The Criswell Hour

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell proclaims the deity of Jesus Christ and John's purpose in recording the signs of the Savior.

The Deity of Christ (John 20:24-31) Beginning with Thomas's confession, My Lord and my God, Dr. W. A. Criswell presents the deity of Christ as central to Christian faith. He points to Scripture's witness concerning Christ's words, divine attributes, sinlessness, works, resurrection, and the worship offered to Him. The message closes in praise of Jesus as the great God and Savior.

That Ye Might Believe (John 20:30-31) Dr. W. A. Criswell considers John's stated purpose: that readers might believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in His name. He traces seven signs in John's Gospel, relating them to Christ's person and work, then emphasizes His atoning sacrifice and the eternal life He gives. Belief in Christ, he declares, brings hope and peace amid the sorrows of this world.

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 John 20, inviting listeners to behold the risen Lord through His scars and His hands.

Known By His Scars (John 20:24-29) Dr. W. A. Criswell follows Thomas from despair over death and absence from the disciples' gathering to his encounter with the risen Jesus. Thomas's demand to see and touch the wounds of Christ gives way to the climactic confession, My Lord and my God. The message also extends Christ's blessing to those who have not seen Him in the flesh yet believe.

The Hands of Jesus (John 20:24-28) Dr. W. A. Criswell reflects on the hands of Jesus as strong, saving, healing, blessing, and commissioning hands. From Christ lifting Peter from the sea to His blessing of children and His final blessing of the disciples, the sermon presents the Lord's compassionate ministry. It closes with the nail-pierced hands that reveal the love, mercy, and grace of God in Christ.

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 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.

p>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 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.

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell considers the unfolding wisdom of God and the sustaining power of Christ's intercession.

Progressive Revelation (John 16:12) From Jesus' words, I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now, Dr. W. A. Criswell reflects on the Savior's silence, tenderness, and patient instruction of His disciples. He traces the progressive character of God's revelation from Old Testament symbols and promises to their fulfillment and explanation in the New Testament. The message points to the kingdom's spiritual and universal scope and calls believers to rest in God's knowledge of truths not yet made plain.

Intercessory Prayer (John 17:9-20) Dr. W. A. Criswell examines Jesus' high priestly prayer for His disciples, for those who would believe through their testimony, for their unity, and for the world's faith. He presents Christ's earthly ministry and continuing heavenly intercession as an assurance for believers. Drawing on Moses, Stephen, Hannah, Samuel, Paul, and other biblical examples, he urges God's people toward unselfish, faithful prayer for others.

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 John's Gospel on the joy Christ gives and the Holy Spirit's convicting, guiding presence.

The Christian's Joy (John 15:11) Dr. W. A. Criswell centers on Christ's promise that His joy may remain in His disciples and that their joy may be full. Contrasting the emptiness of unbelief, worldly pleasure, wealth, fame, and conquest with the Savior's joy on the way to the cross, he presents a peace rooted in doing God's will. The message points to believers who praise God amid suffering, as Paul and Silas did, and to the enduring joy found in Christ.

The Pleading of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11) In an exposition of Jesus' words concerning the Paraclete, Dr. W. A. Criswell describes the Holy Spirit as the One alongside believers, convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He emphasizes that rejection of Christ lies at the heart of sin and that salvation comes through coming to Jesus in faith. The message also calls listeners to heed the Spirit's direction, trust His guidance, and remember that Satan and his kingdom are already judged.

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

This week, Dr. W. A. Criswell speaks first of the solemn consequence of life apart from Christ and then of God's call to bear fruit in His harvest.

The Fires of Judgment in Hell (John 15:6) Dr. W. A. Criswell considers Christ's warning concerning the branch that does not abide in Him and is cast into the fire. Drawing on passages including Matthew, Luke, Romans, 2 Peter, and Revelation, he describes judgment as everlasting loss, separation from God, and darkness. The message closes with an earnest appeal to receive God's saving grace in Christ.

The God of the Harvest (John 15:8) Beginning with Christ's call to bear much fruit, Dr. W. A. Criswell urges believers to labor, witness, pray, and persevere despite disappointment. He speaks of the need for revival and compassionate concern for those who are lost, while also calling God's people to support the church's ministries through first fruits and tithes. He points to prayer and a caring heart as essential in the work of seeking souls.

