example of unwavering faith in the face of adversity. The preacher highlights three lessons from the story: the futility of fighting against God, the temptation to turn away from God, and the goodness of trusting in God. The sermon concludes with the reminder that those who live their lives hidden in Christ will have eternal life.

Shane Idleman emphasizes the call to a higher standard of living for those who wish to follow God wholeheartedly, stating that while others may indulge in worldly pleasures and compromise, true followers cannot if they desire to be filled with the Spirit of God. He warns against the dangers of entertainment and lifestyles that draw us away from God, advocating for a life of obedience and crucifixion of the flesh. Idleman highlights the joy found in a deep dependence on God, contrasting it with the fleeting pleasures of the world, and encourages believers to embrace the cost of discipleship.

Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity of separation from the world and dedication to God as foundational principles of Christian living. He illustrates the stark contrast between Babylon, representing worldly values, and the New Jerusalem, symbolizing holiness and divine purpose. Nee argues that true understanding and revelation of God's plan require a spiritual ascent, urging believers to build a moral barrier against worldly influences. He highlights that the Cross of Christ signifies the world's judgment and calls Christians to recognize their crucifixion to the world and the world's crucifixion to them. Ultimately, he asserts that spiritual deliverance comes from seeing the world as doomed and aligning oneself with God's eternal purpose.

F.J. Huegel emphasizes the profound spiritual insight of the Apostle Paul, who, despite never knowing Christ 'after the flesh,' gained a deeper understanding of the faith through his solitary revelation in Arabia. Paul’s three years of meditation allowed him to grasp the significance of co-crucifixion with Christ, leading to his unique contributions to Christian theology and the Church. He articulated that true Christian life involves dying to self, sin, and the world, and that believers are called to identify with Christ's suffering and resurrection. Huegel highlights that Paul's teachings on the Cross reveal a transformative participation in Christ's death, which liberates believers from the law and the flesh. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a complete surrender to Christ, emphasizing that true freedom and life come from being crucified with Him.

A.W. Pink emphasizes the Christian's relationship with the world, warning believers against conforming to its values and distractions. He explains that the world is an enemy of God, and Christians must resist its allure and focus on spiritual growth through the Scriptures. Pink encourages self-examination to determine if one's heart is truly aligned with God or entangled in worldly desires. He highlights that true faith enables believers to overcome the world and that Christ's sacrifice frees them from its bondage. Ultimately, Pink calls for a separation from worldly influences, urging Christians to find their joy and satisfaction in God alone.

John Nelson Darby emphasizes the distinction between the world and the Christian life, urging believers to avoid the entrapments of the world-system, which is governed by Satan. He explains that while Christians must navigate the world, they should not conform to its values or systems, as true citizenship lies in heaven. Darby warns against the dangers of being absorbed into societal norms and stresses the importance of living by faith, guided by the Spirit of God. He encourages Christians to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution, and to maintain a clear separation from worldly influences. Ultimately, he calls for a life that reflects Christ, as believers await their eternal hope in Him.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the uniqueness of Christ as the Son of Man, who embodies the divine intention for a new creation, perfectly balancing his kinship with humanity while remaining distinct from it. He challenges believers to live in the world without being of it, advocating for a life that reflects Christ's understanding, sympathy, and balance in interactions with others. Sparks highlights the importance of being conformed to Christ's image, which requires a reconstitution of our lives through the Holy Spirit, leading to a harmonious existence that embodies both truth and love. He warns against the dangers of alienating others through a misguided sense of holiness and calls for a church that reflects Christ's character and balance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of Christ's headship and the transformative power of the Spirit in creating a new community that expresses the essence of Christ.

Hieromonk Damascene delves into the theme of transformation, emphasizing the call for Orthodox Christians to be citizens of the Kingdom of God by renewing their minds and being transformed. He explores the theological meaning of transformation, insights from the Holy Fathers, practical suggestions for achieving transformation through watchfulness and prayer, and the significance of authentic love in spiritual growth. The sermon highlights the continuous process of deification and union with God, stressing that salvation in Orthodoxy involves a profound change within ourselves through God's Grace, leading to deification and transformation into the likeness of Christ.

Andrew Murray emphasizes the conflict between the spirit of the world and the Spirit of God, illustrating how each kingdom influences the hearts and actions of humanity. He warns that the greatest danger for believers lies in the subtle and unconscious influence of worldly spirit, which can lead them away from God's will. Murray highlights that the fall of man resulted in a preference for the visible and temporal over the spiritual and eternal, causing a deep-rooted worldliness. He calls for believers to have their eyes opened to the true nature of the world and to seek complete possession by the Spirit of God to overcome this influence.

