Category: Classic Sermons in Modern English

Abraham’s Ultimate Test of Faith

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BASED ON A WRITING BY GEORGE WHITEFIELD (c. 1750)

Genesis 22:12 says, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld your only son from me.”

The Apostle Paul tells us that everything written in the past was for our learning, so that through the scriptures we might have hope. Since faith is essential to please God, the examples of strong faith in the Bible were meant for our guidance. That’s why Hebrews 11 highlights the faith of Old Testament saints, encouraging us to follow their example. Abraham, called the “friend of God” and the “father of the faithful,” stands out among them. He faced many trials, but the hardest was God’s command to offer his only son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. This is the story we reflect on today.

The Bible says God “tested” Abraham, though this doesn’t mean God tempted him to do wrong, as James tells us God never tempts anyone to sin. Instead, God tested Abraham’s faith, just as he sometimes tests ours to strengthen our trust in Him. When God called Abraham, he responded without hesitation, ready to obey, showing the close relationship between God and those who trust in Him.

God commanded Abraham to take Isaac, his beloved and only son, and offer him as a sacrifice. Abraham could have questioned the command, reasoning that it went against natural love for his child and God’s promise of descendants through Isaac. Yet, Abraham obeyed without delay, trusting that God could even raise Isaac from the dead. His faith was so strong that he believed God’s promises despite the command seeming impossible to understand.

This teaches us that true faith trusts God’s word, even when it doesn’t align with human reason. Like Abraham, we must believe in God’s promises, even when they seem beyond our understanding. Where reason fails, faith begins.

Let’s look again at Abraham’s story. God commands him to sacrifice his son Isaac, yet Abraham does not object or question God. Instead, we are told he rises early, gathers what is needed, and begins the journey to the place God had shown him. The fact that Abraham rose early suggests God spoke to him during the night. Perhaps it was right before dawn that God said, “Take your son.”

Despite how difficult this command must have been, Abraham obeys, showing deep humility and faith. He saddles his own donkey and keeps the sacrifice a secret from everyone, including his wife Sarah, knowing she might try to intervene. After three days of walking, Abraham spots the place where he is to offer Isaac. Although he must have struggled internally, Abraham shows no hesitation. When Isaac asks about the missing lamb for the sacrifice, Abraham replies that God will provide, though he knows Isaac is to be the offering.

Isaac, unaware of the full plan, carries the wood for the sacrifice, unknowingly carrying the very instrument of his own death. Abraham binds Isaac and places him on the altar. Just as he lifts the knife to sacrifice his son, an angel stops him, saying, “Do not lay a hand on the boy.” Abraham’s faith had been proven, and God provides a ram to sacrifice instead. Abraham’s obedience is rewarded with a renewed promise that through his offspring, all nations will be blessed.

This story prefigures the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God. Just as Abraham was willing to give up his only son, God actually gave His only Son for our salvation. While Isaac was spared, Jesus was not, and He bore the weight of our sins on the cross.

The lesson here is that faith in God requires trust, even when His commands seem impossible. Like Abraham, we are called to obey without hesitation, believing that God will provide in His time. Abraham’s faith was shown through his actions, and so must ours be—faith without works is dead. True faith changes our hearts and leads to a life of obedience and love for God.

Let this story remind us to hold loosely to worldly things and to be ready to surrender everything to God, just as Abraham did with Isaac.

God’s Glory the Purpose of Man’s Life

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Based on a writing by Rev. Hugh Binning (c. 1650)

Romans 11:36 —“For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (NASB) 1 Corinthians 10:31—“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God.” (NASB)

The essential question for all people is: What is our purpose, and how do we achieve it? Like any skill or science, true religion has foundational principles that guide all other knowledge. These principles are few and simple, but they must be considered carefully. When ignored, what is clear becomes difficult and burdensome.

The most important principle is our purpose—our end. Without understanding this, all our actions will be in vain. What is our great purpose? It is to glorify God in everything we do, because he is the source and reason for all things.

God is completely independent and perfect, existing for his own glory. We, on the other hand, are dependent on him. Everything comes from God and should return to him. This principle is written in our very nature: we are made to glorify God, just as we are created by his power. Ignoring this truth leads to confusion and destruction in our lives. God’s pursuit of his own glory is not selfish, because in glorifying himself, he blesses and fulfills his creation.

