Alden Gannett

ID 54812Feb 14, 1979

Christ, not communism, will ultimately rule the world, using biblical prophecy to explain Russia's future role. The passage analyzes Daniel chapter 2, highlighting the succession of world empires and noting Russia's absence as a distinct world empire, suggesting its ultimate defeat. Further examination of Ezekiel chapter 38 details a future invasion of Israel by Russia and its allies, which God will directly thwart with divine judgment. The sermon concludes by referencing Revelation chapter 19, emphasizing Christ's victorious return and reign, and urging listeners to embrace faith in Christ amidst global uncertainties.

ID 54799Feb 26, 1967

Quenching the Spirit involves suppressing or resisting God's promptings, a concept illustrated through Abraham's test in Genesis 22. God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, testing the depth of Abraham's devotion and obedience. Abraham's willingness to obey, trusting in God's wisdom, faithfulness, and power to even raise Isaac from the dead, demonstrated complete surrender. This profound act of faith, where Abraham offered his dearest treasure as a burnt offering, reveals that true devotion means giving God everything, not just a portion, and trusting His promises even when circumstances seem impossible.

ID 54785Feb 25, 1967

Faith in God is presented as the key to overcoming life's challenges, drawing parallels between physical and spiritual dependence on the Almighty. The sermon emphasizes that the object of our faith must be God Himself, not our own abilities or experiences, using the example of the Israelites at Kadesh Barnea to illustrate the consequences of doubt versus trust. When faced with seemingly insurmountable problems, referred to as 'mountains,' the sermon urges listeners to believe that God can and will act on their behalf, provided they maintain a forgiving heart. Ultimately, the message calls for a shift from walking by sight to walking by faith, trusting in God's omnipotence to navigate difficulties and achieve His purposes.

ID 54746Feb 24, 1967

God's eternal purpose is to unite Jews and Gentiles into one body, the church, through Christ. This divine plan, revealed in this age, calls believers to be faithful stewards of God's grace. The sermon emphasizes that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in dependence on God, allowing Christ to dwell fully in their hearts. This indwelling Christ is expressed through the fruit of the Spirit, particularly love, which transforms lives and attracts others to the Savior. Ultimately, believers are called to live out this divine purpose, being filled with the fullness of God through faith and love.

ID 54740Feb 24, 1967

How believers can live a triumphant Christian life by understanding their position in Christ and practicing its implications. It emphasizes that through spiritual union with Christ's death and resurrection, believers are freed from the dominion of sin. The sermon outlines three key actions: reckoning oneself dead to sin and alive to God, yielding oneself to God's control, and continually walking by faith in the Holy Spirit, one step at a time. This practical approach, grounded in God's provision, leads to victory over sin and fulfillment of God's righteousness.

ID 54713Feb 23, 1967

Fellowship with God is the central theme in the passage, emphasizing that true Christian fellowship is rooted in an intimate relationship with the Father and the Son. The passage expounds on John's use of the word 'fellowship' in 1 John 1, highlighting that this intimate connection is based on the eyewitness testimony of Jesus Christ's divine nature and humanity. The sermon explains that this fellowship is characterized by fullness of joy and is maintained by walking in the light, confessing sins, and understanding that Jesus Christ is the propitiation for believers' sins. The message concludes by urging believers to maintain this fellowship through consistent confession and by taking God at His word, ensuring a clean heart and a pure walk with God.

ID 54678Feb 16, 1979

Possessing the land by faith is the central theme as Joshua distributes the promised land among the tribes of Israel. The sermon details the inheritance of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh, the establishment of the tabernacle at Shiloh, and the provision of cities of refuge and Levitical cities. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's law, the need for both righteousness and love in resolving disputes, and the example of Caleb's unwavering faith and Joshua's commitment to serving the Lord. The message concludes by urging listeners to make faithful choices, to trust God for challenges, and to actively serve Him.

ID 54676Feb 14, 1979

Entering the promised land required preparation, both for the people and their leader, Joshua. Chapter two highlights the faith of Rahab, a Canaanite woman who aided the Israelite spies, demonstrating God's grace extends even to those outside the covenant. Her actions, though involving deceit, were motivated by a growing faith in Jehovah, and she was ultimately saved along with her family, symbolizing redemption through faith and blood. The sermon emphasizes that God works at both ends, preparing the land and its people for conquest, and that His grace is sufficient for all who believe, regardless of their past.

