An old minister explained the smudges on his sermon outlines by saying they were caused by sweat and tears. And without those two marks, a sermon is not a sermon.

Real revival does not begin with joyous singing. It begins with conviction and repentance on the part of Christians.

To build character of purpose and integrity is our high mark, and that cannot be done in a world where there are no adverse elements.

The preacher who jests and jokes with his people all week will soon find that he cannot stand in his pulpit on Sunday with power to reprove, rebuke and exhort. He may be the life of the party but it will be the death of the prophet.

We have suffered from the preaching of cheap grace. Grace is free, but it is not cheap. People will take anything that is free, but they are not interested in discipleship. They will take Christ as Savior but not as Lord.

Adam tried to hide behind the trees in the garden. There is only one tree that can hide us from Him and that is the tree of the cross.

I would say to today's young minister, 'Be not afraid to give much time to solitary walks and meditation'.