Accountability to God
Accountability to God17
The Cross and the Scandal
By G.W. North0MAT 16:24LUK 9:23JHN 3:36ACT 4:12ROM 14:121CO 1:18GAL 5:11PHP 2:8HEB 10:261PE 2:24G.W. North emphasizes the scandalous nature of the cross, highlighting its offense to those who view it through a worldly lens. He explains that the cross, as a symbol of curse and humiliation, challenges human pride and morality, making it a stumbling block for many. North asserts that the crucifixion of Christ reveals humanity's deep-seated rebellion against God and underscores the necessity of humility for salvation. He warns that every individual is accountable for their response to the cross, as it represents a decisive moment in history that demands personal judgment. Ultimately, the message of the cross is a contemporary issue that requires all to confront their relationship with God and the implications of Christ's sacrifice.
Divine Jealousy for the Truth
By Horatius Bonar0PSA 119:160PRO 30:5ISA 40:8JER 5:3MAT 24:35JHN 14:6ROM 3:42TI 3:16HEB 13:81JN 2:21Horatius Bonar emphasizes God's divine jealousy for the truth, asserting that His eyes are constantly watching over it to guard and maintain it. He explains that there is only one standard of truth, which is definite, universal, and found in the Bible, and that God holds humanity accountable to this standard. Bonar warns against the laxity of thought in contemporary society, urging individuals to believe in the truth rather than speculate. He calls for a commitment to truthfulness in thought and action, reminding listeners that the day will come when truth will be exalted and error will be condemned. Ultimately, Bonar encourages everyone to align their beliefs with God's unwavering standard of truth.
Doing and Teaching Go Together
By Theodore Epp0ROM 2:17Theodore Epp emphasizes the critical connection between teaching and living out God's principles, urging believers to reflect on whether their actions align with their teachings. He challenges the congregation to examine their honesty in financial matters and the use of their time, stressing that all aspects of life should honor God. Epp reminds us that our responsibilities extend beyond mere financial contributions; we must prioritize God in every area of our lives. He encourages a heart of openness to God's scrutiny, echoing David's plea for self-examination. Ultimately, Epp warns of the seriousness of our accountability before God regarding our efforts in spreading the Gospel.
Self-Denial Romans 14:1-21
By J.R. Miller0MAT 7:3ROM 14:12ROM 14:15ROM 14:17ROM 14:19J.R. Miller emphasizes the principle of self-denial in his sermon on Romans 14:1-21, urging believers to live with a constant awareness of their accountability to God rather than judging others. He highlights the importance of love and consideration for others, advocating that Christians should avoid actions that may cause their brothers to stumble, even if those actions are permissible. Miller illustrates this with examples of personal habits and indulgences, stressing that true liberty in Christ should not come at the expense of another's faith. He concludes that the essence of the Christian life is not about external practices like eating or drinking, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, encouraging believers to prioritize the edification of others.
The Deep Dealings of God Part 28 - Let Us Go on Unto Perfection - Gods Love
By Phil Beach Jr.271:28:19PSA 139:23PRO 15:1PRO 16:32PRO 22:24MAT 11:28ROM 1:211CO 10:241CO 13:5HEB 13:5JAS 1:20Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for families to return to Jesus amidst the crises affecting both the church and the family unit. He highlights that the root of these crises often lies in unthankfulness and discontentment, which can lead to sin and destruction. Beach calls for a revival that begins at home, urging families to confront heart issues and allow the Holy Spirit to transform their lives. He stresses the importance of accountability to God and the need for parents to model humility and repentance to their children. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ to overcome the challenges of modern life.
Accountability to God - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill14K25:24PSA 51:10MAT 5:8JHN 10:10ACT 15:8ROM 3:232CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 4:22HEB 12:141JN 1:9Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the critical need for accountability to God, illustrating the transformative power of genuine repentance and the pursuit of purity in the heart. He recounts a personal story of a woman who, after a deep cry for mercy, experienced true salvation, contrasting it with his own struggle with sin and misery. Ravenhill argues that the greatest sin is the desire to run one's own life apart from God, and he stresses that true Christianity is about allowing Christ to live within us, leading to a pure heart and a renewed spirit. He challenges the modern church's tendency to downplay sin and calls for a return to recognizing the need for deep, inward cleansing and the power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek purity, as it is the foundation for true power in their lives and ministries.
Honour Your Vows to the Lord
By Erlo Stegen0DEU 23:21ECC 5:4Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of honoring our vows to the Lord, warning that failing to keep our promises can lead to curses instead of blessings. He shares the story of Mandla, a young man who neglected his commitment to God and faced dire consequences, ultimately finding redemption only after confessing his sins. Stegen urges believers to remember that God holds us accountable for our promises, especially on Judgment Day, and encourages them to break any sinful vows made to the world. The sermon serves as a reminder that true blessings come from fulfilling our commitments to God.
(The Real Truth) 3. the Real Truth About Our Conscience
By Zac Poonen0LUK 11:34HEB 9:27Zac Poonen emphasizes the significance of our conscience as a divine gift that reminds us of our moral responsibilities and the inevitable judgment we will face from God for our actions, words, and thoughts. Unlike animals, humans are created in God's image and are accountable for their lives, with a day of judgment awaiting us. He compares conscience to pain, which serves as a warning system for our spiritual health, urging us to heed its voice to avoid becoming desensitized to sin. Poonen stresses the importance of maintaining a clean conscience, akin to keeping our eyes clear, and highlights that while forgiveness is available, it comes at a significant cost. Ultimately, our conscience is a vital tool for recognizing our need for healing and redemption.
