Joseph John Gurney preaches about the divine origin and authority of the Holy Scriptures, emphasizing that the canon of Scripture was not arbitrarily fixed by man but recognized by Jesus Christ and the apostles. The Old Testament and New Testament writings were established through historical, critical, and internal proofs, with the New Testament canon being universally acknowledged. Gurney highlights the importance of Scripture preservation, the dangers of adding human traditions to the Bible, and the need for all to have access to and interpret the Scriptures with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Joseph John Gurney preaches on the topic of Antichrist, the man of sin, as described in the Bible. The term 'antichrist' is shown to have a general application, representing a spirit among men that rebels against the dominion of the Son of God, invents false doctrine, and corrupts good manners. The apostles warn about the presence of deceivers and antichrists who deny the Father and the Son, spreading false teachings and leading people astray. The Scriptures provide a detailed account of the rise and characteristics of the man of sin, who exalts himself above God, deceives with signs and wonders, and persecutes the saints, culminating in a final battle against the Lord and his faithful followers.

Joseph John Gurney preaches about the usurpation of temporal power by the professing Church of Christ, highlighting the historical evidence of the church's assumption of authority over kings and nations, leading to persecution and bloody cruelties. He contrasts the early days of Christianity, where the army of the Lamb fought without carnal weapons, with the later alliance between the church and the state, resulting in the abuse of temporal power for ecclesiastical purposes. Gurney warns against the dangers of persecution and the enforcement of religious uniformity through the sword of the magistrate, emphasizing the true nature of Christ's kingdom as heavenly, spiritual, and independent of human authority.

Joseph John Gurney preaches about the spiritual power of the priesthood, highlighting the dangers of the hierarchy's usurpation of authority and the abuse of spiritual power by the clergy, particularly under the papal system. He emphasizes the importance of Christ being the sole High Priest and the ultimate authority in the Church, rejecting the idea of human representatives or viceroys. Gurney delves into the scriptural basis for the priesthood, refuting the notions of absolution through human priests and the sacrificial system of the mass, asserting that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the only propitiation for sin. He also addresses the issue of miracles in the context of the papacy, distinguishing between the genuine miracles of the New Testament and the deceptive wonders claimed by the Roman Catholic Church.

Joseph John Gurney preaches on the essence of divine worship, emphasizing the importance of directing worship solely to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as the proper objects of adoration. He highlights the dangers of ascribing divine attributes and worship to any other being, stressing the uniqueness and jealousy of God in receiving worship. Gurney discusses the errors of idolatry, praying for the dead, and the elaborate pomp in worship, contrasting them with the simplicity and spirituality of true Christian worship in spirit and truth.

Joseph John Gurney preaches about the Christian ministry, highlighting the fallacious claim of the priesthood by Rome, the importance of apostolic succession, and the true qualifier for the ministry being the Holy Spirit. He discusses the diversity of gifts within the church, the unity of believers as one body, and the avoidance of patronage and popular election of ministers. Gurney emphasizes the congregational nature of worship in the early church, where all members participated under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, promoting a deeper reliance on Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of truth and power in ministry.

Joseph John Gurney preaches about the sacraments, emphasizing that the true sacraments in Christianity are spiritual in nature, such as the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the communion with Christ through faith. He refutes the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, highlighting that the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper are symbolic acts of remembrance and fellowship, devoid of inherent mystical grace. Gurney stresses the importance of spiritual baptism as the means of regeneration and union with Christ, and the communion with Christ as the true spiritual supper that nourishes believers for eternity.

Joseph John Gurney preaches about the contrast between the true Christian doctrine of justification and sanctification and the erroneous practices of the papal and hierarchical system. He emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, highlighting that righteousness is imputed to believers through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Gurney warns against the dangers of relying on external rituals, relics, and self-imposed mortifications for salvation, stressing the need for a genuine surrender to Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.