Wesley explains how faith serves as evidence of unseen spiritual realities, taking over where physical senses end. He describes three levels of faith: the faith of a servant (fear-based obedience), the faith of a son (love-based relationship with God), and mature faith leading to Christian perfection. Wesley argues that while our senses give us knowledge of the material world, only faith can reveal the invisible world, eternal truths, and the spiritual kingdom of God within the soul.

Wesley distinguishes between those who walk by sight (living according to visible, temporal things) and those who walk by faith (living with reference to invisible, eternal realities). He argues that true Christians regulate their judgments, affections, and actions not by what can be seen in this world, but by the eternal world revealed through faith in Christ. Wesley challenges believers to examine whether they truly seek heavenly things or are still pursuing earthly pleasures and honors, warning that focusing on temporal things leads to spiritual destruction.

Wesley argues that the offices of priest and preacher have always been distinct throughout biblical history, from Old Testament times through the early Christian church. He defends Methodist preachers' right to preach without being ordained, emphasizing they were called as evangelists to proclaim the gospel, not as priests to administer sacraments. Wesley maintains that Methodists should remain within the Church of England while fulfilling their unique calling as extraordinary messengers to provoke the ordinary clergy to greater faithfulness.

Wesley examines why Christianity has had so little positive impact on the world, identifying several causes: widespread ignorance of true Christianity even among nominal Christians, lack of Christian discipline, and especially the failure to practice self-denial and generous giving. He argues that as Christians grow wealthy, they become less devoted to Christ, and calls for believers to 'gain all you can, save all you can, and give all you can' to prevent riches from destroying their faith.

Wesley preaches on the fundamental truth that there is one God, exploring His eternal nature and divine attributes including omnipresence, omnipotence, omniscience, and holiness. He argues that true religion and happiness are found only in loving God with all our heart and our neighbor as ourselves, warning against the idolatry of seeking fulfillment in created things rather than the Creator. Wesley concludes that both authentic religion and genuine happiness must center on God, as humanity was created to find ultimate satisfaction in Him alone.

Wesley expounds on Jesus' parable of the rich fool who stored up earthly treasures for himself, calling him a fool because his soul would be required that very night. Wesley warns against the folly of pursuing worldly wealth and comfort while neglecting eternal matters, emphasizing that true wisdom lies in being rich toward God rather than laying up earthly treasures that cannot satisfy the soul or survive death.

Wesley teaches that spiritual sight depends on having a 'single eye' - an intention purely focused on God's glory rather than worldly pursuits. He argues that those with single eyes experience spiritual light, knowledge, and holiness, while those seeking earthly pleasures, wealth, or human approval live in spiritual darkness. Wesley applies this principle to practical matters like choosing careers and marriage partners, urging his Methodist followers to prioritize godliness over worldly success.

John Wesley explains that the 'wedding garment' in Jesus' parable refers to personal holiness, not merely the righteousness of Christ or participation in religious ordinances. He argues that while Christ's righteousness entitles us to heaven, personal holiness is what qualifies us for it, defining true holiness as having 'the mind that was in Christ' and walking as He walked. Wesley warns against substituting false forms of holiness like idolatry, persecution, or mere moral behavior for the genuine renewal of the soul in God's image.

This sermon explores the analogy between human life and a dream, arguing that earthly existence is temporary and illusory compared to eternal reality. The speaker urges listeners to consider how all worldly pursuits - wealth, honor, pleasure - will vanish when we 'awaken' into eternity at death. The sermon emphasizes the importance of connecting temporal and eternal perspectives through faith in Christ, who bridges the gap between mortal and immortal life.

Wesley expounds on three of the beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, explaining the nature of Christian meekness, the spiritual hunger for righteousness, and the merciful love believers should show to others. He defines meekness as balanced composure toward God, self, and others rather than mere passivity, describes righteousness as the complete image of God in the soul, and provides a detailed exposition of love based on 1 Corinthians 13. Wesley emphasizes that these virtues lead to spiritual blessing and inheritance in God's kingdom.

