Spiritual Responsibility
Spiritual Responsibility15
Grumbling and Complaining - Part 1
By Keith Green9.6K31:32NUM 11:1MAT 11:20HEB 10:28HEB 12:25HEB 13:17Keith Green addresses the dangers of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing how such attitudes anger God and burden spiritual leaders. He highlights the contrast between the Old and New Testaments, explaining that while the Old Covenant had severe requirements, the New Covenant carries a greater responsibility due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Green warns that disobedience under the New Covenant incurs harsher judgment, as believers have been given the Spirit to help them obey. He uses biblical examples, particularly from Numbers and Hebrews, to illustrate the consequences of complaining and the importance of trust in God. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of God's love and justice, urging believers to be mindful of their attitudes and actions.
(The Fire of God) the Baptism of Fire
By Zac Poonen2.8K58:53MAL 4:5MAT 3:2LUK 1:17REV 2:5Zac Poonen emphasizes the critical message of repentance as preached by John the Baptist, urging the church to prepare for the second coming of Christ. He highlights the need for a genuine change of heart towards sin, warning against the dangers of a faith that lacks true repentance. Poonen stresses the responsibility of fathers to guide their children spiritually, asserting that the church cannot replace parental guidance in leading children to Christ. He calls for a baptism of fire, which signifies a deep, transformative experience with the Holy Spirit, essential for true discipleship. The sermon serves as a wake-up call for believers to take their spiritual lives seriously and to seek a genuine relationship with God.
Responsibility of Hearing the Gospel
By Charles Finney0PRO 4:20MAT 13:9LUK 8:18ROM 10:17HEB 2:1JAS 1:22Charles Finney emphasizes the critical responsibility of how we hear the Gospel, urging listeners to take heed and be attentive to God's word. He explains that the manner of our hearing directly impacts our understanding and spiritual growth, as well as the salvation of ourselves and others. Finney warns that neglecting to hear with seriousness can lead to misunderstanding and spiritual decline, and he outlines specific ways to approach hearing the Gospel, including deep attention, reverence, and a sincere desire to understand. He concludes by stressing the eternal consequences of our hearing and the importance of responding to God's call with urgency and obedience.
Truth & Deception: When Kingdoms Collide
By Shane Idleman1855:29PSA 111:10PRO 29:25ISA 61:1JER 9:6MAT 5:14ROM 1:251CO 3:182TI 4:2JAS 1:221PE 2:1Shane Idleman addresses the collision of truth and deception in his sermon 'Truth & Deception: When Kingdoms Collide,' emphasizing the confusion within the modern church, much like the early Corinthian church. He warns against self-deception and the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's spiritual growth, urging believers to rid themselves of hypocrisy and deceit. Idleman highlights the necessity of standing firm in God's truth amidst cultural pressures, encouraging Christians to embrace their identity in Christ, even if it appears foolish to the world. He calls for a boldness in proclaiming the gospel and a commitment to rebuilding the foundations of truth in a society that increasingly drifts away from God. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that true wisdom comes from fearing the Lord and living out His commands.
A Great Moral Blunder
By A.W. Tozer0JHN 1:11ROM 11:7A.W. Tozer emphasizes the tragic moral failure of the nation of Israel in failing to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, despite their unique covenant with God. He points out that this rejection represents the greatest moral blunder in history, as Jesus came to His own people and was not received. Tozer warns against Christians who blame the Jews for this rejection, highlighting that they possess spiritual insights and benefits that the Jews did not have. He calls for self-reflection among believers, urging them to acknowledge their own responsibilities rather than casting blame. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to fully embrace the resources of God and recognize their own spiritual state.
To Ministers of the Gospel of All Denominations. [#7]
By Charles Finney0HEB 5:12Charles Finney addresses ministers of the Gospel, emphasizing the critical role they play in nurturing young converts during revivals. He warns that errors in their training can lead to backsliding and stresses the importance of providing thorough, tailored instruction that helps converts discern between true and false affections. Finney highlights the necessity of teaching converts about their spiritual dependence on God and the importance of seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit for stability in their faith. He urges ministers to be vigilant in guiding converts away from selfishness and to keep them spiritually awake and engaged. Ultimately, he calls for a deep commitment to the spiritual well-being of new believers, recognizing the immense responsibility placed upon church leaders.
Our First Responsibility
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 119:147A.W. Tozer emphasizes that our primary responsibility is to God and our own souls rather than to the public. He encourages believers to prioritize prayer over preaching, suggesting that a deep, personal relationship with God will sustain and nourish their spiritual lives. Tozer highlights the importance of spending more time in the secret place with God, allowing the inflow of the Spirit to keep our hearts and minds refreshed. He calls for a commitment to cultivate our acquaintance with God, ensuring we have the spiritual resources to help others. The sermon concludes with a prayer for focus on this vital responsibility.
