The Criswell Hour

W. A. Criswell
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The Criswell Hour presents two carefully selected sermons by Dr. W. A. Criswell, edited for broadcast and connected by commentary and music. Each weekly program introduces listeners to the larger W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, preserving one of the twentieth century's great expository preaching ministries for new generations.

Episodes

  1. Aug 2

    The Criswell Hour: Joy in Christ and the Spirit's Call

    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.

  2. Jul 26

    The Criswell Hour: Judgment and the Harvest

    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.

  3. Jul 19

    The Criswell Hour: God's Better Purpose and the Christian Triumph

    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.

  4. Jul 12

    The Criswell Hour: The Lights of Home and Beyond the Gates of Death

    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.

  5. Jul 5

    The Criswell Hour: Serving Christ and Trusting God's Providence

    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.

  6. Jun 28

    The Criswell Hour: Humility and Cleansing in the Life of Christ

    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.

  7. Jun 22

    The Criswell Hour: Seeing Christ Truly and Sharing Him Freely

    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.

  8. Jun 14

    The Criswell Hour: The Extravagant Love and Living Presence of Christ

    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.

  9. Jun 7

    The Criswell Hour: Rolling Away the Stone and Seeing the Glory of God

    This week on The Criswell Hour, Dr. W. A. Criswell continues his preaching through John chapter 11 with two stirring messages on faith, obedience, and the living presence of Christ. Take Away the Stone (John 11:39) Dr. W. A. Criswell preaches from the scene at Lazarus's tomb, where Jesus commands, "Take ye away the stone." Before the miracle of resurrection could occur, human hands had to move in faith. Dr. Criswell applies this truth to the life of the believer and the church, identifying the stones that must be rolled away-unbelief, indolence, accommodation, and indifference. Through vivid biblical examples and practical appeals, he calls listeners to act decisively in obedience, trusting that when God's people move, the Lord Himself moves in power. The sermon closes with a heartfelt invitation to respond personally to Christ, whose saving work becomes real when one believes and obeys. A Present Salvation (John 11:40) In this exposition of John chapter 11, Dr. W. A. Criswell proclaims that salvation in Christ is not distant or deferred but a present reality. The raising of Lazarus brought both faith and hostility, revealing that every heart responds to God's work according to its condition. To Martha, Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection, and the life," affirming that eternal life begins now for those who believe. Dr. Criswell unfolds this truth with illustrations of courage, assurance in death, and the unbroken fellowship of believers with their Lord. Whether in life or death, he says, the Christian is safe in Christ, seeing even now the glory of God through faith. The Criswell Hour presents two messages from the W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, edited for radio broadcast.

  • 9 Episodes

About

The Criswell Hour presents two carefully selected sermons by Dr. W. A. Criswell, edited for broadcast and connected by commentary and music. Each weekly program introduces listeners to the larger W. A. Criswell Sermon Library, preserving one of the twentieth century's great expository preaching ministries for new generations.

Information

  • Creator
    W. A. Criswell
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    The Criswell Hour