Podcast appearances and mentions of Jonathan Edwards

The sermon challenges the notion of passive salvation, urging believers to actively strive and press into the Kingdom of God with earnest effort. Drawing from the teachings of Jonathan Edwards and key scriptures such as Matthew 11:12 and Luke 13:24, the message emphasizes that while salvation is solely by the grace of Christ, the seeker must demonstrate faith through persistent seeking, sacrifice, and perseverance. The speaker warns against the danger of giving up or becoming complacent, highlighting the eternal consequences of failing to persevere to the end. Listeners are called to count the cost of seeking the Lord, recognize the present opportunity for mercy, and resolve to pursue salvation with all their might until they receive the blessing.

In Isaiah 41, the Lord puts the gods of other nations on trial—and then he demolishes their case. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

Welcome to today's episode, where we begin an in-depth, step-by-step journey through Volume 1 of the landmark two-volume Hickman edition of *The Works of Jonathan Edwards*, published by Banner of Truth. In this discussion, we lay the groundwork for our series by exploring the history of this monumental collection—including Sereno Dwight's foundational 19th-century *Memoirs* and how it compares to early biographies like those of Samuel Hopkins and Alexander Allen—before providing a guided tour through each treatise in the table of contents. From landmark philosophical and theological masterworks like *Freedom of the Will*, *Original Sin*, *The End for Which God Created the World*, and *Religious Affections*, to historical revival accounts, church controversy defenses, and pastoral sermons, this episode serves as your essential roadmap to understanding the scope, context, and enduring spiritual legacy of Edwards' primary writings.

Welcome to today's episode, where we begin an in-depth, step-by-step journey through Volume 1 of the landmark two-volume Hickman edition of *The Works of Jonathan Edwards*, published by Banner of Truth. In this discussion, we lay the groundwork for our series by exploring the history of this monumental collection—including Sereno Dwight's foundational 19th-century *Memoirs* and how it compares to early biographies like those of Samuel Hopkins and Alexander Allen—before providing a guided tour through each treatise in the table of contents. From landmark philosophical and theological masterworks like *Freedom of the Will*, *Original Sin*, *The End for Which God Created the World*, and *Religious Affections*, to historical revival accounts, church controversy defenses, and pastoral sermons, this episode serves as your essential roadmap to understanding the scope, context, and enduring spiritual legacy of Edwards' primary writings.

Welcome to today's episode, where we begin an in-depth, step-by-step journey through Volume 1 of the landmark two-volume Hickman edition of *The Works of Jonathan Edwards*, published by Banner of Truth. In this discussion, we lay the groundwork for our series by exploring the history of this monumental collection—including Sereno Dwight's foundational 19th-century *Memoirs* and how it compares to early biographies like those of Samuel Hopkins and Alexander Allen—before providing a guided tour through each treatise in the table of contents. From landmark philosophical and theological masterworks like *Freedom of the Will*, *Original Sin*, *The End for Which God Created the World*, and *Religious Affections*, to historical revival accounts, church controversy defenses, and pastoral sermons, this episode serves as your essential roadmap to understanding the scope, context, and enduring spiritual legacy of Edwards' primary writings.

The sermon explores the biblical principle that a person's heart is aligned with what they truly value, using a personal anecdote about sharing a trophy to illustrate the choice between earthly rewards and spiritual generosity. It examines Matthew 6 to argue that Christians should prioritize storing up eternal treasures in heaven over accumulating earthly possessions or seeking human approval. The message emphasizes that God's approval and the joy of His presence are superior to any temporary worldly gain, citing Abraham's faith and Jonathan Edwards' concept of expanding one's capacity to enjoy God. Listeners are challenged to evaluate their time, focus, and desires to ensure they are rightly treasuring Jesus Christ, which leads to a life illuminated by light rather than consumed by darkness.

The sermon explores the biblical principle that a person's heart is aligned with what they truly value, using a personal anecdote about sharing a trophy to illustrate the choice between earthly rewards and spiritual generosity. It examines Matthew 6 to argue that Christians should prioritize storing up eternal treasures in heaven over accumulating earthly possessions or seeking human approval. The message emphasizes that God's approval and the joy of His presence are superior to any temporary worldly gain, citing Abraham's faith and Jonathan Edwards' concept of expanding one's capacity to enjoy God. Listeners are challenged to evaluate their time, focus, and desires to ensure they are rightly treasuring Jesus Christ, which leads to a life illuminated by light rather than consumed by darkness.

