Spiritual Integrity
Spiritual Integrity21
Recompense and Rewards
By Erlo Stegen0JHN 15:7GAL 5:19REV 22:12Erlo Stegen emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for Christ's return, highlighting that Jesus will come quickly with rewards based on our deeds. He stresses the importance of 'washing our garments'—a metaphor for living a pure and righteous life—so that we are not classified among the wicked. Stegen warns that judgment will be severe, and only those who abide in Christ and follow His commandments will inherit the kingdom of God. He challenges listeners to examine their lives and ensure they are truly living in accordance with Jesus' teachings, as the time for recompense is near. The sermon calls for self-reflection and a commitment to spiritual integrity in anticipation of Christ's return.
Issues of the Heart
By Phil Beach Jr.2045:23JHN 6:5Phil Beach Jr. addresses the 'Issues of the Heart,' emphasizing the importance of being responsive to God's word and the tests He places in our lives. He explains that God often asks questions not for information, but to reveal what is in our hearts, as seen in the examples of Philip and Moses. The sermon warns against the dangers of a cold heart due to lawlessness and encourages believers to diligently seek God and keep His commandments to maintain a warm and loving heart. Beach highlights that our responses to God's tests reflect our spiritual integrity and relationship with Him.
Power of the Tongue
By Brian Guerin31:01:47PRO 18:21JAS 3:1Brian Guerin emphasizes the profound impact of our words in his sermon 'Power of the Tongue,' illustrating how the tongue holds the power of life and death. He warns that careless speech can lead to spiritual ruin and emphasizes the need for humility and integrity in our communication. Guerin shares personal anecdotes and biblical examples to highlight the importance of using our words to uplift rather than tear down, urging the congregation to be mindful of their speech. He concludes with a call for healing and transformation, encouraging everyone to seek God's guidance in their conversations.
Three Leavens to Beware Of
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:04:03MAT 16:6Zac Poonen warns against three types of leaven that can corrupt our spiritual lives: the leaven of the Pharisees, which represents hypocrisy and legalism; the leaven of Herod, which embodies worldliness and a lack of spiritual depth; and the leaven of the Sadducees, which signifies disbelief in miracles and the supernatural. He emphasizes the importance of being real and honest in our faith, avoiding the traps of false teachings and worldly distractions that can hinder our relationship with God. Poonen encourages believers to examine their hearts and identify any leaven that may be present, urging them to seek a genuine and transformative relationship with Christ.
Sparks of Sin (Part 1)
By K.P. Yohannan0JOS 7:1K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the pervasive nature of sin, illustrating how it begins within an individual and spreads to affect others, much like ripples in a lake. He recounts the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, where despite God's miracles, one man's hidden sin led to their unexpected defeat at Ai. This failure serves as a reminder that even small sins can have devastating consequences, weakening faith and leading to despair. Yohannan challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives, recognizing that seemingly minor sins can undermine their spiritual victories. He encourages sincere introspection and reliance on God to overcome these hidden struggles.
Undefiled in the Midst of Wickedness
By David Wilkerson0PSA 119:9DAN 1:8MAT 5:14ROM 12:22CO 6:17EPH 5:11PHP 2:15JAS 4:41PE 2:91JN 2:15David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity in a corrupt society, using Daniel's commitment to abstain from the king's food as a powerful example. Daniel and his friends chose to remain undefiled amidst the wickedness of Babylon, understanding that compromising their standards would lead to a loss of freedom. They made a pact to uphold their faith and values without imposing their beliefs on others, focusing instead on their personal relationship with God. Wilkerson challenges listeners to consider their own commitment to God's purposes, especially in times of crisis, and to be voices of purity in a morally declining world.
True Christianity Defended
By John Wesley0ISA 1:21EZK 33:2John Wesley defends true Christianity by addressing the corruption in both doctrine and practice within the Church, lamenting how the faithful city has become unfaithful. He emphasizes the responsibility of ministers as watchmen to warn the people against false teachings and the importance of adhering to the true gospel of Christ, which is justification by faith alone. Wesley expresses his deep concern for the state of the Church, urging believers to recognize the necessity of genuine holiness and the power of God in their lives. He calls for a return to the foundational truths of Christianity, warning against complacency and the dangers of a mere outward form of godliness without true spiritual power. Ultimately, he seeks to inspire a revival of faithfulness and purity in the Church, appealing to God's grace for restoration.
