
Arthur Vess
- Sermons
- Bio
The Salvation of Our Loved Ones Is Our First Responsibility and Last Obligation
0PRO 22:6PRO 22:15MAT 19:14EPH 6:41TI 4:12Arthur Vess emphasizes the double responsibility we have for our loved ones' salvation, highlighting the urgency of winning them to Christ while they are young and tender. He stresses the importance of putting forth effort, regardless of the difficulty, to ensure our loved ones are not lost for eternity. Vess shares the story of a mother who prayed all her children into the Kingdom, underscoring the power of prayer in influencing the salvation of our loved ones. He urges parents to lead by example in religious matters, knowing that despite our faults, our loved ones will allow more for us than others.
But the Great Question Remains: How Shall We Win Our Loved Ones to Christ?
0PRO 13:24PRO 22:6PRO 22:15MAT 6:331CO 7:16EPH 6:4COL 3:201TI 5:8HEB 12:111PE 3:1Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of ensuring our own right relationship with Christ before guiding others. He stresses the need for a vibrant Christian life to influence loved ones positively and lead them to Christ through prayer, fasting, and a radiant trust in God. Vess highlights the significance of spiritual instruction, discipline, and restraint in nurturing children's faith. He urges parents to prioritize their children's spiritual well-being, starting early, and continuing to lead them to Christ and keep them saved. Vess also addresses the challenges faced by Christian companions living with unsaved partners, encouraging perseverance and strategic efforts to win them over.
How to Win an Unsaved Husband
0PRO 31:10EPH 5:221PE 3:1Arthur Vess preaches on the careful directions provided in 1 Peter 3:1-7 for Christian wives to win their unsaved husbands to Christ. He emphasizes the importance of showing respect, consideration, and holy living to influence the husband towards Christ. Vess highlights the significance of avoiding worldly vanity and instead adorning oneself with a meek and quiet spirit, which holds great value in the sight of God. He encourages wives to follow the examples of past holy women who trusted in God and adorned themselves with humility and devotion.
How to Get Saved
0ACT 16:30ROM 6:23ROM 10:91JN 1:91JN 5:13Arthur Vess preaches on the process of salvation, emphasizing the need for repentance, trust in God, and faith as key components. Salvation involves being saved from sin, forgiven for past wrongdoings, and adopted into God's family through Jesus Christ. Repentance requires contrition, confession, forsaking sin, and trusting God for forgiveness, leading to a 'know-so' salvation rather than a 'hope-so' one.
Will the Circle Be Unbroken?
0JHN 14:2ROM 8:181CO 15:511TH 4:13REV 21:4Arthur Vess delivers a poignant sermon reflecting on the longing to reunite with loved ones who have passed on to glory, questioning whether we will meet them in their bliss when our earthly journey ends. He challenges the congregation to consider their choices between heavenly songs and earthly pleasures, reminding them of the joyous gatherings and tearful partings experienced with those who have departed. Vess emphasizes the hope of a complete family reunion in the better home awaiting in the sky, posing the question of whether the circle of loved ones will be unbroken in the afterlife.
We Must Preach It Experientially
0ACT 1:8ACT 2:4ROM 8:14GAL 5:22EPH 5:181TH 4:32TI 1:7JAS 4:81PE 1:15Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of preaching from a place of personal experience rather than mere experimentation, highlighting the need for spiritual knowledge proven in the laboratory of one's heart. He stresses the necessity of being sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost before sharing this message with others, drawing from the example of the early Disciples who waited for empowerment. Vess encourages a deep, personal conviction of one's own sanctification to avoid weakness, compromise, and hypocrisy, and to stand boldly against opposition. He shares anecdotes of ministers experiencing revival after seeking sanctification, illustrating the transformative power of a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit.
Preach Holiness Scripturally
0LEV 11:44MAT 5:48ACT 2:4ACT 10:441CO 6:111TH 4:31TH 5:23HEB 10:141PE 1:16REV 20:6Arthur Vess passionately preaches about holiness, emphasizing its scriptural foundation as a Bible doctrine that stands alone without the need for additional doctrinal proof. He highlights holiness as a great privilege promised in the Scriptures and as an imperative commandment from God, rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. Vess connects holiness to various aspects of the Bible, including Types and Shadows, the moral law, the ceremonial law pointing to a 'better sacrifice,' the prophets' joyful fulfillment, and the radiance of the Holy of Holies. He also links holiness to the life, teachings, and mission of Jesus, as well as the miraculous works and parables of Jesus, presenting it as the essential preparation for the Bridegroom's return.
Preach It Logically and Theologically
0ISA 1:181CO 1:18COL 2:8TIT 2:1HEB 13:12Arthur Vess preaches on the significance of surrendering to God as the great center and culmination of Bible truth and doctrine. He emphasizes the reasonableness of coming to God for forgiveness and restoration, quoting Isaiah 1:18 to illustrate the transformation from scarlet sins to white as snow. Vess connects surrender to the climax of Calvary, the divine philosophy of the ages, and the essence of all sound doctrine, showing how it is both demanded by the fall and provided in the atonement through Jesus' sacrifice. He challenges listeners to embrace surrender as a foundational truth that must be integrated into every system of doctrine to remain faithful to God and His Word.