The guys return this week with a very special guest, Dr. Matthew Everhard! In this episode, the gents interview Matt about the newly released Jonathan Edwards Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers. Matt served as the General Editor for this project. The guys open with some banter about their footprint in Guam and the start …

Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we step into 17th-century England to explore the turbulent life and enduring legacy of John Flavel—an outlawed Puritan pastor who was forced to preach under cover of night, yet whose written works became a beacon of profound comfort and piercing spiritual clarity. From his rich practical allegories like Husbandry Spiritualized to his deeply searching classic The Touchstone of Sincerity—a work so spiritually acute that Jonathan Edwards relied on it heavily when shaping his own Treatise Concerning Religious Affections—Flavel spent a lifetime shepherding souls through the furnace of affliction. Whether holding up the crucible of Scripture to help us test the authenticity of our faith or pointing us to the steady compass of Divine Providence, Flavel's voice cuts through the noise of modern life to call our hearts back to what is genuine, quiet, and eternally secure in Christ.

Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we step into 17th-century England to explore the turbulent life and enduring legacy of John Flavel—an outlawed Puritan pastor who was forced to preach under cover of night, yet whose written works became a beacon of profound comfort and piercing spiritual clarity. From his rich practical allegories like Husbandry Spiritualized to his deeply searching classic The Touchstone of Sincerity—a work so spiritually acute that Jonathan Edwards relied on it heavily when shaping his own Treatise Concerning Religious Affections—Flavel spent a lifetime shepherding souls through the furnace of affliction. Whether holding up the crucible of Scripture to help us test the authenticity of our faith or pointing us to the steady compass of Divine Providence, Flavel's voice cuts through the noise of modern life to call our hearts back to what is genuine, quiet, and eternally secure in Christ.

Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we step into 17th-century England to explore the turbulent life and enduring legacy of John Flavel—an outlawed Puritan pastor who was forced to preach under cover of night, yet whose written works became a beacon of profound comfort and piercing spiritual clarity. From his rich practical allegories like Husbandry Spiritualized to his deeply searching classic The Touchstone of Sincerity—a work so spiritually acute that Jonathan Edwards relied on it heavily when shaping his own Treatise Concerning Religious Affections—Flavel spent a lifetime shepherding souls through the furnace of affliction. Whether holding up the crucible of Scripture to help us test the authenticity of our faith or pointing us to the steady compass of Divine Providence, Flavel's voice cuts through the noise of modern life to call our hearts back to what is genuine, quiet, and eternally secure in Christ.

Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we step into 17th-century England to explore the turbulent life and enduring legacy of John Flavel—an outlawed Puritan pastor who was forced to preach under cover of night, yet whose written works became a beacon of profound comfort and piercing spiritual clarity. From his rich practical allegories like Husbandry Spiritualized to his deeply searching classic The Touchstone of Sincerity—a work so spiritually acute that Jonathan Edwards relied on it heavily when shaping his own Treatise Concerning Religious Affections—Flavel spent a lifetime shepherding souls through the furnace of affliction. Whether holding up the crucible of Scripture to help us test the authenticity of our faith or pointing us to the steady compass of Divine Providence, Flavel's voice cuts through the noise of modern life to call our hearts back to what is genuine, quiet, and eternally secure in Christ.

A federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to provide notice before making any major physical changes to the building, on Thursday, including demolishing it, as President Donald Trump has threatened. But why is Trump so obsessed with the Kennedy Center? And what will he do if his name doesn't end up being enshrined on the building? To find out, Jane speaks with Arts & Government reporter at The Washington Post, Jonathan Edwards.Show Notes: Check out Jonathan's work – washingtonpost.com/people/jonathan-edwards Call Congress – 202-224-3121 Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/y4y2e9jy What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcast Follow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/ For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com

Welcome to another episode of the podcast, where today we dive deep into Jonathan Edwards's foundational revival trilogy to explore how one of history's greatest pastor-theologians navigated the thrilling yet treacherous waters of spiritual awakening. From the remarkable local conversions in Northampton to his razor-sharp diagnostic tests for genuine revival, Edwards offers an unequaled masterclass in discerning the work of the Holy Spirit. Together, we'll examine his searching warnings on undiscerned spiritual pride, the deceptive snare of modern "immediate revelations," and the subtle ways Satan exploits even our most elevated spiritual frames. Whether you are seeking a biblical blueprint for testing spiritual claims or a humbling guide for pastoral discernment, Edwards's timeless insights remain a vital manual for the Church today.

