T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of Samuel's ministry as a representation of power with God, particularly in a time when the people of Israel were not aligned with God's original intentions. He draws parallels between Samuel's era and the present, highlighting the need for a new beginning and a personal relationship with God, free from the constraints of tradition. Sparks urges believers to seek firsthand knowledge of God, moving beyond secondhand beliefs, and to become sensitive to God's dissatisfaction with the current state of His people. He illustrates that true ministry arises from a burdened heart that resonates with God's desires, positioning believers as bridges for God's transition from the old to the new. Ultimately, Sparks calls for a commitment to a personal walk with God, which empowers believers to influence their surroundings according to His will.

Chuck Smith emphasizes that every soul belongs to God, highlighting the personal relationship each individual has with Him. He explains that we are accountable for our own choices and cannot rely on the righteousness of others, such as our parents or spouses. Smith also discusses the rights we have in God, including access to His wisdom, strength, love, and grace, as well as the responsibility to know, love, and submit to Him. Ultimately, he asserts that true self-discovery and potential are found in acknowledging God's claim over our lives.

Neil Fraser emphasizes the importance of personal faith and the sufficiency of God's grace in his sermon at the Koronis Conference. He illustrates this through the story of a widow in 2 Kings 4, who, despite her dire circumstances, discovers that even a small amount of oil in God's hands can provide abundantly. Fraser connects this to Romans 5, highlighting that through faith, we have peace with God and access to His grace, encouraging believers to rejoice in their relationship with God rather than merely in His blessings. He stresses the need for individual faith and the joy found in God Himself, urging the congregation to cultivate a personal relationship with Him.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound comfort found in recognizing our personal relationship with God, declaring that the word 'mine' is the sweetest and most comforting. He illustrates how knowing God as our own brings joy and delight, transforming every experience into a source of pleasure, even amidst trials. Brooks encourages believers to reflect on their ownership of God, which enriches their lives and provides strength, guidance, and support. This understanding turns bitterness into sweetness and burdens into lightness, making God the ultimate source of comfort and joy. Ultimately, he portrays the relationship with God as invaluable, likening it to treasures and comforts that sustain us through life's challenges.

Peter Brandon emphasizes the significance of faith, asserting that belief in Jesus Christ is essential for eternal life. He addresses the skepticism of modern society regarding faith in a scientific age, illustrating that faith is a fundamental aspect of everyday life. Brandon distinguishes between natural faith and biblical faith, explaining that true faith involves knowing, trusting, and being abandoned to Christ. He encourages individuals to recognize God's personal interest in them and to take a step of faith by trusting in Jesus for salvation. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt response to God's love, urging listeners to surrender to Him.

Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the transformative power of waiting patiently on the Lord, as illustrated in Psalm 40. He reflects on how few truly follow God's counsel, likening it to baking a cake without a proper recipe. Waldvogel encourages believers to seek God personally and to dedicate time to prayer and reflection, asserting that true blessings come from a direct relationship with God. He warns against the distractions of the world and the flesh, urging listeners to embrace the call to a deeper spiritual life. Ultimately, he assures that waiting on the Lord leads to divine intervention and a solid foundation in faith.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the transformative power of taking a personal approach to God, illustrating that every act of God was done for each individual. He reflects on the significance of Christ's death and resurrection, asserting that it was for each person, and that the Holy Spirit's work continues within us. Tozer highlights the richness of God's mercy, reminding us that God gives all of Himself to each child, not in parts but wholly. This personal relationship with God allows us to claim the fullness of His blessings and grace. Ultimately, Tozer encourages believers to recognize the intimate and personal nature of their faith.

Peter Brandon addresses the question of how modern individuals can have faith, emphasizing that faith is essential for everyday life and is not diminished by advancements in technology and science. He explains that true faith must be personal and cannot be inherited, and he illustrates this by discussing the nature of faith as a heart matter rather than mere intellectual assent. Brandon reassures listeners that God is deeply interested in each individual, having demonstrated this through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offers salvation to all who believe. He encourages the congregation to move beyond head knowledge to a heartfelt trust in Christ, which leads to true faith and eternal life.

Alexander Maclaren expounds on the profound names of God as revealed by Jacob, emphasizing the Mighty God of Jacob, the Shepherd, and the Stone of Israel. He illustrates how Jacob's reflections on God's faithfulness throughout his life culminate in a deep personal relationship with God, who is both a protector and a source of strength. Maclaren encourages believers to recognize God's active presence in their lives and to embrace the personal bond they share with Him. The sermon highlights the importance of seeing God as a refuge and a solid foundation, drawing parallels between Jacob's experiences and the believer's journey today.

G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the Passover in Israel's history, illustrating how each household became a priest unto God by personally handling and consuming the lamb, symbolizing their direct relationship with Him. This act of individual participation in the Passover feast was a divine design to establish a kingdom of priests, where every Israelite was seen as a priest without the need for a separate priesthood at that time. North highlights that the Passover was not merely a ritual but a profound declaration of Israel's identity as God's firstborn and a holy nation, setting the stage for the New Covenant introduced by Jesus. The sermon underscores the importance of personal engagement with God and the communal identity of believers as a royal priesthood.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God, highlighting the tragic reality that many believers live without a true awareness of His presence, much like Absalom who remained distant from his father, the king. He argues that knowing God is the essence of eternal life and the ultimate purpose of our creation, which was marred by sin. Tozer asserts that Christ's redemptive work was to restore our connection with God, and that the Holy Spirit's role in sanctification is to enhance our God-awareness. He concludes that if we could make only one request of God, it should be for His presence, as that encompasses all we truly need.