Sermons & Devotionals by Classic Devotionals

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith John of the Cross (1542-1591) Introduction to the Author Born in Castile, Spain, John became a Carmelite monk in 1564. Ordained in 1567 he met with Theresa of Avila and she saw great potential in him and placed him in... Read More

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith John Wesley (1703-1791) Introduction to the Author John Wesley was one of 19 children born to Samuel and Susanna Wesley. His father was an Anglican clergyman and his mother was devoted both to God and to her children.... Read More

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith John Woolman (1720-1772) Introduction to the Author John Woolman was born in New Jersey to a Quaker family in a time when many suffered the hardship of poverty. Woolman lived a simple, steady life of obedience to God ... Read More

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) Introduction to the Author Jonathan Edwards was a Congregational pastor and a key figure in the 18th century's 'Great Awakening'. He is considered one of America's greatest theologians. Bo... Read More

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith Lancelot Andrews (1555-1626) Introduction to the Author Although Andrews was a member of the Puritans, he will always be remembered as one of the outstanding figures in the Anglican Church. Andrews became the Bishop o... Read More

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith Martin Luther (1453-1546) Introduction to the Author Martin Luther is best known as the father of the Protestant Reformation. Born into a poor family in Eisleben, Germany, Luther sought to better himself by becoming a... Read More

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith St. Augustine (354-430) Introduction to the Author St. Augustine, the bishop of Hippo, was the great doctor of the Latin church. Born in N. Africa in 354 he was the son of a pagan father and a devoutly religious mothe... Read More

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Introduction to the Author Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada was born in Avila, Spain in 1515. At the age of 20 she entered the Carmelite Convent of the Incarnation. While there she battled many s... Read More

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471) Introduction to the Author In 1399 at the age of 19, Thomas a Kempis became a monk at the Augustinian monastery where he would spend the rest of his life. He was made subprior in 1429, but ... Read More

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith Thomas Merton (1915-1968) Introduction to the Author Born is Prades, France, Thomas Merton had a trying and painful childhood. His mother dies when he was 6 and his father after moving numerous times dies when Thomas ... Read More

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith William Law (1686-1761) Introduction to the Author William Law was a devout Anglican priest. His practical work was as a spiritual director (mentor/discipler) offering guidance to people who sought a closer, deeper re... Read More

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith William Temple (1881-1944) Introduction to the Author William Temple was born in The Palace, in Exeter, the son of Frederick Temple, who later became the archbishop of Canterbury. Educated at Rugby and Balliol College... Read More