Helpful Sermons

Encouraging Sermons on Biblical and Practical Issues

Note: The text of these sermons has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-­era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

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James Richards

“Behavior Appropriate to God’s House”

Should the Sunday morning worship service contain “entertainment”? Unfortunately, that is often a major emphasis today, usurping in some services even the place of Scripture reading and prayer. Should Christians at the worship service engage in social talk or, worse, business talk? Read this profound sermon by James Richards and see whether there is not room for improvement in your life.

This is Sermon VII in William B. Sprague, Sermons by the Late Rev. James Richards (Albany: Erastus H. Pease & Co., 1849). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-­era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

“The Spirit of Christ”

What does it mean to have the spirit of Christ, and how can we know whether we have it or not? James Richards gives us nine practical ways in which we evidence the spirit of Christ.

This is Sermon XII in William B. Sprague, Sermons by the Late Rev. James Richards (Albany: Erastus H. Pease & Co., 1849). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-­era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

“God’s Thoughts and Ways Above Ours”

Here James Richards shows us eight ways in which God’s thoughts and ways are above ours, and six practical insights we can learn from them.

This is Sermon II in William B. Sprague, Sermons by the Late Rev. James Richards (Albany: Erastus H. Pease & Co., 1849). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

Pastor Bruce Nolen

“Giving Thanks in Hard Times”

Bruce Nolen is Pastor at First Baptist Church in Laurium, Michigan. This message was given on November 28, 2010.

Samuel Davies

“The Method of Salvation”

Rev. Davies gives us an in-depth analysis of all the difficulties that were overcome when Jesus took on human flesh and died on the cross, and he invites everyone to decide today if he will accept God’s way of salvation or suffer just condemnation. Every Calvinist will find much encouragement here, especially those who are hesitant to address the Scriptural doctrine of the inability of man to believe without first experiencing the regenerating power of God. Every unbeliever will find much encouragement here, for the message is to you–“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.”

Rev. Samuel Davies (1723-1761) was a Presbyterian minister and followed Jonathan Edwards as president of Princeton University, then called the College of New Jersey. This sermon was delivered after Rev. Davies recovered from a severe illness, and it is evidence of his great love for his congregation. His goal was that all who heard would know the way of salvation and commit themselves unreservedly to faith in Jesus Christ.

This is Sermon II in Samuel Davies, Sermons on Important Subjects, vol. I, 5th ed. (London: printed for W. Davies, 1804). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation has been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

Neil McKinnon

“The Barren Fig Tree”

Rev. McKinnon here addresses the absolute necessity for us to be fruitful in our service for Christ. If we are not, then we are like the barren fig tree that not only produced no fruit, but also cumbered the ground in that it drew to itself the nourishment that should have gone to fruitful trees. Who are these “fruitless trees”? Am I one? Are you? Read this sermon and decide.

This is Sermon XVII of Part I of Dugald Currie, Sermons by the Late Rev. Neil McKinnon (Toronto: James Bain & Son, 1889). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

You might also want to read the study of this parable by Richard Trench from his book Notes on the Parables of our Lord.

Daniel A. Clark

“The Son of God Must Be Reverenced”

The parable of the vineyward is found in Matthew 21, wherein we read that the owner of a vineyard leases out his land to vinedressers, and when the crop is ready for harvest sends his servants to gather the fruits owed to him. His servants, however, are treated without mercy–beaten, stoned, and even killed. Finally he sends his son, saying, “They will reverence my son.” In this sermon Daniel Clark writes, “What is said of Israel may be said of men in all ages–It might have been presumed that they would treat kindly the Son of God.” He then gives seven reasons why it might have been so presumed.

This is Sermon IV in Volume I of Sermons, 3 volumes, by Daniel A. Clark (New York: John S. Taylor, 1836). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

William Nevins

“Who is a Pardoning God Like Thee?”

How does God’s pardon of sinners differ from man’s pardon? Rev. Nevins gives 11 instances of the surpassing superiority of divine pardon.

This is Sermon IV of Sermons by the Late Rev. William Nevins, D.D., (New York: John S. Taylor, 1837). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

Thomas Somerville

“The Unpardonable Sin”

What is the “unpardonable sin,” and what if I have committed it? Rev. Thomas Somerville will set the minds of wavering Christians at rest, and at the same time he gives a word of warning to non-believers.

This is Sermon VII of Sermons by Thomas Somerville, (Edinburgh: 1813). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

John Caird

“Self-Ignorance”

The one person we should know the most about is ourself. But very few of us, if any, want to look into the depths of our own heart and expose the moral sins that reside there. Rev. John Caird gives four reasons why this is so. Although this is primarily a salvation sermon directed to the unsaved, the relevance to Christians is enlightening.

This is Sermon II of Sermons by the Rev. John Caird, (Edinburgh: William Blackwood & Sons, 1858). Note: The text has not been modified except that punctuation and spelling have been updated and long paragraphs have been divided.

Howard Crosby

“The Philosophy of Temptation”

What does that phrase, “Lead us not into temptation,” mean? We have recited it untold number of times, but have we really understood it? Here is an excellent sermon which will prove enlightening to all.

“The Philosophy of Temptation” by Howard Crosby in Sermons, (New York: Anson D. F. Randolph & Co., 1891). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation has been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

William H. Odenheimer

“Christians the Representatives of Christ”

Rev. Odenheimer shows us how King Darius’ question, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” is applicable to us today.

“Christians the Representatives of Christ” by William H. Odenheimer in Sermons, (New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., 1881). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation has been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

Ralph Wardlaw

“Wisdom Cries”

Wisdom cries out to the thoughtless and ignorant, the scorners and haters of God. For those today who are still “on the fence,” or even worse, hard-hearted and impenitent, we urge you to read this sermon and “be reconciled to God.” Who knows if another day will be granted in which to do so. For those already saved, Rev. Wardlaw encourages us also to “cry out” the salvation message to a dying world.