Welcome to another episode of the podcast, where today we dive deep into Jonathan Edwards's foundational revival trilogy to explore how one of history's greatest pastor-theologians navigated the thrilling yet treacherous waters of spiritual awakening. From the remarkable local conversions in Northampton to his razor-sharp diagnostic tests for genuine revival, Edwards offers an unequaled masterclass in discerning the work of the Holy Spirit. Together, we'll examine his searching warnings on undiscerned spiritual pride, the deceptive snare of modern "immediate revelations," and the subtle ways Satan exploits even our most elevated spiritual frames. Whether you are seeking a biblical blueprint for testing spiritual claims or a humbling guide for pastoral discernment, Edwards's timeless insights remain a vital manual for the Church today.

Welcome to another episode of the podcast, where today we dive deep into Jonathan Edwards's foundational revival trilogy to explore how one of history's greatest pastor-theologians navigated the thrilling yet treacherous waters of spiritual awakening. From the remarkable local conversions in Northampton to his razor-sharp diagnostic tests for genuine revival, Edwards offers an unequaled masterclass in discerning the work of the Holy Spirit. Together, we'll examine his searching warnings on undiscerned spiritual pride, the deceptive snare of modern "immediate revelations," and the subtle ways Satan exploits even our most elevated spiritual frames. Whether you are seeking a biblical blueprint for testing spiritual claims or a humbling guide for pastoral discernment, Edwards's timeless insights remain a vital manual for the Church today.

Welcome to another episode of the podcast, where today we dive deep into Jonathan Edwards's foundational revival trilogy to explore how one of history's greatest pastor-theologians navigated the thrilling yet treacherous waters of spiritual awakening. From the remarkable local conversions in Northampton to his razor-sharp diagnostic tests for genuine revival, Edwards offers an unequaled masterclass in discerning the work of the Holy Spirit. Together, we'll examine his searching warnings on undiscerned spiritual pride, the deceptive snare of modern "immediate revelations," and the subtle ways Satan exploits even our most elevated spiritual frames. Whether you are seeking a biblical blueprint for testing spiritual claims or a humbling guide for pastoral discernment, Edwards's timeless insights remain a vital manual for the Church today.

What effects should the preaching of God's Word have on us? Today, Sinclair Ferguson shares words of wisdom from Jonathan Edwards on the influence that faithful preaching should have on the way Christians think and feel. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-effects-of-preaching/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

President Trump rejected calls from tech leaders to slow AI development, as lawmakers face pressure to pass guardrails. NBC News’s Scott Wong explains why Congress is divided over how to act. The Kennedy Center could close its main building today amid severe financial strain. Jonathan Edwards of the Washington Post breaks down why its board argues restoring Trump’s name is key to its survival. The EPA repealed major Biden-era limits on power-plant emissions. Matthew Daly of the Associated Press reports on the deregulation push and expected legal challenges. Plus, the Supreme Court declined to allow the Post Office to enforce Trump’s mail-in ballot restrictions, Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate floor, and Apple TV won big at the Emmys. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

 John Lowe of the University of Louisville joins us to talk about his new book, “Benevolence & Bondage”: Jonathan Edwards, Slavery, Race, and the Paradox of Spiritual Equality. Jonathan Edwards is remembered as one of colonial America's most influential theologians—a preacher who taught that all souls stood equally before God. Yet Edwards was also an enslaver who lived and preached within a society shaped by racial bondage. Lowe examines the profound tension between Edwards's theology of Christian benevolence and spiritual equality and his participation in slavery, and Edwards' long influence on American religious thought. Tell us what you think! Send us a text message!