Asa Did . . . Right in the Eyes
By F.B. Meyer01KI 15:112CH 14:32CH 16:12PSA 139:1PRO 3:5MAT 5:16ROM 14:13GAL 6:1JAS 1:51PE 2:12F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of living righteously in the eyes of the Lord, as exemplified by King Asa, who took bold actions to remove idolatry from his kingdom. Despite his commendable efforts, Asa's failure to remove the high places and his reliance on physicians rather than seeking God in his affliction highlight the need for complete devotion and accountability to God. Meyer urges believers to live authentically, ensuring that their actions reflect their faith and do not lead others astray. The sermon calls for a deeper commitment to God, recognizing that true righteousness involves both personal integrity and consideration for the impact of our actions on others.
The Parable of the Pounds Luke 19:11-28
By R.A. Torrey0LUK 19:11R.A. Torrey expounds on 'The Parable of the Pounds' in Luke 19:11-28, illustrating the importance of faithful service and accountability in the Kingdom of God. The nobleman, representing Christ, departs to receive a kingdom, leaving his servants with pounds to trade, symbolizing the gifts and responsibilities given to believers. Upon his return, he rewards the faithful servants while condemning the unfaithful one, emphasizing that neglect of service leads to severe consequences. Torrey highlights the necessity of preparing for Christ's return and the eternal implications of our actions in this life. The sermon serves as a call to action for believers to actively engage in their faith and utilize their God-given resources wisely.
What a Great Responsibility!
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 28:19JHN 3:36ACT 2:38ROM 10:141CO 3:12EPH 2:82TI 4:2HEB 13:171PE 4:5REV 6:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes the immense responsibility placed on preachers and teachers of the gospel, highlighting the accountability they will face on the day of God's wrath. He questions whether the message preached is clear about the lost state of those apart from Christ and whether it encourages repentance and belief in the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. Tozer warns that much of what is done in the church may not withstand God's refining fire, urging ministers to reflect on their stewardship and the urgency of their message. The sermon culminates in the poignant question, 'Who can stand?' as a reminder of the seriousness of their calling.
Prepare to Meet Your God
By Erlo Stegen0PSA 90:12ECC 11:9EZK 37:14AMO 4:12MAT 5:25HEB 9:27Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of preparing to meet God, urging listeners to reflect on their lives and the inevitability of death. He highlights that many live without wisdom, failing to account for their actions and words, which will be judged. Through various illustrations, including a church lady's gossip and a man's dream of judgment, he stresses the need for repentance and making amends before it's too late. Stegen reminds us that life is fleeting, and we must teach our children about mortality and the significance of living righteously. Ultimately, he calls for a daily prayer for wisdom in numbering our days and preparing our hearts for God.
No Morality Without God
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 19:1ECC 12:14ROM 1:20HEB 4:13A.W. Tozer emphasizes the inherent contradiction in existentialism's denial of God while simultaneously appealing to moral responsibility. He critiques the notion that without God, values and commands lose their legitimacy, arguing that true accountability and morality stem from the existence of a divine authority. Tozer points out that the anguish and despair felt by existentialists highlight an underlying acknowledgment of a moral law and a judge, which can only exist if God is real. He asserts that without God, concepts like responsibility and morality become meaningless, as there would be no one to hold us accountable for our actions.
The Eyes of the Lord
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 139:1PRO 5:21HEB 4:13Thomas Brooks emphasizes the omnipresence and omniscience of God, illustrating that nothing escapes His sight. He describes God as attentive to every aspect of our lives, from our thoughts to our actions, reminding us that we are accountable to Him. Brooks uses the metaphor of a well-drawn picture, suggesting that God's gaze is always upon us, guiding and observing our paths. The sermon serves as a call to live with awareness of God's watchful eyes, encouraging believers to align their lives with His will.
Uncovered and Laid Bare
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 139:1HEB 4:13Thomas Brooks emphasizes the reality of human sinfulness and the shame that many Christians feel about their hidden sins. He reflects on how, if their faults were publicly displayed, they would be embarrassed and ashamed. Brooks reminds the congregation that nothing is hidden from God, and we will all have to give an account of our actions. The sermon calls for self-examination and repentance, urging believers to acknowledge their shortcomings before God.
A Jewel of More Worth Than a World
By Thomas Brooks0EPH 5:15Thomas Brooks emphasizes the immense value of time, portraying it as a precious jewel that must be used wisely and responsibly. He urges believers to recognize their accountability for how they spend their time, as it is a divine talent that requires diligent stewardship. Brooks highlights the urgency of various spiritual responsibilities, including saving souls, honoring God, and overcoming temptations, all of which necessitate the effective use of time. He calls on the congregation to reflect on their lives and the importance of making the most of every moment in service to God and others.
The Complaints of Jehovah
By G. Campbell Morgan0JOB 13:15MAL 1:6MAL 1:10MAL 1:13MAL 2:17MAL 3:8MAL 3:13MAT 5:23LUK 21:1G. Campbell Morgan addresses the seven complaints of God against His people, emphasizing their formalism and self-satisfaction. He highlights issues such as profanity, sacrilege, greed, weariness in service, treason against God's covenant, robbery from God, and blasphemy. The people respond to God's accusations with indifference, asking 'Wherein?' Morgan stresses that true worship requires honor and fear of God, and that offerings must come from a place of genuine sacrifice rather than obligation. He warns against the dangers of treating God with contempt through insincere worship and the consequences of excusing sin.