Harold Wildish

ID 52992Date unavailable

The biblical account of young Samuel in 1 Samuel 3, illustrating the progression from not knowing the Lord to a personal encounter and relationship with Him. It highlights Samuel's initial confusion when God called him, his eventual obedience through Eli's guidance to respond with "Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth," and the transformative power of this divine encounter. The message emphasizes that knowing God is a personal experience beyond simply hearing His word or serving Him outwardly, drawing parallels to the importance of responding to Christ's call in youth and the danger of delaying this decision. Ultimately, it calls listeners to actively hear and respond to God's voice, leading to a life of purpose and spiritual growth.

ID 51643Date unavailable

Isaiah 21:11-12 presents the watchman's cry and response as a message for different groups of people in light of the end times. It explains the role of a watchman in ancient cities and applies this to the spiritual vigilance required of believers. The message distinguishes between the coming "morning" for believers and the "night" for the unsaved, urging inquiry and return to God for those who have strayed. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the urgency of salvation and the imminent return of Christ, calling for readiness and faithful service.

ID 51635Date unavailable

The life of worship is not a mere hour or place, but a continuous state of being centered on God's worthiness. It explores the concept of worship as 'worthy-ship,' emphasizing that true worship involves recognizing God's supreme value and offering Him the best of our lives. Through biblical examples like Abraham's obedience and the heavenly throng's praise of the Lamb, the message illustrates that worship is produced in the daily actions and attitudes of a believer. Ultimately, living a life of worship means yielding our authority, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise to Jesus Christ, the slain Lamb who is worthy of all.

ID 51634Date unavailable

How they will spend their one life, especially in light of the imminent return of Christ. It uses four biblical passages from James (5:4, 7, 9, 11) to illustrate themes of laborers' wages, patient waiting, avoiding grudges, and enduring faithfulness. The contrast worldly pursuits with a life dedicated to God's service, using examples like Caesar's generals versus Paul, and soldiers going to war versus missionaries. The core lesson is to yield one's life completely to Christ's service, whether through prayer, evangelism, or other means, and to be ready for His judgment. The conclusion is an urgent call to make a decisive commitment to God's will, symbolized by offering one's hands and feet for His service.

ID 51632Date unavailable

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is presented as a thrilling unveiling of God's future plans, centered on the glorified person of Christ. The sermon emphasizes that Christ is central to the book of Revelation, appearing in various powerful descriptions, including his white hair like wool, eyes like a flame of fire, and voice like many waters. John's vision on Patmos reveals Christ not only as the risen Lord but also as the High Priest and Advocate, bearing the marks of his finished work on the cross. The message concludes by urging listeners to recognize Christ's all-seeing presence and to embrace the hope of his future reign, which offers the only solution to world problems.

ID 51631Date unavailable

The revelation of Jesus Christ, as described in Revelation chapter one, presents a vision of the risen, glorified Son of Man. John, exiled on Patmos, receives this vision on the Lord's Day, seeing Christ clothed as a high priest, with hair white as snow, eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like burnished bronze. The sermon emphasizes that this vision is the only detailed depiction of the risen Christ, highlighting his all-seeing eyes, righteous feet, powerful voice, and hands that hold the angels of the churches. The ultimate message is an invitation to recognize Christ's present glory and power, urging listeners to embrace him as Savior and to live in the assurance of his constant presence and care.

ID 51630Date unavailable

The prophetic vision in Ezekiel 47, where the prophet is led by God into a progressively deepening river flowing from the sanctuary. This river symbolizes the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, moving from ankle-deep waters representing a basic Christian walk, to knee-deep waters signifying prayer, to waist-deep waters representing fruitfulness and reproduction, and finally to an uncrossable river symbolizing complete immersion in God's presence and worship. The message emphasizes that God desires to lead believers deeper into His Spirit, transforming their lives and ministries to bring healing and life wherever they go.

