In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and leaving behind our old ways. He encourages the audience to recognize that without God, they are limited and fall short of His glory. However, by allowing God to take over, they can receive the strength and guidance needed to fulfill their purpose and have a profound influence on others. The preacher also addresses the loneliness that many people feel, particularly in a bustling city like New York, and offers the message of hope and love that comes from a relationship with God.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith, belief, and trust in Jesus Christ, highlighting the need to fully surrender our problems and desires to Him. It encourages seeking holiness and righteousness first, trusting that God will provide for all other needs. The speaker shares examples from the Bible to illustrate how faith and belief in Jesus can lead to miraculous solutions and blessings in our lives.

In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the inevitability of death and the inability to escape it. He also discusses the misuse of authority and how those in power often suffer the consequences of their actions. Pastor Chuck encourages listeners to surrender to the Son of God and allow His Spirit to fill their hearts and bring wholeness. He concludes by urging believers to commit themselves to God and trust in His plan, even when faced with difficult circumstances.

This sermon delves into the fearful possibility of separation from loved ones, both in this life and for eternity, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting God and the need for sincere repentance and reconciliation. It warns against doctrinal differences, exclusivity in religion, and the tragic outcomes of pride, folly, and un-Christlike behavior that can lead to alienation from family members. The urgency of seeking God's salvation and living in righteousness is highlighted to avoid eternal separation and to mend broken relationships on Earth.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reaching out to those who are suffering and in need. He suggests that in today's world, every other door represents someone in trouble, whether it be a family dealing with drug addiction, a person facing imprisonment, or someone battling depression or cancer. The speaker also highlights the need for the Salvation Army to utilize their creative gifts and develop a variety of approaches to reach different individuals. He emphasizes the importance of catching people's attention and building relationships through friendship and love in times of need. Ultimately, the sermon encourages listeners to recognize the sadness and pain in the world and to actively seek opportunities to minister to those who are hurting.

In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for the people in his life who have helped him grow in his faith. He shares a personal story of a minister who took the time to mentor him when he was a college student. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being kind to those who have shown kindness to us, rather than being mean in return. He also encourages the audience to draw near to God, make positive changes in their lives, and actively participate in the church community.

This sermon focuses on the history, culture, and people of the Tajik community in Central Asia, highlighting their resilience, unique heritage, and warm hospitality. It explores their ancient roots, cultural expressions through poetry, music, and art, as well as the diversity within the Tajik population across different countries. The sermon emphasizes the importance of friendship, hospitality, and unity among the Tajik people despite their varied political, religious, and economic circumstances.

Newman Hall preaches about the profound friendship and brotherhood found in Jesus, who exemplifies the truest form of friendship that surpasses all earthly relationships. Jesus, the Elder Brother, demonstrates a friendship that is unselfish, tender, and faithful, seeking reciprocity, communion, and mutual love. His love is individualizing, appreciative, and ever-present, offering unchanging and everlasting companionship. Jesus desires a deep, intimate relationship with His friends, requiring trust, communion, and zeal for His glory, preparing for His return with joyful anticipation. The friendship with Jesus is a model for believers to reciprocate love, trust, communion, endeavors to please Him, zeal for His glory, and readiness for His return, fostering a true brotherhood among believers.

Francois Fenelon emphasizes the importance of true friendships being founded in God, highlighting the need to be content with God's will over our own desires, and to fully surrender to His plans without reservation. He stresses the unity and closeness that comes from being united in God, where true friends are found. Fenelon encourages seeking companionship and solace in God, who is the ultimate source of eternal friendship and fulfillment, surpassing any imperfections found in human relationships.

J.R. Miller emphasizes the sinful nature of bad temper, arguing that it is an infirmity that should not be excused or tolerated. He highlights the practical advantages of maintaining good temper, such as improving one's reputation, enhancing personal comfort, and fostering meaningful friendships. Miller asserts that good temper is essential for true manliness, aligning with Christ's example of meekness and self-control. He encourages striving for self-mastery, as it leads to a more fulfilling and noble life. Ultimately, he reminds us that with Christ's help, we can achieve victory over our tempers and embody the qualities of love and patience.

George Mueller emphasizes the profound truth that Jesus Christ is our true friend, who is always present and supportive in our lives. He encourages believers to recognize this relationship, especially in times of loneliness, pain, and need, reminding us that Jesus is there to comfort and strengthen us. Mueller reflects on his own experiences of loss and solitude, finding solace in the companionship of Christ, who never leaves us. He urges us to cultivate a habitual awareness of Jesus as our friend, who walks with us through all circumstances, and to look forward to the eternal joy of being with Him in heaven. The sermon concludes with the hope of Christ's return, assuring us that our heavenly friendship will last forever.