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

p>This week on The Criswell Hour, Dr. W. A. Criswell proclaims the hope of Christ's return and the victory of faith that transforms every sorrow into triumph.

Jesus Is Coming Again (John 14:2) Dr. W. A. Criswell unfolds the promise of Jesus' return as the culmination of God's gracious design for His people. From the creation and fall of the universe to the final renewal of heaven and earth, he traces three great catastrophes in the beginning and three climactic events at the end of the age, each revealing God's purpose to bring good out of ruin. The message moves from the rebellion of Lucifer and the fall of man to the resurrection of the redeemed, the coming tribulation, and the descent of the New Jerusalem. Through every judgment and sorrow, God prepares a better thing for His children-a new body, a new world, and a heavenly home where Christ reigns forever.

The Christian Triumph (John 14-17) In this companion message, Dr. W. A. Criswell continues through the Gospel of John's upper-room chapters, showing how the words of Jesus turn despair into peace and victory. He contrasts the world's hopelessness with the assurance Christ gives His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion. From the fall of creation to the suffering of the Savior and the final tribulation of history, Dr. Criswell shows that every seeming defeat becomes the scene of divine triumph. The cross, once a symbol of shame, becomes the sign of salvation; and the end of the age, marked by turmoil, will reveal the Lord's glorious appearing and the eternal home He prepares for His people.

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

This week on The Criswell Hour, Dr. W. A. Criswell continues his preaching through the Gospel of John with two messages of comfort and assurance drawn from the fourteenth chapter.

The Lights of Home (John 14:3) Dr. W. A. Criswell proclaims the Christian hope grounded in Jesus' promise, "I go to prepare a place for you." Preaching from John 14, he contrasts the despair of unbelief with the confidence of faith that looks toward a real, heavenly home prepared by the Lord. Drawing from Hebrews, Philippians, and Revelation, he describes the believer's assurance that heaven is not a dream but a place of light where sorrow and night are no more. Through testimonies of faith and the dying saint's vision of glory, Dr. Criswell urges his hearers to fix their eyes on Christ, whose victory over death secures our eternal home. The message concludes with an appeal to trust wholly in Jesus, who saves, keeps, and opens the gates of heaven.

Beyond the Gates of Death (John 14:1-5) In this companion message, Dr. W. A. Criswell turns again to John 14 to speak of the believer's victory over death through the risen Christ. He surveys the world's literature of despair and the universality of death, then declares the gospel's answer: Christ is risen, the firstfruits of those who sleep. From 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4, he unfolds the divine order of resurrection and the hope of the Lord's return. The redeemed will be with Christ immediately at death and will one day rise in glorified bodies to dwell forever in the real, prepared place called heaven. With reverent joy, Dr. Criswell proclaims that the last enemy shall be destroyed and that in Christ life triumphs eternally.

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

This week on The Criswell Hour, Dr. W. A. Criswell presents two messages from the Gospel of John-one calling the church to a life of humble service, and the other assuring believers that God's purposes, though hidden now, will be made clear in His time.

The Servant Church (John 13:4-14) In this message, Dr. W. A. Criswell reflects on Jesus washing the disciples' feet as the supreme example of divine humility and love. He explains that the act was not instituted as a church ordinance but as a model of service for every believer. The sermon portrays Christ as the servant-Savior-meek, compassionate, and self-giving-and extends that pattern to the pastor, the deacon, and the congregation. Dr. Criswell describes the pastor's calling to shepherd and encourage the gifts of the people, the deacon's role as a helper and servant, and the congregation's shared duty to bear one another's burdens in the spirit of Galatians 6:2. The message closes with a tender appeal for a church bound together in sympathy and mutual care, reflecting the heart of Christ who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.

We Shall Understand by and by (John 13:7) Preaching from Jesus' words to Peter, Dr. W. A. Criswell explores the mystery of divine providence and the believer's trust in God's unseen purposes. He acknowledges that life's sorrows and unanswered questions often defy human explanation, yet the Christian rests in the Lord who knows the end from the beginning. Through vivid illustrations-from the sealed scroll in Revelation to the story of Joseph-Dr. Criswell shows that what now appears dark will one day reveal God's goodness. He shares personal testimony of faith through doubt and loss, affirming that the same Savior who washed His disciples' feet also rules history with wisdom and love. The sermon concludes with the assurance that every trial and burial is a planting for resurrection, and that one day, by and by, God will make all things plain.