ID 51629Date unavailable

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain, is the central claim in the passage, which explores the profound meaning of a life fully devoted to Christ. The message contrasts the worldly pursuits of politics, sports, business, and pleasure with the singular focus of living for Christ, drawing parallels from the Apostle Paul's testimony. It emphasizes that true life is found not in external achievements or possessions, but in a personal relationship with Jesus, who offers abundant life. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to embrace Christ as their Savior, Lord, friend, and the active force in their lives, transforming them into instruments for His service and preparing them for eternity.

ID 51621Date unavailable

The secret to a life of radiant joy, emphasizing that it originates from an inner state independent of external circumstances. Drawing from Luke 15, the message highlights the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son to illustrate the immense joy in heaven over a repentant sinner. It contrasts this divine joy with the self-centeredness and lack of compassion seen in the elder brother, and by extension, in a complacent Laodicean church. The core lesson is that true joy is found in actively seeking and celebrating the salvation of the lost, urging listeners to move beyond a traditional, self-satisfied faith to embrace a sacrificial, outward-focused life that reflects God's own heart for the perishing.

ID 51620Date unavailable

The call to service is presented as a vital aspect of Christian life, urging believers to represent Christ and be channels of blessing. The sermon draws parallels between Jesus calling fishermen to be "fishers of men" and the woman at the well leaving her water pot to spread the news of Christ. It emphasizes that opportunities to serve and witness are unique to this life and will be lost if not seized, contrasting eternal service with the immediate, tangible opportunities on earth. The message concludes by calling for a complete consecration of one's life as a living sacrifice, actively displaying Christ to a perishing world, and highlights that even seemingly small acts of service can yield a great harvest.

ID 51619Date unavailable

Calls believers to be "fishers of men" by actively engaging with the world to share the gospel, drawing parallels from Jesus calling his disciples. It highlights the disciples' immediate response to leave their nets and boats, and the woman at the well's abandonment of her water pot upon encountering Christ, illustrating the radical life change required for discipleship. The core lesson emphasizes that true service involves leaving behind legitimate comforts and engaging with those who do not know Christ, rather than isolating oneself. The message concludes by urging listeners to seize their opportunities to represent Jesus in a hostile world, as the harvest is ready.

ID 51618Date unavailable

Faith is not only about triumph but also about enduring trials, as demonstrated by the examples in Hebrews 11. While some, like those who passed through the Red Sea and conquered Jericho, experienced God's direct intervention for victory, others faced torture, mockery, and death, not accepting deliverance to obtain a better resurrection. The sermon emphasizes that God's purpose in allowing trials is to refine believers, making them stronger and more like Christ, as seen in the Apostle Paul's acceptance of his 'thorn in the flesh' for God's strength to be perfected in his weakness. Ultimately, the Christian life is a race of endurance, requiring believers to lay aside sin and run with patience, looking to Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith, trusting that all things, even trials, work together for good.

ID 51617Date unavailable

Samson's life, detailed in Judges 13-16, serves as a cautionary tale within the 'School of Faith' regarding the dangers of neglecting one's separation to God. Despite a divinely appointed beginning as a Nazarite, Samson's gradual compromise with sin, symbolized by his interactions with Delilah and disregard for Nazarite vows, led to his eventual downfall and disqualification. The sermon emphasizes that sin's dominion over believers is not inevitable, but results from a breakdown in spiritual discipline and a divided heart, urging a complete surrender to Christ's Lordship and moment-by-moment reliance on the Holy Spirit for victory. Ultimately, even in his final moments of weakness, Samson experienced God's strength, demonstrating that while sin can spoil God's best, repentance and a renewed plea for God's strength can lead to a final, albeit costly, victory.

