The sermon transcript discusses the importance of the cross as the watchword for believers. It emphasizes that the strength in battle and the boast in victory come from the cross. The sermon also highlights the theme of mercy, both in the present life and in eternity. It warns against relying on human nature or morality alone for salvation, emphasizing the need for the breath of God's spirit to ignite a fire that spreads across the earth. The sermon concludes with a blessing and a reminder to not forsake the works of God's hands.

Mike Bickle reflects on the prophetic words spoken by Bob Jones 40 years ago, emphasizing the promise that God will complete the good work He has begun in individuals and cities. He encourages the congregation to remain confident in God's plans despite the challenges and fears that may arise, reminding them that God's leadership and promises are steadfast. Bickle highlights the importance of saying 'yes' to God, aligning hearts with His will, and recognizing the significant movements of the Holy Spirit in their lives and communities. He reassures that the same God who initiated these promises will bring them to fruition, not just for individuals but for families, ministries, and cities alike.

Chuck Smith emphasizes that God's purposes are accomplished through human instruments, as illustrated in the story of Esther. He highlights how Esther's life was divinely orchestrated for a pivotal moment to save her people, reminding us that our own lives are also part of God's greater plan. Smith encourages submission and dedication to God's call, stressing that we must be willing to act even in the face of fear. He reassures that even if we fail, God's plans will prevail, and we are here to glorify Him through our obedience. Ultimately, we are reminded that our existence serves a divine purpose, and we should embrace the opportunities God provides.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the dual role of a minister in his sermon 'A New Year's Benediction,' highlighting the importance of prayer alongside preaching. He reflects on the Apostle Peter's prayer for believers to receive four blessings: perfection, establishment, strengthening, and settling, all of which come after a period of suffering. Spurgeon encourages the congregation to embrace their trials as necessary for spiritual growth and to trust in the God of all grace who has called them to eternal glory through Christ. He concludes with a heartfelt benediction, invoking God's blessings upon the congregation as they enter the new year.

Anne Dutton preaches about the transformative work of God's Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers, bringing them from spiritual death to life, revealing their lost and sinful state, and drawing them to Christ for salvation. She assures that those who have experienced this work are secure in Christ, protected from the powers of darkness, and can find refuge in the eternal God. Dutton addresses the ongoing battle with sin in the believer's heart, emphasizing that despite its persistence, God's grace will ultimately triumph and lead to eternal victory over sin and the full destruction of the old sinful nature.

Bob Hoekstra preaches about the certainty and fulfillment of all the promises of God through Jesus Christ. The promises of God can be both encouraging and challenging, but they are all guaranteed realities. Jesus Christ is the faithful and sure foundation of these promises, ensuring that every word spoken by God will come to pass. The key difference between those who experience the blessings of God's promises and those who do not is faith versus unbelief.

A.W. Pink emphasizes God's relentless pursuit of His people, illustrating how He finds, leads, instructs, and preserves them as His cherished inheritance. He highlights that God actively seeks out those who are lost, revealing His love and grace in the process. Pink explains that once found, God leads His people through life, teaching them His truths and guiding them with His Spirit. He reassures believers of God's unwavering commitment to preserve them, regardless of their failures or circumstances. Ultimately, Pink calls for gratitude towards God for His faithful and protective nature.

Samuel Chadwick preaches on the pursuit of perfection through prayer, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God's will and allowing Him to work in us to be well-pleasing in His sight. He discusses the challenges of claiming perfection and the significance of the covenant through the blood of Jesus in our journey towards holiness. Chadwick highlights the role of prayer in aligning our will with God's and seeking His grace to perfect every good thing in us.

Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the journey of growth in faith, acknowledging that while we have not yet attained perfection, we are continually pursued by Christ Jesus for the purpose of apprehending His truths. He reflects on the hidden and gradual nature of God's workings, urging believers to have faith and patience in God's timing for perfecting His plans in our lives. Stanford highlights the importance of faith in apprehending God's promises, even if the fulfillment may take time, emphasizing that God's revelations will eventually manifest in our lives. He concludes by encouraging believers to press forward towards the ultimate goal of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, serving both with their abilities and in their vulnerabilities.

