Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of being holy and devoted to God, using the story of a sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet with her tears and expensive ointment as a powerful example of true worship and love. He contrasts her genuine devotion with the indifference of Simon the Pharisee, who failed to honor Jesus properly despite hosting him. Ravenhill urges believers to prioritize their relationship with God over mere religious activities, highlighting that true worship comes from a heart that recognizes its need for forgiveness and grace. The sermon calls for a deeper commitment to holiness and a life that reflects love for Christ through acts of worship and service.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant, contrasting it with the Old Covenant's superficial ministry. He illustrates that while the Old Covenant allowed for external blessings, it left the inner self unchanged, leading to spiritual shallowness and moral failures among leaders. Poonen stresses that true ministry flows from a heart filled with the Holy Spirit, producing the aroma of Christ's humility and love, rather than mere outward displays of power. He calls for a deeper understanding of worship and the necessity of being filled with the Spirit to genuinely reflect Christ's character in our lives. Ultimately, he urges believers to seek a well of living water within, which sustains joy and peace regardless of external circumstances.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant compared to the Old Covenant, illustrating that true ministry begins from within rather than merely external acts. He warns against the dangers of superficial Christianity, where many preachers may have impressive ministries but lack genuine inner change, leading to spiritual shallowness. Poonen highlights that the Holy Spirit's work is to fill us from the inside, creating a well of living water that overflows into our lives and relationships, producing the aroma of Christ. He stresses the importance of worshiping God sincerely and the need for believers to seek a deep, personal relationship with Christ rather than merely seeking ministry success. Ultimately, he calls for a return to genuine worship and the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit, which leads to true discipleship and a life that reflects Christ's character.

Chuck Smith emphasizes that God is a righteous judge who does not require our sacrifices, as everything belongs to Him. He highlights the importance of genuine praise and thanksgiving over mere ritualistic offerings, urging believers to recognize God's sovereignty and grace. Smith warns against the misconception that God's silence equates to approval of sinful behavior, reminding us that true repentance and acknowledgment of our transgressions are essential. He illustrates this through the story of David and Bathsheba, emphasizing that all sin is ultimately against God. The sermon concludes with a call to live righteously and to offer heartfelt praise to God.

Timothy Williams emphasizes the critical need to flee from idolatry, explaining that idolatry is not just about loving worldly things more than God, but also includes worshiping God in ways that do not align with His commands. He highlights that true worship must stem from a heart of obedience and submission to God's will, warning that disobedience and excuses in our worship can lead to spiritual separation from God. Williams uses biblical examples, such as King Saul's disobedience and the Israelites' creation of the golden calf, to illustrate how idolatry manifests in our lives. He calls the congregation to examine their hearts and flee to the cross for cleansing from idolatry, reminding them that God is worthy of their obedience and devotion.

Anton Bosch explores the contrasting kingship of Herod and Jesus, emphasizing that while Herod held the title and power, he was not the true king of the Jews. He highlights how Herod, an Edomite, sought acceptance from the Jewish people through grand gestures, yet his heart was far from God. In contrast, Jesus, born in humble circumstances in Bethlehem, is the rightful heir to the throne of David and the true King of Kings. Bosch challenges the congregation to reflect on who they acknowledge as their king in their lives, urging them to recognize Jesus as the ultimate authority over worldly powers. The sermon concludes with a call to worship Jesus genuinely, beyond mere tradition.

Joseph Carroll emphasizes the necessity of approaching God with a true heart, highlighting that true worship is not merely a matter of words but a heartfelt commitment to God. He illustrates this through personal anecdotes and biblical examples, particularly focusing on Abraham's willingness to surrender his son Isaac as a testament to total devotion. Carroll stresses that a true heart encompasses the intellect, emotions, and will, and that only through the Holy Spirit can one achieve such a heart. He calls for believers to surrender completely to God, as this is foundational for effective worship and service. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that God seeks those with true hearts to show His strength and blessings.

Phil Beach Jr. shares a profound message about the longing of God for a genuine relationship with His people, illustrated through the story of a king who disguises himself as a pauper to find a bride who loves him for who he is, not for his power or riches. He emphasizes that true love for God comes from a place of understanding our need for Him, rather than seeking His blessings or gifts. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own motivations for seeking God and to desire a deeper connection with Him, akin to the woman who anointed Jesus' feet with her tears. Ultimately, Beach Jr. encourages believers to ask God for Himself, trusting that He will reveal Himself in ways that may require us to let go of our attachments to worldly things.