Wesley addresses the charge that justification by faith makes the moral law void, arguing instead that faith establishes the law. He identifies three common ways people wrongly make void the law through faith: failing to preach it at all, teaching that faith supersedes holiness, and practically living as if faith excuses unholy behavior. Wesley emphasizes that while believers are justified by faith alone, true faith necessarily produces obedience and holiness as its fruit.

Wesley explores faith as divine conviction of the invisible and eternal world, examining what happens to the human spirit after death. He discusses the nature of hades as containing both paradise for the righteous and torment for the wicked, speculating on how disembodied spirits might perceive reality and be employed in God's service. Wesley emphasizes gratitude for God's revelation about unseen things, contrasting biblical knowledge with the uncertain conjectures of ancient philosophers.

Wesley explores the paradox of human nature - how believers possess heavenly treasure (faith, peace, hope, and love from God) while dwelling in frail, mortal bodies prone to error and weakness. He explains that God deliberately allows this condition to keep believers humble and dependent on divine power rather than their own strength. Wesley argues that our physical and mental limitations, while causing suffering, ultimately work for our good by preventing pride and demonstrating that all excellent power belongs to God alone.

Wesley argues against Enlightenment optimism about human nature, asserting that the human heart is both desperately wicked and deceitful above all things. He traces the root of all sin to Satan's rebellion characterized by self-will and pride, which infected humanity and continues to corrupt every natural person. Wesley emphasizes that only God truly knows the human heart, and only through divine grace can the heart be purified, though even believers must remain vigilant against residual sin.

Wesley draws a vivid parallel between a toad found living in darkness within a tree and people who live as practical atheists, cut off from spiritual reality. He explains that being 'without God in the world' means living without spiritual senses or fellowship with the divine, like the creature trapped in darkness. Wesley describes how God's Spirit breaks through this spiritual deadness to bring new birth, opening spiritual eyes and ears to experience God's presence and love.

Wesley preaches that while good people face constant trouble from wicked individuals in this life, death provides ultimate deliverance and rest. He argues that the wicked trouble the righteous through persecution, causing grief over others' sins, and blaspheming God, but that death frees believers from sin, pain, and all earthly troubles. Wesley emphasizes that complete sanctification and rest from sin only comes through death, when believers enter paradise where "the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary be at rest."

Wesley examines God's providential work in colonial America through the metaphor of 'wheels within wheels' from Ezekiel. He traces two interconnected patterns: the spiritual awakening that began in Georgia and New England in the 1730s followed by decline due to lack of discipline, and the growing spirit of independence in the American colonies. Wesley argues that God used the American Revolution and its resulting economic hardship to strip away the wealth, pride, luxury and moral corruption that had hindered true religion, creating conditions for genuine spiritual revival to return.

Charles Wesley argues that earthquakes are divine judgments sent by God as punishment for human sin, not merely natural phenomena. He provides detailed historical accounts of devastating earthquakes in Sicily, Jamaica, and Peru to demonstrate God's terrible power in judgment. Wesley calls his hearers to fear God, repent of their sins, and believe in Jesus Christ as their only salvation, warning that without repentance, greater judgment awaits both in this life and eternity.

Wesley preaches on David's confession after his sin brought judgment upon Israel, drawing parallels to England's troubles in 1775 including poverty, political madness, and war with the American colonies. He argues that national sins including injustice, lying, luxury, sloth, and profaneness have brought these calamities upon the nation. Wesley calls for both personal and national repentance, urging listeners to purge their hands from evil deeds and purify their hearts through faith, showing particular mercy to war widows and orphans.

Wesley argues against the doctrine of predestination, contending that God's grace is freely available to all people, not just a predetermined elect. He maintains that predestination undermines preaching, destroys holiness and Christian comfort, contradicts Scripture's portrayal of God's universal love, and represents God as unjust. Wesley concludes that salvation is available to all who choose to accept Christ, emphasizing human responsibility in responding to God's offered grace.