Presenting Men Perfect
By J.R. Miller0MAT 28:19COL 1:28J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound responsibility Christians have to help one another achieve perfection in Christ, as Paul aimed to do. He illustrates that we are each other's keepers, tasked with nurturing and guiding those around us towards spiritual maturity and beauty. Miller warns against neglecting this duty, highlighting the consequences of failing to influence others positively, whether through words or actions. He stresses that perfection involves both the removal of blemishes and the full development of one's potential, urging believers to actively engage in the lives of others. Ultimately, he calls for a partnership with Christ in this mission, recognizing that while God is the source of transformation, our involvement is crucial.
Our Daily Homily - Numbers
By F.B. Meyer0NUM 1:18NUM 36:2ISA 40:31JHN 1:12ROM 14:121CO 3:16GAL 6:7EPH 4:30HEB 13:151PE 2:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of knowing our spiritual pedigree as children of God, drawing parallels from the genealogical records of Israel. He encourages believers to find comfort in their identity in Christ, regardless of their past experiences, and to recognize their appointed place in God's order. Meyer also highlights the significance of individual responsibility in serving God and the necessity of being cleansed from sin to maintain fellowship with Him. He concludes by reminding us that God's presence is with His people, and we must be careful to honor Him in our lives and actions.
Isaac Dug Again Wells
By Vance Havner0GEN 26:18EXO 14:15JOS 7:10PSA 51:10HOS 10:12MAT 7:7PHP 2:122TI 1:6JAS 4:101JN 1:9Vance Havner emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility in re-opening the spiritual wells that have been filled by the Philistines, rather than waiting for divine intervention. He illustrates that while prayer is powerful, it should not replace our active efforts to address spiritual stagnation, as seen in the examples of Moses and Joshua. Havner encourages believers to engage in repentance, confession, and restitution, acknowledging that these actions may be uncomfortable but are essential for spiritual renewal. He concludes that once we take the initiative to dig, the refreshing water of God's presence will flow once again.
To the Editors of Periodicals Who Are Professing Christians.
By Charles Finney0PRO 18:21EPH 4:29PHP 4:8JAS 3:5Charles Finney addresses the editors of periodicals who profess Christianity, urging them to recognize the profound influence their publications have on society and the church. He emphasizes the responsibility they bear in shaping the character and spirit of their readers, warning against the dangers of publishing slanderous or divisive content. Finney calls for editors to be spiritually discerning and to promote a spirit of holiness and love in their writings, as their influence can either uplift or poison the church and the world. He encourages a collective commitment to prayer and spiritual integrity among editors to foster a revival of true Christian spirit in their publications.
The Devotional Life of the Sunday School Teacher
By J.R. Miller0MAT 19:14JHN 21:15J.R. Miller emphasizes the vital role of a Sunday School teacher's spiritual life in effectively guiding children in their faith. He highlights that teaching is not merely about methods or knowledge, but about embodying Christ's love and character, as teachers represent Him to their students. Miller stresses the importance of preparation, both spiritually and academically, and the necessity of a genuine love for Christ and for the children being taught. He warns that the responsibility of shaping young lives is profound, and teachers must be diligent in their own spiritual growth to positively influence their students.
Resist Not, Grieve Not, Quench Not
By G. Campbell Morgan0JHN 3:7JHN 4:14JHN 7:38ACT 7:51ROM 12:12CO 13:5GAL 5:22EPH 4:301TH 5:191PE 4:10G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the new responsibilities that come with the privileges of the current age, which also bring significant perils, particularly the dangers of resisting, grieving, and quenching the Holy Spirit. He explains that resisting the Spirit is a peril for those not born again, grieving the Spirit pertains to those indwelt by Him, and quenching the Spirit relates to those equipped for service. Morgan urges believers to self-examine their faith and warns against actions that may cause sorrow to the Holy Spirit, ultimately hindering God's purposes. He concludes with a call to loyalty and obedience to the Spirit's leading, highlighting the importance of waiting on God for guidance in service.
Responsibility for What We Have (Luke 16:29,31)
By T. Austin-Sparks0LUK 16:29T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the theme of responsibility in his sermon based on Luke 16:29,31, illustrating the contrast between the rich man and the poor man. He argues that the rich man symbolizes those who have access to spiritual wealth yet remain complacent and fail to share their blessings with others in need. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on how they utilize the divine resources available to them and whether they are growing spiritually or merely accumulating knowledge. Sparks warns that with great spiritual provision comes great responsibility, and our actions will have eternal consequences. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper engagement with God's resources that enriches not only ourselves but also those around us.
The Character of the Lord's Vessel of Recovery
By T. Austin-Sparks0ISA 58:6T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the character of Nehemiah as a vessel of recovery, illustrating how he embodies the qualities necessary for restoring God's testimony. Nehemiah's heart-burden for the state of Jerusalem reflects a deep spiritual concern that goes beyond mere interest; it is a passionate commitment to God's purposes. Sparks contrasts Nehemiah's active, energetic approach with Ezra's more passive demeanor, highlighting the need for decisive action in the face of spiritual decline. The sermon calls for believers to take personal responsibility for the state of the Church and to engage in fervent prayer and action, rather than simply lamenting the situation. Ultimately, the message challenges the congregation to embody Nehemiah's spirit of recovery in their own lives and ministries.