John Flavel — Keeping the Heart (Proverbs 4:23)
In this sermon, Flavel urges believers to guard their hearts, showing that the hidden life of the soul is the true measure of religion. Keeping the heart is the hardest, most constant, and most important work of the Christian life.
The Sermon Library: Sharing the mountain of wisdom from past preachers.
John Owen shows why mortification is both necessary and life-giving for every believer.
Chapters III & IV of John Owen’s The Mortification of Sin, modernized yet faithful. Owen demonstrates not only the necessity of mortification, but also how the strength, comfort, and peace of the Christian life depend upon it.
Chapters I & II of John Owen’s The Mortification of Sin, modernized yet faithful to the original. Owen shows why mortifying sin is the believer’s lifelong duty and how it is accomplished through the Spirit.
Jeremiah Burroughs continues unfolding the mystery of true Christian contentment—showing how the soul must submit to God’s providence in every condition. This faithful modern-English translation preserves the rich structure and theology of the 1645 sermon. Scripture quoted from the Legacy Standard Bible (LSB).
In this opening episode, we begin Jeremiah Burroughs’ masterful work, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. Drawing from Philippians 4:11, Burroughs lays the foundation for what it means to live in true, God-centered peace—not in theory, but in the depths of affliction.
Paul's personal testimony becomes the doorway into a profound spiritual mystery: contentment is not natural; it is learned—and only through the school of Christ. We explore how contentment is more than outward silence—it is an inward, gracious work of the Spirit, cultivated through surrender to God's wise and fatherly hand.
Perfect for those facing trials, restlessness, or uncertainty, this episode offers a heart-level introduction to the doctrine Burroughs calls “the duty, the glory, and the excellence of a Christian.”
In "The Spirit of Bondage and of Adoption," Charles Spurgeon explores the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. He outlines four key roles: the Spirit of bondage, which convicts us of sin and our need for salvation; the Spirit of adoption, which brings us into God's family as His children; the Spirit of prayer, prompting us to cry out to God with confidence and intimacy; and the Spirit of witness, affirming our identity as God's beloved. Spurgeon encourages believers to rejoice in their freedom and security in Christ, embracing their new identity as children of God.
In "Knowing How to Be Poor," Washington Gladden delves into the Apostle Paul's contentment in all circumstances, focusing on the profound peace that comes from a deep relationship with God. Gladden emphasizes that true wealth is found not in material possessions but in the assurance of God's presence and love. He argues that even in poverty, one can live a fulfilling life by trusting in God's care, drawing on the examples of Jesus and Paul to show that a life rooted in faith is the greatest treasure of all.
In this episode, we explore the profound lessons from Phillips Brooks' sermon "The Fire and the Calf." Reflecting on the story of Aaron and the golden calf, we delve into human nature's tendency to shift blame and avoid responsibility. This timeless message challenges us to confront our own actions honestly and take ownership of our lives, ultimately leading us to true spiritual growth and redemption.
In this powerful sermon, John A. Broadus draws a parallel between the Christian journey and a race, urging believers to emulate the Apostle Paul's relentless pursuit of spiritual goals. He emphasizes that Christ's call to each individual is not beyond reach but rather a personal race we are all capable of running. Broadus inspires listeners to leave behind past failures and strive towards spiritual growth, encouraging them to live actively in faith and service to others, reflecting the true essence of Christian life.
In "The Secret Burden," Alexander Whyte explores the profound impact of private prayer, emphasizing its superiority over public prayer. He contrasts the rapid descent into Hell due to secret sin with the swift ascent to God's throne through secret prayer. Drawing on scripture and personal reflection, Whyte urges believers to embrace the intimate, transformative power of praying apart, highlighting its essential role in genuine spiritual growth and communion with God.
The narrative delves into the complexities of hope, grace, and true Christianity, highlighting the emptiness of hope without heart purification and the insufficiency of visible changes without a renewed heart and nature. Biblical examples like Herod, Saul, and Simon Magus are used to illustrate the nuances of true change and true Christianity, differentiating between civil, moral, and spiritual changes.
The episode delves into the concept of being a true Christian, emphasizing that sincere confession, genuine remorse, and a transformed heart are essential. It explains that to be a true Christian, one must not only stop sinful actions but also address the underlying attitudes and desires that fuel sin. The true Christians live a life of grace marked by faith, love, and holiness.
The call to be not just almost a Christian but fully devoted to Christ is as relevant today as it was in the times of the apostles, and the examples provided by Rev. Matthew Mead's work "The Almost Christian Discovered" continue to be a profound and necessary warning for all who profess to follow Christ. It's a call to genuine faith, sincere love, and true holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
In this episode, the podcast explores sanctification, a process of becoming purer and more dedicated to God, as taught by apostles Peter and Paul. Covering sanctification in regeneration and in experience, it demystifies common misconceptions and emphasizes sanctification as both an instantaneous spiritual awakening and a gradual growth of faith, ultimately aiming to emulate Christ.
The sermon is a profound exploration of the concept of heaven as a place of ultimate comfort and eternal reunion. It underscores the idea that earthly sufferings and hardships shape our capacity for empathy and healing, but are temporary compared to the enduring bliss of the afterlife. The narrative emphasizes the joy of reunion with departed loved ones in heaven, and presents heaven as a celestial refuge where all tears will be wiped away.
This sermon discusses the profound question, "What must I do to be saved?" as posed in Acts 16:30. It explores the urgency, importance, and desperation inherent in this question, emphasizing that it supersedes all other concerns. Using the backdrop of a Philippian prison guard's encounter with apostles Paul and Silas, the sermon underscores the need for personal salvation and repentance, discouraging the criticism of others' faith. It further explores how earthly misfortunes often lead people to seek God and argues against procrastination in matters of faith. The sermon concludes with a historical tale, underscoring the importance of timely salvation and God's mercy, much like a pardon arriving just before execution.
Join Alexander Maclaren in his sermon titled "The Gain of Christ" as he unpacks the significance of Philippians 3:8-9. Explore the spiritual growth and transformation that arise from embracing Christ's teachings. Discover the profound worth of knowing Christ and the path to righteousness beyond worldly pursuits.
Preached within 1659-1689, Samuel Lee dives into the depth of private prayer found in the Matthew 6:6. As it says, "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you"
"But Christ is all, and in all" Colossians 3:11
Preached between 1659-1689 William Whitaker teaches shows us the depths of Christ sufficiency.
"Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” - Genesis 13:9