Preach It Boldly and Fearlessly Without Compromise
0ACT 4:20ACT 4:312TI 4:22TI 4:5Arthur Vess passionately preaches about the importance of boldly and fearlessly proclaiming the Word of God without compromise, condemning all that is unholy and defending all that is holy. He emphasizes the need for holy boldness, which sacrifices self for God and others, contrasting it with carnal boldness that sacrifices God and others for self. Vess warns against cowardice in the pulpit, as it leads to hypocrisy in the pew, urging preachers to speak the truth even when it is unpopular or challenging.
Preach It Tenderly
0MAT 5:44LUK 6:272CO 1:31PE 3:8Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of preaching tenderly with tears of compassion, mirroring Jesus in Gethsemane, to touch the hearts of both saints and sinners. Despite facing opposition from the Pharisees and Sadducees, the preacher is encouraged to continue in humility, seeking God's blessing even in the face of stress and persecution. The goal is to soften hearts through love, leading to repentance and transformation, as the preacher's love for souls becomes a catalyst for melting both their own heart and the hearts of the listeners.
Preach It Practically
0PRO 15:21CO 2:1COL 4:61PE 4:11Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of simplicity in preaching, urging preachers to convey profound truths in straightforward language that all can grasp. He highlights the need to glorify God alone and not boast in personal knowledge or wisdom. Vess encourages humility and a focus on practical, understandable messages that uplift and edify listeners.
Preach It Definitely and Specifically
0ACT 15:9ROM 6:61TH 5:23HEB 11:61JN 4:18Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of seeking a second definite work of grace, stressing the instantaneous blessing that comes with it. He highlights the need for eradication and death to the old sinful nature, emphasizing the crucifixion of the old man to live a life free from sin. Vess underscores the necessity of meeting God's conditions for Him to meet our needs, pointing out that faith is essential for purification and sanctification. He encourages using clear and specific Scriptural terms like 'sanctification,' 'Holy Ghost,' 'eradication,' 'carnality,' 'second blessing,' and 'perfect love' to help believers understand and receive this transformative experience.
Preach It Seriously
0PRO 14:9ECC 7:31CO 1:18JAS 4:81PE 1:16Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of preaching with seriousness and eternal significance, rather than focusing on amusing or entertaining the congregation. He highlights the danger of neglecting the spiritual hunger of souls by resorting to jokes and light-heartedness in the pulpit, which can leave individuals feeling disappointed and starved for truth. Vess stresses the need for sanity and seriousness in delivering the message of holiness, cautioning against using humor as a substitute for the weighty matters of salvation and sanctification. He challenges preachers to prioritize the impartation of a holy nature and the deliverance from sin over mere entertainment, especially in a world that is increasingly distracted by amusement and entertainment.
Preach Holiness With Joy and Gladness
0NEH 8:10PSA 16:11PSA 30:11ACT 2:4ROM 14:171TH 1:6Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of preaching holiness with joy and gladness, contrasting it with the sorrow and sadness often associated with spiritual matters. He highlights the need for righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, encouraging believers to exude joy that surpasses worldly understanding. Vess challenges the notion of labeling spiritual manifestations as mere emotionalism, pointing out that true joy and peace come from the fire of God burning in the soul. He urges for a revival of genuine spiritual experiences that manifest in power and glory, rather than dead and formal religious practices.
Preach Constantly
0LEV 20:72CO 7:1EPH 1:41TH 4:71TI 4:12TIT 2:11HEB 12:141PE 1:151JN 3:3REV 22:11Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of preaching holiness constantly, not as a hobby, but as the great foundation and fountain of all truth. He echoes John Wesley's words to preach holiness in every sermon, stating that preaching holiness is essential to preaching the truth. Vess highlights that everything is either holy or unholy, and by exploring holiness in all its aspects, one can never exhaust its depth. He encourages preachers to repeat key points not for emptiness but for emphasis, drawing a comparison to how lawyers present evidence. Vess underscores the significance of holiness in the Holy Bible and the urgent need for it in the unholy world, urging the use of various tools like illustrations, persuasion, arguments, and inspiration to preach holiness in regeneration, sanctification, and glorification.
Preach It Personally
0ISA 6:1MAT 28:191CO 9:22COL 3:16HEB 4:12Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of personalizing the message of holiness and truth in daily life, reaching individuals in their homes, workplaces, and everywhere they are needed. He encourages preaching to individuals as if they were the masses, ensuring each person feels the message is specifically for them. Vess urges listeners to focus on God and the truth, just as Isaiah experienced the overwhelming presence of God in the temple, declaring His holiness and glory.
