In this sermon transcript, the preacher reflects on a past revival in Wales in 1945 and compares it to the current state of decline in the world. He emphasizes the need for a radical turnaround and for the preaching of the Word of God to bring about change. The preacher cautions against focusing solely on experiences and highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit's stirring. The sermon concludes with a story of the preacher's son hearing about stirrings of the Spirit at Southwestern Seminary and reaching out to Wheaton College to share the news.

In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of revival and the importance of the manifest presence of God. He reads from Psalm 80, where the people of Israel are pleading with God to restore them and shine His face upon them. The sermon emphasizes the need for humility and repentance as a barrier between God and the people has been created due to their arrogance and sin. The preacher highlights the significance of the nearness of God in revival, stating that it is the greatest source of good on earth.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God for cleansing, sanctification, and spiritual growth. It highlights the need to actively seek God's presence, confess sins, and maintain a constant mental awareness of God to experience His purifying grace and transformation. The message encourages believers to run back to God immediately after sin, not allowing guilt or hesitation to keep them away from His healing presence.

Charles Finney emphasizes the profound nature of communion with God, explaining that it involves a deep, personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, characterized by mutual consultation, love, and understanding. He outlines the implications of this communion, including the necessity of recognizing our dependence on God and the importance of being spiritually minded. Finney also discusses how to discern when we are in communion with God, highlighting the feelings of freedom in prayer, the opening of our hearts, and the deep confidence in Christ that accompanies such experiences. Ultimately, he stresses the value of maintaining this communion as essential for spiritual growth and victory over sin.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith in God despite the trials and injustices we observe in the world, as illustrated by Asaph's struggle in Psalm 73. Asaph, a devoted worship leader, nearly succumbed to doubt when he witnessed the prosperity of the wicked while he faced hardships. Wilkerson encourages believers to guard their hearts against the sin of doubt, reminding them that God remains sovereign and faithful. He urges Christians to shift their focus from their struggles to the Lord, reinforcing that trust in God is essential for overcoming discouragement. Ultimately, like Asaph, we are called to declare our trust in the Lord and His works.

Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about God's everlasting love for us, drawing us close with His lovingkindness. She emphasizes the importance of using life's circumstances to draw near to God and prepare for eternity. God longs for our feeble love because it brings Him joy and allows Him to make us supremely happy. By loving God, who is ever lovely, we can become lovely ourselves and experience the fullness of His love and presence.

K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that while we may feel equipped to handle life's challenges, discouragement is a common experience that can serve as a divine instrument for growth and reliance on God. He illustrates how God uses our struggles to draw us closer to Him, much like the Israelites who had to gather manna daily for sustenance. Yohannan encourages believers to maintain hope and a positive attitude, as seen in the lives of Paul and Joseph, who faced immense trials yet remained steadfast in their faith. Ultimately, he reminds us that our perspective and attitude towards difficulties can shape our journey and strengthen our relationship with God.

James Smith preaches on the importance and benefits of drawing near to God in various situations of weakness, distress, confusion, and facing enemies. Drawing near to God brings comfort, joy, strength, guidance, and blessings. It unburdens the mind, exercises graces, increases confidence, and leads to trust in the Lord. It is a channel through which many blessings flow, preventing evils and sweetening life's challenges.

Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God, finding peace and joy in His presence, and sharing our cares, woes, and hopes with Him. She encourages making the most of even the smallest moments to love God, worship Him, and offer our lives to Him. Tileston reminds us that there is always time to seek God's smile and that turning our hearts towards Him sweetens and sanctifies all our actions.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the vital importance of communion with God, describing it as a source of strength and courage that enables believers to overcome all adversities. He illustrates communion as a reciprocal relationship between Christ and the soul, likening it to Jacob's ladder, where divine influences flow both ways. Brooks asserts that true communion provides both a present heaven on earth and a future heaven after death, making it the most valuable pursuit for a believer. He warns that without this communion, one loses comfort and strength, ultimately leading to spiritual captivity, as exemplified by Samson's downfall. Therefore, he urges believers to prioritize and maintain their communion with Christ above all else.

