In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being in the presence of God. He acknowledges the value of building friendships and connections with others, but states that the true reason for coming together is to experience God's presence. The speaker highlights the significance of Moses and the legal structure he established, which was influenced by his personal encounter with God. He encourages the audience to seek a face-to-face relationship with God, as it has the power to unlock their untapped potential and bring about transformation in their lives. The speaker also mentions the festivals in the Old Testament and how they were central to Israel's spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of personal exposure to Jesus Christ in bringing about social reform movements.

In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of fervent love for one another as a way to overcome interpersonal conflicts. He references 1 Peter chapter 4 verse 8, which states that love can cover a multitude of sins. The speaker clarifies that this does not mean love is a means of salvation or atonement, but rather a way to overlook and forgive certain wrongs and injustices. The sermon also touches on the disciples' lack of understanding when Jesus predicted his death, highlighting the human tendency to reject or deny things we don't want to accept. The speaker emphasizes the need to decrease ourselves and give glory to God, as demonstrated by Peter's desire to build booths for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners that Christian life and service is not always a mountain-top experience, but involves facing human needs and challenges. The speaker encourages humility and patience, knowing that ultimately, seeing Jesus face to face in glory will make it all worth it.

Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of spiritual authority in the Christian community, urging believers to understand, express, and respond to it appropriately. He highlights that every individual possesses a measure of spiritual authority, which should be exercised with humility and respect, both in the church and in everyday life. Bickle stresses the importance of honoring authority to foster unity and effectiveness within the body of Christ, warning against the dishonoring of authority that can hinder the work of the Holy Spirit. He encourages leaders to serve their teams selflessly and to communicate openly, while also calling for a culture of submission and respect among all members of the community. Ultimately, Bickle believes that a proper understanding of spiritual authority is crucial for experiencing a greater move of God.

John Wesley expounds on Matthew 18, emphasizing the necessity of humility and childlike faith to enter the kingdom of heaven. He warns against causing offenses and stresses the importance of addressing wrongs directly and privately, following Christ's prescribed steps for reconciliation. Wesley highlights God's care for the 'little ones' and the severe consequences of failing to forgive others, drawing a parallel between our forgiveness from God and our obligation to forgive others. He concludes with a powerful reminder of the weight of our offenses against God and the importance of genuine forgiveness in our relationships.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between membership in the local church and the universal church, arguing that true membership requires a spiritual rebirth and acceptance of Christ. He critiques the practice of allowing anyone to join a church without proper spiritual transformation, asserting that one must first be part of the universal church, which Jesus redeemed with His blood. Tozer stresses that accepting Christ inherently means accepting His people, as the church is the body of Christ. He encourages believers to seek the Shepherd by being among His flock, reinforcing the idea that rejecting the church is akin to rejecting Christ Himself.

John Evans meets Dr. Spencer, his parish Rector, after switching from attending the parish church to a dissenting congregation due to a preacher's fervor. Dr. Spencer discusses with John the importance of obeying God's command to belong to the Church, tracing the Church's lineage back to the Apostles and emphasizing the authority of successors like Bishops in the Church of England. He explains how reverence for these successors distinguishes the true Church of Christ from unauthorized sects, providing a clear test for identifying the genuine Church.

J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of understanding the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the purpose of miracles in the establishment of Christianity. He emphasizes that while miracles were necessary to confirm the truth of God's Word during the Apostolic age, the true importance lies in the inward gifts of the Spirit that believers receive. Newman explains the significance of Apostolic authority, the continuity of God's gifts in the Church, and the dangers of schism and heresy. He clarifies the historical context of the Church of England and its position as the original Apostolic Church in the region, highlighting the importance of unity and obedience to Church authority.

Keith Malcomson emphasizes the importance of discerning true apostles from false ones in the Church, highlighting the need for the entire congregation to test those who claim to be apostles based on their qualities and qualifications, not just their titles. He points out that the primary mark of a true apostle is death to self, where they have surrendered their own desires, motives, and needs for the sake of God's work. Drawing from Paul's example, he explains that apostolic ministry involves enduring trials, persecution, and being a spectacle for all to see, ultimately leading to life in the Church through death to self.

John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of love as a distinguishing characteristic of disciples of Christ, emphasizing that love is the foundation of all virtues and the key to showing holiness. He explains how love surpasses miracles in demonstrating true discipleship and attracting others to the faith. Chrysostom highlights the significance of living a virtuous life, as it has a greater impact on unbelievers than performing miracles. He urges believers to prioritize love and virtuous living to be a shining example of Christ's teachings and to avoid causing stumbling blocks to those outside the faith.

John Chrysostom preaches on the events in Acts 20:1-16, focusing on Paul's journey through Macedonia and Greece, emphasizing the importance of preaching and comforting believers amidst persecution. Chrysostom highlights Paul's dedication to teaching and the miraculous event of Eutychus being raised from the dead after falling asleep during Paul's midnight sermon. He encourages the congregation to imitate Paul's sacrificial love for Christ and willingness to endure hardships for the sake of others, urging them to have a compassionate heart and to weep for those who suffer unjustly, following the example of the prophets.

Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the reverence and respect that should be given to bishops, as they are sent by the Master of the house to oversee His household, equating the bishop's position to standing before the Lord Himself. He praises the church for their good order, adherence to the truth, and unity in following Jesus Christ as the true Shepherd and Teacher. Ignatius highlights the oneness of the believers in faith, baptism, and the Lord, emphasizing the importance of being taught by faithful instructors like Paul and Timothy.

Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the importance of showing kindness and hospitality to God's servants, emphasizing the motive behind our actions. He highlights that true blessings come from receiving and supporting God's messengers and righteous individuals, regardless of their status or popularity. Mortimer also reflects on the challenges faced by early Christians in showing kindness, even in the face of persecution, and encourages believers to support and defend one another for the sake of Christ.

John Bjorlie preaches on the importance of hospitality as a crucial element in building Christian community, promoting close, brotherly love, and combating superficial relationships. He emphasizes the biblical teaching on hospitality and challenges believers to consider how they can serve one another better. The sermon highlights the perils and joys of hospitality, encouraging believers to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves in their interactions. Through the study of 'The Hospitality Commands,' believers are urged to move from knowing the doctrine to actively practicing hospitality as a form of obedience to God.