ID 51616Date unavailable

Faith is demonstrated through the courageous actions of individuals like Jochabed and Rahab, who, despite facing dire circumstances, trusted in God's providence. Jochabed, Moses' mother, hid her infant son from Pharaoh's decree of death, exhibiting a mother's bravery and faith that mirrored Moses' later defiance of the king. Rahab, a harlot in Jericho, protected Israelite spies, recognizing Yahweh as the true God and seeking salvation for her family, ultimately becoming an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ. Both women exemplify how faith, even when born in difficult or sinful situations, leads to deliverance and a place in God's redemptive plan.

ID 51615Date unavailable

Sarah's life exemplifies the "School of Faith" by demonstrating how God strengthens individuals to overcome perceived impossibilities. The sermon highlights Sarah's barrenness and advanced age, contrasting it with God's promise of a son, Isaac, whose name signifies laughter. This narrative underscores the core lesson that with faith, nothing is too hard for the Lord, encouraging believers to trust God for His empowering work in their lives. The message concludes by urging listeners to allow Christ to live through them, magnifying Him in all circumstances and becoming channels for others to experience God's grace.

ID 51614Date unavailable

Abraham's life exemplifies the "school of faith," where obedience is the paramount lesson, as demonstrated through his journey from Genesis 12 to 22. The sermon traces Abraham's trials, including his separation from Haran, his failure in Egypt during famine, his graciousness in a dispute with Lot, his rescue of Lot, his struggle with the delay in receiving a promised heir, and his duty in sending away Hagar. Ultimately, Abraham's supreme test on Mount Moriah, where he was willing to offer Isaac, proved his profound trust and obedience, leading him to graduate with the highest honors as the "Friend of God." The core lesson is that true faith is expressed through glad obedience, even when circumstances are difficult to understand, echoing the simple yet profound truth: "Trust and obey."

ID 51613Date unavailable

Noah, the boy who prepared, exemplifies faith through obedience to God's warnings about an unseen future judgment. Unlike Abel, who was right with God, and Enoch, who pleased God, Noah's faith was demonstrated by his diligent preparation of the ark in response to God's word, even when the world around him was characterized by increasing wickedness, violence, and a disregard for God's Spirit. The sermon emphasizes that this godly fear, a recognition of divine judgment and a desire not to grieve God, is the beginning of wisdom and motivates preparation for Christ's return. Ultimately, Noah's story serves as a powerful illustration of God's patience, His repeated warnings, and the ample provision of salvation through Christ, urging listeners to prepare their hearts for eternity.

ID 51612Date unavailable

The "School of Faith" by examining the life of Enoch, who pleased God and was translated without seeing death. It highlights that God, as the Heavenly Father and Headmaster, orchestrates trials and chastisements to conform believers to His holiness and the image of Christ. The core lesson is that faith, defined as "forsaking all I trust Him," is essential for pleasing God and overcoming the world, enabling believers to walk with Him daily. The message concludes by emphasizing the purifying hope of Christ's imminent return as a motivation for living a holy life, ready to meet Him at any moment.

ID 51611Date unavailable

The concept of the "School of Faith" as presented in Hebrews 10:38, "The just shall live by faith." It posits that entering this school begins with an act of faith in Jesus Christ, and progression through its lessons is achieved by continually trusting Him. The message uses the story of Rini, a young girl lost in the Canadian wilderness, and her protective Newfoundland dog, Bruce, to illustrate the sacrificial love and protective power of faith. Bruce's death defending Rini from wolves serves as a powerful analogy for Christ's sacrifice on the cross, urging listeners to place their trust in Him for salvation and to live a life of ongoing faith.

ID 51610Date unavailable

The parable of the prodigal son, focusing on the often-overlooked elder brother to illustrate the dangers of self-satisfaction and spiritual complacency, particularly within the context of the Laodicean church. It contrasts the elder brother's self-righteousness and lack of compassion with the joyful, seeking heart of God, as depicted in the stories of the lost sheep, lost coin, and the prodigal son. The message challenges listeners to examine their own hearts for the elder brother's spirit and to embrace the compassionate, outward-looking nature of God, urging them to actively participate in bringing others to salvation rather than remaining content in their own spiritual comfort.