Unlike the rest of creation, humans bear God’s image, making us uniquely created for his glory. All creation serves humanity, and humanity, in turn, is meant to reflect all glory back to God. We are the mediators of creation’s praise, offering it back to the Creator. Though sin has broken this relationship, through Christ, we are restored to fulfill this purpose once again.

To glorify God is to reflect his attributes in our thoughts, words, and actions. We must live in a way that shows God’s justice, power, goodness, and mercy. This is the ultimate reason for our existence, and failing to do so makes us worthless, like salt that has lost its flavor. But through Christ’s redemption, we are renewed and empowered to glorify God once again.

Our lives should focus on God’s glory. We must ask ourselves: Why are we here? If we neglect this purpose, we will face judgment for wasting our lives on lesser things. Our primary duty is to serve and glorify God in all that we do.

The Role of the Holy Spirit as Comforter and Advocate

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Charles Haddon Spurgeon (June 19, 1834 – January 31, 1892) was an English Particular Baptist preacher known as the “Prince of Preachers.” He had a significant impact on Christians across various denominations and was a prominent figure in the Reformed Baptist tradition. Spurgeon defended the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith and opposed the liberal and pragmatic theological trends of his time.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.”
John 14:26

The wise man Simeon called Jesus the “consolation of Israel,” and indeed, that’s what He was. Before Jesus arrived, He was known as the “Day-Star”—a light of hope shining in the darkness, hinting at a bright new beginning, much like the morning star that promises dawn. Those who looked to Him had hope, like a watchman on a lonely tower who sees the first bright star of the morning, knowing daybreak is near.

While He was on earth, Jesus must have been a source of comfort for everyone close to Him. We can imagine how His disciples would come to Him with their troubles, and how gently and reassuringly He would speak to them, easing their fears. Like children look to a parent, they would turn to Jesus for all their needs, sorrows, and struggles, knowing He would listen and help them. He was like a skilled doctor who always knew how to heal their wounds and calm their worries.

How wonderful it must have been to live alongside Christ! For His followers, any sorrow was simply a chance to go to Him for comfort. Some of us might even wish we had been born in that time, so we could have laid our burdens on Jesus, heard His kind voice, and seen His gentle look as He invited the weary to come to Him.

But now He was about to leave. Great things needed to happen—prophecies had to be fulfilled, and Jesus needed to go. He had to suffer to take on our sins, die and rest in the grave so that He could make it a place of hope, not despair. He needed to rise again so that those who die in Him will one day rise too. And He had to ascend to heaven to defeat evil and lead the way for us.

“It’s necessary for me to go,” said Jesus, “because if I don’t, the Helper won’t come.” Jesus had to leave, and this was painful for His followers. But Jesus spoke kindly, promising, “I won’t leave you without help. I’ll ask the Father to send you another Helper who will stay with you forever.”

He wouldn’t abandon them, even though He had a mission that would take all His strength. He gave words of comfort, like a caring friend who leaves but makes sure someone will be there to take care of us. “I will send you another Helper,” He said. This Helper would comfort them, lift their doubts, bring peace in hard times, and stand in Jesus’s place on earth, doing all that Jesus Himself would have done.

Before we talk about the Holy Spirit as the Helper, let’s look at some different translations of the word “Comforter.” The Rhemish translation, used by Catholics, leaves it as the Greek word “Paraclete.” This word has several meanings: it can mean Helper, Teacher, or Advocate. Here it means “Comforter,” but each meaning is important.

“I will send you another Teacher,” Jesus says. Jesus had been their Teacher while on earth. They called Him their only Rabbi. They learned directly from Him, who taught like no one else. Now, He says, “After I go, where will you find a true Teacher?” Jesus didn’t say He would set up a leader in Rome or councils of the church to guide them. Instead, He promised, “I will send you another Teacher, the Holy Spirit, who will help you understand scripture, reveal hidden things, and explain God’s truths.”

No one can truly understand Jesus or the Bible without being taught by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the one who explains things that we can’t understand on our own. No matter how knowledgeable someone is, without the Holy Spirit, they miss the truth. We aren’t guided by human teachings but by the Spirit in the hearts of God’s children.

The other meaning of Paraclete is Advocate. How is the Holy Spirit our Advocate? Just as Jesus is our counselor, the Holy Spirit stands with us on earth, helping us overcome those who work against God’s truth.