Wesley explores the concept that all humans are stewards of God's gifts rather than owners, responsible for managing their souls, bodies, worldly goods, and various talents according to God's will. He emphasizes that this stewardship is temporary and will end at death, after which all must give account of how they used what was entrusted to them. Wesley concludes that faithful stewardship requires using all of one's resources - time, abilities, possessions, and grace - entirely for God's glory rather than personal pleasure.

Wesley delivers a sharp rebuke to Oxford University and the church, arguing that both doctrine and practice have become corrupted. He criticizes church leaders who teach justification by works rather than faith alone, and condemns the widespread absence of genuine godliness among Christians. Wesley calls for a return to true Christianity marked by both inward holiness and outward religious observance, lamenting how 'the faithful city has become a harlot.'

John Wesley preaches on the proper Christian response to death and mourning, using David's reaction to his child's death as a model. He argues that excessive grief for the dead is both unreasonable and unloving, since the departed are now in a better place, and believers should find comfort in the hope of reunion in eternity. Wesley emphasizes that while some sorrow is natural and acceptable, prolonged mourning serves no beneficial purpose and contradicts Christian hope in the resurrection.

John Wesley preaches at the foundation laying of a new chapel, defending the Methodist revival as an extraordinary work of God in England since the 1720s. He traces the history of Methodism from its Oxford origins through its spread across Britain and Ireland, arguing that it represents not a new religion but the restoration of primitive Christianity centered on love of God and neighbor. Wesley emphasizes that true Methodists remain loyal to the Church of England rather than forming a separate sect, and calls for continued unity in promoting this scriptural religion of love.

Wesley examines how Christ came to destroy the works of the devil, which are sin and its consequences that entered the world through Satan's deception of Adam and Eve. He explains that Christ was manifested throughout history and ultimately through his incarnation, death, and resurrection to restore humanity to God's image and destroy sin's power. Wesley emphasizes that true religion involves the complete restoration of man to God's favor and image, not merely external forms or moral behavior, and that Christ is able to destroy all sin in believers' lives.

This sermon examines Jesus' rebuke to the Pharisees and Sadducees who could predict weather but failed to recognize the signs of the Messiah's coming. The preacher argues that just as those religious leaders were spiritually blind due to their corrupt hearts, many Christians today similarly fail to discern the signs of God's present work and revival. The sermon calls believers to open their spiritual eyes, recognize God's current movement, and actively participate in spreading the gospel while helping others see these spiritual realities.

Wesley preaches on the death of Rev. John Fletcher, using Psalm 37:37 to demonstrate how Fletcher exemplified the 'perfect and upright man' whose end is peace. He details Fletcher's life from his birth in Switzerland through his ministry at Madeley, emphasizing his extraordinary holiness, devotion to the poor, and triumphant death. Wesley concludes that Fletcher was the most exemplary Christian he had known in thirty years, challenging his hearers to follow Fletcher's example of following Christ.

Wesley preaches on the importance of preaching God's Word with sincerity and integrity, contrasting those who corrupt Scripture through human additions, false interpretations, or omissions with those who preach it genuinely. He argues that true preachers speak the complete, unmixed Word of God plainly and boldly, regardless of whether it pleases their hearers. Wesley emphasizes that sincere preachers demonstrate their integrity both through their profession of sincerity and through their faithful actions in handling Scripture.

Wesley addresses the skeptical question of how the dead can be raised and with what kind of body they will return. He argues that the resurrection of the same physical body is both possible and promised by Scripture, demonstrating God's power to preserve, gather, and restore the particles of decomposed bodies. Wesley then describes how resurrected bodies will be immortal, glorious, powerful, and spiritual - freed from the limitations and corruptions of mortal flesh to serve as perfect instruments for glorified souls in eternity.

Wesley defines Christian perfection as loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and loving one's neighbor as oneself, which is attainable in this life though it doesn't exclude human infirmities and mistakes. He addresses objections to the doctrine of perfection, arguing that Scripture contains clear promises of complete sanctification and deliverance from voluntary sin. Wesley concludes by challenging opponents of perfection, questioning why they would oppose such a desirable state of complete love and holiness.