ID 51608Date unavailable

Directly addresses the question of salvation, urging listeners to strive to enter through the narrow gate, rather than assuming their familiarity with religious practices guarantees entry. It highlights Jesus' warning that many who seek to enter after the door is shut will be turned away, even those who claim to have eaten and taught in his presence. The core lesson is that salvation is not based on outward religious activity but on a genuine, personal relationship with Christ, emphasizing the need for individual effort and a right relationship with God. The message concludes by illustrating the diverse multitude that will be saved from all corners of the earth, underscoring God's expansive grace.

ID 51607Date unavailable

True riches are found in developing a Christ-like character by adding specific virtues to one's faith, as outlined by Peter. The sermon emphasizes that while God provides divine power and promises for life and godliness, believers must actively cultivate qualities such as courage, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These additions, through diligent effort, transform a believer into a fruitful and assured follower of Christ, ensuring an abundant entrance into His everlasting kingdom.

ID 51606Date unavailable

The necessity of actively building Christian character by adding virtues to one's faith, as outlined in 2 Peter 1. The passage uses the analogy of a doctor's rigorous study to illustrate the cost and diligence required in spiritual growth, warning against a passive approach that leads to barrenness. The core lesson is that true Christian maturity involves a continuous, effortful process of cultivating qualities like courage, knowledge, self-control, patience, and godliness, rather than expecting these to be passively received. The sermon concludes by urging believers to actively pursue these virtues, ensuring that Christ can be magnified and displayed through their lives.

ID 51605Date unavailable

True Christian living requires actively adding virtues to one's faith, not merely relying on what is multiplied by God's grace. The sermon emphasizes that while God provides divine power and promises for spiritual life and victory, believers must diligently cultivate character through specific additions. It details the importance of adding courage and knowledge to faith, illustrating with Peter's denial of Christ due to a lack of courage and the donkey in a lion's skin revealing its ignorance when it spoke. The core lesson is that believers are responsible for building their Christian character by actively pursuing these qualities, which are not automatically multiplied but must be intentionally cultivated through diligent effort and study of God's word.

ID 51603Date unavailable

Simon Peter's transformation from a fisherman to an apostle is presented as a testament to encountering Jesus. Initially declaring himself a sinful man, Peter later confessed Jesus as the Christ, receiving the name Peter, meaning 'stone,' signifying his foundational role in the church. The sermon emphasizes that salvation is secured by God's righteousness through Christ's sacrifice, as illustrated by the story of Mercy and Justice, where Christ satisfied divine justice. True Christian life and abundant grace and peace flow from the risen Christ on the throne, not from the cross, which offers pardon. Believers are called to build their capacity to receive and enjoy God's provisions through diligent effort, as their eternal enjoyment of Christ will be proportional to the character they build now.

ID 51602Date unavailable

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, is introduced as the author of a letter to believers who share a precious faith. The sermon explores Peter's initial encounter with Jesus in Luke 4, detailing Jesus' ministry in the synagogue and then in Simon's home, where he healed Simon's mother-in-law. It further illustrates Jesus' interaction with Simon as a fisherman, leading to the miraculous catch of fish and Simon's declaration of his sinfulness. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus entered into Simon's religious, home, and business life, transforming him. The text then shifts to Matthew 16, where Jesus renames Simon to Peter and declares him a rock upon which the church will be built, highlighting the significance of Peter's confession and his future role in opening the kingdom to both Jews and Gentiles.

ID 51600Date unavailable

The Christian life is presented as a continuous battleground where God's guidance is essential for victory, drawing parallels from David's experiences in Psalm 144. The sermon emphasizes that God's guidance is not static but dynamic, requiring constant seeking and nearness to Him, illustrated by David's different strategies against the Philistines. True victory comes not from past experiences but from present reliance on God as a "high tower" and "shield," trusting Him moment by moment. The core lesson is that consistent, simple trust in Jesus, from salvation through every life challenge, is the key to overcoming sin's power and living a victorious Christian life, a "double cure" for guilt and dominion.