How was Paul able to speak so boldly before leaders like Felix and Agrippa? How could the apostles stand before powerful judges without fear and openly proclaim their faith? How is it that, throughout history, God’s messengers have spoken like lions, with strong hearts, firm resolve, and words that sound like they come straight from God?

The answer is simple: it wasn’t just the person speaking, but God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, speaking through them. Have you ever seen a passionate preacher, hands raised and tears falling, pleading with people to turn to God? Think of the description by John Bunyan: a serious figure with eyes looking to heaven, holding the Bible, with truth on his lips, the world behind him, as if calling out to people with a crown of glory hanging over his head.

Who gave such a preacher such a powerful way of speaking? Did he learn it in college? No—it came from God. The Holy Spirit, who knows what to say and how to say it, teaches us how to share God’s message.

The Holy Spirit also speaks directly to people’s hearts. Often, people reject the truth until the Holy Spirit reveals it to them. We, as messengers, sometimes struggle to say things perfectly, but it’s a blessing that God’s Spirit speaks to the heart in ways that we can’t. Have you ever experienced the Spirit convicting you of your wrongs when no one else could? He shows us the seriousness of our sin, sometimes by letting us feel the weight of judgment and guilt, giving us a vision of the consequences, and reminding us of the coming judgment.

The Holy Spirit is a powerful advocate, working in our hearts to reveal our sin, show us Christ’s righteousness, and remind us of the coming judgment. Holy Spirit, speak to my heart! Help me to recognize my sins, to hear your guidance, and to understand when I’ve wandered from the right path.

The Spirit also prays for us in ways we can’t express ourselves. Have you ever felt such deep sorrow or need that words fail you? When you can’t find the words, the Spirit speaks for you, translating your unspoken groans into prayers that reach Jesus. The Spirit takes these prayers to Jesus, who then presents them to God the Father on our behalf.

Now that we understand the Holy Spirit as our Teacher and Advocate, let’s talk about Him as the Comforter. First, we’ll look at the Comforter, then at the comfort He brings, and finally at those who are comforted.

I. The Comforter
Let’s look at the qualities of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter, which show how He perfectly meets our needs.

First, the Holy Spirit is a deeply loving Comforter. When we’re distressed and someone who doesn’t truly know or care for us tries to comfort us, their words often have little effect. But when someone who loves us dearly comes to comfort us, their words feel like music to our ears. They know how to speak to our hearts because of the love they have for us. And who loves us more than the Holy Spirit?

Do you know, O Christian, how deeply the Holy Spirit loves you? Can you measure His love? Just as you can’t measure the ocean or count all the grains of sand, so you can’t measure the Spirit’s love. He has loved you from the beginning and always will. With love like that, isn’t He the best one to comfort you?

The Spirit is also a faithful Comforter. Sometimes human love lets us down; a friend might leave us in our time of need. But God’s Spirit is always there for us. Child of God, you might be struggling, but remember how the Spirit comforted you before when everything else failed. Why doubt Him now? Even if sickness or distress comes, He will comfort you.

The Holy Spirit is also a tireless Comforter. Sometimes, comforting someone who is deeply troubled can be exhausting, but the Spirit never tires of comforting us.

When you try to comfort someone and they keep changing their issue, you might feel like you’re dealing with something that just won’t go away, like fighting a monster that grows a new head every time you cut one off. Some people seem almost impossible to comfort, like they’ve locked themselves in chains and thrown away the key, and nothing you say can reach them.

I’ve met people trapped in despair, who seem beyond comfort. They say things like, “I’m the one who’s seen all the worst things; no one can understand me.” And the more you try to help, the more resistant they become. Eventually, out of sheer frustration, you might leave them to dwell in their sorrow alone.

But the Holy Spirit isn’t discouraged by our resistance. When He wants to comfort us, He keeps reaching out, even if we try to pull away. If He offers us relief and we reject it, He doesn’t give up. If He provides something to soothe our pain and we refuse it, He still persists. No amount of mistakes or complaining on our part can tire Him out.

The Holy Spirit is also a wise comforter. Job, in the Bible, had some friends who tried to console him, but he called them “miserable comforters,” and he was right. They thought they understood his pain, but they were far from helpful. They diagnosed his problem incorrectly, and so their advice made things worse, like a doctor prescribing the wrong medicine.

