Spiritual Preparation
Spiritual Preparation14
John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 4
By John Wesley0DEU 6:16DEU 8:3PSA 91:11ISA 9:1MAT 4:1MAT 4:17MAT 4:23MRK 1:12LUK 4:1JHN 1:43John Wesley expounds on Matthew 4, illustrating how Jesus, after receiving divine affirmation, faced intense temptations. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation, as seen in Jesus' fasting, which strengthened Him for the trials ahead. Wesley highlights Christ's responses to temptation, showcasing the power of Scripture in overcoming the devil's suggestions. The sermon also notes the significance of Jesus' ministry beginning in Galilee, where He preached repentance and the coming of the kingdom of heaven. Ultimately, Wesley encourages believers to rely on God's word and strength in their own spiritual battles.
The Nature of the City
By T. Austin-Sparks0HEB 11:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the new Jerusalem as a divine city built by God, contrasting it with earthly cities that fail to satisfy God's nature. He reflects on Abraham's faith in seeking a city whose builder is God, highlighting the spiritual journey of believers who are part of this heavenly city. Sparks warns of the urgency of preparing for the imminent changes in the world, suggesting that God is actively building His Son into believers, shaping them for eternity. He encourages the understanding that the heavenly Jerusalem represents a people conformed to Christ's image rather than a physical location. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a recognition of the spiritual reality of God's work in believers' lives as they are being prepared for eternal glory.
Just Wait on God
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 46:10PRO 3:5ISA 40:31HAB 2:20MAT 6:6MRK 16:15LUK 24:49ACT 1:14GAL 5:25JAS 1:19A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of waiting on God rather than being overly busy in religious activities. He critiques the tendency of Christians to rush into action without seeking divine guidance, using the example of Peter who was instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit before preaching. Tozer suggests that the Church would benefit from a period of inactivity to truly listen for God's direction, similar to the waiting period before Pentecost. He encourages believers to pause and seek God's will, recognizing that true power comes from being spiritually prepared. The sermon calls for a deeper reliance on God rather than mere busyness in ministry.
America's Golden Calf Is Coming Down!
By David Wilkerson02KI 24:3David Wilkerson warns that America is on the brink of an economic collapse due to divine judgment for the shedding of innocent blood, particularly through abortion and violence. He describes two potential scenarios: a sudden market crash leading to panic or a temporary rebound followed by euphoric speculation. Wilkerson emphasizes the need for spiritual preparation rather than mere physical survival tactics, urging Christians to seek a deeper relationship with God and the truth of His Word. He believes that true revival will emerge from this chaos, driven by a hunger for genuine truth and a rejection of superficiality in faith. Ultimately, he calls for believers to be ready for the coming storm by grounding themselves in the Spirit of truth.
Knowing the Lord’s Mind and Will
By David Wilkerson0PSA 10:17ISA 42:13JER 29:13MAT 7:7JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:141CO 2:12EPH 1:17JAS 1:5David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of knowing the Lord's mind and will through a three-step process: petitioning God in prayer, preparing one's heart to hear His voice, and trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide us. He foresees a time when God will pour out His Spirit in unprecedented ways, leading many to seek genuine faith and connection with those who walk closely with God. Wilkerson urges believers to prepare their hearts for God's work, confessing their desire for a meaningful life and engaging deeply with Scripture. He reassures that as we ready ourselves, God will present opportunities for ministry right at our doorstep. Ultimately, he calls for readiness to serve in the last days, as God's glory will manifest in those who are prepared.
Fast Weekly: Positioning Ourselves to Freely Receive More From God
By Mike Bickle2454:44MAT 6:17Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of fasting as a means to prepare the church for an impending revival and the challenges that accompany it. He explains that fasting is not about earning God's favor but positioning ourselves to receive His grace and power, which is essential for effective ministry and personal transformation. Bickle encourages believers to adopt a fasted lifestyle, which includes not only fasting from food but also from distractions in time and money, to deepen their intimacy with God. He highlights that fasting is a normative practice in Christianity, essential for spiritual growth and understanding God's plans. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a collective response to the current crises through prayer and fasting, urging the church to seek God's intervention and guidance.
Preparation for the Prophetic, Part 2
By David Ravenhill4833:232KI 2:1David Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of spiritual preparation for prophetic ministry, using the journey of Elisha with Elijah as a metaphor. He highlights that Gilgal represents a starting point for spiritual growth, while Bethel signifies the importance of understanding one's spiritual roots and the need for revelation. Ravenhill warns against becoming complacent in past victories, urging believers to move beyond mere knowledge of sanctification and holiness to actively pursue God's calling. He stresses the importance of recognizing the true condition of the church and the role of the prophetic in restoration, culminating in the necessity of a 'Jordan experience'—a place of humility and surrender before asking for God's anointing. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to pressing forward in faith and not settling for less than God's best.
