In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that there is a divine purpose in all the challenges and trials we face. He refers to biblical figures like Moses and Joshua who went through dark seasons of the soul, questioning God's purposes and feeling defeated. However, in the end, they realized that God was working something deeper within them and that He is the God of the miraculous. The speaker encourages the audience to trust in God's plan, to not lose faith, and to be willing to go to impossible places and become what only God can make them.

This sermon delves into the inevitability of death and the importance of being prepared for the afterlife. It emphasizes the brevity of life, the reality of facing judgment after death, and the need for faith in Jesus Christ to overcome the fear of death and find eternal peace. The speaker shares personal stories and biblical truths to highlight the significance of being saved and living with the assurance of salvation.

In this sermon, the speaker recounts a powerful encounter with a woman named Rosa who was practicing witchcraft. He describes how she was dancing, chanting, and trying to levitate a bamboo from a distance. The speaker responds by rebuking her in the name of Jesus and praying fervently. He then shares a story of preaching the gospel to tribal people and emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the superiority of God over their spirits. The sermon concludes with the speaker recounting a controversial decision he made during the encounter with Rosa, which resulted in the loss of some support.

This sermon delves into the transition period of the early church, focusing on the shift from Peter as the main actor to the rise of the Apostle Paul. It covers the birth and growth of the church at Antioch, the martyrdom of James, Peter's miraculous escape from prison, and the death of King Herod Agrippa. The sermon also explores the chronology of events and the significance of prayer in the believers' lives.

D.L. Moody shares a poignant message about the deepening concern for others that arises from personal loss, illustrated by a minister who, after his daughter moved to the other side of a river, began to care deeply for the people there. He draws a parallel to the Christian journey, suggesting that as we lose loved ones to death, our longing for heaven and the afterlife should grow stronger. Moody encourages the congregation to set their hearts on the eternal, reminding them that crossing over to the other side is merely a step, and that heaven will become more precious as we think of those who have gone before us.

J. Frank Norris preaches on the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis, emphasizing how despite the evil intentions of others, God's ultimate plan prevails for good. He urges the congregation to meditate on the powerful phrase 'But God' which signifies divine intervention and sovereignty throughout the Bible. Norris highlights the three enemies of the soul: Sin, Defeat, and Death, and stresses the need for faith in overcoming life's challenges. Through Joseph's life journey of betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, the preacher illustrates how God's hand was always at work, turning defeat into victory and fulfilling His greater purpose.

Charles Finney emphasizes the preciousness of the death of saints in God's sight, explaining that their transition to eternal rest is a source of joy for both God and the departed. He outlines reasons why this event is precious, including God's deep love for His children, the joy of their eternal happiness, and the glory it brings to Him. Finney also encourages believers to view the death of saints as precious, urging them to align their perspectives with God's, recognizing the joy and glory that accompany such transitions. He addresses common reasons for our failure to see death in this light, such as selfishness and unbelief, and concludes with a call to rejoice in God's mercies and the hope of eternal life.

James Bourne shares a heartfelt letter describing the trials and spiritual journey of their friend Mr. Nunn, who is facing the end of his life with hope and faith in God's goodness. Despite physical and spiritual struggles, Mr. Nunn finds comfort in the favor of God and the assurance of eternal life in Christ. His words reflect a deep sense of peace and surrender to God's will, emphasizing the importance of waiting upon the Lord for renewed strength and endurance.

Chuck Smith emphasizes that the death of a Christian is viewed as precious in the eyes of the Lord, highlighting that it is ordained and planned by God. He explains that while death is often feared, it signifies a release from the struggles of the physical body and an entrance into God's presence. Smith notes that God's love for His saints is evident in their trust during death, which contrasts with the divided love often experienced in life. Ultimately, the death of saints is a fulfillment of hope, ushering them into eternal life with God.

Isaac Penington, a beloved minister of the gospel, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service to the church of Christ. His life and works were a testimony to the power of God and the victory found in living by faith. As believers, we are called to live in a way that magnifies Christ, whether in life or death, knowing that we belong to the Lord. Penington's memory is blessed, and his life serves as an example of living in righteousness and dying in the Lord, precious in God's sight.

Nathan Bangs preaches about the remarkable lives and impactful ministries of Benjamin Abbott and Francis Acuff, two humble yet powerful servants of God who dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel and saving souls. Benjamin Abbott, though illiterate, possessed a deep spiritual insight and fervent prayer life that brought about powerful manifestations of God's presence in his preaching and ministry, leading many to repentance and conversion. Francis Acuff, though young and only in the ministry for a short time, left a lasting legacy in the west through his talents, labors, and unwavering dedication to the work of God. Their lives serve as examples of faith, humility, and the transformative power of God's grace.

Thomas Reade preaches on the approaching reality of death, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to meet God. He highlights the brevity of life, the certainty of death, and the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation. Reade urges believers to examine their hearts, seek reconciliation with God, and live in anticipation of eternity. He underscores the significance of faith in Christ, the purification of the soul through trials, and the joy of meeting God in heaven.

John Newton delivers a sermon comforting the congregation on the passing of Mrs. **** and Mr. T****, emphasizing the wisdom and sovereignty of God's appointments, assuring that their suffering was purposeful and that they are now in a place of eternal happiness. Reflecting on the brevity of life and the significance of faith in Jesus, Newton encourages a focus on eternal matters rather than temporal concerns. He expresses a longing for deeper communion with God and a thirst for His presence, acknowledging the imperfections of earthly life but finding hope in the promise of an everlasting Sabbath in heaven.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a believer, death signifies the end of all earthly changes and struggles, marking their last day as their best day. He reflects on the transient nature of life, where joy can quickly turn to sorrow, health to sickness, and strength to weakness. Brooks reassures that in death, believers will no longer face temptation or sin, and they will experience eternal comfort and peace in the presence of God. Ultimately, he encourages Christians to view their dying day as a glorious transition to everlasting joy.