But the Holy Spirit knows exactly what’s wrong with us. He sees through to the root of our pain and applies the perfect remedy. While other comforters may misunderstand and give bad advice, the Holy Spirit always knows exactly what we need.

Not only is His comfort wise, but it’s also safe. Some comfort isn’t safe at all. Imagine a young man who becomes troubled after hearing a sermon and realizes he needs to change. His family, worried about him, might suggest distractions like a trip or some entertainment to cheer him up. But these quick fixes only make him feel worse. Temporary solutions can leave a person even more lost.

The Holy Spirit, however, offers true comfort that can be trusted. When He gives us peace, it’s real and lasting. It doesn’t hide our pain under a false sense of security. His comfort goes deep and is reliable, without any false hope.

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit actively comforts us. He doesn’t just offer comforting words and leave. He goes beyond that by helping us directly, praying on our behalf, and reminding us of God’s promises. He gives us the grace we need to get through hard times, not just pleasant words.

Finally, the Holy Spirit is always with us. We don’t have to go searching for Him. Whenever we’re in need, He’s right there, ready to offer comfort and strength. He is a constant help, always by our side, ready to provide what we need at any moment.

Now, let’s consider what real comfort looks like. Some people misunderstand the Holy Spirit’s influence, thinking He reveals brand-new messages to us. But the Spirit actually reminds us of truths that are already in the Bible. God’s message is complete, and we don’t need new revelations. Instead, the Holy Spirit helps us rediscover and understand the old truths that have always been there, shedding new light on what we might have forgotten.

The Bible contains everything we need to live a life of faith, even if we were to live as long as the oldest people in the Bible. If we face the deepest sorrows, the Scriptures still have what we need. The Spirit opens up these timeless truths and shows us their relevance to our lives.

The Holy Spirit might remind you of the message of the cross, where Jesus died for you. He might bring to mind the wounds Jesus endured for you, reminding you that you’re deeply loved and that every hardship you face is shaping you. Each struggle has a purpose, making you stronger. Remember that God cares for you just as much in your struggles as He does in your joys.

At times, the Holy Spirit may even lift the curtain to show us a glimpse of the glory that awaits in heaven, giving us the strength to say, “You truly are a Comforter to me.”

Some of you could understand if I spoke about visions of heaven. You’ve felt like you’ve left the sun, moon, and stars behind, racing ahead like lightning, almost stepping into the gates of heaven and walking on golden streets, lifted by the Spirit. But I need to stay focused on the topic at hand.

Who Are the Comforted?
I like to say, “Divide! Divide!” because there are two groups here: those who are comforted and those who are not—those who have received the comfort of the Holy Spirit and those who haven’t. Let’s figure out who belongs to which group, hoping that some who feel lost tonight will find their way to true comfort.

You might wonder, “How can I tell if I’ve received the Holy Spirit’s comfort?” Here’s a simple way to know: If you have received one blessing from God, you will also receive others. Let me explain. Imagine I’m an auctioneer selling pieces of the Gospel. If I offered justification through Christ’s blood for free, many would say, “I want that! I want to be justified and forgiven.”

But if I offered sanctification, which means turning away from sin and truly changing your heart, many might say, “I want to go to heaven, but I don’t want to give up my sins. I want to be saved, but I still want to drink and live my old life.”

But listen, if you want one blessing, you must take them all. God doesn’t split up the Gospel. He doesn’t give justification to one person and sanctification to another. Whoever He calls, He justifies; whoever He justifies, He sanctifies; and whoever He sanctifies, He also glorifies.

If I could offer only the comforts of the Gospel, you would eagerly accept them like bees to honey. When someone is ill, they often call for a minister, hoping for comforting words. But if the minister is honest, he won’t offer comfort to those who aren’t truly seeking it. Sometimes, people need to face their sins before they can receive any comfort about Christ.

It’s a mistake to tell someone, “Just believe in Christ, and that’s all you need to do.” If they don’t truly change, they may just become hypocrites who pretend to be fine.

I heard about a city missionary who tracked two thousand people who were thought to be dying but then recovered. He thought many of them would have lived as Christians, but only one was found to live a faithful life afterward!

Isn’t it sad that people call for comfort when they’re dying, and others think they are children of God when they may not even have the right to that comfort? I pray that those people are kept from false comfort!