ID 51599Date unavailable

That God desires to bless His people, but this blessing requires an open heart and life for Christ to truly abide within. Drawing from Psalm 144, the message highlights the need for individuals to allow Christ satisfaction in their lives, not just superficial acknowledgment. When individuals open themselves to God's intimate communion, they become channels through which rivers of blessing can flow to others, transforming their lives and communities. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to be brave, deal with God alone in private, and allow the Holy Spirit to produce new songs of praise born from fresh experiences with God, rather than living on past encounters.

ID 51593Date unavailable

The profound question, "How then can man be justified with God?" by exploring the human condition of sin and God's provision for salvation. It highlights the ancient nature of this question, as seen in the book of Job, and contrasts human sinfulness with God's holiness. The message emphasizes that justification is not achieved through human effort but is a gift from God, made possible by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and proven by His resurrection. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to accept this justification through simple faith in God's grace.

ID 51590Feb 20, 1970

The spiritual lives of Elisha's servants, contrasting the potential of Gehazi with the faith of Elisha's unnamed servant. It highlights Gehazi's missed opportunities due to a lack of divine calling, his focus on personal gain, and his eventual punishment with leprosy, serving as a solemn warning against covetousness and spiritual complacency. In contrast, the sermon illustrates the power of faith through Elisha's servant, whose eyes are opened to see the divine protection surrounding them, emphasizing that "they that be with us are more than they that be with them." The message concludes by urging believers to recognize God's presence and resources in their battles, ensuring victory through faith.

ID 51587Feb 18, 1970

The transformative power of seeking God in a private, "shut door" space, drawing parallels from the lives of Elijah and Elisha. It highlights how the widow in 2 Kings 4, by shutting her door, experienced supernatural provision of oil, and how Elisha, behind a closed door, revived the Shunammite woman's son. The core lesson is that true spiritual victory and encountering God's deepest truths require intentional withdrawal from worldly distractions to commune with Him. The message concludes by urging believers to cultivate this practice of stillness and private communion to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit and become effective channels of God's power.

ID 51586Feb 18, 1970

The "great woman" of Shunem from 2 Kings 4, highlighting her hospitality, discernment, contentment, and faith as foundational to her greatness. The message emphasizes three pivotal "days" in her life: the day she learned of God's abiding presence, the day she learned to trust His promises, and the day she experienced His miraculous power. These experiences, illustrated through Elisha's ministry, are presented as transformative lessons for believers today, encouraging a deeper relationship with Christ through His constant presence, reliable promises, and life-giving power.

ID 51585Feb 17, 1970

The story of the widow of Zarephath from 2 Kings 4 to illustrate how God can provide abundantly in times of extreme need. When faced with debt and the threat of her sons being taken as slaves, the widow had only a small pot of oil. Elisha instructed her to gather empty vessels from her neighbors and pour the oil into them, emphasizing that as long as there were empty vessels, the oil would continue to flow. This miracle demonstrates that God's provision is not limited by our circumstances but by our willingness to receive and utilize what He provides, symbolized by the oil representing the Holy Spirit. The core lesson is that by surrendering our limited resources and trusting in God's power, symbolized by the oil, He can transform our desperate situations, enabling us to pay our debts and live abundantly.

ID 51583Feb 16, 1970

The transfer of spiritual authority and power from Elijah to Elisha, illustrating the principle of "taking the mantle." The narrative follows their journey from Gilgal to the Jordan River, culminating in Elijah's ascension and Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. This request is granted upon Elisha's faithful reception of Elijah's mantle, enabling him to perform miracles and continue God's work. The core lesson is that believers, like Elisha, can receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit by faith to live victorious and usable lives, empowered to do 'greater works' than Christ did on earth because He has ascended to the Father. The message concludes by urging listeners to embrace this spiritual empowerment to overcome life's challenges and glorify God.