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

This week on The Criswell Hour, Dr. W. A. Criswell continues his preaching through the Gospel of John with two messages drawn from the thirteenth chapter, exploring the humility of Jesus and the meaning of spiritual cleansing.

Washing Feet and Washing Stripes (John 13:1-17) Dr. W. A. Criswell reflects on the Lord's act of washing His disciples' feet and the spirit of humble service it reveals. He explains why foot washing is not observed as an ordinance in the New Testament church, yet commends its moving symbolism of servanthood and love. The sermon then turns to Acts 16, where the Philippian jailer, newly converted, washes the wounds of Paul and Silas. In that simple act, Dr. Criswell sees the transforming power of Christ that turns cruelty into compassion. He contrasts the merciless world of the Greco-Roman empire with the healing ministry that followed the gospel, portraying believers as those who "wash stripes" by caring for the suffering and forgotten. The message calls Christians to embody the humility of their Lord through practical service and mercy.

The Sublimity of Jesus (John 13:3-10) In this exposition of John 13, Dr. W. A. Criswell marvels that the One to whom the Father gave all things stooped to wash His disciples' feet. He unfolds the mystery of divine majesty expressed through humble service, linking the scene to Philippians 2 and the self-emptying of Christ. The sermon teaches that believers are to be clothed with humility, serving one another not for recognition but for love of God alone. Dr. Criswell then expounds Jesus' words to Peter, distinguishing the once-for-all cleansing of salvation from the daily cleansing believers seek in confession and renewal. Through this passage, he proclaims the finality of Christ's atoning death-"just once"-and the continuing grace that keeps His people clean as they walk with Him.

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

This week on The Criswell Hour, Dr. W. A. Criswell contrasts the tragic blindness of Judas with the living presence of Christ in believers who carry His gospel into the world.

The Gospel According to Judas (John 12:2-8) Dr. W. A. Criswell reflects on Judas Iscariot's view of Jesus as recorded in John 12. He traces how Judas valued the Lord's ministry only for personal gain, dismissed divine warnings, and finally despaired of mercy. Through vivid contrasts with other biblical figures, Dr. Criswell shows how Judas's misjudgment of Christ led to betrayal and death, while the Savior remained gentle, forgiving, and ready to receive any repentant heart. The message closes with an appeal to see the Lord not through greed or fear, but through faith in His boundless compassion.

Jesus Living in Us (John 12:21) Preaching from John 12, Dr. W. A. Criswell proclaims that the crucified and risen Christ is revealed to all peoples and now dwells in His followers. He describes how the torn temple veil and the fall of the old priesthood opened direct access to God for every believer, calling all Christians into active ministry. With illustrations from his own early preaching, Dr. Criswell urges believers to witness naturally in daily life, bringing the presence of Jesus into homes, workplaces, and streets. The sermon celebrates the priesthood of all believers and the transforming power of Christ living through His people.

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

This week on The Criswell Hour, Dr. W. A. Criswell presents two messages that move from the lavish devotion of Mary at Bethany to the risen Lord's abiding presence with His people.

The Extravagances of God (John 12:1-8) Dr. W. A. Criswell reflects on Mary's costly anointing of Jesus at Bethany as a picture of divine and human extravagance. He contrasts Judas's utilitarian protest with the Lord's commendation of beauty and love freely given. From sunsets, music, and art to the adornment of doctrine and the second mile of service, Dr. Criswell shows that God Himself delights in what cannot be measured by usefulness alone. The sermon celebrates the impulse to give beyond necessity, to make life and worship beautiful for the sake of love, and to mirror the generosity of the Creator who fills His world with color, sound, and grace.

The Living Presence (John 20:19-20) Preaching his Easter message, Dr. W. A. Criswell proclaims the continuing presence of the risen Christ. From the appearances recorded in the Gospels to the experiences of Stephen, Paul, and John, he traces how believers have known the Savior's companionship through every age. Modern testimonies-from David Livingstone's courage to George W. Truett's restoration-illustrate that the same Lord walks with His people in obedience, suffering, and sorrow. Dr. Criswell concludes that Christ speaks today through Scripture, the church, and the needs of the world, calling every heart to faith and fellowship with the living Lord who never leaves His own.

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