Devotion to God
Devotion to God16
Let the Heart Sins Be Dealt With by God.
By Andrew Murray0EZK 36:26Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity for believers to allow God to address the sins within their hearts in order to awaken the church and lead to a more devoted life in service to Jesus. He asserts that true transformation and the flow of living water from believers can only occur when they permit God to cleanse their inner sanctuaries. This personal encounter with God's holiness is essential for the advancement of Christ's kingdom and the salvation of souls. Murray calls for a cleansing of the defiled temple of the heart, promising that through this process, God will reveal His glory to the nations.
(New Wine in New Wineskins) 2. God Needs Men
By Zac Poonen0PHP 2:121PE 2:9Zac Poonen emphasizes the urgent need for men of God who are wholly devoted to Him, living lives characterized by righteousness, humility, and a deep understanding of His Word. He calls for individuals who fear sin, are filled with the Holy Spirit, and are committed to proclaiming the truth of God without compromise. These men should embody love, mercy, and a willingness to serve others, regardless of their status or background. Poonen challenges listeners to strive for spiritual maturity and to seek God's grace to become such men in a world that often compromises its values. He concludes with a call to action, urging everyone to earnestly desire to be a man of God in these challenging times.
The Captivity of the Righteous Part 5
By Phil Beach Jr.301:14:39ISA 53:1MAT 6:33MAT 11:28MAT 22:37LUK 14:26JHN 12:43JHN 21:22ACT 4:32PHP 3:191PE 3:3Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of finding true satisfaction and peace in God rather than in worldly concerns, particularly for young people who often fret about their future. He encourages them to devote their hearts fully to God, assuring that if they seek Him first, everything else will fall into place. The sermon highlights the need to prioritize following Jesus over seeking the approval of others, as true discipleship requires a willingness to lay aside personal ambitions and societal pressures. Beach also addresses the dangers of being captivated by health, wealth, and family, urging believers to seek freedom from these distractions to fully embrace their relationship with Christ.
Letters on Revival--No. 20.
By Charles Finney0COL 3:23Charles Finney addresses the objections to protracted meetings, emphasizing that all time belongs to God and should be used for His glory. He argues that while some may view these meetings as a seasonal effort, they are essential for promoting revivals, especially during times when people have more leisure. Finney encourages Christians to remain devoted to God in all aspects of life, asserting that true religion encompasses both work and worship. He highlights the importance of making extraordinary efforts for conversion and sanctification during seasons of less labor. Ultimately, he calls for a balanced approach to revivals, integrating them into the rhythm of everyday life.
(Principles of Serving God) 2. God Needs Men
By Zac Poonen0ROM 12:11PE 2:9Zac Poonen emphasizes that God is in need of men who are wholly devoted to Him, seeking His presence daily and living a life that reflects His righteousness and truth. These men are characterized by their fear of God, their rejection of sin, and their commitment to spiritual growth and humility. Poonen calls for individuals who are filled with the Holy Spirit, who prioritize God's glory over personal gain, and who are willing to stand alone for their faith in a compromising world. He encourages believers to seek God's grace to embody these virtues, as such men are rare and essential for God's work today. The sermon challenges listeners to earnestly desire to be these men of God in a sinful generation.
Satan's Power to Devour
By Phil Beach Jr.241:01:03JOB 1:6JOB 2:1PSA 42:1ISA 55:1JOL 2:1MAT 5:3PHP 4:19HEB 11:6JAS 4:81PE 5:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for believers to prioritize hearing the voice of God over the distractions of the world, warning that many are more influenced by human voices than divine guidance. He highlights that true devotion to God must be unconditional, not based on what we receive from Him, and that suffering can lead to a deeper relationship with God. Beach draws parallels with Job's trials, illustrating how Satan seeks to devour believers by tempting them to serve God conditionally. He calls for a spiritual awakening within the church, urging believers to seek God earnestly and recognize their desperate need for Him amidst worldly distractions.
Human
By Brother Andrew0ROM 8:282CO 1:4JAS 1:2Brother Andrew shares a personal testimony of enduring severe back pain while studying in Scotland, finding solace in Oswald Chambers' book, 'My Utmost for His Highest.' He reflects on Chambers' insight that suffering is often a preparation for greater usefulness in God's hands. Inspired by this, Andrew reaches out to Chambers' widow, Biddy, who warmly welcomes him and shares the story behind the book's creation. This encounter deepens Andrew's appreciation for devotion to God and the legacy of faith. He emphasizes the importance of stepping beyond societal expectations and embracing God's calling.
The Captivity of the Righteous Part 4
By Phil Beach Jr.261:05:05MAT 22:37Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace in the lives of the righteous, urging believers to seek a deeper relationship with God and to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. He highlights the importance of truth in overcoming the enemy's lies and the need for believers to be liberated from worldly attachments that hinder their devotion to God. The sermon draws parallels with the story of Job, illustrating how God uses trials to refine and purify His people, ultimately leading them to true freedom and joy in Christ. Beach encourages the congregation to surrender their all to God, allowing Him to break the chains of bondage and to fill their lives with His glory.