ID 54652Jun 2, 1968

The certainty of answered prayer is affirmed by Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:7-11, which promises that God will give good things to those who ask Him. The sermon explains that God's answers to prayer come in three forms: 'yes,' 'no,' and 'wait,' all of which are genuine answers designed for the believer's ultimate good. While 'yes' is the most desired, 'no' is given when God, in His wisdom, knows it is not best, and 'wait' is employed to mature faith and deepen dependence on Him. The core lesson is to trust God's promises and His perfect will, recognizing that the trial of faith is more precious than immediate gratification, leading to spiritual growth and maturity.

ID 54615Jun 2, 1968

Prayer is presented as a fundamental principle of God's economy, reflecting our inherent dependence on Him. The sermon highlights Jesus Christ's own life as the ultimate example of this dependence, demonstrating His prayerful engagement from His baptism and temptation through His ministry, the choosing of disciples, the Transfiguration, and His intercession for believers. It emphasizes that if the Son of God needed to pray, so do we, and that Christ's ongoing intercession in heaven and His indwelling life within believers underscore the vital importance of prayer. The message concludes by urging believers to embrace this ministry of prayer, particularly those with more time, to intercede for loved ones, the church, and the world.

ID 54611Jun 1, 1968

The principle of faith as the foundation for Christian experience, drawing from the account of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52. It highlights that faith is not merely a passive belief but an active trust in God's character and power, exemplified by Bartimaeus' persistent cry for mercy and Jesus' affirmation, "Thy faith hath made thee well." The message emphasizes the importance of praying specifically and believingly, using various biblical examples to illustrate how God responds to precise petitions and rewards genuine faith. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to deepen their trust in God by studying His Word, recognizing His greatness, and daring to ask for greater things, assured that their faith will be met with abundant blessings.

ID 54445Jun 1, 1968

Prayer is effective when it aligns with God's will, which can be discerned through His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. While there are times when we may not know God's specific will and can only pray for His will to be done, the sermon emphasizes that God intends for believers to know and pray according to His revealed will. This involves actively engaging with Scripture, which serves as a lamp and light for our path, and allowing the peace of God to guide our decisions, especially in matters not explicitly addressed in the Bible. By living in obedience to God's known will, we position ourselves to discern His specific guidance for particular circumstances.

ID 54417May 31, 1968

That genuine love for God is demonstrated through practical action and truth, not just words. It highlights that loving one another is a core commandment of God, serving as evidence of salvation and a condition for answered prayer. The sermon draws from 1 John 3-4, explaining that God's love, exemplified by Christ's sacrifice, should be reflected in believers' lives, leading to confidence before God and victory over the world. Ultimately, it calls for a sincere, active love for God and fellow believers as the true measure of faith and a pathway to experiencing God's presence and answered prayer.

ID 54415May 31, 1968

Praying in the name of Jesus Christ is a new privilege for believers, distinct from Old Testament prayer, signifying a deep union with Christ. This "name" represents His person, His work on the cross, and His authority, granting believers the right to approach God as His ambassadors. This right stems from a legal union as representatives, a union of life where Christ lives within the believer, and a union of love, mirroring Christ's love for the church. Consequently, prayer in His name requires submission to God's will, allowing Christ to live and pray through us, leading to greater works, the bearing of lasting fruit, and the fullness of joy.

ID 54414May 30, 1968

Prayer is God's appointed way of receiving what we need, but hindrances can prevent answered prayer. The sermon identifies idolatry, where anything or anyone is placed before Christ, as a primary obstacle, citing Ezekiel 14:3. An unforgiving spirit, as described in Mark 11:25-26, also blocks prayer because it reveals insincerity. Unbelief in the midst of trials, as discussed in James 1:6-8, and selfishness, where prayers are motivated by personal desires rather than God's glory (James 4:3), are further impediments. Finally, improper relationships within the home, as noted in 1 Peter 3:7, and a lack of genuine love for others, as explained in 1 John 3:17-18, can also hinder prayer. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to examine their hearts for any hindrances and to seek God's cleansing for effective prayer.

ID 54411May 30, 1968

The disciples' request to Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray," as a foundational moment for understanding prayer. It highlights that prayer is not merely about method but about the act of praying itself, urging believers to prioritize and discipline their lives to dedicate more time to it, drawing parallels to Martin Luther's extensive prayer life. The message further explores the Lord's Prayer as a model, detailing its components of praise, petition for daily needs, forgiveness, and protection, and uses the parable of the persistent friend to illustrate the importance of importunity and continuous asking in prayer. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a renewed commitment to prayer, presenting it as the essential means through which God accomplishes His work and guides believers into His will.