Shane Idleman emphasizes the urgent need for restoring true worship in the church and nation, highlighting the importance of humility, repentance, and a return to God's Word. He draws parallels between the biblical account of King Josiah and the current state of America, urging believers to remove ungodly influences and elevate the truth of Scripture in their lives. Idleman calls for a deep commitment to God, encouraging individuals to seek Him fervently and intercede for the nation. He stresses that true worship is not just about singing but living a life dedicated to God, and he challenges the congregation to renew their covenant with Him.

A.W. Pink emphasizes that true worship can only come from those who are regenerated and reconciled to God, arguing that unregenerate souls cannot genuinely worship Him. He critiques the common misconception that attending services and performing rituals equate to worship, highlighting that true worship must be in spirit and truth, as stated by Christ in John 4:24. Pink warns against the dangers of false worship, which can lead to spiritual blindness and a false sense of security in one's relationship with God. He illustrates that true worship arises from a heart transformed by Christ, filled with gratitude and adoration for God's grace. Ultimately, Pink calls believers to examine their hearts and remove hindrances to worship, such as worldliness and lack of assurance in their salvation.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes the biblical principle that obedience to God is far more valuable than mere sacrifices, as illustrated in 1 Samuel 15:22. He warns against the tendency to separate religion from morality, suggesting that outward rituals cannot compensate for a lack of inner devotion and moral integrity. Meyer highlights that true worship must come from the heart and that even the smallest acts of obedience are more precious to God than grand sacrifices. He calls for self-examination, urging believers to prioritize their spiritual condition over their external offerings.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes the futility of relying on the Ark of the Covenant as a mere symbol of God's presence without a genuine spiritual relationship with Him. The Israelites believed that bringing the Ark into battle would ensure their victory against the Philistines, forgetting that true protection comes from a vital union with God. Meyer warns against the dangers of ritualism and outward religious practices that lack heartfelt devotion, urging believers to seek a deep, personal connection with Christ. He stresses that only through this relationship can one find true safety and fellowship with God. The sermon calls for introspection on how we approach our faith and the importance of aligning our hearts with God.

John Wesley expounds on Matthew 21, emphasizing the humility of Jesus as he enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling prophetic scripture and demonstrating that true kingship is marked by peace rather than worldly power. He highlights the significance of the crowd's acclamations of 'Hosanna' and their subsequent rejection of Jesus, illustrating the fickleness of public opinion and the importance of genuine faith. Wesley also discusses Jesus' cleansing of the temple, condemning the commercialization of worship and calling for a return to true reverence. He warns against unfruitfulness in faith, using the parable of the vineyard to illustrate God's expectations of His people. Ultimately, Wesley calls for a recognition of Jesus as the cornerstone of faith, urging believers to embrace Him wholeheartedly.

John Wesley explains Matthew 15, emphasizing the conflict between human traditions and God's commandments. He highlights the importance of honoring one's parents and critiques the Pharisees for prioritizing their traditions over divine law. Wesley notes that true worship must come from the heart, as mere outward rituals are insufficient. He also discusses the faith of the Canaanite woman, illustrating that genuine faith transcends cultural boundaries. Ultimately, Wesley calls for a deeper understanding of faith and the need to rely on God's goodness.

Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the significance of understanding and receiving the gift of God, which is the living water that Jesus offers. He challenges the notion of worship being tied to physical locations, asserting that true worshippers must worship in spirit and truth, as God seeks those who will connect with Him inwardly. Waldvogel warns against the dangers of outward expressions of faith that lack genuine inward transformation, urging believers to allow God to cleanse their hearts and become true inward Christians. He highlights that the revival believers seek is already within them, waiting to spring forth if they would only give it a chance. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper relationship with Christ, where He becomes the source of righteousness, holiness, and redemption in their lives.

John Gill emphasizes the profound significance of the fear of God in true worship, asserting that it encompasses both internal and external expressions of faith. He explains that fearing God is not about being afraid of Him, but rather about reverence and respect, which leads to obedience and a life aligned with His commandments. Gill contrasts this godly fear with various forms of ungodly fear, such as servile or hypocritical fear, and highlights that true fear of God results in a hatred of sin and a commitment to righteousness. He concludes by affirming the blessings and promises that come to those who fear the Lord, including His protection, provision, and acceptance.

