Persistence in Faith
Persistence in Faith5
Cease Not to Cry Unto the Lord Our God
By F.B. Meyer01SA 7:8LUK 18:7F.B. Meyer emphasizes the power of persistent prayer in his sermon 'Cease Not to Cry Unto the Lord Our God,' drawing inspiration from Samuel's life as a man of prayer who interceded for Israel. He highlights that true blessings and spiritual awakenings come through fervent and expectant prayer, as demonstrated by historical figures like John Knox and Reginald Radcliffe. Meyer urges believers to remain steadfast in their cries to God, reminding them that just as God avenged the widow, He will respond to His elect who pray day and night. The sermon calls for a renewed commitment to continuous prayer, following the example of Jesus, who prayed at all times. Ultimately, Meyer challenges the congregation to reflect on their prayer lives and the necessity of ceaseless communication with God.
Seek Desperately for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
By Zac Poonen02KI 2:1Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the same persistence as Elisha demonstrated in following Elijah. Elisha's desire for a double portion of Elijah's spirit illustrates the need for believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God rather than settling for less. Poonen encourages Christians to not be satisfied with partial experiences but to press on for God's best, reminding them that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a significant and challenging request that requires faith and focus on Jesus as the true Baptizer. He highlights that true anointing will manifest in one's life and ministry, reflecting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, Poonen assures that those who earnestly seek will not be disappointed by God.
Going on Is for Those Who Have Begun
By A.W. Tozer0JHN 15:5ROM 12:21CO 9:24GAL 6:9EPH 2:8PHP 1:62TI 4:7HEB 3:14HEB 10:352PE 3:18A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of persistence in the Christian journey, urging believers to hold firmly to their initial confidence in Christ despite challenges. He warns against the liberal perspective that encourages unrenewed sinners to continue in the faith without true spiritual life, which can lead to spiritual peril. Tozer stresses that genuine growth and development in faith can only occur when a true saving act of God has taken place in a person's heart, highlighting the importance of a real transformation for a fruitful Christian life.
Prayer and Importunity (Continued)
By E.M. Bounds0LUK 11:5E.M. Bounds emphasizes the necessity of earnest and persistent prayer, illustrating that true prayer requires energy, courage, and unwavering determination. He uses the parable of a man seeking bread at midnight to demonstrate that importunity in prayer can lead to success where ordinary requests fail. Bounds argues that laxity and impatience can hinder our prayers, while importunate praying reflects a deep inward movement toward God, demanding our full spiritual engagement. He cites biblical examples, such as the persistent cries of Bartimaeus and Moses' intercession for Israel, to highlight that true prayer must be characterized by intensity and perseverance. Ultimately, Bounds encourages believers to approach God with unwavering faith and relentless pursuit until their prayers are answered.
Prayer and Importunity
By E.M. Bounds0LUK 18:1E.M. Bounds emphasizes the necessity of importunate prayer, urging believers to persistently seek God without losing heart. He illustrates that true prayer is a passionate movement of the soul towards God, characterized by tenacity and urgency, rather than mere physical effort. Bounds highlights biblical examples, such as the importunate widow and the Syrophoenician woman, to demonstrate that fervent prayer can overcome obstacles and lead to divine intervention. He asserts that prayer is essential for a genuine relationship with God and that a lack of prayer signifies a lack of faith. Ultimately, he encourages Christians to cultivate a spirit of importunity in their prayers, as it is through such fervent requests that they can experience God's grace and blessings.