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 begins by praying for mercy upon America and for people to turn away from idols and serve God. He emphasizes the importance of not just worshiping God with our lips, but also with our lives. The preacher urges the listeners to have a personal relationship with God and to seek Him before they sleep. He then references a passage from the Bible about a remnant of people who were marked for their sorrow and disgust over the abominations in their city. The preacher encourages the audience to be like this remnant and stand against the sinful practices of the world.

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.

In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of not just going through the motions of worship, but truly drawing near to God with our hearts. He emphasizes the need to remember the true meaning of Christmas and not get caught up in the busyness of the season. Pastor Smith also highlights the spiritual condition of the world and the need for people to wake up and recognize the moral decay and social problems we are facing. He calls for a sense of urgency and desperation in seeking God's help and guidance in these troubled times.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the desperate times we are living in and the need for people to turn to God. He highlights the serious social and moral problems we are facing and the spiritual deterioration that is occurring. The preacher also discusses the lack of understanding and faith in the Word of God, causing people to stagger at His promises. He warns of the consequences of forsaking God and the impending destruction that will come upon Jerusalem. The sermon concludes with a call to wonder and cry out to God, as the people have been spiritually asleep and blinded to the truth.

This sermon emphasizes that worldliness is not primarily about outward appearances like clothing but is rooted in the mind. It challenges Christians to consider how they dress and present themselves, urging them to align their attire with how they would dress if Jesus were physically present with them. The speaker highlights the importance of genuine surrender and worship, cautioning against hypocrisy in religious practices like singing and listening to sermons without true heart transformation.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of not refusing God's voice, drawing parallels between the consequences faced by those who rejected God's warnings in the past and the greater accountability for those who reject Him today. The message highlights the unshakable nature of God's Kingdom and the need for gratitude, acceptable worship, reverence, and awe towards Him. The urgency to cling to Christ, heed His voice, and run the race faithfully is emphasized, warning against the dangers of drifting away and the necessity of surrendering all to follow Him.

This sermon delves into the dangers of pride, highlighting how it leads to deception, rebellion, spiritual blindness, quarrels, confusion, anxiety, depression, and false worship. The speaker emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God, seeking to break the prideful barriers that hinder spiritual growth and true worship. The message underscores the need for a broken and contrite heart, genuine compassion for others, and the power of a made-up mind to humble oneself before God.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not compromising one's faith in Jesus. He encourages the audience to consider what is in it for them, how people will respond, and what it will cost to stand for their beliefs. The preacher references Matthew 15 and 1 Samuel 2:30 to highlight the need to honor God with both lips and heart. He shares a powerful testimony from a young man named Harrison, who spoke about the challenges of being a Christian in a secular high school. Overall, the sermon urges listeners to build the character of honor and to prioritize honoring God above all else.

John Daniel Jones delves into the encounter between Jesus and the young ruler who asked what good thing he must do to have eternal life. Jesus challenges the young man's use of the term 'Good Master,' emphasizing the importance of sincerity and truth in our relationship with God. Jesus detests pretense and hypocrisy, particularly in matters of faith, warning against religious cant and insincere expressions of devotion. He urges believers to be genuine and authentic in their worship and communication 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.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true worship arises from the heart rather than mere intellectual engagement, warning against a superficial Christianity that relies on entertainment rather than deep spiritual understanding. He cites the Greek church father Nicephorus, who encourages believers to think with their hearts, suggesting that genuine worship leads to profound insights that cannot be gained through intellect alone. Tozer critiques a timid religious mentality that has diluted the faith, resulting in a lack of moral courage and a boring Christianity that fails to engage the totality of the believer's being. He calls for a Christianity that fully embraces both intellect and spirit, urging believers to offer their entire selves to God. Ultimately, Tozer challenges the church to move beyond gimmicks and entertainments to foster a vibrant and intellectually robust faith.

Thomas Reade preaches about the sinful state of man as depicted in the Scriptures, emphasizing the necessity of divine illumination and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand and acknowledge our wretched condition. The sermon highlights the importance of an inward change of heart and the deceitful nature of the human heart, as described by various prophets and Jesus himself. It calls for humility, self-examination, and a deep desire for God's transformative work in our lives, stressing the need to love the Lord wholeheartedly and seek a radical change from within.

A.W. Tozer addresses the real enemy facing the church today, which is not liberalism or government interference, but rather the 'dictatorship of the routine.' He emphasizes that when church services become predictable and devoid of the expectation of God's intervention, the church falls into a dangerous rut. This routine can stifle spiritual growth and hinder the church from experiencing the dynamic presence of God. Tozer calls for a revival of spontaneity and openness to the Holy Spirit, urging believers to break free from the constraints of routine and seek a deeper relationship with God.

The preacher from the Longer Catechism of The Orthodox explores the significance of prayer as a means to attain a saving hope, emphasizing Jesus Christ's affirmation that whatever is asked in His name will be done by the Father for His glory. Prayer is defined as the lifting up of one's mind and heart to God, demonstrated through devout words, and involves praising God, giving thanks for His mercies, and making petitions. The sermon delves into the distinction between inward prayer, which is spiritual and of the heart and mind, and outward prayer, which is expressed in words and accompanied by other acts of devotion.

