Showing titles in Sermons

The abolitionist, essayist, teacher, and women’s rights activist Maria W. Stewart is thought to have been the first African American woman to raise matters of equality and justice in a US public forum, the New England Anti-Slavery Society in Boston. In her 1832 lecture, Why Sit Ye Here and Die?, she demanded equal rights for African American women while criticizing both the slavery of the South and the lack of opportunity and equality in the North. Her biblical style of oratory and fierce opposition to injustice still inspire today.

The garden is possibly one of the most significant symbols in the Bible. Christ calls all of his believers, his "Garden". J.C. Ryle explains that true believers are a garden because they are not part of the wilderness, not part of the world, but rather of a safe space enclosed in purity.

Archibald Alexander was a 18th- and 19th-century American Presbyterian theologian and professor at the Princeton Theological Seminary. The evidences of the Christian religion explore the presence of religion in life, nature, and man. Archibald Alexander argues in favor of the rationality of miracles and condemns the rise of theological liberalism.

Nineteenth-century clergyman William Sprague muses on the phrase “prove your own selves”. He stresses the great significance of new members entering the religious community and where their responsibilities lie. Once they have chosen the path for themselves, they are bound by that choice to continuously prove their worth and devotion to the church.

In 1862, William Nicholson shared his views on our soul. He states that religion has already been planted within us. But it takes great work and nourishment to master it and maintain the progress toward eternity.

Death is a rather sinister and taboo topic but for Christians, it is one of relief. The Bible teaches us all how to die, and William Nicholson stresses the importance of life as a preparation. In order to gain the glory promised after death, Christ must always be present before it and be a prevailing force in our lives.

The sacrifice of Christ is where the redemption story of true believers begins. Nicholson reflects on the sacrifice of the God made flesh and its significance for the religious community. He refers to the intrinsic design of the sacrifice which blessed us all with a life of righteousness.

Love, grace, beauty - these are all the works of God. Humanity itself beats in unison not only physically but spiritually as well. It is these things that bind us together even when we are different.

Francis Bourdillon reflects on the term “light affliction” and how, for most of us, some afflictions may not be light at all. He refers to the apostle Paul who described his own afflictions not only as light, but as short as well and invites every true Christian to follow this path. Even though Paul’s trials were many and were neither short nor light, he feels resolved in approaching them as mere trifles since suffering is temporary and divine glory is eternal.

There are many unfulfilled prophecies in the Christian religion. But, like all prophecies, they are obscured until the time comes for them to be fulfilled. Philpot addresses the naysayers by asserting that they, too, will see the prophecies unfold as they become reality.

Evangelical A.B. Simpson applies his keen mind to 19th-century society in a way that us still sharp to this day. He draws a clear distinction between the life we imagine for ourselves and the life we should lead. As a society driven by self-indulgence and ego, Simpson teaches us that all the vanity is a mere distraction from the true life with Christ in us.

Francis Bourdillon reflects on the gifts sent to us by God. As described in the Psalms, gifts can have altogether different meanings and only the truly faithful will be able to understand its worth. Afflictions, though often seen as a plague, are in his mind to be understood as a veiled gift, with a value that requires a greater depth of belief to comprehend.

We tend to leave a will to divide goods and possessions, but Christ left a will as well. William Nicholson explains to us the nature of Christ’s will. He states how this will is a gracious one and will be constituted once we accept the life and teachings of Christ.

Education, Philpot feels, is something that has fought its way into general acceptance in the population. He notes that ignorance has lost its supporters and that education in spirituality is on the rise.

Samuel Davies compares the Lord's supper to that of Passover. He goes on to discuss the traditions of Jews during Passover, to search their homes and remove all traces of leavened product, just as Christians must search their hearts and and purge any evil or wickedness from it. Only then, will they truly be pure enough to partake.

Although most priests say evil is the greatest thing to fear, Philpot asserts that there are actually two things: evil and error. In this sermon, he demonstrates how error is just as sinful as evil.

Preached at the Providence Chapel in London on July 11, 1847, Philpot offered his perspective on God’s observations and his work. Our world as well as God’s communications to us have always come from an interchange between light and dark. God watches over us and sees where he needs to build, and where he needs to destroy.

Preached at the Zoar Chapel in London on August 9, 1846, Philpot reflected on the exchange and communication between God and man. The only true exchange, he states, can come from a recognition of our sinful ways. In doing so, we can receive God’s teachings, bear its fruits, and keep our word in constant devotion.

JC Philpot preached on the nature of the fool at Providence Chapel, London, 1851. A fool carries an affliction which make him blind to the true ways around him. But a fool can be delivered, and must be so, before they give in to their destructive ways.

Samuel Davies was an evagelist Purtian minister and speaker in the 1700s who spearheaded the cause of religious freedom within the colony of Virginia. Here is one of his most powerful speeches, condemming sin and praising the wisdom of the Christian God, delivered in his fiery method. Davies was a prolific writer of speeches, hymns, and even poems, and his words speak to many still today.