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Wa Criswell

W.A. Criswell

4 Sermons|1 Images

Wallie Amos Criswell (1909–2002). Born on December 19, 1909, in Eldorado, Oklahoma, to Wallie and Anna Currie Criswell, W.A. Criswell was an American Southern Baptist pastor, author, and influential evangelical leader. Raised in poverty in Texline, Texas, he converted at 10 during a revival and began preaching at 17, licensed by a local Baptist church. He earned a BA from Baylor University (1928), a ThM (1934), and a PhD (1937) from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ordained in 1928, he pastored churches in Chickasha and Muskogee, Oklahoma, before becoming senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, in 1944, serving for 50 years until 1994, growing it to 26,000 members, one of the largest in the U.S. Criswell’s dynamic expository preaching, broadcast on radio and TV via The Baptist Hour, reached millions, emphasizing biblical inerrancy and soul-winning. A key figure in the Southern Baptist Convention’s conservative resurgence, he served as SBC president (1968–1970) and authored 54 books, including Why I Preach That the Bible Is Literally True (1969), The Holy Spirit in Today’s World (1966), and Criswell’s Guidebook for Pastors (1980). Married to Bessie “Betsy” Harris from 1935 until her death in 2000, he had one daughter, Mabel Ann. Criswell founded Criswell College in 1970, training thousands of ministers. He died on January 10, 2002, in Dallas, saying, “The Bible is God’s Word, and preaching it is the highest calling.”

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The Living Christ

3.4K39:12

PSA 23:4ISA 6:1DAN 6:22MAT 28:20JHN 12:41ACT 8:9ACT 27:23

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence and power of the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. He references biblical stories such as the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace and Daniel in the lion's den to illustrate how Jesus was with them in their trials. The preacher also mentions the Apostle Paul's experience of being shipwrecked and how an angel appeared to him, assuring him not to fear. He emphasizes that Jesus is someone who is always with us, helping and empowering us, and that serving and caring for others is a way to serve and know Christ.

1975 Address to the Southern Baptist Convention

2.5K20:07

GEN 1:1EXO 20:1JOS 1:1MAT 28:18JHN 3:16ACT 1:8REV 21:1

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of delivering an authentic and apologetic message from the pulpit. He argues against speculative and problematic beliefs, stating that truth should be based on the five senses and logical explanations. The preacher also highlights the significance of the Bible as a serious book, countering the notion that it is filled with myths and legends. He shares a personal anecdote about a friend who faced doubts about his calling as a pastor, emphasizing the need for conviction and academic judgment in preaching.

Memorial Service

1.6K2:34:24

GEN 1:1EXO 20:3MAT 22:37JHN 3:16ROM 10:172TI 3:16REV 22:18

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following certain instructions during worship. He shares a personal anecdote about lending money to a fellow preacher. The sermon then shifts to the message of salvation through faith in Jesus. The preacher emphasizes that anyone can be saved by simply looking to Jesus. The sermon concludes with a tribute to a pastor who had a positive attitude and unwavering dedication to his ministry, even in the face of challenges and illness. The preacher reminds the congregation that although physical things may fade away, the word of God will endure forever.

The Hem of His Garment

1.5K35:31

PSA 103:2ISA 53:4MAT 8:16MRK 5:25LUK 8:43JHN 14:6ROM 10:10HEB 4:15JAS 5:16REV 3:20

This sermon delves into the powerful story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5, highlighting her faith and determination to touch the hem of Jesus' garment for healing. It emphasizes the divine sensitivity of Jesus to her touch, the cost of healing through His virtue, and the importance of open confession and resolution in coming to God. The sermon concludes by encouraging listeners to seek salvation and healing by reaching out to Jesus, the hymn of His garment, present everywhere.