Erlo Stegen emphasizes the profound agony Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane, not merely due to the fear of death, but because He bore the weight of humanity's sin. He illustrates that the cup Jesus drank symbolized His pledge to us as the Heavenly Bridegroom, identifying with our unfaithfulness and sinfulness. Stegen warns of the seriousness of sin, urging listeners to recognize the cost of salvation and the importance of turning to God before it's too late. He shares poignant stories to highlight the consequences of rejecting God's gifts and the urgency of accepting His grace. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt commitment to serve the Lord, acknowledging the sacrifice made for our sins.

F.B. Meyer explores the confrontation between Ahab and Elijah, emphasizing how Ahab's wrongful actions led to a haunting conscience that overshadowed his material gains. He illustrates that our perception of others, like Elijah, can shift based on the condition of our hearts, turning friends into enemies when we stray from righteousness. Meyer warns against the dangers of selling one's soul for temporary pleasures, likening it to Faust's tragic bargain, where the cost is ultimately death. The sermon highlights the internal struggle between light and darkness, urging listeners to examine their hearts and the true nature of their desires.

Charles Finney emphasizes God's immense love for a sinning world, illustrated by the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. He explains that sin incurs a great cost, both to God and humanity, and that God's love is characterized by self-denial, patience, and a desire for the highest good of the universe. Finney argues that the atonement is universal, available to all who believe, and that it is essential for individuals to accept this gift through faith. He warns against the dangers of taking God's love for granted and encourages believers to respond with gratitude and commitment to God's work.

Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the need for the church to return to the cross, using the Valley of Achor as a metaphor for healing from spiritual ruin. He explains that the Valley of Achor represents the consequences of sin and self-centeredness, urging believers to recognize the impact of their actions on Christ rather than merely on themselves. The sermon calls for a heartfelt cry for deliverance from iniquity and a return to God, highlighting that true restoration comes from understanding the cost of sin to Christ. Beach encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with God, moving away from a self-centered faith to one that prioritizes God's heart and purposes. Ultimately, he reassures that God promises healing and restoration to those who genuinely seek Him.