In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of swearing and its implications. He acknowledges that even though using mild swear words may not seem too evil, it is still wrong according to Jesus' teachings. The speaker emphasizes that the cleansing of the heart comes through faith in the Holy Spirit, rather than through external actions or attempts to change one's thoughts and feelings. He also highlights the prevalence of sin in the world and the importance of recognizing and avoiding sinful acts, thoughts, and words. The sermon references Acts 15:8-9 to support the idea that the Holy Spirit cleanses the heart through faith.

In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes that sin originates in the mind, which encompasses not just intellect but the entire personality, including will, emotions, and moral responses. He points out that the carnal mind is in opposition to God and cannot adhere to His law. Tozer references Genesis 6:5 to illustrate that the wickedness of humanity is rooted in the heart, where evil desires and intentions dwell. He urges listeners to recognize that true sin is a matter of the heart, affecting every aspect of a person's being. The sermon calls for introspection and a deeper understanding of the heart's role in our relationship with God.

John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the inherent evil within humanity, asserting that even without the influence of Satan or wicked individuals, man's sinful nature would still lead him to sin. He describes the corrupted state of the human heart and mind, illustrating that temptation alone does not cause sin; rather, it is the evil root within that drives us to it. Brooks argues that while Satan can tempt, he cannot force us to sin, as the choice ultimately lies within our corrupted nature. He concludes by highlighting the redemptive work of Jesus, who endured immense suffering to save humanity from its sinful state.

John Wesley addresses the deceitfulness and wickedness of the human heart, emphasizing that it is inherently corrupt and self-deceiving. He critiques the notion that humanity is fundamentally virtuous, arguing instead that the heart is 'desperately wicked' and 'deceitful above all things,' leading to a myriad of sins and moral failures. Wesley warns against trusting in one's own heart, as it is prone to deception, and calls for reliance on God's understanding and guidance to truly know oneself. He highlights the necessity of divine grace for transformation and the importance of self-examination in the pursuit of righteousness.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of thoughts in the manifestation of anger, asserting that all sins, including anger, begin in the heart and mind. He explains that quick-tempered individuals often brood over wrongs, conditioning themselves for outbursts, while a heart filled with moral contemplation and understanding of God's mercy is less likely to react with anger. Tozer encourages deep meditation on sin, mercy, and Christ's sacrifice to cultivate a heart that responds with grace rather than rage. Ultimately, he highlights the importance of managing our thoughts to tame our anger and respond appropriately to injustices.

Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity for sinners to actively seek a new heart and spirit, as commanded in Ezekiel 18:31. He argues that this requirement is not unreasonable, as it pertains to a moral change rather than a physical one, and that individuals possess the agency to choose their moral disposition. Finney clarifies that while God is the ultimate source of transformation, the act of changing one's heart is a personal responsibility that cannot be done passively. He asserts that true repentance involves a shift in preference from self-interest to the glory of God, and that this change is essential for salvation.

J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of understanding the nature of sin and its consequences, urging young men to recognize its true evil and the cost of atonement through Christ. He encourages them to seek a personal relationship with Jesus, as knowing Him is essential for spiritual growth and strength. Ryle warns against the dangers of poor companionship and stresses the necessity of making the Bible a guiding principle in life. He reminds young men that their souls are eternal and should be prioritized above all else, and that it is indeed possible to serve God even in youth. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live for the soul and to choose friends wisely, as they can greatly influence one's spiritual journey.

Charles Ewing Brown preaches about the hindrances to social progress, using Plato's ideal state as an illustration of how human desires and sinful tendencies can corrupt even the noblest intentions. He emphasizes the inborn perversity of human nature as a challenge that has troubled dreamers of human welfare for centuries, pointing out that while science can pave the way for a utopian society, it cannot change the hearts of evil men who seek power for selfish gain. Brown urges listeners to consider the doctrine of inherited sin, exploring the concept of indwelling sin and the impact of Adam's fall on humanity's nature and propensity towards evil.

John Chrysostom preaches on the significance of Melchisedec, King of Salem, Priest of the Most High God, as a type of Christ, emphasizing his titles 'King of Righteousness' and 'King of Peace' which point to Jesus. Chrysostom explains the mysterious nature of Melchisedec, being without father, mother, genealogy, beginning of days, or end of life, likening him to the Son of God. He highlights Melchisedec's superiority over Abraham, the Levites, and the Jewish priesthood, showing how the priesthood of Melchisedec foreshadows the eternal priesthood of Christ. Chrysostom urges believers to guard themselves against spiritual slumber, emphasizing the importance of free will in choosing righteousness and the need for repentance to cleanse the soul from sin.