Wesley argues that all calamities come from God's hand as warnings to turn people from sin, using a local fire that occurred on the same day as a planned horse race as evidence of divine displeasure with public diversions. He condemns such entertainments for promoting lying, cheating, blasphemy, covetousness, and ungodly passions, calling on his congregation to abandon these diversions and live lives devoted to God's service. Wesley emphasizes that the community's response of continuing the horse race the day after the fire demonstrates their failure to heed God's warning trumpet.

Wesley preaches on the final judgment and God's reward for the righteous, emphasizing that good works are essential to Christian faith rather than obstacles to salvation. He defends charitable acts against critics who dismiss them as unimportant, arguing that works of mercy are the highest expression of Christian love. The sermon specifically promotes the Humane Society's work of rescuing drowning victims as a comprehensive form of charity that encompasses all works of mercy to both body and soul.

Wesley preaches on the nature of Christ as the Spirit who redeems humanity from the fall. He argues that Adam's fall resulted in the departure of the Holy Spirit, leaving humans in spiritual death, and that Christ as 'that Spirit' restores divine life to believers. Wesley emphasizes that true Christian redemption requires not just moral teaching or forgiveness, but the actual restoration of God's Spirit within us, leading to a life of self-denial and suffering that prepares us for eternal glory.

Wesley argues against knowing Christ 'after the flesh' - treating Him merely as a human rather than as fully God. He critiques various theological positions like Socinianism and Arianism, as well as overly familiar language in hymns and prayers that treat Christ as merely human. Wesley emphasizes that proper worship requires reverence befitting Christ's divine nature, advocating for language and attitudes that honor Him as equal with the Father while maintaining scriptural devotion.

Wesley warns that increasing riches pose great spiritual danger to the soul, arguing that true wealth begins when one has more than basic necessities. He condemns the practice of hoarding wealth or spending it on luxuries while the poor suffer, insisting that Christians must give generously - at least a tenth of their income - to avoid setting their hearts on riches. Wesley concludes by urging the wealthy to give away all they can beyond what is needed for modest living, sending their treasure ahead to heaven rather than leaving it behind when they die.

Wesley preaches on 1 Corinthians 13:3, arguing that even the greatest acts of charity and self-sacrifice are worthless without genuine love of God and neighbor. He defines true love as delighting in God and seeking the happiness of all people, describing its characteristics like longsuffering, kindness, and humility. Wesley concludes that without this divine love shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, nothing we do can make us truly happy in life or comfortable in death.

John Wesley preaches that salvation comes entirely through God's grace received by faith, not through human works or merit. He explains that true saving faith is more than intellectual belief - it's a heart disposition that trusts completely in Christ's death and resurrection for redemption. Wesley addresses objections that preaching salvation by faith alone leads to lawlessness, arguing instead that genuine faith produces holiness and good works as its natural fruit.

Wesley distinguishes between being 'almost' and 'altogether' a Christian, using Paul's words to King Agrippa as his text. He argues that the 'almost Christian' possesses heathen honesty, the form of godliness, and sincerity, but lacks the essential elements of being 'altogether' a Christian: the love of God, love of neighbor, and true saving faith. Wesley uses his own experience to illustrate how one can go far in religious observance yet still be only 'almost' a Christian without the transforming love and faith that marks genuine Christianity.

William Tilly examines what it means to grieve the Holy Spirit based on Ephesians 4:30. He explains that we grieve the Spirit through our sins because of His immediate presence with us, because sins show contempt for His love and disappoint His gracious work, and because such behavior provokes Him to withdraw from us. Tilly particularly focuses on how inconsiderateness and presumptuous sins are especially grievous to the Holy Spirit, and argues that since we are sealed by the Spirit for redemption, we should not break that seal through our sinful actions.