Jonathan Edwards warns against judging the genuineness of one's faith based solely on their fluency, fervency, and abundance in talking about religion, as this can lead to both unjust condemnation and misguided confidence. Speaking passionately about religion can stem from either holy or unholy affections in the heart, with strong affections prompting individuals to speak earnestly regardless of the nature of those affections. Merely being vocal about religious matters does not necessarily indicate true grace, as false affections can often manifest more prominently in outward declarations.

Chuck Smith emphasizes the message of Jeremiah, urging the people not to trust in false assurances and empty rituals that mask their sinful behaviors. Despite the outward appearance of national revival and religious observance, the people were guilty of serious sins against both God and their fellow men. Smith warns that mere participation in religious activities can lead to a false sense of security, and true faith must be reflected in one's conduct and relationship with God. He stresses that sacred observances are meaningless without genuine faith and obedience to God's truth.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the distinction between superficial religious practices and genuine repentance, urging believers to rend their hearts rather than their garments. He critiques the hypocrisy of external rituals that please the flesh but lack true spiritual substance, warning that without sincere heart engagement, all religious acts are mere mockery of God. True repentance, he asserts, is a profound, humbling experience wrought by the Holy Spirit, leading to a deep, soul-moving transformation. Spurgeon encourages believers to bring their hardened hearts to Calvary, where the power of Christ's sacrifice can truly break them. Ultimately, he highlights that only the elect of God can experience this heart-rending, preparing them for divine consolation.

E.M. Bounds emphasizes the profound connection between prayer and devotion, asserting that true devotion is a heartfelt commitment to God that fosters genuine worship and effective prayer. He critiques the modern church's tendency to engage in religious activities without true devotion, leading to a lifeless form of worship. Bounds illustrates that a devout spirit transforms all aspects of life, making even mundane tasks sacred and ensuring that prayer is fervent and meaningful. He warns against the dangers of busy activity that lacks spiritual depth, urging believers to cultivate a spirit of devotion that permeates their entire lives. Ultimately, Bounds calls for a return to heartfelt devotion as the foundation for authentic prayer and worship.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the stark contrast between the fervor displayed in pious duties and the coldness that often follows when individuals step away from these practices. He points out that many appear vibrant and spiritual while engaged in religious activities, yet become lifeless and worldly outside of them. This inconsistency suggests a lack of true holiness or only a minimal attainment of it. Brooks calls for a deeper, more genuine spirituality that transcends mere duty and reflects a true relationship with God.

David Wilkerson addresses the issue of mental distractions during worship, emphasizing that many come to church physically but are mentally and spiritually absent. He highlights Jesus' condemnation of hypocrites who offer lip service while their hearts are far from Him. Wilkerson urges believers to approach God with reverence and intentionality, reminding them that true worship must come from a place of sincerity and focus. He stresses the importance of being fully present in worship, as it is a powerful act that strengthens the spirit and breaks down barriers. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt connection with God, encouraging worshippers to seek His presence with purity and dedication.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the danger of being mired in 'rote' worship, where repetition becomes devoid of feeling and meaning. He argues that this internal attitude stifles spiritual growth and expectation, leading believers to accept the status quo rather than seeking a transformative relationship with God. Tozer calls for a revival of genuine belief and engagement with Scripture and hymns, suggesting that true worship should be filled with wonder and anticipation. He warns that when worship is overly structured, it limits God's ability to move among His people. The sermon challenges listeners to break free from complacency and embrace a more vibrant faith.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the danger of empty religious talk that lacks genuine meaning and connection to reality. He argues that while we cannot physically walk with Christ, we can experience the essence of faith and the spiritual truths of God's kingdom. Tozer warns that many words spoken in religious contexts may simply be hollow phrases without true substance or understanding. He calls for a deeper comprehension of faith that transcends mere verbal expressions, urging believers to seek authentic experiences of God's presence. Ultimately, he challenges the church to ensure that their words reflect true spiritual realities rather than mere phonetic sounds.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the peril of being in a spiritual rut, which he describes as a bondage to rote practices that can blind us to our true condition. He illustrates this with the analogy of a man who is critically ill but unaware of his sickness, going about life as if everything is normal. Tozer warns that this lack of awareness can lead to spiritual danger, as we may not recognize the bondage we are in. The sermon calls for self-examination and awareness of our spiritual health to avoid the risks associated with complacency. Ultimately, Tozer urges listeners to seek a deeper connection with God to break free from the rut.

John Piper preaches about the essence of worship, emphasizing that worship should be pursued as an end in itself, not as a means to achieve something else. He reflects on the importance of honoring God with genuine feelings and emotions, highlighting that worship involves reflecting back to God the honor and glory due to Him. Piper explains that true worship is the quickening of the heart with appropriate emotions in response to God's greatness, and it should not be manufactured as a means to another experience. He concludes by urging the congregation to prepare their hearts to meet God in worship, emphasizing the significance of genuine worship as an end in itself.