The Criswell Hour

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell brings two messages from John 20 on the risen Lord's abiding presence and the Holy Spirit's work in Christian witness.

The Living Presence (John 20:19-29) Dr. W. A. Criswell begins with the risen Christ's appearances to the disciples, including Thomas's confession, My Lord and my God. He traces the Lord's presence through the New Testament and testifies that Christ remains with His people in adversity, worship, family life, sorrow, and death. The message calls listeners to recognize Christ speaking through His Word, present among gathered believers, and knocking at the door of the heart.

A Power or a Person? (John 20:19-23) Examining Jesus' words, Receive ye the Holy Spirit, Dr. W. A. Criswell argues that the act in John 20 points forward symbolically to the Spirit's coming at Pentecost. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is not merely an impersonal power but the third Person of the Trinity, whose presence equips Christ's people for their calling. The sermon also considers the solemn responsibility of proclaiming forgiveness through the gospel, urging dependence upon the Spirit in preaching and witness.

The Criswell Hour presents two messages from the W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, edited for radio broadcast.

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell proclaims assurance through Christ's finished work and reflects on God's use of brokenness in the lives of His people.

Eternal Salvation (John 19:30) Dr. W. A. Criswell centers on Jesus' cry, It is finished, declaring that Christ's atoning work is complete and received as God's gift rather than earned by human effort. He traces assurance of salvation to Christ's finished redemption, the believer's new birth into God's family, Christ's intercession in heaven, His leading of His sheep, and God's sovereign purpose.

Brokenness and Hopelessness (John 19:34-35) From the piercing of Jesus' side following the crucifixion, Dr. W. A. Criswell considers the suffering and brokenness of the Lord. Drawing on Job, Jacob, David, and Paul, he teaches that God uses broken and helpless people who abandon self-sufficiency and seek His leadership, preparing His people to set their hope on heaven.

The Criswell Hour presents two messages from the W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, edited for radio broadcast.

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell proclaims the completed work of Christ at the cross and considers the blessing of welcoming Christ into the home.

Christ's Death in the City (John 19:20) Preaching from John's account of the crucifixion, Dr. W. A. Criswell emphasizes that Jesus was publicly crucified near the city, identified with sinners, and exposed to the gaze of the world. He reflects on Christ's sayings from the cross, the promise of Paradise to the repentant thief, and the declaration, It is finished. The message calls listeners to see their own sin in Christ's death and to receive the salvation He accomplished.

The Saving of the Home (John 19:27) From Jesus' care for His mother as He died, Dr. W. A. Criswell speaks about the biblical importance of the home and family. He traces the prominence of families in Scripture and urges fathers and mothers to bring their children to church and rear them in the love and knowledge of the Lord. He portrays a Christian home as a place where Christ is welcomed and His presence brings blessing, fragrance, and hope.

The Criswell Hour presents two messages from the W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, edited for radio broadcast.

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell considers Christ's pierced side, the atoning blood of Calvary, and the wounds inflicted by unbelief and indifference.

The Crimson Flow (John 19:31-37) Dr. W. A. Criswell reflects on the blood and water flowing from Christ's side after the soldier's spear pierced Him. He connects the scene with Old Testament sacrifice, the Passover lamb, fulfilled Scripture, and John's witness, presenting the water as a sign of cleansing through God's Word and the blood as atonement for sin. The message emphasizes Christ's substitutionary death and the assurance found under the blood of the Savior.

The Wounds of Jesus (John 19:34) Beginning with the wounds in Christ's hands, feet, and side, Dr. W. A. Criswell warns that the Lord is wounded anew through unfaithful theology, public scandal, substance use, false teaching, and spiritual indifference. He contrasts such influences with the simple gospel that Christ died for sins, was buried, and rose again. The sermon closes as a plea for believers not to pass Christ by, but to seek revival and a fresh turning to God.

The Criswell Hour presents two messages from the W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, edited for radio broadcast.

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell proclaims Christ's atoning death and His final triumph as crucified Savior and crowned Lord.

How Could God Die for Me? (John 19:16-22) Dr. W. A. Criswell follows Jesus from Pilate's judgment to Golgotha, presenting the crucifixion as God's eternal provision for humanity's redemption. He reflects on Christ's incarnation, the bearing of the cross, the darkness at Calvary, and the completed atonement declared in It is finished. The message calls hearers to receive the reconciliation God has provided in Christ.

The Cross and the Crown (John 19:17-22) Dr. W. A. Criswell declares that Christ transformed the cross, a sign of suffering and sacrifice, into the sign of His victory over sin, death, and the grave. Drawing on Philippians and Revelation, he joins Christ's humiliation and finished work at Calvary to His exaltation as King of kings. He concludes by pointing to the worship of heaven, where redeemed saints cast their crowns before the Lord.