D.L. Moody emphasizes the call for believers to be separate from the world, drawing parallels from the unique geographical positioning of God's ancient people. He illustrates that just as they were surrounded by barriers, Christians today are called to live in the world but not be of it, maintaining their holiness and sanctification. This separation is essential for true spiritual identity, akin to oil that can mix but not combine with water, highlighting the importance of living a distinct life in faith.

J.C. Philpot reflects on the worldly distractions that consume people's lives, leading them to live solely for time, sense, and self, neglecting God's presence and glory in creation. He contrasts the purity of animals glorifying God with the debased nature of humanity, highlighting the depths of sin and shame mankind has fallen into. Despite the sinful state of the world, there is a divine and heavenly work happening behind the scenes, where God is rescuing His chosen ones from darkness and bringing them into the kingdom of His Son, Jesus, who reigns over a hidden but powerful kingdom of grace.

John Gill emphasizes the distinction between those who are born of God and the rest of the world, which lies in wickedness. He explains that true believers are recognized as children of God through the witness of the Holy Spirit and the evidence of their love for one another. In contrast, the majority of humanity remains unregenerate, ensnared by sin and under the influence of Satan, unable to grasp the promises of righteousness. This stark contrast serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle between good and evil that defines the human experience.

F.B. Meyer addresses the dangers of compromising our faith by aligning too closely with the ungodly, as exemplified by King Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab. He warns that wealth and worldly success can weaken our character and lead us to adopt the values of those who oppose God. Meyer emphasizes the importance of maintaining a distinct identity as followers of Christ, urging believers to cultivate a deep love for Jesus that will protect them from worldly influences. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their own lives and relationships, questioning whether they are inadvertently saying, 'I am as thou art' to the world. Ultimately, Meyer reminds us that true engagement with Christ is essential to avoid the pitfalls of worldly alliances and the resulting divine discipline.

A.W. Tozer warns against the dangers of worldly pollution, emphasizing that the world represents a sinful human society that opposes the love of God. He identifies key characteristics of this world, including unbelief, where individuals reject the authority of Scripture, and impenitence, where people acknowledge their sins but lack genuine sorrow for them. Tozer stresses that true Christians should maintain fellowship with fellow believers rather than with those who live in unbelief. The sermon serves as a call to recognize and resist the influences of the world that lead to spiritual adultery.

Denis Lyle preaches on how to deal with vandals, drawing parallels between the church under attack in Revelation and a modern-day church facing hostility. He discusses the story of Elisha facing opposition in Bethel, highlighting the vigorous hostility, vital ministry, and vocal antipathy he encountered. Lyle emphasizes the need for Christians to stand firm in the face of persecution, maintain a faithful ministry that balances grace and judgment, and uphold reverence for God and His servants.

John MacArthur preaches on the role of believers as ambassadors of Christ, emphasizing the threefold nature of being an ambassador: commissioning for a special assignment, representing the sender, and exercising the authority of the sender. Ambassadors of Christ are not always welcomed in a world opposed to God's truth, as warned by Jesus in John 15:19-20 and John 17:14. Paul exemplifies this role by being an ambassador in chains, boldly proclaiming the Gospel despite his circumstances, as seen in Ephesians 6:19-20.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes the necessity of separation from the ungodly world, urging believers to recognize their distinct identity as God's chosen people. He highlights that while Christians live in the world, they must not conform to its values or practices, as true discipleship requires a marked separation from worldly influences. Winslow draws parallels between the call of the captive Jews in Babylon and the modern Christian's call to depart from the unclean things of this world. He encourages believers to cultivate a closer union with Christ and the Church, which will further define their identity as followers of an unearthly Savior. Ultimately, he calls for a crucifixion to worldly desires, reminding that love for the world is incompatible with love for the Father.

A.W. Tozer challenges the notion that happiness comes from adjusting to societal norms, questioning the origins and authority of these standards. He argues that if the world demands conformity, it should provide evidence of its effectiveness through the happiness and prosperity of those who comply. Tozer highlights the lack of genuine fulfillment and contentment among those who follow these worldly standards, suggesting that the pursuit of happiness through adjustment is ultimately misguided. He calls for a critical examination of the values we adopt and their true impact on our lives.