ID 51581Feb 16, 1970

The profound significance of being a "man of God" or "woman of God," using the life of Elijah as a primary example. It contrasts worldly titles with this divine calling, emphasizing that true spiritual impact stems from a deep, personal relationship with God, as demonstrated by Elijah's unwavering faith, prayer, and obedience even in extreme circumstances. The core lesson is that ordinary individuals, like Elijah, can be used extraordinarily by God when they live in His presence and are willing to be recommissioned for His purposes, ultimately highlighting the importance of passing on spiritual knowledge to others.

ID 51578Feb 15, 1970

The imminent return of Jesus Christ and the "mystery" of the resurrection and transformation of believers, as revealed in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. It explains that this secret, unknown to Old Testament figures, concerns the church as Christ's body, which will be changed in an instant at the last trumpet. The message also touches on the importance of loving Christ, using the Aramaic word "Maranatha" as a watchword for the early church, signifying their hope in His coming. The examples emphasize that Christ's return is not an escape from life's difficulties but a gateway to eternal fellowship, urging believers to live as watchful and active servants in anticipation of His arrival.

ID 51577Feb 15, 1970

Christ is presented as the inexhaustible and indispensable foundation of all knowledge and life, as revealed to John on Patmos. The sermon emphasizes that knowing God is impossible without knowing Jesus, who is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all things. John's vision of the risen Christ, described in Revelation 1, serves to illustrate Christ's divine nature, his enduring love, and his ultimate authority. The message concludes by urging believers to live with a constant, forward-looking hope in Christ's return, trusting him as the author and finisher of their faith.

ID 108832Date unavailable

Trusting Jesus is the essential key to navigating life's challenges and achieving victory, as illustrated by the story of three boys racing on a beach. The sermon emphasizes that true success in the Christian race comes from keeping one's eyes fixed on the ultimate goal, Jesus Christ, rather than looking back at past mistakes or focusing on others. It further develops this by contrasting the futility of human effort with the power of resting in the risen Christ for His life and power to live victoriously. The message concludes by urging listeners to know themselves through knowing God, to submit to Christ's authority, and to embrace the possibility of revival through prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

ID 108831Date unavailable

How life's experiences, particularly trials and battles, lead to a deeper knowledge of God and the coining of new names for Him, as exemplified by King David. It highlights David's journey from a shepherd boy to a king, emphasizing how his struggles and failures, such as his sin with Bathsheba, ultimately drove him to confess and rely on God's loving-kindness and strength. The message illustrates that through adversity, Christians can develop a more profound and personal relationship with God, learning to trust Him as their fortress and deliverer, and that this intimate knowledge is the essence of eternal life. The sermon concludes with an encouragement to embrace these experiences as opportunities to know God more intimately and to apply this understanding to one's own life, urging listeners to confess their sins and trust in Christ's cleansing power.

ID 108830Date unavailable

That knowing God is the ultimate strength and essential for facing life's challenges, especially in these "end times." Drawing from Psalm 144, it highlights David's experience of God as his strength in battle and contrasts this with human frailty. The passage shares anecdotes, including an old missionary's advice that knowing God is paramount for service, and personal reflections on learning to rely on God's power through weakness, as exemplified by Paul's thorn in the flesh. The core lesson is that true strength and exploits come not from self-sufficiency but from a deep, intimate relationship with God, cultivated through stillness and communion, allowing believers to be victorious in spiritual warfare.