In this upcoming episode of The Narrated Puritan, we journey into 18th-century colonial America to uncover the incandescent life and ministry of Samuel Davies—a man Dr. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones famously called "one of your greatest preachers." Born to humble beginnings and educated under Samuel Blair at the historic Faggs Manor academy, Davies entered pastoral ministry under the constant shadow of terminal illness, preaching every sermon with urgent, eternity-bound gravity. From navigating Virginia's rigid legal establishment to turn local "Reading Houses" into licensed Presbyterian churches, to pioneering literacy and evangelism among hundreds of enslaved African Americans, Davies' fearless leadership laid the very groundwork for religious liberty in America while inspiring the legendary pulpit fire of a young Patrick Henry. Join us as we trace his remarkable journey from the Virginia frontier to his final days succeeding Jonathan Edwards as the fourth president of the College of New Jersey, and discover why Davies' solemn, heart-searching preaching still speaks with profound power to our generation today.

In this upcoming episode of The Narrated Puritan, we journey into 18th-century colonial America to uncover the incandescent life and ministry of Samuel Davies—a man Dr. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones famously called "one of your greatest preachers." Born to humble beginnings and educated under Samuel Blair at the historic Faggs Manor academy, Davies entered pastoral ministry under the constant shadow of terminal illness, preaching every sermon with urgent, eternity-bound gravity. From navigating Virginia's rigid legal establishment to turn local "Reading Houses" into licensed Presbyterian churches, to pioneering literacy and evangelism among hundreds of enslaved African Americans, Davies' fearless leadership laid the very groundwork for religious liberty in America while inspiring the legendary pulpit fire of a young Patrick Henry. Join us as we trace his remarkable journey from the Virginia frontier to his final days succeeding Jonathan Edwards as the fourth president of the College of New Jersey, and discover why Davies' solemn, heart-searching preaching still speaks with profound power to our generation today.