Charles E. Cowman preaches about the Divine mystery and supernatural power in suffering, emphasizing that great saintliness of soul is often birthed through great suffering. He describes the perfection of suffering as a state where the Holy Spirit works marvelously in our souls, leading to a complete surrender to God's will and a deep trust in His sovereignty. Cowman highlights the blessedness of being absolutely conquered by God, where every aspect of our being is subdued and aligned with His purpose, resulting in a profound peace and assurance that God is working all things together for our good.

Andrew Murray emphasizes that it is God who establishes us in Christ, highlighting the importance of faith in allowing God to work in our lives. He encourages believers to cease their own striving and trust in God's omnipotence to maintain their connection with Christ. Murray reassures that through faith, believers can experience peace and rest, knowing that God is actively working to strengthen their spiritual lives. He reminds us that the Holy Spirit aids in our remembrance of God's promises, enabling us to surrender our anxieties about spiritual growth to Him. Ultimately, Murray calls believers to confidently expect God's work in their lives, leading to a deeper union with Christ.

J.R. Miller emphasizes that God's work in our lives is a continuous process that begins at birth and lasts until death. He illustrates that every experience, whether joyful or painful, contributes to our development, and we should not judge our progress too harshly as we are all works in progress. Miller encourages patience with ourselves, reminding us that God has a purpose in every circumstance, even when we cannot see it. He uses the story of Joseph to illustrate that the final outcome of our lives may reveal God's goodness, even if the current chapter seems bleak. Ultimately, we are called to trust in God's love and wisdom as He shapes us into who we are meant to be.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God is committed to perfecting the work He has begun in our lives, as stated in Psalms 138:8. He reassures us that despite our daily failures and struggles, the Lord is actively involved in our spiritual growth and will ensure that all that is good in us is brought to completion. Spurgeon highlights the comfort found in knowing that God will not abandon His work, and that our faith, love, and character will be perfected through His grace. He encourages believers to trust in God's promise and to seek His help in advancing His work within us. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for praise to God for His unwavering commitment to our spiritual journey.

A.W. Pink's sermon 'Tried by Fire' explores Job's journey through suffering and his ultimate faith in God's omniscience and purpose. Job initially expresses bitterness over his trials but quickly corrects himself, finding comfort in the knowledge that God knows his path and will refine him through testing. Pink emphasizes that divine testing is a necessary part of the Christian experience, leading to spiritual growth and eventual glory. He reassures believers that, despite their struggles, they will emerge from trials as refined gold, reflecting God's image. The sermon encourages Christians to trust in God's plan and to view their afflictions as opportunities for growth and deeper faith.

A.W. Pink emphasizes that God has graciously provided us with the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit as our infallible Instructor, guiding us through spiritual truths and illuminating our understanding. He highlights that true comprehension of God's Word is a divine blessing rather than an intellectual achievement, as spiritual discernment is granted by the Holy Spirit. Pink reminds us of our natural inability to grasp spiritual matters without divine assistance and encourages gratitude for God's patient instruction in our lives. He calls attention to the essential truths of total depravity, the necessity of being born again, and the sufficiency of Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Charles E. Cowman preaches about God's preparation of heroes like Othniel, emphasizing how God raises up deliverers in unexpected ways and moments, filling them with His Spirit for the tasks ahead. He encourages believers to allow the Holy Ghost to shape and refine them through life's trials, knowing that God has a specific place and purpose for each individual. Cowman highlights the importance of enduring tribulations to reach triumphs, as every person must pass through valleys before experiencing victories.

Jane Lead preaches about the importance of being assured that the Lord values the work He has done in us, emphasizing the manifestation of God's glory when we are vigilant. She warns against the divisive tactics of the enemy that target the outward man, urging us to guard against anything that seeks to separate what God has united for our spiritual growth and exaltation. By being unified in mind and spirit, we can access great power from the heavenly realm to receive blessings from God's celestial treasury.