ID 108828Date unavailable

The profound question of how humanity can be made right with God, drawing heavily from Job chapter 14. It highlights humanity's inherent sinfulness and the impossibility of self-cleansing, posing three critical questions: Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? When man dies, where is he? And if a man dies, shall he live again? The message emphasizes that human efforts and advancements, however impressive, cannot solve the problem of sin. The ultimate solution lies in God's provision through Jesus Christ, whose atoning sacrifice offers cleansing, forgiveness, and the possibility of a new, eternal life. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to accept this divine solution, contrasting the eternal destiny of believers with that of the unrepentant.

ID 108826Feb 20, 1970

How Christians can regain spiritual power and effectiveness, drawing parallels from the lives of Elijah and Elisha. It highlights the story of the lost axe head to illustrate the loss of spiritual sharpness and the necessity of returning to the cross for restoration. The message emphasizes that true victory comes not from striving but from recognizing one's position in Christ, who has already overcome all enemies. The sermon concludes by urging believers to embrace this victorious position by faith, enabling them to overcome personal battles and serve God effectively.

ID 108823Feb 19, 1970

The story of Naaman the Syrian, highlighting how a series of individuals and actions, or "links in the chain," led to his miraculous cleansing from leprosy. It details the initial suggestion by a captive Israelite maid, the involvement of the Syrian king and the Israelite king, Elisha's instructions, and the crucial encouragement from Naaman's servants. The core lesson emphasizes that every person, regardless of their role, can be a vital part of God's plan to bring others to healing and salvation. The message concludes by urging listeners to recognize their own potential to be a link in God's chain through compassion, prayer, faith, and courage.

ID 108822Feb 19, 1970

The critical importance of the "food supply" for believers, both in quality and quantity, drawing parallels from the Old Testament accounts of Elisha and the sons of the prophets. Initially, a poisonous element ("death in the pot") is introduced into their meal due to the inclusion of unknown wild gourds, illustrating how false teachings or doubts can corrupt spiritual nourishment. The solution lies in adding "meal," symbolizing Christ, who purifies and makes the food wholesome. Subsequently, a small amount of barley loaves and corn is miraculously multiplied to feed a hundred men, demonstrating that even a little of Christ, when central, can satisfy a great multitude. The message concludes by urging ministers and believers to prioritize Christ as the sole, sufficient, and satisfying nourishment for the church, as exemplified by Paul's charge to Timothy to "preach the word."

ID 108818Feb 17, 1970

The account in 2 Kings chapter 3 illustrates how believers can access God's provision in times of spiritual drought and battle. When three kings faced a severe water shortage during a military campaign, the prophet Elisha instructed them to dig ditches in the valley, promising water without wind or rain. This act of digging channels represents the believer's responsibility to prepare for God's work by deepening their spiritual disciplines, such as Bible study and prayer, to receive and channel the Holy Spirit's refreshing power. God provides the water, but believers must actively dig the ditches to experience its life-giving flow in their lives and service.

ID 108814Date unavailable

The profound friendship between David and Jonathan as a model for believers' relationship with Christ, emphasizing the sacrifice of love. It details how Jonathan gave David his royal robe, garments, sword, bow, and girdle, symbolizing the surrender of position, conduct, skill, influence, and resources. The message encourages listeners to emulate this sacrificial love by laying their own lives, talents, and possessions at Jesus' feet, trusting that He will entrust them back for His glory. The ultimate application is to live a life of devoted service, mirroring Jonathan's selfless actions and Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

ID 108813Date unavailable

The profound love story between David and Jonathan as depicted in 1 Samuel, using it as a metaphor for the believer's relationship with Christ. It begins by highlighting David's anointing and his unlikely rise from shepherd boy to king, contrasting his faith with the fear of Saul and the defiance of Goliath. The narrative then shifts to the deep affection between David and Jonathan, illustrating how genuine love for another displaces selfishness and leads to covenant. This human love is presented as a picture of Christ's sacrificial love for humanity, urging listeners to respond with their own devoted love and commitment, entering into a covenant with Him. The message concludes by emphasizing the importance of self-examination and living out this covenant love daily, ensuring our own life stories are worthy of being told.