You joined the Facebook group & went to the meet-up hoping for real answers. You left with 15 curriculum recommendations, 5 co-ops to research, and more overwhelm than you started with.A noisy homeschool support group isn't what you need. Purposeful, Bible-based community is.This episode shows you how to filter out the noise and find the kind of support that actually builds your homeschool from the inside out — with 3 practical steps you can take starting today:✅Why most homeschool support groups create analysis paralysis instead of peace✅How to audit your current sources of advice and cut what's draining you✅The power of ONE monthly Bible-based focus, instead of constantly switching direction✅Why a simple, daily routine matters more than a packed schedule or a perfect curriculum✅2 questions to ask any homeschool mom that instantly deepen the conversationClick the link below to join the Insider FastPass and get the targeted, Bible-based support your homeschool actually needs.Resources for YouInsider FastPass (free live workshop, exclusive bonuses, dinnertime conversation starters)Free Masterclass - 3 Tips to Lead Your Family with Peace & Confidence (From Schedule Manager to Spiritual Mentor)Show Notes:Why You Leave Feeling More Overwhelmed Than When You Walked InYou join a local Facebook group or head to a park meetup hoping to find encouragement, connection, and real answers for your homeschool. But within ten minutes you're sitting in a circle listening to complaints. Or worse — you leave with a list of 15 new curricula to check out, five co-ops to consider, and 10 blogs you must read. You drive home feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and more isolated than before you even walked in.The truth is most traditional homeschool support groups give you noisy advice — venting sessions instead of targeted, biblical direction.A Room Full of Opinions Is Not the Same as Real SupportA room full of opinions does not equal a community of support. Support groups that focus on venting about kids or sharing endless online ideas create analysis paralysis instead of peace. And all you're really looking for is peace — peace within yourself so you'll know what direction to go, peace in your home, peace in your family.You don't have extra hours to sift through Pinterest or wander through internet forums and Facebook groups to find simple, battle-tested ways to add the Bible to your routine and bring purpose and intention to your homeschool. If you're getting real support, you would not leave feeling guilty. You would find ways to simplify your day and focus your kids' hearts on Jesus.What Abigail Adams Did InsteadDuring the Revolutionary War, Abigail Adams was homeschooling her kids on a farm in Quincy — surrounded by chaos and war. John Adams wrote to her: the education of our children is never out of my mind. He told her to train them in virtue, habituate them in industry, activity, and spirit.She didn't look for a bunch of social groups to get to with all her kids. She didn't need to vent. Instead, she intentionally built a network of targeted correspondents — women who wrote letters to one another and focused their conversations on virtue, on biblical duty, and on practical family and home management. They sharpened each other so they could raise their kids up to be leaders.Abigail's son, John Quincy Adams, eventually became president — just like his father. She was very purposeful in who she spent time with. And I think that's something you really need to consider. Where are you getting your support and who are you spending your time with?Sarah Edwards and the Power of Intentional CommunitySarah Edwards was the wife of Jonathan Edwards and raised 11 kids who all became influential in the community. Visitors from around the colonies would come to her home just to watch what she was doing and learn from her methods of teaching her children.She replaced chaotic advice with clear, peaceful routines in her house. She met regularly with other moms for direct, Bible-focused encouragement. And her intentional mentorship produced lasting results.Someone did a study on the Jonathan Edwards family around 1900 — about 200 years after they lived. Here's what that family produced: 13 college presidents, 65 professors, 100 lawyers, a dean of a law school, 30 judges, 80 holders of public office, three US senators, mayors of three large cities, governors of three states, a vice president of the United States, and members of their family wrote 135 books, edited 18 journals and periodicals, and sent out 100 missionaries overseas.That is what intentional, faith-focused family leadership looks like across generations.Filter Your Input — A Quick AuditYou cannot add extra hours to your day. So you need to look honestly at where you're spending your time and getting your ideas. Take inventory. Where are you getting your homeschool community and advice right now? If those sources are making you feel like you aren't doing enough — cut them off. If they leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed — mute them. That is not where you need to get support.Replace the endless scrolling with one Bible-based focus for the month. We're not adding anything. Most of you probably eat a meal together anyway — so just be more intentional and purposeful around that time. That's a very simple place to start.Real growth happens when you focus on executing one thing each month. Not adding a bunch of busy work. Not adding more curriculum. One focused action with one or two people who can support you and give you ideas. That is how real growth happens.Two Questions to Ask InsteadThe next time you connect with a fellow homeschool mom or even talk to your spouse, skip the generic how is school going. Ask these two questions instead.What is one small area of character that God is helping your family work on this week? Maybe it's work ethic. Maybe it's kindness. Maybe it's telling the truth. Just one small area.And what is one thing you can simplify or completely take off your plate today? When you do these two things — focus on character and remove one thing — it shifts your environment from all the overwhelming noise to targeted, peaceful action.You don't need another 50 blogs or podcasts to follow. You need someone who can walk alongside you with proven, simple steps. Someone just a little further along than you — like my friend Susan, who was one stage ahead of me with her kids. I watched what she was doing in high school, in college, as they got married, as a grandma. That's what you need.Imagine starting each month with a clear Bible-based teaching, a simple guide to grasp onto, and monthly office hours where you can ask your exact questions face to face. That's how you stop feeling isolated and start building roots into your kids.I'm launching something new and I'd love to invite you to our FastPass Insider Circle. Members will get a free live workshop with me where you can ask your questions about being purposeful, intentional, and character-building in your homeschool. You'll also get exclusive bonuses, including dinnertime conversation starters for your kids. I'm also hosting a free masterclass next week where we'll talk about getting the Bible into your children — not just teaching it, but showing them how to live it. Links are in the show notes.

In this upcoming episode of The Narrated Puritan, we journey into 18th-century colonial America to uncover the incandescent life and ministry of Samuel Davies—a man Dr. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones famously called "one of your greatest preachers." Born to humble beginnings and educated under Samuel Blair at the historic Faggs Manor academy, Davies entered pastoral ministry under the constant shadow of terminal illness, preaching every sermon with urgent, eternity-bound gravity. From navigating Virginia's rigid legal establishment to turn local "Reading Houses" into licensed Presbyterian churches, to pioneering literacy and evangelism among hundreds of enslaved African Americans, Davies' fearless leadership laid the very groundwork for religious liberty in America while inspiring the legendary pulpit fire of a young Patrick Henry. Join us as we trace his remarkable journey from the Virginia frontier to his final days succeeding Jonathan Edwards as the fourth president of the College of New Jersey, and discover why Davies' solemn, heart-searching preaching still speaks with profound power to our generation today.

Jonathan Edwards was far more than the solemn, fire-and-brimstone preacher history textbooks suggest—he was a teenage prodigy, a revolutionary thinker, and a man whose formidable intellect was consumed by a passion for the beauty and glory of God. From his radical youthful vowing to "live with all my might" and his fiery leadership during the Great Awakening, to his dignified posture when ousted by his own congregation and his groundbreaking writings on the frontier, Edwards' life stands as an unshakeable blueprint for intentional living. His story strips away modern excuses, daring us to trade digital distraction and passive drifting for a disciplined mind, unyielding convictions, and a life wholly devoted to what matters for eternity.

