In this sermon, the speaker begins by urging the audience to humble themselves before God and seek His guidance. He mentions that his books, available in the foyer, are more comprehensive and anointed than his spoken words. The main topic of the sermon is the Holocaust and the speaker emphasizes the magnitude of the devastation caused by the systematic genocide of six million Jews. He highlights the shocking aspect that this atrocity did not occur in a primitive or uncivilized area, but in a supposedly civilized society. The speaker calls for a deeper understanding of the gravity of the situation and a realization that we are living beneath the glory of God. He references the story of Moses and how God called him because he turned aside to see, suggesting that we too need to turn aside from our shallow existence and truly see God.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of curiosity and fascination with evil things. He encourages believers to be simple and ignorant about the evil in the world, as it can lead them into dangerous places. The preacher also highlights the role of afflictions sent by God as a means to protect and guide His people. He references Psalm 1, which describes the blessings of delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating on it day and night. The sermon concludes by focusing on the importance of afflictions in teaching believers God's statutes and keeping them on the right path.

This sermon focuses on the healing power of afflictions, emphasizing the importance of trusting God in times of suffering. The speaker shares personal experiences and biblical examples to illustrate how afflictions can lead to spiritual growth, restoration, and a deeper understanding of God's love and mercy.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the gospels as a record of Jesus' life and teachings. He suggests that having the gospels is almost better than being physically present with Jesus because they provide a complete and inspired account of his actions and words. The speaker also highlights the role of trials in deepening our love, trust, and enjoyment of Jesus. He encourages the audience to physically express their hunger and thirst for more of Jesus and prays for the Spirit of God to awaken them to this desire. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that Jesus is the unifying factor in our affections and that our love and belief in him should lead to rejoicing and enjoyment.

Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes God's faithfulness during trials, encouraging believers to recognize that afflictions can lead to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. He discusses how past failures and mistakes can create bitterness, but through God's grace, we can find healing and learn to rejoice in our weaknesses. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding that our struggles are part of God's divine plan to mold us into vessels of honor, ultimately leading to a greater appreciation of His goodness. Beach encourages the congregation to embrace their afflictions as opportunities for growth and to trust in God's perfect timing and wisdom.

Kevin Meador preaches on seeking God in the midst of a crisis, emphasizing the importance of realizing our helplessness, committing ourselves to seeking the Lord, focusing on God's character, being obedient to God's leading, understanding whose crisis it is, praising God throughout the crisis, claiming the peace that comes from prayer, and praising and thanking God in the midst of adversity. He also encourages developing '50/20 vision' to see God's hand at work in every circumstance in life.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that sickness has a divine limit set by God, who uses it not for destruction but for the instruction and growth of His people. He reassures that every aspect of our suffering is under God's sovereign control, designed to match our strength and purpose. Spurgeon highlights that God's afflictions are measured with precision and compassion, ensuring that we are never overwhelmed beyond what we can bear. The message conveys deep comfort in knowing that God, like a skilled surgeon, administers healing with care and wisdom, never inflicting pain without necessity.

J.C. Philpot preaches on Romans 8:28, emphasizing that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. He likens the child of God to a benighted traveler, struggling through darkness but guided by the promises of God's Word. Philpot delves into the characters to whom the promise belongs, highlighting the importance of loving God and being called according to His purpose. He explains the intricate working together of all things for good, stressing that trials, afflictions, and sorrows ultimately produce spiritual profit and blessings in the lives of believers.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of afflictions in his sermon 'Healing Afflictions,' asserting that such challenges can lead us closer to God's Word and deepen our faith. He reflects on his own experiences of pain, recognizing that afflictions can serve as a reminder of our dependence on God and can ultimately be a source of healing. Wilkerson argues that pain should not be viewed as purely negative, as it has historically produced great men of faith. He encourages believers to cast their cares upon God, acknowledging that every blessing comes with its own set of challenges. The sermon highlights the importance of embracing both afflictions and blessings as integral parts of spiritual growth.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transformative power of affliction in the life of a believer, asserting that trials serve to purify the soul, reveal sin, and deepen one's relationship with God. He draws parallels between afflictions and various processes that refine and heal, suggesting that through suffering, believers can gain clearer insights into themselves and their need for God. Brooks encourages the faithful to view their afflictions as divine love-tokens, meant to cultivate humility and spiritual growth, ultimately leading to a more fruitful and holy life.

Thomas a Kempis preaches about the disciple's journey of humility, suffering, and surrender to God's will. He acknowledges the challenges and sorrows faced in the world, emphasizing the importance of learning from God's discipline and seeking consolation in Him alone. The disciple is encouraged to embrace trials and tribulations as opportunities for spiritual growth, trusting in God's providence and wisdom to guide their path towards humility and obedience.

K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of God's pruning in our spiritual lives, illustrating that while we may rejoice in the fruits of the Spirit, God's inspection often involves cutting away what is unnecessary for greater growth. He explains that pruning can lead to feelings of loneliness and confusion, akin to a 'dark night of the soul,' where we may feel abandoned despite being in a process of divine preparation. Yohannan encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom during these challenging times, recognizing that the Master Gardener is shaping us for a more fruitful future. The pruning process, though painful, is essential for character transformation and a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, we are called to walk by faith, even when we cannot see the immediate results of God's work in our lives.