Preach Holiness Negatively and Positively
0PSA 51:10ROM 6:6EPH 4:221TH 5:23JAS 4:8Arthur Vess preaches on the necessity of purging the heart from sin before the Holy Ghost can dwell within. He emphasizes the importance of preaching holiness both negatively, by diagnosing the disease of sin, and positively, by focusing on the remedy of sanctification. Vess highlights the need to expose carnality, pride, and vanity before true humility and holiness can be attained. He stresses the transformation that occurs when we die to self and sin, allowing the fullness of God to fill us and the beauty of holiness to be revealed.
Preach Holiness Evangelistically
0ISA 6:1MAT 28:18ACT 1:82CO 7:1JAS 4:8REV 4:8Arthur Vess preaches on the evangelistic importance of true holiness, emphasizing that only holiness can awaken sinners to the seriousness of sin and lead them to desire deliverance and restoration in the sight of a holy God. He highlights the impact of old-fashioned holiness preaching in sparking revivals and converting sinners, contrasting it with modern compromises. Vess draws from Isaiah's encounter with God to illustrate the need for personal holiness and the recognition of our own sinfulness. He concludes with a call to embrace the missionary vision given by Jesus, empowering every believer to be a soul winner and spread revivals locally and globally through the work of the Holy Ghost.
Preach Holiness by Example
0JHN 3:16ROM 6:231TH 4:7TIT 2:141PE 1:151JN 4:18REV 20:6Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of preaching holiness by example, urging believers to not only speak about holiness but to live it out daily, demonstrating its power in their lives. He highlights the need to live above reproach so that even those who oppose us will witness our holy lives and be impacted by the transformation. Vess stresses that true holiness will stand the test of time and keep us pure and blessed, ultimately leading to perfect rest and the casting out of fear through perfect love. He concludes with a powerful reminder of God's great love and salvation as depicted in John 3:16, encouraging believers to focus on eternal life through Jesus Christ.
How to Live and Give Holiness
0PSA 1:2MAT 15:141CO 11:1PHP 4:81TI 4:121TI 4:16TIT 2:7HEB 4:111PE 2:21Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of living a holy life to maintain the Holy Ghost and exert a positive influence, highlighting the need to be an example of believers in all aspects of life. He warns against hypocrisy and the dangers of unbelief, urging believers to follow the examples of the prophets and Christ Himself. Vess stresses the crucial role of pastors in leading the church towards heaven or hell, emphasizing the impact of their actions on the congregation and the world.
The Perils of Preachers and Churches
0Reverend J.T. Crane, in his prophetic sermon, warns about the perils that the church faces in the last days, not from external persecutions but from internal spiritual weaknesses like self-seeking, pride, and love of the world. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity, divine power, and zeal in the church, highlighting the dangers of compromising with worldly influences and seeking popularity over spiritual truth. The sermon also addresses the challenges faced by ministers in maintaining their calling with self-denial, sacrifice, and resistance to worldly temptations, urging them to prioritize spiritual responsibilities over personal comfort and worldly recognition.
Not on Trial
0MAT 6:19Arthur Vess addresses the excuse of not seeing financial improvement from tithing by emphasizing that tithing is a divine command to fulfill a spiritual need, not a means for personal gain. He challenges the congregation to consider if they have grown spiritually through obedience to God's command on tithing, highlighting that the purpose of tithing is not self-enrichment but the advancement of the cause of Christ and the salvation of souls. Vess reminds the listeners that while earthly gains may not always be evident, the true reward of tithing is stored in heaven, providing assurance and readiness to face any challenges.
How to Catch Up
0PRO 3:9MAL 3:8MAT 6:33LUK 6:382CO 9:6Arthur Vess addresses the excuse of delaying tithing to catch up on bills, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God over financial obligations. He challenges the congregation to consider whether it is right to rob God by withholding tithes. Vess highlights the testimonies of many who found financial stability only after putting God first in their finances. The preacher encourages the congregation to trust in the principle of giving to God first, assuring that it leads to blessings and financial stability.
Little or Much
0MAL 3:10MAT 6:19LUK 21:11TI 6:10Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of tithing, challenging the excuse of not being able to tithe by questioning if God would make unjust laws or rob the poor of blessings. He highlights the justness of the tithing law in defending the poor and the generosity of those in deep poverty. Vess illustrates how even the smallest offerings, like the widow's mite, are valued by Jesus and can lead to abundance. He warns against covetousness and the danger of not tithing, stressing that investing in heavenly treasures is essential.
God First
0PRO 3:9PRO 11:24PRO 22:9MAL 3:10MAT 6:33LUK 6:38ACT 20:352CO 9:7PHP 4:191TI 6:10Arthur Vess addresses the excuse of 'I pay my own bills and then tithe what is left,' emphasizing that our bills are not the Lord's bills. He illustrates this with a story of a colored boy asking for the rind after being denied a piece of melon, likening it to selfishness. Vess questions how one can tithe what is left when there is nothing left after bills are paid, highlighting God's claim on the first-fruits of all increase. He stresses the importance of prioritizing God's tithe over personal expenses, as God's world is in darkness and sin, and tithers are known for being prompt and faithful.