G.W. North emphasizes that man was originally created by God's breath, embodying a perfect union of spirit, soul, and body, but through sin, he fell from this spiritual state into a carnal existence. This tragic change led to a disconnection from God, resulting in a life dominated by sin and death. North highlights that true restoration to our original state can only be achieved through Jesus Christ, who exemplified the spiritual life intended for humanity. He explains that living in the Spirit, as Christ did, is essential for overcoming sin and experiencing true life and peace. The sermon concludes with the necessity of being in Christ to access the transformative power of the Spirit of life.

Andrew Murray emphasizes the path to restoration for Christians who feel stuck in a mediocre spiritual life. He draws parallels between the prodigal son and the elder brother, urging believers to repent for their hard thoughts about God and to seek a deeper experience of His promises. Murray encourages those who have tasted God's grace to recognize their longing for more and to believe in God's ability to cleanse their past sins. He calls for a genuine repentance that leads to a renewed faith and a richer relationship with God.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound blessing of mourning for sin, illustrating that true mourning reflects a deep sorrow akin to the loss of a loved one. He explains that this mourning should encompass both personal and communal sins, as well as a longing for spiritual restoration and communion with God. Brooks highlights that such mourning is not only for one's own sins but also for the sins and afflictions of others, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's compassion. He encourages believers to recognize the weight of sin as the greatest evil and to mourn for the spiritual losses that hinder their relationship with God. Ultimately, Brooks reassures that those who mourn in this way will be comforted by God's grace and mercy.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes Nehemiah's proactive approach to addressing the broken state of Jerusalem's wall, highlighting the importance of firsthand knowledge and personal conviction in recognizing spiritual decay. Nehemiah's courage and determination to repair the wall serve as a model for believers today, urging them to not only identify issues within the Church but also to take action and inspire others to join in the restoration efforts. Sparks draws parallels between Nehemiah's leadership and the Apostle Paul's, stressing the need for a clear definition of what constitutes the testimony of Christ amidst confusion and compromise. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a collective response to rebuild and restore the spiritual integrity of the Church, reflecting God's will and purpose.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgent need for revival, defining it as a process of recovery and restoration of spiritual vitality. He explains that fallow ground represents the unproductive state of believers who have lost their fervor for God, urging individuals to break up this ground through prayer and repentance. Ravenhill contrasts revival with organized evangelism, asserting that true revival is a sovereign act of God that cannot be manufactured or predicted. He calls for a deep vision of God's sorrow over sin and the necessity of personal brokenness to prepare for revival. Ultimately, he stresses that God desires to fill empty hearts rather than just church pews, highlighting the critical state of the church in a broken world.