James Bourne shares a personal testimony of experiencing God's presence followed by a season of intense affliction and spiritual struggle. He describes feeling overwhelmed, battling with rebellion, self-will, and secret anger towards God, and the realization of his need for meekness and submission. Through this trial, he learns the importance of humility and surrendering to God's will, acknowledging his own pride and need for God's refining fire to humble him.

A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of being in subjection to God's chastisement, acknowledging our inherent rebellious nature inherited from our first parents. He explains that true subjection involves recognizing God's sovereign right, renouncing self-will, and acknowledging His righteousness and love in all circumstances. Pink illustrates that submission is not merely passive but requires active obedience to God's will, which leads to true happiness and fulfillment. He encourages believers to see God's discipline as a means to bring them closer to Him and to trust in His goodness and wisdom. Ultimately, Pink calls for a heartfelt acceptance of God's authority as our loving Father.

Thomas Watson preaches about how the worst things, such as afflictions, temptations, desertions, and sins, can be overruled by God for the good of His people. He explains how afflictions work for good by teaching valuable lessons, refining character, and drawing believers closer to God. Similarly, temptations are turned into opportunities for prayer, self-examination, and reliance on Christ's strength. Desertions lead to a deeper appreciation of God's presence and a longing for heaven. Even the sense of sinfulness in the godly serves to humble, purify, and drive believers to seek God more fervently.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that under fiery trials, God's promise in Romans 8:28 holds true: all things work together for the good of those who love Him. He asserts that our sufferings are not merely conjectured to work for our benefit, but they actively do so, much like a skilled apothecary mixes ingredients to create a healing medicine. Brooks illustrates that even the most painful experiences can be divinely tempered to yield positive outcomes, transforming afflicted Christians into 'golden Christians' through their trials. He encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plan, recognizing that their hardships are part of a greater good.

James Bourne shares a heartfelt letter expressing his struggles with illness, spiritual coldness, and the fear of death, yet finding comfort in God's mercy and kindness. He acknowledges his need for God's guidance, mercy, and instruction, recognizing the depth of sin revealed during his trials. Through his sharp conflict, he discovers a newfound sincerity, honesty, and earnestness in seeking God's will for his life.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that love empowers believers to endure hardships by interpreting afflictions as divine tools for spiritual growth. He asserts that love helps the soul view trials not as punishments but as opportunities to experience God's glory and sweetness. Afflictions, according to love, are friends that refine us and lead us closer to God, ultimately resulting in greater heavenly joy. Brooks encourages believers to embrace their struggles with the understanding that they serve a higher purpose in God's plan.

David Smithers preaches about the transformative power of affliction in the life of Gilbert Tennent, a Presbyterian minister who experienced a deep spiritual awakening during a time of illness, leading to a fervent dedication to God's kingdom. Tennent's preaching was marked by a fearless proclamation of God's judgment and a urgent call to repentance, contrasting with the popular preaching style of his time that lacked emphasis on the necessity of regeneration and the terrors of violating God's law. His ministry, alongside other revivalists like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, sparked a powerful revival in the American colonies, emphasizing the need for a genuine revelation of eternity and a fervent prayer for revival.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes that God's providence often appears dark and challenging, yet it holds deeper secrets for those who fear Him. He illustrates that just as diamonds are hidden in rough packages, God's blessings may be concealed in difficult circumstances. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's goodness, recognizing that valuable treasures of love and wisdom are often found within seemingly unappealing situations. By looking beyond the surface, we can uncover the hidden meanings of God's dealings with us. Ultimately, faith allows us to appreciate the richness of God's providence, even when it is wrapped in trials.

Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of praying for those who have fallen into sin, urging for meekness and humility so they may submit to the will of God. He encourages receiving correction with gratitude, as it leads to unity with God's will. Clement highlights that God's chastisement is a sign of His love, bringing restoration and protection to those who accept His discipline.

Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of obedience to God's commandments under the New Covenant, emphasizing that God's laws are meant to set us free and are proof of His intense love for us. He highlights that obedience is often misunderstood due to a lack of understanding of God's love and grace, leading to a perception of His commandments as burdensome. Poonen explains that suffering is a crucial part of our spiritual education, necessary for our growth and maturity, and that God disciplines us out of love to share in His holiness, as seen in the life of Jesus.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that affliction serves as a divine tool to purify and strengthen believers, drawing them closer to God. He reflects on Psalm 119:67, illustrating how trials can lead to spiritual growth and deeper communion with God. Brooks notes that while initial reactions to affliction may include murmuring and struggle, understanding its purpose can lead to acceptance and gratitude, as expressed in Psalm 119:71. Ultimately, afflictions are portrayed as necessary for enhancing one's relationship with God and manifesting His love and grace.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that divine discipline is a sign of God's love, illustrating this through the experience of Munster, who viewed his afflictions as precious jewels bestowed by God. He highlights that all afflictions faced by believers are ultimately rooted in God's love and serve a purpose in their spiritual growth. Munster's perspective on his suffering reflects a deep understanding of the value of trials, echoing the sentiment that afflictions can lead to greater spiritual maturity. Brooks encourages Christians to embrace their hardships, recognizing them as opportunities for divine refinement.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that while God had only one Son without corruption, all His children face temptation. He explains that temptations serve to mold Christians into the likeness of Christ, as they draw closer to Him through their struggles. The more a Christian is tempted, the more they reflect Christ's qualities such as meekness and holiness. Tempted souls look to Jesus for support, and through this reliance, they experience transformation and growth in their faith. Ultimately, temptations help believers to see sin as more detestable and the world as less appealing.