T. Austin-Sparks addresses the critical distinction between mysticism and true spirituality, emphasizing that many in Christendom fail to recognize this difference. He illustrates how religious practices, while seemingly devout, can lead to spiritual death if they do not stem from a genuine relationship with God. Sparks warns against the dangers of relying on aesthetic experiences or ascetic practices, which do not equate to true spiritual life. He stresses that true spirituality is rooted in the spirit, characterized by conscience, communion, and intuition, and that it is through revelation and the new birth that one truly knows God. The sermon calls for a return to a faith-based walk in the Spirit, free from the trappings of human effort and religious imitation.

Paris Reidhead emphasizes the significance of recognizing Jesus as the true King of the Jews, contrasting the wise men's eager search for Him with the indifference of the Jewish leaders who had the Scriptures but failed to see the fulfillment of prophecy. He warns against being content with mere tradition and ritual, urging believers to fully surrender their lives to Christ's sovereignty. Reidhead challenges the audience to examine whether they have truly made Jesus the King of every aspect of their lives, rather than just a distant figure of the past. He calls for a heartfelt response to God's movement today, encouraging believers to seek and worship the King with genuine devotion. Ultimately, he stresses that Jesus must be King of all or not at all.

Andrew Murray emphasizes the significance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, as taught by Jesus to the Samaritan woman. He explains that true worshippers are those who connect with God beyond mere knowledge or tradition, seeking a deeper spiritual relationship through the Holy Spirit. Murray highlights that worship is not confined to specific places or times but should be a continuous expression of our lives in harmony with God's Spirit. He encourages believers to recognize their dependence on Christ for the ability to worship authentically and to embrace the Fatherhood of God as the foundation of their prayer life. Ultimately, Murray calls for a heartfelt desire to learn how to pray and worship in the way that pleases God.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true worship goes beyond merely invoking the name of Jesus; it requires a transformation of nature that aligns with His will. He critiques the notion that there is a magical formula in saying Jesus' name, asserting that genuine worship stems from a new birth and a deep relationship with God. Tozer highlights that understanding the nature of Jesus is essential for receiving His promises and living a life reflective of His character. He references 2 Peter 1:4 to illustrate that believers are called to partake in the divine nature, escaping worldly corruption. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a deeper understanding and embodiment of Jesus' nature in our lives.

A.W. Tozer warns against the resurgence of religious symbols and gadgets in evangelical churches, arguing that they distract from the true presence of Christ. He emphasizes that as the genuine presence of God diminishes, congregations often resort to these symbols as substitutes, leading to formalism and spiritual death. Tozer asserts that the human heart naturally seeks something to love and fear, and if it does not find the true God, it will create false idols. He cautions that a gathering that worships a false god cannot be considered a true church, regardless of its labels.

Theodore Epp emphasizes that the majority can often be wrong, as illustrated in 1 Kings 18:25-29, where the prophets of Baal, despite their numbers and fervor, failed to call down fire from heaven. Elijah's challenge to them highlighted the futility of their idolatry and the importance of true worship. Epp warns that emotional displays and enthusiasm do not equate to spiritual truth, and he uses sarcasm to expose the deception of the Baal worshipers. The sermon reminds us that true strength and salvation come from God, not from the majority or outward appearances.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity and purpose of worshiping God, drawing from Psalm 45 to illustrate that humanity was created to worship Him. He argues that God desires our worship and has commanded it, yet warns that not all forms of worship are acceptable to Him. Tozer critiques various misguided worship practices, including Cain's bloodless offerings and nature worship, asserting that true worship must be rooted in the truth of God and the redemptive work of Christ. He concludes by urging believers to recognize their identity as worshipers and to worship God in spirit and truth, as this is the ultimate purpose of their creation.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of recognizing our brokenness before God, particularly in relation to the Lord's Table. He explains that Jesus, who was without sin, took on our broken humanity and was broken for us, symbolizing our need for redemption. The act of communion serves as a reminder of our own brokenness and the necessity of humility in worship. Sparks illustrates this through the Old Testament scapegoat, which represents the separation from God due to sin, and highlights that true worship comes from a contrite spirit. Ultimately, he encourages believers to acknowledge their brokenness and rely on Christ for wholeness in their relationship with God.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in God during trials, using the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea as a powerful example. He illustrates how God desires His people to trust Him completely, even in the face of danger and uncertainty, reminding them that He is always working for their good. Wilkerson contrasts shallow worship, which celebrates only after victory, with true worship that remains steadfast in the storm. He shares a personal story of his granddaughter Tiffany, who exemplified unshakeable faith and peace in her final days, demonstrating that true worshippers are those who trust God with their lives and deaths. Ultimately, he encourages believers to rest in God's faithfulness, regardless of their circumstances.