06 the Excellency of Christ (Song 5:10-16)
By Mike Bickle3455:20NUM 6:24PSA 103:14PRO 15:3SNG 5:10MAT 11:28JHN 15:15ROM 8:28PHP 3:8HEB 4:13REV 2:18Mike Bickle emphasizes the spiritual beauty of Christ as depicted in Song of Solomon 5:10-16, contrasting it with the natural beauty of a husband. He highlights how the Apostle Paul viewed the excellency of Christ as a motivation for radical obedience, urging believers to see Jesus more clearly to deepen their devotion. The bride's lovesickness for her beloved, despite trials and disappointments, serves as a model for unwavering love and pursuit of Christ. Bickle encourages believers to recognize the incomparable beauty and attributes of Jesus, which should inspire a deeper relationship with Him. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to prioritize Christ above all other loves in life.
The Judgement Seat of Christ - Part 2 (Alternate)
By Leonard Ravenhill5.3K34:57MAL 3:16MAT 6:19ROM 14:101CO 3:122CO 5:10PHP 3:142TI 4:7JAS 1:121PE 1:7REV 22:12Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of the Judgment Seat of Christ, where every believer's life and service will be evaluated. He contrasts the eternal rewards for faithful service with the loss of those whose lives are built on superficiality, represented by wood, hay, and stubble. Ravenhill passionately calls for a life of devotion and intercession, urging believers to live with eternity in mind and to prepare for the moment when their works will be tested by fire. He highlights the importance of genuine worship and the need for a deep, personal relationship with God, warning against complacency in the Christian life. Ultimately, he challenges the church to rise above worldly distractions and to focus on the eternal impact of their lives.
Memoirs: 2. His Labors in the Vineyard Before Ordination 35
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0PSA 126:6JER 8:20EZK 34:4HOS 14:1ROM 1:16JUD 1:20Robert Murray M'Cheyne reflects on his early ministry before ordination, emphasizing the weighty responsibility of preaching and the necessity of personal devotion and prayer. He recounts his experiences in various parishes, the challenges of ministering to indifferent souls, and the deep yearning for the salvation of his congregation. M'Cheyne's commitment to spiritual growth and reliance on God is evident as he navigates the trials of ministry, including illness and the burden of souls. His heartfelt desire to serve and the lessons learned during this formative period laid the groundwork for his impactful future ministry.
All Is Vanity Under the Sun
By Phil Beach Jr.381:19:32ECC 1:12Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the futility of seeking fulfillment in worldly pursuits, drawing from the experiences of Solomon and John the Baptist. He highlights that true satisfaction can only be found in a relationship with Jesus, urging listeners to give their hearts solely to Him rather than to the vanities of life. The sermon calls for humility and a willingness to be transformed by God's Word, reminding us that all earthly endeavors are ultimately empty without Christ. Beach encourages the congregation to seek a heart that is undivided and devoted to God, as only He can heal and satisfy our deepest longings.
Some Qualifications Basic to Service
By T. Austin-Sparks0PHP 2:191TI 5:23T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the qualifications for service in God's kingdom are not based on natural abilities but on spiritual devotion, energy, and unselfishness, as exemplified by Timothy. Despite his youth, timidity, and physical weaknesses, Timothy was chosen by Paul for significant responsibilities because of his genuine commitment to the Lord. Sparks highlights that true greatness in service comes from the heart and that spiritual value can compensate for natural limitations. He encourages believers to recognize that God looks beyond outward appearances and sees the potential in those who are devoted and energetic in their faith. Ultimately, the message is that spiritual qualities are what truly matter in God's work.
Living, Spiritual Sacrifices
By G.W. North0PSA 51:17ACT 7:59ROM 12:1EPH 5:2PHP 2:17COL 3:171TH 5:16HEB 13:10HEB 13:151PE 2:5G.W. North emphasizes that while Jesus' sacrifice for sin is complete and eternal, believers are called to offer living spiritual sacrifices to God. He explains that under the New Covenant, these sacrifices are not for atonement but are expressions of our devotion and service, akin to the offerings made by the priests in the Old Testament. North highlights the importance of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices and offering praise, drawing parallels with the lives of early Christians like Paul and Stephen. He challenges the congregation to reflect on what they are sacrificing their lives for and to ensure they are wholly presented to God. Ultimately, he calls for a life of continuous sacrifice and praise as a reasonable service to God.
A Voice in the Wilderness
By David Wilkerson0David Wilkerson emphasizes the humble ministry of John the Baptist, who identified himself as merely a voice in the wilderness, dedicated to pointing others to Christ. Despite being revered as the greatest prophet, John remained selfless, prioritizing the glory of Jesus over personal recognition. His joy stemmed not from his ministry or influence, but from his intimate relationship with the Bridegroom. Wilkerson challenges believers to seek fulfillment in communion with God rather than in public acclaim, encouraging a life devoted to serving and witnessing for Christ. Ultimately, the true rewards come from a humble and faithful witness to the Lamb of God.
An Introduction to William Law
By William Law0ROM 12:1GAL 5:16William Law, a prominent figure in the English mystic tradition, emphasized the necessity of a life centered on God and the continuous leading of the Holy Spirit. His works, particularly 'A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life,' challenged readers to pursue genuine piety and obedience, asserting that the lack of spiritual fervor stems from a lack of intention. Influential figures like John Wesley and Andrew Murray recognized Law's profound impact on Christian thought, highlighting his ability to ignite a spark of piety in readers. Law's teachings encourage a deep, inward relationship with God, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to heartfelt devotion. His legacy continues to inspire many in their spiritual journeys.