So, do you have the other blessings? Have you ever felt guilty for your sins? Have you humbled yourself at Jesus’ feet and looked to the cross for refuge? If not, you have no right to any comfort. Don’t take any of it. The Holy Spirit first convicts us of our sins before He comforts us, and you need to experience that conviction before receiving true comfort.

Now, as I wrap this up, think about what I’ve said about the Comforter. Before you leave, I want you to reflect on this serious question: What do you know about the Comforter?

If you don’t know the Comforter, you will come to know the Judge. If you don’t experience the Comforter here on earth, you will meet the Condemner in the next world, who will say, “Depart from me into everlasting fire.”

If we were to live forever, you might take the Gospel lightly, but the truth is that we all must die. Since we last met, some people may have gone to their eternal home, and before we meet again, some of you might be in heaven or in hell. Which will it be? Answer that for yourself. If you were to die right here, would you go to heaven or hell?

Don’t deceive yourselves. Let your conscience do its work. If, in God’s sight, you feel that your fate might be with the unbelievers, listen closely: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Listen, weary sinner—no matter what your past looks like, whether you feel like you’re the worst of the worst, remember this: God says, “Whoever believes in the name of Jesus Christ will be saved.”

Your past sins are not a barrier. No matter how guilty you feel, whoever believes tonight will have every sin forgiven and every crime wiped away. You will be saved through Jesus Christ and stand in heaven, safe and secure. That is the beautiful message of the Gospel.

May God impress this truth on your hearts and give you faith in Jesus!

Walking by the Spirit: A Path to Spiritual Growth

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Hugh Binning (1627–1653) was a Scottish philosopher and theologian. He was born in Scotland during the reign of Charles I and was ordained in the Church of Scotland. This is one of his sermons put in modern English.

It’s no surprise that we can’t fully explain this topic, and that you don’t see much spiritual growth, because it’s a mystery to our understanding and something we rarely practice. There’s so little of the Spirit in both teachers and learners that we speak about it as if it’s something unfamiliar, and we struggle to help you truly grasp what it means in a real, living way. All we can say in general is that walking by the Spirit is a divine thing—something beyond our usual way of living, even beyond our religious lives.

Since few people experience it, we know little about it, but we should understand this: it’s beyond what we’ve achieved so far. It’s something higher than where we are, yet it’s something we’re called to reach for. This truth should ignite a holy ambition in us to strive for more, knowing that it is possible. Christ calls us to walk with Him in this way.

I want Christians to have big dreams and goals—to be people with high and limitless desires, never content with where they are spiritually. We should always want more of God, more obedience to His will, more walking by the Spirit, and more separation from the world’s ways. That’s what it means to have a divine spirit. The divine nature is out of place here on earth, and you can recognize it by its constant upward movement, never resting, always striving towards God, His holiness, and His Spirit.

I’d like to speak on three points: First, what it means to walk by the Spirit. Second, how this connects to the blessed state of being free from condemnation. And finally, how this way of life comes from being united with Christ Jesus.

Spiritual walking means living according to a spiritual guide, following spiritual principles, and aiming for spiritual goals. When these three are in place, a Christian’s life moves within them. It’s guided by God’s Word as the standard, powered by faith and love in Jesus, and driven by the Spirit of Jesus in our hearts. This walk starts with the Spirit and ends with the glory of Jesus and God.

This isn’t a lawless or chaotic way of living. It follows the perfect rule of God, aiming for spiritual growth, not just being content with what we’ve already achieved. The world’s way is different; it’s led by a different spirit, the spirit of disobedience, which leads many down a broad and easy path. But Christians are called to be different, not just in opinion, but in how they live—seeking holiness and walking apart from the world’s ways. This kind of “divine difference” is acceptable and even necessary.

We should aim to be as different as possible from the world, striving to align ourselves more with God’s Word, which is the perfect guide. Paul recognized that the law is spiritual and holy, but we are often still worldly. As we grow spiritually, we should keep moving forward, never being satisfied with where we are or comparing ourselves to others. Comparing ourselves to others can hold us back from the constant forward motion we’re called to.

As Christians, we should value and honor God’s Word, knowing that it is a precious and perfect guide. Many people undervalue the Word, but without it, there’s only darkness. True freedom in the Spirit doesn’t mean living without rules—it means being free from sin, not free to sin. The Spirit sets us free to walk in God’s ways, not aimlessly, but within the path of His commandments.