Wesley explains that justification is God's act of pardoning sinners through faith alone, not through good works or personal righteousness. He argues that God justifies the ungodly based solely on their faith in Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing that no one can earn salvation through their own merit. The sermon demonstrates that faith is the only necessary condition for receiving God's forgiveness and being declared righteous in His sight.

This sermon contrasts the righteousness that comes from the law versus the righteousness that comes from faith. The preacher explains that the law requires perfect, uninterrupted obedience which fallen humanity cannot achieve, while the righteousness of faith requires only believing in Jesus Christ for justification. The sermon emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Christ's finished work rather than through human efforts to establish one's own righteousness through law-keeping.

Wesley explains that the kingdom of God consists not in outward religious observances but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. He teaches that the way to enter this kingdom requires first repentance—a deep conviction of one's sinfulness and helplessness—followed by faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through this repentance and faith, believers receive forgiveness and are transformed by God's love, experiencing the spiritual reality of God's kingdom in their hearts.

Wesley expounds on Romans 8:1 to explain who are truly "in Christ Jesus" and what it means to "walk after the Spirit" rather than the flesh. He demonstrates that believers who walk in the Spirit experience no condemnation from God or their own conscience - not for past sins, present obedience, remaining inward corruption, imperfections in duty, sins of infirmity, or unavoidable circumstances. Wesley emphasizes that true believers are freed from both the guilt of sin and its dominion, living in the liberty and peace that Christ provides.

Wesley describes three spiritual states that people experience: the natural man who is spiritually asleep and unaware of sin, the person under the law who is awakened to sin but struggles in bondage and fear, and the person under grace who has received the Spirit of adoption and can cry 'Abba, Father.' He explains how God moves people from spiritual death through conviction of sin to ultimate freedom and love in Christ. Wesley emphasizes that true Christianity involves not just sincere belief but actual transformation from fear to love, from bondage to liberty in the Spirit.

Wesley explains the dual witness of God's Spirit and our own spirit that confirms we are children of God, distinguishing this from both enthusiastic delusion and natural presumption. He argues that the Spirit's witness comes first through an inward impression of God's love and forgiveness, which then enables us to love God and live holy lives. Wesley emphasizes that true spiritual witness produces humility, obedience, and the fruits of the Spirit, contrasting this with the pride and disobedience that characterize false presumption.

Wesley expounds on Jesus's teaching that no one can serve both God and mammon, arguing that attempting to serve both masters leads to spiritual inconsistency and misery. He explains what it means to truly serve God through faith, love, imitation, and obedience, contrasting this with serving worldly things through trust in riches, conformity to the world, and pursuit of temporal pleasures. Wesley concludes by urging believers to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, trusting that God will provide for their daily needs without anxious worry about tomorrow.

Wesley argues that Christians have a duty to receive communion as often as possible, addressing it both as a direct command from Christ and as a mercy from God. He systematically refutes common objections to frequent communion, including feelings of unworthiness, lack of preparation time, concerns about diminished reverence, and church requirements, maintaining that no excuse justifies neglecting this ordinance when the opportunity is available.

Wesley explains that salvation consists of two parts: justification (pardon of sins) and sanctification (being made holy), both received through faith alone. He argues that while good works and repentance are necessary for spiritual growth, faith is the only immediate condition for both justification and sanctification. Wesley emphasizes that believers should expect complete sanctification or perfect love in this life, which can happen instantaneously through faith.

Wesley examines the Christian duty to please one's neighbor as commanded in Romans 15:2, emphasizing that this should be done for their spiritual edification rather than personal gain. He critiques worldly approaches like those of Lord Chesterfield that rely on deception and flattery, instead advocating for genuine love, humility, meekness, and truthful speech as the proper Christian methods of pleasing others.

This sermon explores the question 'What is man?' by examining human insignificance in terms of both magnitude and duration compared to God's vast creation and eternity. Despite humanity's seeming smallness, the sermon argues that humans possess immortal souls made in God's image and demonstrates God's immense love through Christ's sacrifice. The message concludes that God's regard for humanity is proven not by our size or lifespan, but by His willingness to give His Son for our salvation.