Jonathan Edwards was far more than the solemn, fire-and-brimstone preacher history textbooks suggest—he was a teenage prodigy, a revolutionary thinker, and a man whose formidable intellect was consumed by a passion for the beauty and glory of God. From his radical youthful vowing to "live with all my might" and his fiery leadership during the Great Awakening, to his dignified posture when ousted by his own congregation and his groundbreaking writings on the frontier, Edwards' life stands as an unshakeable blueprint for intentional living. His story strips away modern excuses, daring us to trade digital distraction and passive drifting for a disciplined mind, unyielding convictions, and a life wholly devoted to what matters for eternity.

Jonathan Edwards was far more than the solemn, fire-and-brimstone preacher history textbooks suggest—he was a teenage prodigy, a revolutionary thinker, and a man whose formidable intellect was consumed by a passion for the beauty and glory of God. From his radical youthful vowing to "live with all my might" and his fiery leadership during the Great Awakening, to his dignified posture when ousted by his own congregation and his groundbreaking writings on the frontier, Edwards' life stands as an unshakeable blueprint for intentional living. His story strips away modern excuses, daring us to trade digital distraction and passive drifting for a disciplined mind, unyielding convictions, and a life wholly devoted to what matters for eternity.

The Christian view of history has a start, a middle, and an end. It gives a sense of finality. Christ did not merely arrive at the end of the former age; He brought it to an end with His world-changing act of redemption. Jonathan Edwards wrote that "grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected". This grace arrives in history with the death of Christ, and the consequences of this perfect death are flowing out through history. Christ died for the many, to put their sins away. He has done everything necessary for the salvation of His people. Your duty is to come to Him, to belong to Him, so that you can enjoy this salvation.

Behind the iconic narrative of Jonathan Edwards' legendary sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" lies a far more intense, forgotten historical reality: the day Edwards lost control of his pulpit. Delving into rarely cited eyewitness accounts, diary entries, and the overnight prayers that preceded the famous July 8, 1741 assembly at Enfield, this deep dive peels back centuries of embellishment to reveal an unfinished sermon drowned out by cries of distress, an all-night intercessory vigil that laid the groundwork for the revival, and Edwards' own cautious distrust of the very emotional hysteria he unleashed. Discover how a team of visiting pastors stepped into the chaos of the meetinghouse floor, and why the real spark of America's Great Awakening was less about one man's literary rhetoric and far more about hidden intercession, collaborative crisis counseling, and the complex reality of human conversion.

Behind the iconic narrative of Jonathan Edwards' legendary sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" lies a far more intense, forgotten historical reality: the day Edwards lost control of his pulpit. Delving into rarely cited eyewitness accounts, diary entries, and the overnight prayers that preceded the famous July 8, 1741 assembly at Enfield, this deep dive peels back centuries of embellishment to reveal an unfinished sermon drowned out by cries of distress, an all-night intercessory vigil that laid the groundwork for the revival, and Edwards' own cautious distrust of the very emotional hysteria he unleashed. Discover how a team of visiting pastors stepped into the chaos of the meetinghouse floor, and why the real spark of America's Great Awakening was less about one man's literary rhetoric and far more about hidden intercession, collaborative crisis counseling, and the complex reality of human conversion.

Behind the iconic narrative of Jonathan Edwards' legendary sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" lies a far more intense, forgotten historical reality: the day Edwards lost control of his pulpit. Delving into rarely cited eyewitness accounts, diary entries, and the overnight prayers that preceded the famous July 8, 1741 assembly at Enfield, this deep dive peels back centuries of embellishment to reveal an unfinished sermon drowned out by cries of distress, an all-night intercessory vigil that laid the groundwork for the revival, and Edwards' own cautious distrust of the very emotional hysteria he unleashed. Discover how a team of visiting pastors stepped into the chaos of the meetinghouse floor, and why the real spark of America's Great Awakening was less about one man's literary rhetoric and far more about hidden intercession, collaborative crisis counseling, and the complex reality of human conversion.