This is Lecture IV in Posthumous Works of the Rev. Ralph Wardlaw, by J. S. Wardlaw, gen. ed., vol. I, Lectures on the Book of Proverbs, vol. I, 2nd ed. (London: A. Fullarton & Co., 1869). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

Edward Payson

Edward Payson
“Sinners Entreated to Hear God’s Voice”

Edward Payson gives several reasons why “today” is so important–and delay foolhardy–in seeking Christ for salvation.

“Sinners Entreated to Hear God’s Voice” by Edward Payson, Sermons (Portland: Shirley and Hyde, 1828). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized, long paragraphs divided, and the sermon slightly condensed.

Charles Mason

“Present Duty”

We all, unfortunately, worry about tomorrow. Nevertheless, it is a besetting sin for which there is no excuse. Here is a helpful sermon by Charles Mason, in which he gives us three motives and three means for checking this sinful tendency.

“Present Duty” by Charles Mason, Parochial Sermons (Boston: E. P. Dutton & Co., 1865). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs divided.

Edward N. Kirk

“The Laborers Paid; or, Humility in Regard to our Merits”

Battling our pride is, sadly, a daily duty. Edward Kirk gives us some much needed insight about humility in his exposition of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard together with that of the Unprofitable Servants.

Lecture VIII from Lectures on the Parables of our Saviour (New York: R. Craighead, Printer, 1857). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs divided.

You might also want to read the study of these two parables by Richard Trench from his book Notes on the Parables of our Lord. In our devotional you will find an entry on the Unprofitable Servants by John Calvin and one on the Laborers in the Vineyard by Alfred Edersheim.

Walter C. Smith

“The Law Kept by Sympathy”

Judging, gossiping, and backbiting are evils found in too great abundance among the religious. We shall all bow our heads in shame after reading this sermon.

“The Law Kept by Sympathy” by Walter C. Smith, The Sermon on the Mount (Edinburgh: Edmonston and Douglas, 1867). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs divided.

Henry Martyn

“The New Creature”

When we are saved we become new creatures in Christ. What kind of transformation should we expect? This sermon by Henry Martyn will shed much light on this important subject.

Sermon XI, “The New Creature,” by Henry Martyn, in Sermons (Boston, 1822). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs divided.

Henry Blunt

“Naaman’s Conversion, Gehazi’s Greed”

Will we see Naaman in heaven? Here is an uplifting sermon for all Christians, but especially for new believers.

Lecture V in Lectures on the History of Elisha by Rev. Henry Blunt, A.M. (London: J. Hatchard & Son, 1840). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided. For the text of 2 Kings, we have also substituted the New King James Version.

John M’Laurin

“The Sins of Men Not Chargeable to God”

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

This sermon is based on James 1:13: “Let no man say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt any man.” Are we certain we’re not guilty of such accusations?

Sermon I in Sermons and Essays: by the Late Rev. Mr. John M’Laurin, published from his manuscripts by John Gillies (Philadelphia: W. W. Woodward, 1811). Note: The sermon was written and preached around 1720. For convenience in reading, we divided the sermon into five parts. Also, for purposes of easier reading and clarity, some liberty was taken in editing and rephrasing. For those wishing to consult the original, it can be found on Open Library.

Jonathan Weaver

“Providence-Mysterious”

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says Yahweh.” Here is some very encouraging reading for all those who often feel “down in the dumps” because God seems to have forgotten them.

Chapter VIII in Divine Providence by Bishop Jonathan Weaver (Dayton, Ohio: United Brethren Publishing House, 1891). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs divided.

Edward Wilson

“1 Kings 18:21”

“How long will you halt between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, follow Him: but if Baal, follow him.” I’m afraid there are way too many of us who love keeping one foot in the world rather than following Christ whatever the cost. How dangerous can this indecision be? Rev. Wilson will make it clear in this sermon.

Sermon II in Sermons, Preached in the Parish Church of St. Michael’s, Bath by Rev. Edward Wilson (London: Seeley & Sons, 1833). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided. The NKJV has been used for some Scripture.

Joseph Thompson

“Temperance”

This lecture on self-control comes from the Pastor’s sermon on that interesting passage in 2 Peter: “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”

Lecture III in The Christian Graces, A Series of Lectures on 2 Peter 1:5-12, by Joseph P. Thompson (New York: Sheldon & Company, 1859). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

Cornelius Tyree

“The Benefits of Affliction”

May this sermon help us embrace those words of David, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted.”

This excerpt is from A Sermon on Occasion of the Death of General Philip St. George Cocke by Cornelius Tyree (Richmond: MacFarlane & Fergusson, 1862). Note: The text has not been modified, except that punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized and long paragraphs have been divided.

Thomas Gisborne

“On Worldly Anxiety”

“Be anxious for nothing.” How would you rank yourself in this most important aspect of the Christian life? Gisborne’s sermon will offer some sound encouragement.

Sermon XII from Sermons Principally Designed to Illustrate and to Enforce Christian Morality by Thomas Gisborne (London: T. Cadell and W. Davies, 1809). Note: Liberty has been taken for some light editing and paraphrasing.

Joseph Milner

“The Portion of the Men of the World, and the Hope of the Godly”

Some serious self-examination will tell us whether we truly belong to Christ or are in reality “men of the world.”

Sermon XXI from Practical Sermons, 3rd. ed., by Joseph Milner (London: J. & E. Hodson, 1804). Note: The text has not been modified, except for some very light editing for clarity. Also, punctuation and KJV-era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized, long paragraphs have been divided, and the NKJV has been used for numerous quotations.