Shane Idleman addresses the controversy surrounding homosexuality and gay marriage, emphasizing the importance of speaking the truth in love even if it means risking reputation and safety. He highlights the need for Christians to show genuine compassion and concern for individuals regardless of their lifestyle, without compromising biblical principles. Idleman stresses that God's Word is clear on issues like homosexuality, adultery, and sexual sins, and that moral laws remain significant today as they have throughout history, urging believers to uphold God's standards above all else.

Jane Lead preaches about the importance of examining and controlling our thoughts, comparing them to evil counsellors that can sway the government of our minds. She emphasizes the need to discern between spiritual, pure thoughts and earthly, sinful thoughts, as well as the consequences of allowing evil and carnal thoughts to reign within us. Lead highlights the significance of banishing negative and impure thoughts from our inner kingdom, allowing only pure, heavenly thoughts to establish the Kingdom of God within us, leading to a life filled with love, joy, peace, and purity.

Thomas Watson preaches about the destructive power of the evil tongue, describing it as a fire fueled by hell that corrupts the whole person. He delves into various aspects of the evil tongue, highlighting its silent nature in matters of religion, its focus on worldly matters, its hasty and angry expressions, its tendency towards vanity, censure, slander, uncleanness, lying, flattery, boasting, swearing, railing, seduction, cruelty, murmuring, scoffing, cursing, injustice, and more. Watson emphasizes the need for a transformed heart to produce better speech, as the tongue reflects the deep wickedness within the heart, and warns of being held accountable for every word spoken on the day of judgment.

Harmon A. Baldwin delves into the misconception that sin lies in the flesh, akin to the old Manichaean heresy, emphasizing that the physical body itself is not sinful but rather the heart where sin resides, influencing our choices and affections. He clarifies that sin enters when the soul succumbs to fleshly desires, leading to bondage and a worldly mindset. Baldwin highlights the importance of faith in pleasing God, as stated in Hebrews 11:6, and the presence of the Spirit within believers, as mentioned in Romans 8:9, guiding them away from minding the flesh and towards spiritual growth.

Harmon A. Baldwin delves into the topic of wandering thoughts and holiness, addressing the misconception that a clean heart means never having wandering thoughts. He emphasizes the importance of presenting holiness realistically, without setting unattainable standards, to attract sincere seekers. Baldwin discusses the distinction between thoughts that wander from God, which stem from an unclean heart, and thoughts that simply stray from the current focus, influenced by mental rather than spiritual factors. He highlights the significance of monitoring and rejecting sinful thoughts, indicating the spiritual maturity and godlikeness of an individual.

Catherine Booth preaches about the contrast between mock salvation and true salvation from sin, emphasizing the universal need for a regenerating process to address the moral disease in society. She highlights the self-condemnation and sense of wrong that all individuals experience, regardless of belief in God, pointing out the futility of false theories, ceremonies, and beliefs that do not address the root cause of sin in the heart. Salvation, as proposed by God, involves deliverance, restoration, preservation, and glorification, offering a real and practical solution to the spiritual maladies of humanity.

Russell DeLong emphasizes the concept of the human soul as a citadel, a place of security and autonomy where individuals have the power to choose what enters and exits. He highlights the responsibility each person holds in determining the influences that shape their character and spiritual well-being, emphasizing the importance of personal choice in allowing good or evil, God or Satan, into their lives. DeLong draws parallels between the physical citadel's protection from external threats and the soul's need for vigilance in guarding against harmful influences. He concludes by referencing Revelation 3:20, where God stands at the door of the heart, waiting for individuals to willingly invite Him in.

The preacher delves into the concept of slander, which involves verbal abuse and evil speaking that seeks to harm someone's reputation. Blasphemia, the strongest form of personal defamation, refers to speech that brings ill repute, defames, and reviles. In the Bible, blasphemy is seen as an injury offered to God by denying what is due to Him or attributing what is not agreeable to His nature. The sermon emphasizes the importance of putting away all forms of malice, bitterness, and evil speaking, as they hinder the Christian life and reflect a lack of obedience to God's Word.