K.P. Yohannan shares his transformative journey of friendship and personal growth while serving in North India, where cultural differences often led to arguments and misunderstandings. A pivotal moment came when a friend recommended Dale Carnegie's 'How to Win Friends and Influence People,' which opened his eyes to the power of loving communication over criticism. This book, along with others like 'The Calvary Road' and 'True Discipleship,' profoundly changed his attitude and approach to relationships, steering him away from loneliness and towards a life focused on pleasing Jesus and influencing others positively. Yohannan emphasizes that while he has mingled with many people, the impact of these books has been far greater in shaping his life and purpose.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes the difficulty of enduring personal trials, even for those who often provide comfort to others. He reflects on the loneliness that can accompany suffering, as those who typically offer support may feel isolated in their own pain. Meyer reminds us that true solace comes from a personal relationship with Jesus, who is a steadfast companion in times of trouble. He encourages believers to seek refuge in Christ, who offers peace and understanding during life's challenges. Ultimately, the sermon highlights the importance of experiencing Jesus' love and presence as a source of strength in our darkest moments.

Thomas Reade preaches about the earnest desires for Christ, emphasizing the importance of Christian friendship as a true source of happiness and the unwavering love and faithfulness of Jesus as the ultimate Friend who brings peace, comfort, and strength. He highlights the necessity of holiness for true happiness, pointing out that peace and joy can only be found in Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. Reade encourages a longing for immortality and a transformation into the image of Christ, urging believers to rise above earthly desires and seek a higher standard of excellence in God.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound significance of God as our friend, inviting us to reflect on the deep bonds of friendship we have experienced in our lives. He encourages us to recognize that God is not only a friend but infinitely more, being personally invested in our lives and offering unwavering support and love. Simpson highlights the importance of prayer as a means to connect with our heavenly Friend, who is always ready to assist us in our times of need. By recalling the acts of love from our earthly friends, we can better appreciate the depth of God's friendship and His promises to us. Ultimately, God desires an intimate fellowship with each of us, making Him our most trusted companion.

K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of reading good books that inspire and uplift, rather than those that lead to negativity. He references St. Paul's request for books in his final days, highlighting how even in solitude, literature can provide comfort and strength. Yohannan encourages the audience to cultivate a habit of reading as a vital ritual in their lives, suggesting that good books can serve as loyal companions during difficult times. He quotes a French writer who likens authors to travelers who guide us through loneliness, reinforcing the idea that books can be our best friends.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that Christ is the ultimate friend, one who is closer than a brother, embodying qualities such as omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. He reassures believers that Christ is a constant and faithful companion, loving them to the very end. This friendship is characterized by compassion, watchfulness, and unwavering support in all circumstances. Brooks encourages the congregation to recognize and cherish this profound relationship with Christ, who is always present and attentive to their needs.

J.R. Miller emphasizes the critical importance of choosing friends wisely, as they can either uplift us or lead us astray. He highlights that true friendship is built on trust, integrity, and the ability to accept each other's flaws without judgment. Miller encourages seeking friends who will support us through life's challenges and remain loyal regardless of circumstances. He also stresses the need for friendships that endure beyond this life, advocating for connections with those who share a faith in God. Ultimately, he warns against taking friendships for granted and urges us to cherish and nurture these valuable relationships.

Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from those who fear God, advising against sharing personal matters with everyone. He cautions against seeking the company of the rich and powerful, instead encouraging association with the humble, devout, and virtuous. Kempis stresses the need to focus on God and His angels, avoiding excessive intimacy with people. While advocating for charity towards all, he warns against becoming too familiar with everyone, as it may lead to misunderstandings and displeasure.

John Newton reflects on the various trials and calamities in the world caused by sin, expressing gratitude for God's protection over him and his loved ones. He acknowledges the pain of seeing a loved one suffer and the challenges that come with caring deeply for others. Newton emphasizes the tendency for our most valued comforts to bring about our sharpest trials, highlighting the potential idolatry and dependence that can be present in our relationships. He also touches on the importance of being open-minded and not prejudiced when encountering different perspectives or beliefs.

Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the profound impact of having Jesus in our lives, highlighting the joy and consolation that comes when Jesus is near, and the emptiness and hardship experienced in His absence. He stresses the importance of keeping Jesus as our special love above all else, as living without Him is like a relentless hell, while living with Him is a sweet paradise. Kempis teaches that conversing with Jesus and keeping Him close requires humility, peace, and devotion, as losing His grace is a greater loss than losing the whole world.

Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of spreading sorrows before Jesus when faced with the death of an eminent minister in the work of the gospel ministry. Using the account of John the Baptist's disciples as an example, he emphasizes the disciples' actions of burying John's body with respect and then going to tell Jesus of their sorrow. Edwards highlights the compassion, pity, and all-sufficiency of Christ in comforting the bereaved, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate source of wisdom, guidance, and support in times of loss and affliction.

Zac Poonen preaches about the intimate relationship we can have with God as our heavenly Father, emphasizing that knowing God in this way eliminates loneliness and insecurity, as we can always approach Him with our needs and problems. He compares having God as a Father to having a secure connection where we can seek wisdom and solutions for any situation we face, highlighting the importance of faith in receiving God's generous blessings without any scolding or rebuke.