George Herbert preaches about the transformation of death from a terrifying and grim concept to a beautiful and graceful transition, symbolized by the infusion of blood into death's face after our Savior's sacrifice. He encourages the congregation to view death as a peaceful slumber and to trust in a faithful grave, where we can rest half of what we have, whether in this life or the next.

David Wilkerson emphasizes that our mortal bodies are merely temporary shells that house the eternal life given to us by God. He explains that this eternal life grows within us, and when it reaches maturity, our physical bodies must be shed to embrace a new, glorious existence. Wilkerson encourages Christians to overcome the fear of death, as Paul did, recognizing that to die is to gain a greater life with the Lord. He urges believers to shift their focus from earthly ties to the anticipation of the heavenly city prepared for those who die in faith. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper desire to depart and be with the Lord, celebrating the victory of those who have passed on in Christ.

Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, a revelation exclusively found in the New Testament. While Old Testament Saints knew of the resurrection of the dead, they did not know of the resurrection from among the dead, a unique aspect of 'that blessed hope.' The Apostle Paul received a special revelation about the manner of Christ's coming for His Saints, providing the full revelation of 'that blessed hope' in 1 Thessalonians, emphasizing the comfort, purifying power, incentive to service, sustaining strength, and comforting assurance it brings to believers.

Roy Littleproud, born in Forest, Ontario, in 1889, was raised in a Christian home where Christ was recognized as Lord. He became a teacher and later married Hilda Vance, who played a significant role in leading him to Christ. Littleproud's ministry extended to teaching the Word, organizing Bible classes, and editing materials for Sunday School teachers, impacting many lives with his dedication and love for God's people. Despite a tragic accident in 1941, he continued to serve faithfully until his sudden passing, leaving a legacy of devotion to God and service to others.

J.C. Philpot reflects on the blessed memory of the righteous, especially in their peaceful and triumphant death-beds, which serve as a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and a source of strength for the living. He emphasizes the impact of witnessing a saint's serene departure on our own faith, hope, and perseverance in the midst of life's struggles, pointing to the ultimate rest and glory that await believers. Philpot beautifully illustrates how the imperfections of the departed are overshadowed by the grace and light of God in their final moments, leaving a lasting impression of peace and spiritual victory.

John Wesley preaches on the theme of mourning the dead, using the example of King David's response to the death of his son. He emphasizes the futility of excessive grief, arguing that it neither brings back the deceased nor serves any purpose, and instead encourages a focus on the hope of reunion in the afterlife. Wesley highlights that grief can lead to sin and that true comfort comes from understanding God's plan and the promise of eternal life. He urges the living to reflect on their own mortality and to find solace in the belief that they will one day be reunited with their loved ones in heaven. Ultimately, he calls for a balance between acknowledging sorrow and embracing the hope of resurrection.

D.L. Moody shares a poignant moment from his sermon on heaven, where he reflects on the possibility of a mother watching over her child from above. He recounts a touching letter from a mother who felt that his words directly addressed her heart's longing for her daughter's salvation. The mother prayed fervently during the sermon, and afterward, her daughter, moved by the message, expressed her desire to serve Jesus. This powerful encounter illustrates the profound connection between heaven and earth, and the hope that loved ones in heaven are aware of our struggles and prayers.

Thomas Bradbury preaches about the exaltation and glorification of Jesus Christ in the book of Hebrews, emphasizing the superiority of Christ over all other beings and the fleeting nature of earthly things compared to the eternal significance of Christ. He highlights the importance of earnestly heeding the truths of Christ, the necessity of not neglecting the great salvation offered through Jesus, and the assurance of Jesus' intercession for believers. Bradbury delves into the concept of Jesus being made lower than the angels, tasting death for every man, and being crowned with glory and honor by the grace of God, bringing comfort and hope to believers facing the reality of death.

Paul, in his letter to Timothy, uses the metaphor of 'Departure' to describe death as a release from toil, a liberation, and a journey to God. He expresses his desire to depart and be with Christ, highlighting the peaceful anticipation of his imminent death. Paul reflects on his life as a struggle, a race, and a stewardship, emphasizing the importance of faithful service and righteousness. Looking forward, he anticipates a crown of righteousness laid up for him in heaven, symbolizing the reward for his enduring faith and service to Christ.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a believer's last day is their best day, as death brings the soul into a state of eternal rest. He explains that death provides relief from the troubles of labor, afflictions, persecutions, temptations, sin, and sorrow. While in this world, even the godliest believers experience a lack of both temporal and spiritual mercies, but death leads to unchangeable rest and everlasting enjoyment of God. Brooks describes death as a coronation and marriage day for believers, marking their entrance into paradise and the joy of the Lord. Ultimately, he asserts that the day of a believer's death is far better than the day of their birth.

Samuel Rutherford delivers a comforting sermon to a grieving family, assuring them of the hope of resurrection for their departed daughter. He encourages them to find solace in the belief that those who have passed away in Jesus will be brought back by God. Rutherford reminds them that their daughter is now in the presence of God, experiencing the glory of heaven, and that it is a blessing for her to be with the Lord. He emphasizes the eternal perspective of life and the assurance that their prayers for her have been answered through her sinless glorifying of God.