Faith and Trust
Faith and Trust16
Answering God's Call
By A.W. Tozer0HEB 11:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes that God's call is always an invitation to something better, urging believers to recognize that when God leads them away from the familiar, it is to guide them into a promised land filled with blessings and purpose. He illustrates this through Abraham's faith, which not only rejected idolatry but also embraced God's greater plan, leading to the lineage of the Messiah. Tozer encourages the faithful to understand that God's call leads to eternal life, purity, service, and the joy of fellowship within the family of God. He reassures that what God takes away is merely a preparation for the abundant blessings He has in store, likening it to exchanging a worn dollar bill for the riches of heaven. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to trust in God's faithfulness and the greater things He has prepared for them.
Kept by the Power of God
By Andrew Murray0PSA 91:1ISA 27:3JHN 4:50JHN 13:34ROM 8:282CO 12:7EPH 3:20PHP 2:13HEB 11:11PE 1:5Andrew Murray emphasizes the dual truths of being 'Kept by the Power of God' and 'Kept through Faith' as essential for believers. He explains that God's power is all-encompassing, ensuring that every part of our being is safeguarded, while our faith is the means through which we experience this divine keeping. Murray illustrates that just as a father prepares an inheritance for his children, God not only preserves our heavenly inheritance but also keeps us on earth for it. He encourages believers to trust in God's omnipotence and to recognize their own helplessness, leading to a life of continuous faith and fellowship with God. Ultimately, Murray calls for a covenant with God, trusting Him to keep us moment by moment.
The Presence of Christ
By Andrew Murray0MAT 14:27JHN 15:4Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital importance of the presence of Christ in the life of a believer, illustrating how the disciples experienced fear and failure when Christ was absent during a storm. He explains that the presence of Jesus is essential for overcoming sin and living a victorious Christian life, urging believers to trust in His presence and power. Murray highlights the journey from losing Christ's presence to recognizing and desiring it, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with Him. He encourages believers to step out in faith, trusting that Christ will empower them to walk above life's challenges. The sermon concludes with a call to claim the promise of Christ's abiding presence in every moment of life.
Speak Ye Unto the Rock
By A.B. Simpson0NUM 20:1JHN 7:37ROM 8:26GAL 5:22EPH 3:16A.B. Simpson emphasizes the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit, comparing it to the delicate nature of love that cannot be won through force but through trust and affection. He illustrates that just as one cannot conquer a woman's heart with harshness, the Holy Spirit requires a gentle and unwavering faith to operate freely in our lives. Simpson urges believers to 'Speak to the Rock' rather than strike it, highlighting the importance of treating the Holy Spirit with tender confidence. He encourages the congregation to fully open themselves to the Spirit's fullness, receiving His life with the trust of a child or a bride. The sermon calls for a deep, faith-filled relationship with the Holy Spirit, akin to the nurturing bond between a flower and sunshine.
If It Is of God, You Cannot Overthrow It
By Shane Idleman1049:16ACT 5:28Shane Idleman emphasizes that if something is truly of God, it cannot be overthrown, drawing from Acts 5:28. He discusses the historical reality of Jesus and the unwavering strength of Christianity despite opposition, asserting that God's sovereign will prevails. Idleman encourages believers to trust in God's plan and to recognize the importance of a genuine relationship with Christ over mere religiosity. He also addresses the struggles of seekers and believers, urging them to seek truth and remain steadfast in their faith amidst challenges. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that resisting God is futile, and they must choose to embrace His love and truth.
The Word of the Truth of the Gospel
By Horatius Bonar0JHN 3:16ROM 10:17EPH 2:8Horatius Bonar addresses the sinner's quest for acceptance before God, emphasizing that mere human efforts, like Adam's fig leaves, are insufficient for true reconciliation. He highlights God's grace as the ultimate covering for sin, revealing that faith must be rooted in divine authority rather than human understanding. Bonar encourages believers to continually engage with God's Word, asserting that it is through the Scriptures that the Holy Spirit imparts peace and understanding. He stresses the importance of trusting God immediately, rather than waiting for a feeling of readiness, as true faith is an active response to God's invitation. Ultimately, Bonar reassures that God's love and mercy are freely available to all who seek Him.
Birds of Prey
By Samuel Logan Brengle0GEN 15:9Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the necessity of complete surrender to God for entire sanctification, illustrating this through Abraham's offering and the persistent 'birds of prey' that represent doubts and temptations from Satan. He encourages believers to resolutely drive away these doubts and to trust in God's promises, asserting that true faith is not based on feelings but on the unwavering belief in God's word. Brengle highlights the importance of making a public declaration of faith to solidify one's commitment and to resist the devil's attempts to undermine that faith. He reassures that while waiting for God's confirmation, believers should focus on righteousness rather than happiness, and maintain their trust in God's faithfulness. Ultimately, he calls for a bold profession of faith as a means to secure one's sanctification and to stand firm against the adversary.
Peace Declared
By D.L. Moody0ISA 26:3MAT 11:28JHN 14:27JHN 16:33ROM 5:1EPH 2:14PHP 4:7COL 1:20HEB 12:21PE 5:7D.L. Moody illustrates the concept of peace through a story of French sailors who, despite being in distress, hesitated to enter an English port due to fear of war. They eventually learned that peace had been declared, paralleling how many people fail to believe in the peace Jesus offers through His sacrifice on the Cross. Moody emphasizes that true peace comes from focusing on Christ rather than oneself, encouraging believers to trust in the Lord for everlasting strength. He reminds us that faith is an outward look towards Jesus, who provides peace for our conscience and hearts. Ultimately, Moody calls for acceptance of the peace that Christ has made available to all.
