Sermons & Devotionals by Arthur Vess

Preach Holiness with joy and gladness, not sorrow and sadness. "For the kingdom ofheaven is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." While the worldshouts over nothing, we should be able to preach so that people can shout over everything. Somany of our preachers and t... Read More

Preach it boldly and fearlessly, without compromise or adulteration. Condemn everythingunholy, and defend everything that is holy. Do not fear being charged as radical, fanatical, etc."Perfect love casteth out fear." Let holy boldness be your motto and defense. Carnal boldnesssacrifices God and othe... Read More

Preach it definitely and specifically as a second definite work of grace, no more and noless. "Press the instantaneous blessing." Offer the experience on Bible terms and conditions. Stresseradication and death to the old man, and old woman too -- "knowing this that our old man iscrucified with him, ... Read More

Preach it logically and theologically, as the great center and culmination of Bible truth anddoctrine. It is the most reasonable thing in the world. "Come now and let us reason together,Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow." Show how it is the climax ofCalvary, the divine ph... Read More

Preach it personally in your daily life and conversation to individuals in their homes, atwork, on the streets and every place where people need it. Holiness is not worth much if it dies atchurch. If you know how to preach to individuals, you can preach to the masses as individuals, andmake everyone... Read More

Preach it practically, and in a simple form, so that "the wayfaring man, though he be a foolmay not err therein." Preach it for men, not angels. Put it down where all can understand and get it,but where none can trample it. A camp president said to a camp evangelist, "Your manners andlanguage are so... Read More

Preach it seriously, not as a joke, but as a serious eternal issue. There is too much chaff inour modern pulpits. Many try to tickle and amuse people rather than bless them. If we are blessed,we do not need to be amused and entertained. It is all right to be cheerful, but not chaffy. They saidthat J... Read More

Preach it tenderly, with tears of compassion from Gethsemane, flowing from your hearts through your eyes and words, so that every place you go, saints and sinners will say, "He preaches so tenderly, and with such an humble spirit." The Pharisees and Saducees will both accuse and abuse you, but preac... Read More

10. Excuse Ten: "I give more than the tithe." How do you know that you give more than the tithe? Do you keep books? Do not be so liberal; (?) cut it down to the tithe and keep books and you will be shocked at the little you were giving, and surprised at the amount of the tithe. A small amount seems ... Read More

The choice of your life's companion will determine how well your other two choices will work out in the end. When two persons are combined in one flesh, it is very vital and important that they have a kindred and harmonious relationship, with common spirits, goals and destinations. You will need God... Read More

[Note -- The following is a condensed revision of a chapter in "Methodism and It's Methods," written by Rev. J. T. Crane, in 1875. Dr. Crane's many years of travel, study andintimate observations of current and past church history gave him a vision and insight into his own great Methodist church at ... Read More

This is a double responsibility, both for us and for them. Whatever else we may do for our loved ones, all is lost if they are lost. We may do our best for them, and yet they may choose to be lost; but if we do not do our best for them, they will likely be lost, and at our charge. Somechildren and o... Read More

We must preach it experientially, not experimental, but as something proved by experience.[This distinction drawn between "experiential" and "experimental" here is not altogether welltaken, for the word "experimental" can mean "that which is known by experience" as well as "thatwhich involves an exp... Read More

There are loved ones in the glory, Whose dear forms we often miss; When you close your earthly story, Will you meet them in their bliss? In the joyous days of childhood, Oft they told of wondrous love; Pointed to the dying Saviour, Now they dwell with him above. You remember songs of heaven, Which y... Read More

Your God understands you completely, and knows all your past, present and future. He alsoknows your ability, temperament, qualities and possibilities, the trials and triumphs ahead. He ha sa special place for you in His work. He created you in His own image for a special place here,and hereafter. Yo... Read More

Next to your surrender to God, comes Your life's work. "I'll live for Him who died for me:How happy then my life shall be." If God has a special mission or call for you, you will never be happy or prosperous without obeying that call. Keep busy and faithful to God in your own home and community, and... Read More