Epistle 24
By George Fox0PSA 21:2PSA 34:10PRO 28:1ISA 61:3MAT 11:29EPH 6:11COL 3:91TI 5:141JN 2:17JUD 1:6George Fox emphasizes the importance of dwelling in truth and walking in love, patience, and humility, urging Friends to maintain their spiritual integrity and resist the adversary through righteous living. He highlights the need for unity in Christ, warning against the dangers of pride and worldly distractions that can lead to spiritual decay. Fox encourages believers to grow in wisdom and understanding, focusing on eternal values rather than temporary worldly gains, and to remain steadfast in their faith against the wiles of the devil. He reassures that those who abide in God's will will find true joy and peace, while those who rely on earthly foundations will ultimately face judgment. The sermon calls for a deep, genuine relationship with God, rooted in the fear of the Lord and the power of truth.
The Divine Reaction
By T. Austin-Sparks0EZK 12:61TI 3:151TI 4:121TI 6:202TI 2:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the crisis faced by the early church as Paul prepares to depart, leaving Timothy and others to uphold the truth amidst moral laxity and spiritual decline. He warns against the dangers of formalism and the need for spiritual integrity in leadership, highlighting Timothy as a symbol of God's reaction to these challenges. Sparks stresses that true spirituality is rooted in weakness and dependence on God's grace, urging believers to maintain their spiritual measure in the face of adversity. He calls for a return to the essence of spiritual life, where authority and knowledge are derived from genuine spiritual character rather than official titles. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a reminder that God's men and women must honor Him above all else to preserve the purity of His testimony.
The Division of Soul and Spirit
By William MacDonald0MAT 6:19JHN 4:24ROM 12:11CO 3:12GAL 5:22EPH 6:12PHP 4:8COL 3:21TH 5:23HEB 4:12William MacDonald emphasizes the distinction between the spirit and soul in the life of a believer, highlighting that the spirit connects us with God while the soul relates to our emotions and passions. He critiques the modern tendency to prioritize the body and soulish activities over spiritual matters, urging the church to focus on genuine worship, prayer, and service that glorifies Christ. MacDonald warns against the dangers of soulish practices that draw attention to self rather than God, and he calls for a return to spiritual integrity in the church's activities and outreach.
Blessed Is He That Watcheth
By C.H. Spurgeon0MAT 26:41ROM 8:37EPH 6:10COL 3:22TI 4:7HEB 12:1JAS 4:41PE 5:81JN 2:15REV 3:15C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of vigilance in the Christian life, warning that while modern believers may not face the same physical persecutions as early Christians, they are still at risk from the subtle dangers of worldly influences and complacency. He highlights that the trials of wealth, societal pressures, and the temptation to conform to the world's standards can be more insidious than outright persecution. Spurgeon urges Christians to remain awake and fervent in their faith, as the current age may lead many to become hypocritical in their profession of faith. He calls for a genuine love for Christ and a steadfast confidence in Him, reminding believers that they are more than conquerors through Jesus. The sermon serves as a wake-up call to maintain spiritual integrity in a time of ease and distraction.
(Pdf Book) Much Business
By Bakht Singh92000:002CH 17:12Bakht Singh emphasizes the story of King Jehoshaphat, who initially ruled with a fear of God and sought to teach His commandments to the people of Judah. However, as he became prosperous, he fell into the trap of covetousness and began to prioritize material wealth over his spiritual responsibilities, leading to alliances with ungodly leaders like Ahab. This gradual shift away from God ultimately resulted in Jehoshaphat's downfall, illustrating the dangers of allowing worldly desires to creep into our lives. Singh warns that even those who start well can falter if they do not remain vigilant against the love of money and worldly associations. The sermon serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity amidst prosperity.
Testing the Spirits
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 7:15ACT 17:112CO 11:13GAL 1:8EPH 4:141TH 5:212TI 4:3HEB 5:141PE 5:81JN 4:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of discerning the spirits that claim to represent Christianity, warning against the gullibility that can arise from a misguided sense of spirituality. He critiques the tendency of some Christians to accept every new teaching or prophet without scrutiny, fearing they might reject something genuinely from God. Tozer argues that true faith involves a careful examination of teachings and a commitment to reject anything that does not align with God's truth. He reminds believers that the command to 'try the spirits' is essential for spiritual integrity and responsibility, especially as the end times approach.
(The New Covenant Servant) 3. the Lord Rebukes the Elders
By Zac Poonen0REV 2:1Zac Poonen emphasizes the Lord's rebuke of the elders in the churches of Revelation, highlighting their failures in devotion, tolerance of worldly teachings, and hypocrisy. He points out that the elder in Ephesus lost fervent devotion to the Lord, while the elder in Pergamum allowed lax teachings that led to worldliness. The elder in Sardis was criticized for living on reputation rather than spiritual reality, and the elder in Laodicea was blind to his own wretchedness. Poonen stresses the importance of personal relationship with God over mere service, and the need for elders to lead by example, free from the love of money and the desire for human approval.