Honoring the Lord
By Octavius Winslow01SA 2:30PSA 138:2JHN 3:16ROM 10:17EPH 2:8HEB 11:6Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of honoring God as stated in 1 Samuel 2:30, warning against the dangers of interpreting Scripture through human standards rather than accepting it as divinely inspired. He reflects on Eli's failure to honor God by allowing his sons' sinful behavior to persist, urging believers to fully trust in God's Word and His promises. Winslow encourages a childlike faith that glorifies God and reassures the believer of His faithfulness and ability to save. He concludes by highlighting the honor bestowed upon us to accept Christ's salvation, urging us to prioritize God's glory over our own. Ultimately, honoring God leads to His honor being reflected back upon us.
Joyful Security
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 37:24PSA 46:1PSA 55:22ISA 40:29ISA 41:10ROM 8:312CO 12:9PHP 4:13HEB 13:51PE 5:7C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the theme of 'Joyful Security' by highlighting the assurance found in God's promise to uphold us with His right hand of righteousness, especially during times of fear and uncertainty. He reassures believers that while we may feel weak and vulnerable, God's power and skill are more than sufficient to support us through life's challenges. Spurgeon encourages us to lean on God's strength, reminding us that those upheld by Him cannot be overcome by any force. The sermon calls for a joyful response to God's unwavering faithfulness and the security we find in His righteousness.
God's Measureless Measures
By A.B. Simpson02CO 10:12A.B. Simpson emphasizes the contrast between human and divine measures in his sermon 'God's Measureless Measures.' He warns against the folly of measuring ourselves by our own standards or by comparing ourselves to others, urging believers to strive for God's higher calling and to align their lives with His will, word, grace, glory, and the example of Christ. Simpson encourages the congregation to recognize that true fulfillment and strength come from God's abundant resources and to live according to the power that works within them. He concludes by reminding them that their faith should be expansive, allowing them to receive God's immeasurable blessings.
God Always Acts Like Himself
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 9:10PSA 46:1ISA 40:28MAL 3:6JHN 14:13ROM 15:13EPH 3:20HEB 13:8JAS 1:171JN 5:10A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of understanding God's character as the foundation of true faith. He asserts that knowing God’s name, which reflects His character, leads to trust and confidence in Him. Tozer warns that unbelief is a serious offense against God's truth, as it implies calling Him a liar. He encourages believers to recognize that God consistently acts in accordance with His nature, providing assurance and comfort in their faith. This understanding serves as a reminder of God's unchanging character and His ability to answer prayers and perform miracles today.
"How Know We the Way?"
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 14:5T. Austin-Sparks addresses the disciples' confusion and despair in John 14, emphasizing that the answers to their questions lie not in doctrines but in a personal union with Christ. He explains that the Way is found within, through the indwelling of Christ, which provides clarity and peace amidst turmoil. Sparks highlights that true knowledge of God's will comes from a heart relationship rooted in love, rather than mere intellectual understanding. He encourages faith in Christ, assuring that trusting Him leads to the realization of God's purposes and the experience of life and peace. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a transformative relationship with Jesus as the source of guidance and understanding.
Learning to Lean as He Leads
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 119:105MAT 7:24JHN 14:15JHN 14:21ROM 12:2EPH 5:22PHP 2:13HEB 11:6JAS 1:221JN 5:3A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true obedience to Christ is a demonstration of our love for Him, which in turn allows Him to reveal Himself to us. He acknowledges the challenge of remembering and adhering to numerous commandments, suggesting that we should rest in faith and wait for Christ's teachings to touch our lives. When His teachings resonate with us, obedience becomes a natural response. Tozer illustrates this with a testimony about a man who prayed for deliverance from shipwreck, highlighting that one cannot be saved from experiences they have never encountered. Ultimately, he encourages instant obedience to Christ's teachings as a sign of total commitment, promising that God will manifest Himself in our lives.
Light of Life
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 119:105PRO 3:5ISA 40:29MAT 6:26JHN 1:4ROM 10:172TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:22REV 21:4A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the Bible is a life-giving book, designed to guide humanity towards understanding God's mercy, the importance of faith, and the need for trust in our Heavenly Father. He explains that the scriptures serve to remind us of our frailty, warn us of the dangers of sin, and prepare us for eternal life in heaven. The Bible's teachings are not merely for intellectual curiosity but are meant to lead us away from destruction and towards divine grace. Through its stories and lessons, we are encouraged to reflect on our faults and seek deliverance. Ultimately, the Bible is a beacon of hope and guidance for our spiritual journey.
Nothing Too Hard for God
By Octavius Winslow0JER 32:26Octavius Winslow emphasizes the limitless power of God, as illustrated in Jeremiah 32:26-27, where God challenges believers to consider if anything is too hard for Him. He encourages believers to rely solely on the Word of the Lord, dismissing doubts and fears that arise from human experience and circumstances. Winslow asserts that understanding God's infinite nature strengthens faith, allowing believers to confront their difficulties with confidence in His all-sufficiency. He reminds us that no sin or guilt is beyond God's grace, urging a deeper love for God through faith and intimate relationship with Him. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to trust in God's boundless mercy and power, fostering a life of love and service.