Thomas a Kempis preaches about the deep desire to be completely united with Christ, to withdraw the heart from all created things, and to relish the celestial and eternal through Holy Communion. He expresses the longing to be absorbed by Christ, with self forgotten, and to experience true peace and rest in Him. Kempis highlights the unique privilege of having God near through the Eucharist, feeding His children with heavenly bread and offering His glorious Flesh to devout souls, showcasing God's unparalleled love and grace towards humanity.

K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's nearness in prayer, as illustrated in Psalms 73. He encourages believers to approach God with a childlike heart, sharing their burdens, joys, and struggles openly, just as one would with a close friend. This honest communication transforms our perspective on life's challenges and deepens our relationship with God. By pouring out our hearts to Him, we can experience His comfort, healing, and guidance in our lives. Ultimately, the sermon highlights that true intimacy with God comes from unreserved and genuine conversation.

K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that prayer is a simple conversation between a child and their Father, contrasting it with the often theatrical and distant manner in which people pray. He illustrates that true prayer should reflect the childlike simplicity and trust seen in children, as well as the intimate relationship Jesus had with the Father. Yohannan encourages believers to approach God without guilt or pretense, reminding them of the Father's love and readiness to embrace them. He highlights the importance of being open and honest in prayer, sharing all burdens and joys with God, who is always near. Ultimately, prayer is about intimacy with God, not about elaborate words or postures.

Charles E. Cowman preaches about the profound blessing of worshiping God in times of darkness and sorrow, emphasizing that true faith is tested and revealed in the midst of challenges. He highlights the importance of standing by God even in His moments of suffering and humiliation, showing unwavering love and faith. Cowman encourages a deep desire for God Himself above all blessings or joys, surrendering completely to His will and trusting Him to lead the way, no matter how difficult or dark the path may seem.

Thomas Watson preaches on the importance and benefits of drawing near to God, emphasizing that it is good for believers to seek closeness with Him. He delves into the nature of our distance from God due to sin and the necessity of repentance to draw near. Watson explains how drawing near to God is made possible through Jesus Christ as our mediator, and he highlights the various ways believers can draw near to God through prayer, His Word, and the sacraments. The sermon concludes with exhortations to draw near to God out of love, honor, safety, peace, and for the riches of His blessings, warning of the consequences of drawing back from God or drawing near hypocritically.

Brother Lawrence emphasizes the importance and virtue of practicing the presence of God, especially in preparation for making vows and professions. He encourages a continual conversation with God, highlighting the sweetness and delight found in being devoted to Him alone. Brother Lawrence stresses the need to empty the heart of all else to allow God to fully possess and work within it, urging a resolution to never forget God's presence and to spend each moment in sacred communion with Him.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the vital importance of communion with God, describing it as the essence of spiritual life and the source of strength and comfort. He asserts that true communion with God not only sweetens our experiences and afflictions but also fortifies us against temptations and trials. Brooks highlights that those who maintain a close relationship with God are empowered to withstand challenges, while those with little communion are easily overcome. Ultimately, he portrays communion with God as the crown of our souls and the key to a victorious Christian life.

Brother Lawrence emphasizes the importance of sacrificing our will and trusting in God, even in times of difficulty. He encourages seeking God's presence in all aspects of life, acknowledging Him as a faithful Friend who never fails us. By prioritizing God's love above all earthly relationships, we open ourselves to receiving greater blessings and divine connections. Brother Lawrence urges constant remembrance and adoration of God, highlighting the profound impact of living in constant communion with Him as the essence of a Christian's life and profession.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the vital role of communion with God in a believer's life, describing it as the source of grace, strength, and comfort. He asserts that deep communion with God transforms bitter experiences into sweet ones and lightens heavy burdens. This connection with God serves as a powerful defense against temptations and afflictions, enabling believers to remain steadfast in the face of challenges. Conversely, those lacking communion with God are easily overcome by temptations and troubles. Ultimately, a strong relationship with God equips individuals to rise above life's adversities.