We must understand that God’s Word should guide every part of our lives—both religious and everyday actions. Spiritual walking isn’t limited to church or religious activities; it’s continuous. Our daily lives, like eating, drinking, and working, should be done in a way that leads us closer to God. Everything we do should reflect our Christian faith, not just our religious practices.

Some people think the Bible doesn’t apply to their daily lives or business dealings, but that’s not true. If we separate our actions from the Word, we risk separating our faith from those actions too. We must let the Word guide all areas of our lives so that we live not only as people but as Christians in everything we do.

This spiritual journey is based on spiritual principles. We know that the Spirit of Jesus Christ is the one who gives us life and guides us spiritually. Without Him, we can do nothing. As Christians, we should rely on Him fully, acting as if we are merely tools in His hands. While we should put in effort and do our best as if we are working independently, we must remember that we are truly dependent on the Spirit. Paul said it best: “I worked harder than anyone, but it was not me, it was the grace of God in me. I live, but it’s not me, it’s Christ living in me.”

It’s hard to balance these two ideas in our daily lives, but they must go together. One of the greatest mysteries of Christianity is finding our strength and energy in someone else—Christ. We need to realize that, on our own, we are powerless. No matter how experienced or gifted we are, we must view ourselves as incapable of doing anything without God. The growing Christian should no longer trust in their own abilities but should see themselves as dependent on the Spirit, unable to accomplish anything without Him.

Unfortunately, we often approach spiritual duties relying on our qualifications or past experiences. We become confident in our abilities instead of recognizing our need for grace. Instead of focusing on our talents or gifts, we should keep our eyes on the grace of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Even when things seem easier because of practice and experience, we should still cry out to God, “Lead me, and I will follow you.” Don’t measure your calling based on your own strength, but on the One who strengthens you.

The Holy Spirit moves us through faith in Christ and love for Him as our Savior. These two principles—faith and love—are what drive us to obey God. If fear drives us, without being mixed with faith and love, it becomes a form of bondage. But as Christians, we should walk in the spirit of adoption, calling God “Father,” not driven by fear. Sadly, many Christians are pushed to obey God more out of fear than out of love. True Christian living should be motivated by love for Christ, which makes obedience natural and joyful, rather than forced by fear.

Many people’s actions in religion are motivated by external factors—custom, expectations, or fear of punishment. But true Christianity comes from within, powered by love for Christ. It’s easy to act like we’re religious when we’re surrounded by certain people, but God sees the heart. We must be careful not to treat religion as a routine or something we do just because we’re used to it.

As Christians, we are called to live for God, not for ourselves. Our goal should not just be to get to heaven, but to live a life that reflects God’s love and glory. Our good deeds can never earn God’s favor. Even when we do everything we’re called to do, we must still recognize that we are unworthy servants, depending on God’s grace. Our efforts should not be about earning salvation but showing our gratitude and love for Christ, who has already saved us. This is the true heart of Christian living—doing everything for the glory of God, motivated by love for Him.

First, we need to recognize that spiritual growth comes from within, not just from outward actions. Our bodies alone cannot fully live a life guided by the Spirit. External religious practices are like the outer shell that holds something much deeper—the true, inner connection with God. All the things people can see—our religious actions—are like statues or paintings without life unless the Holy Spirit and our own spirit give them meaning and energy.

I’m not saying it’s just the Holy Spirit at work; our own souls and spirits are involved too. The Spirit of God works in us by influencing our soul, the part of us that is eternal. The Bible says, “There is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.” So, while outward actions in worship are important because God commands them, they are empty without the soul’s involvement. People who reject these outward practices are missing something important.

We are made of both a spirit and a body, and both should be engaged in worship. A true Christian doesn’t exclude either inner communion with God or outward obedience to God’s commands. But, sadly, many of us worship God with our bodies while our hearts remain distant. This is what kills our worship—it’s like the soul is missing. We may look like saints on the outside, but there is very little true love for God inside.

This generation often falls into the trap of focusing on outward religious practices while neglecting the deeper, spiritual life. What remains is a shell of Christianity without its real power and life. So, I urge you to focus on walking in the Spirit. Only your spirit can truly follow the Holy Spirit. Our bodies are limited, and the spiritual path is upward and requires more than just physical effort.

Instead of measuring your faith by outward appearances, look within. Engage your soul in your walk with God. When your spirit is aligned with the Holy Spirit, your actions and religious practices will naturally follow in a meaningful way.