Letter: 42e 84 W Kelly, Plymouth, November 12th, 1845
By John Nelson Darby01CO 5:6John Nelson Darby addresses a beloved brother regarding his decision to withdraw from communion due to the presence of unconfessed evil and a lack of spiritual integrity within the gathering. He emphasizes that his actions were not hasty but rather a response to serious issues that had been ignored, including the subversion of principles and the refusal to reinstate a meeting essential for moral discipline. Darby expresses his grief over the situation but feels a sense of peace and divine approval for his decision, believing it has awakened the consciences of many. He hopes for restoration and healing within the community, while maintaining his commitment to truth and righteousness. His letter reflects a deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the saints and a desire for unity in Christ.
Guilt or Grief Is All You Shall Gain
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 1:1PRO 13:201CO 15:33Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of associating with bad company, warning that such relationships can lead to guilt and grief rather than spiritual growth. He illustrates this point by referencing biblical figures like Lot, David, Joseph, and Peter, who faced consequences due to their associations. Brooks argues that bad company can diminish the sweetness and goodness of a Christian's spirit, ultimately hindering their spiritual journey. He encourages believers to be mindful of their companions, as familiarity with the wicked can tarnish their spiritual beauty and glory.
Having Pure Eyes
By Erlo Stegen0JOB 31:1PSA 139:23PRO 4:23MAT 5:28ROM 12:21CO 6:18GAL 5:19EPH 5:31TH 4:31PE 2:11Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in our eyes and hearts, referencing Job's covenant to avoid lustful gazes. He highlights the pervasive spirit of immorality in society and challenges parents to take a stand against inappropriate content in their homes. Stegen warns that indulging in lustful thoughts or images can lead to spiritual decay and emphasizes that both men and women must guard their hearts against such temptations. He calls for self-examination and the removal of any filth that hinders our spiritual walk with God.
Of a Good Conscience.
By John Gill0ROM 2:142TI 1:3John Gill emphasizes the significance of a good conscience in the life of a believer, asserting that it is essential for true worship and obedience to God. He explains that a good conscience is rooted in the knowledge of God's will and acts as a guide for moral and spiritual decisions. Gill outlines the various functions of conscience, including its role as a judge and witness, and contrasts a good conscience with an evil one, highlighting the peace and joy that come from being cleansed by Christ's sacrifice. He encourages believers to maintain a pure conscience through continual reflection and reliance on the blood of Christ, which brings freedom from guilt and fear of judgment.
Spoiling the Entire Batch
By David Wilkerson0HEB 13:20David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the presence of Christ, highlighting the joy and holiness that comes from intimacy with Him. He warns that while believers may face trials, they must remain steadfast and avoid compromises that can hinder their spiritual growth. Wilkerson draws attention to the danger of allowing even a small sin to disrupt one's relationship with God, referencing Paul's admonition to the Galatians about the impact of leaven. The sermon serves as a reminder to examine our lives for anything that may spoil our walk with Christ and to strive for a life fully pleasing to God.
More Than Food
By J.R. Miller0MAT 6:25J.R. Miller emphasizes that our true life is not defined by our circumstances or material possessions, but by the soul within us. He illustrates that while external factors like health and wealth may change, the essence of our being remains constant and is of utmost importance. Miller encourages believers to cultivate a Christ-like character amidst life's trials and temptations, asserting that only through Christ can we navigate life's dangers and maintain our spiritual integrity. He highlights the responsibility we have in influencing others, particularly in nurturing children and friendships, and underscores that true safety and guidance come from committing our lives to Christ. Ultimately, Miller reassures that God’s hands are the safest for our eternal keeping.
Keeping the Heart
By A.W. Pink0PRO 4:23MAT 5:1A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of keeping the heart in his sermon 'Keeping the Heart.' He warns that many professing Christians may appear morally upright outwardly, yet neglect the state of their hearts, which God holds accountable. Pink stresses that true salvation involves both the work of Christ and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us, urging believers to guard their hearts diligently as they are the source of life. He highlights that God desires truth in our inward parts and that our actions must stem from a pure heart, as neglecting this leads to spiritual decay. Ultimately, Pink calls for a sincere examination of our inner motives and a commitment to holiness, seeking divine aid to maintain a heart aligned with God's will.