The Local Church That God Blesses - the Home in a Permissive Society
By Peter Brandon41:02:10EPH 5:18Peter Brandon emphasizes the critical need for building New Testament homes in a permissive society, highlighting that Christian homes are under attack and must uphold biblical standards of marriage. He discusses the importance of spiritual, moral, and parental preparation for marriage, as well as the principles of love, respect, and mutual submission between husbands and wives. Brandon asserts that a strong Christian marriage serves as a powerful witness in a decaying society, and that true spirituality is revealed in the home rather than on the platform. He encourages couples to cultivate a Christ-centered relationship, emphasizing the permanence of marriage and the necessity of a spiritual link through prayer and worship.
The Need for Power From on High
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 28:19LUK 24:49ACT 1:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of being spiritually prepared and empowered before engaging in ministry, as Christ instructed His disciples to wait for power from on high. He warns that unqualified individuals cannot effectively spread the Gospel, as they will only replicate their own spiritual deficiencies in others. True repentance leads to purified hearts and sanctified lives, which in turn enhances the effectiveness of soul-winning and missionary efforts. Tozer asserts that genuine obedience to Christ's teachings will result in greater spiritual fruitfulness and glorification of God in all endeavors.
The Local Church That God Blesses - Evangelism in Depth
By Peter Brandon749:30LUK 5:1Peter Brandon emphasizes the significance of evangelism through the parable of the miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5. He illustrates how Jesus used this miracle to teach the disciples about their new mission to 'catch men' and the importance of being prepared and cleansed for effective ministry. Brandon highlights the necessity of washing the nets, launching out into the deep, and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to see true growth in the church. He encourages believers to engage actively in evangelism, emphasizing that genuine repentance and a heart for the lost are crucial for experiencing God's blessings. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a humble response to God's work, recognizing our need for His grace and power in our efforts to reach others.
Forerunner Ministry: Friends of the Bridegroom
By Mike Bickle251:01:37ISA 40:3JER 12:5MAT 11:11JHN 1:23REV 7:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the forerunner ministry in preparing believers for the return of the Lord, drawing from Isaiah 40, which prophesies a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way for God. He explains that forerunners are called to help people respond rightly to both unprecedented revival and judgment, which will occur in the end times. Bickle encourages the church to strengthen their spiritual identity and focus, as many will be called to this ministry of mercy to guide others through the coming challenges. He highlights the importance of deep preparation and understanding of God's word to effectively communicate His message in a time of confusion and fear. Ultimately, the forerunner ministry is about making clear the heart of God and connecting people to Him as the bridegroom.
Studying the Song: Why and How?
By Mike Bickle1643:57SNG 8:6Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of studying the Song of Solomon, revealing it as a profound expression of Jesus's love for His people. He shares his initial reluctance to engage with the book but later discovers its deep emotional truths and the importance of understanding God's feelings towards humanity. Bickle highlights two main themes: God's emotions for His people and the call to prioritize the first commandment of love. He encourages believers to engage in a personal dialogue with God through the scriptures, fostering a deeper relationship with Him. Ultimately, Bickle asserts that knowing God's love is essential for spiritual preparation in a world increasingly marked by emotional and sexual brokenness.
The Glory of God
By Andrew Murray0PSA 62:5HAB 2:20MAT 5:8EPH 3:21Andrew Murray emphasizes that the glory of God can only be revealed to us through divine revelation, urging believers to prepare their hearts like imaging sensors to receive this glory. He draws a parallel between the vastness of the starry heavens and the need for a still and pure heart to perceive God's presence. By silencing our own thoughts and waiting upon God, we open ourselves to His transformative glory, which can bless both ourselves and others. Murray encourages a humble offering of our spirits to God, trusting that He will manifest His love and glory in our lives.
Alone With God
By A.W. Tozer0EXO 14:14PSA 46:10PSA 62:1ISA 30:15MAT 6:6MAT 14:23MRK 1:35LUK 5:16JHN 6:3JAS 4:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of solitude with God, illustrating how Jesus withdrew to a mountainside to be alone with His disciples before performing miracles. He argues that true spiritual learning often requires moments of silence and inactivity, away from the distractions of others. Tozer suggests that our religious activities should be preceded by a time of aloneness to be spiritually charged and prepared for action. He highlights that Jesus was ready for the people because He had taken the time to meditate and connect with God. The sermon encourages believers to seek quiet moments with God to be filled with His Spirit before engaging with the world.