The Criswell Hour presents two messages from the W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, edited for radio broadcast.

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell proclaims Christ's kingdom of truth and presents a personal and historical case for the Savior.

The Kingdom of Christ (John 18:33-37) From Jesus' trial before Pilate, Dr. W. A. Criswell considers the paradox of the rejected and crucified Savior declaring Himself King. Christ's kingdom is not founded on worldly force, wealth, or conquest, but is a kingdom in which He alone is Lord and bears witness to the truth. The message points to the compassionate Savior who understands human weakness and offers grace.

The Case for Christ (John 19:7) Dr. W. A. Criswell recounts the opposition Jesus faced during His ministry, trial, and throughout the centuries, then asks what may be said in Christ's behalf. He points to Christ's care for the suffering and captive, tells of "Pretty Boy" Floyd Hamilton's conversion, and testifies to what Jesus has done in his own life. The message closes with Christian hope in the face of death through Christ.

The Criswell Hour presents two messages from the W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, edited for radio broadcast.

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell presents two messages from the closing chapters of John, proclaiming Christ's eternal kingdom and the witness of His saving work.

The Kingdom of Christ (John 18:36-37) Speaking from Jesus' exchange with Pilate, Dr. W. A. Criswell contrasts the kingdoms of worldly power with Christ's kingdom, which is not of this world. He portrays Jesus as the one true King, whose reign is founded not on force or conquest but on truth, humble service, salvation, and compassionate identification with those who suffer.

The Case for Christ (John 19:7) Dr. W. A. Criswell surveys the opposition Jesus faced during His ministry and throughout the centuries, then turns to the case for Christ. He points to Christ's ministry to the needy and sinful, tells of Floyd Hamilton's confession of faith, and testifies to the Lord's saving, sustaining, and eternal hope in his own life.

The Criswell Hour presents two messages from the W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, edited for radio broadcast.

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell proclaims Jesus as the coming King and calls listeners to behold the crucified Man.

The Coming King (John 18:33-37) Preaching from Jesus' trial before Pilate, Dr. W. A. Criswell declares that Christ affirmed His kingship even as He was rejected and crucified. He traces the promised King through the covenants and prophetic witness, then describes the present proclamation of the gospel among the nations. The message looks toward Christ's return, the gathering of His people, and His open reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Ecce Homo (John 19:5) Dr. W. A. Criswell reflects on Pilate's words, Behold the Man, as Jesus stands before the crowd wearing a crown of thorns and a purple robe. Setting Christ's humiliation against His preexistent glory, birth, ministry, compassion, and innocence, he points listeners to the cross. Beholding the crucified Lord, he calls for confession and conversion, grateful service, and remembrance in communion.

The Criswell Hour presents two messages from the W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, edited for radio broadcast.

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell proclaims the cross that shadows Christ's ministry and affirms Pilate's verdict of the Savior's sinless character.

The Shadow of the Cross (John 18:11) Beginning with Jesus' words to Peter in Gethsemane, Dr. W. A. Criswell traces the shadow of the cross through Scripture, from the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world to Christ's suffering and death at Golgotha. He presents the sacrifices, prophecy, Christ's birth, ministry, and final hours as pointing toward His atoning death. The message also declares that through the cross the barriers separating people from God are broken down and all are welcomed into His presence.

I Find No Fault in Him (John 18:38) Dr. W. A. Criswell reflects on Pilate's judicial declaration, I find in Him no fault at all, and considers the accusations brought against Jesus during His ministry. He portrays Christ's compassion for the suffering, His welcome of sinners, His cleansing of the temple, and His teaching concerning God, neighbor, resurrection, and tribute to Caesar. Turning to the crucifixion, he declares that Christ suffered and died for sinners and calls listeners to recognize the fault within themselves rather than in the Savior.

The Criswell Hour presents two messages from the W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, edited for radio broadcast.

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell brings two messages from Jesus' high priestly prayer, calling believers to faithful witness and self-giving consecration.

The Christian in an Evil World (John 17:11-18) Dr. W. A. Criswell presents the world as fallen, under the judgment of death, and opposed to God, yet emphasizes that Christ does not pray for His disciples to be removed from it. Christians are to remain distinct from the world while serving as Christ's ambassadors, salt, and light within it. Looking to Jesus' ministry among publicans, sinners, and the suffering, the message calls believers to love the lost while being kept from evil.

For Their Sakes, I Consecrate Myself (John 17:19) Dr. W. A. Criswell explains sanctification as being set apart and dedicated to the service and will of God. He points to Christ's willing consecration in refusing worldly power, submitting in Gethsemane, and giving Himself on the cross for others. The message applies this pattern of loving self-dedication to pastors, parents, and all who bear responsibility for others.

The Criswell Hour presents two messages from the W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, edited for radio broadcast.