Jonathan Edwards is back on Revived Thoughts with a sermon about Ruth's Resolution. Powerful look at his life on the frontier of Massachusetts and his sermon about Ruth from this time period. Listen to this episode and big thank you to Tom Sullivan, of the Narrated Puritan, for reading this episode for us! Also, for Patreons, new Deep Dive: Bleeding Kansas available! Check out our Patreon!ALSO, make sure you are subscribed to Christian Or Not! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Wonderful Works of God Will Stueve Download Psalm 111,Praise the Lord!I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations.7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy;8 they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! My family and I have noticed an abundance of large spiders around, and occasionally, to our horror, inside our house recently.There's a reason for this… apparently, August and September mark “peak spider season” in Minnesota, as adult spiders reach their full size after feeding all summer, and as the morning dew makes their webs more visible to us…In 1723, the great theologian Jonathan Edwards wrote about this in his treatise “Of Insects and Spiders.” In this short letter, Edwards marvels at the wise design of God the Creator as he considers the complex behaviors of the “flying spiders” common in New England. As he considers the complex design of their webs, how they can seemingly support themselves in mid-air… He says,“We hence see the exuberant goodness of the Creator, who hath not only provided for all the necessities [of spiders], but also for the pleasure and recreation of all sorts of creatures, and even the insects and those that are most despicable.”Whereas Edwards studied spiders with delight and saw them as an opportunity to praise God, my only thought when I see a spider is to kill it as fast as humanly possible…The point is: The wonderful works of God are all around us if we have eyes to see. And that's what this sermon is about.Psalm 111 is about the wonderful works of God. More specifically, the big question from our text this morning is: What makes God's works so great?In this sermon, I want to answer that question by showing you three truths about the works of God.God's works demand our praise.God's works reveal his character.God's works teach us to fear him.1. God's works demand our praise.Look with me again at verse 1 of our psalm:“Praise the Lord!I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.”The psalmist resolves to praise God with his whole heart and publicly. And right off the bat, this first verse convicted me as I prepared this past week. How often do I praise the Lord with half of my heart, and not my whole heart? Have I ever truly praised God with my whole heart?These were convicting questions for me this week. It made Psalm 86:11 come alive for me… as the Psalmist prays, “unite my heart to fear your name.”So that I may praise you not with half my heart, but with my whole heart.Oh, to have a congregation, this whole church filled with whole-hearted worshipers, so captivated by God's glory… so in awe of his wonderful works, that they are moved to praise him with their entire being. That's what the psalmist envisions for us here.I can remember when my wife and I came to Cities Church for the first time. We were captivated by this building. When I walked in, I could not help but say, “Wow!” The huge wooden beams holding up the towering ceilings. The beautiful stone steeple. And the colorful stained-glass windows. Look around for a second! This place was designed and built by man. That's amazing!This building is truly a wonderful work of art, a feat of human engineering, and we rightly admire its beauty. How much more should we admire the wonderful works of God?!Get this: The man who designed this building… God made him. God designed him and gave him every breath of his life… And that is true of each and every one of us in this room.By a miracle of God's hand, our hearts are beating with blood, our lungs are filled with air, and this earth is still rotating around the sun! Hebrews 1 says that Jesus Christ “upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Meaning, if Jesus were to snap his fingers, you and I would cease to exist in an instant.Every breath we take, and every moment we continue to exist is due solely to the mercy of God.Whether we consider that, or the intricate machinery inside every cell in our bodies to the vast reaches of the Milky Way galaxy and billions of galaxies beyond ours. God's wonderful works are all around us in creation and give us countless reasons to praise him! So be an admirer of God's works in creation…Thank God for the breath you just took!Like Edwards, consider the complex web of the spider… God made that!Consider how the honey bee gets nectar from the flower… God designed that!Consider the beauty of the night sky… and marvel at the Creator of it all.The theme of our whole lives should be verse 2…“Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.”The works of Yahweh are to be studied. Literally, the Hebrew word ‘darash' means “to seek out.”We are to study, to diligently seek out the works of the LORD anddelight in them. We should be awe-struck admirers of God's works in creation, and we should be eager students of God's word.The Bible is the works of God written. The works of God written for us. God wrote a book. And we ought to read it, and study it with delight, and meditate on it all the day!At a chosen time each day,Read the Bible while you may,Do not start until you pray,Ask, “What does this passage say?”Look for Him who is the Way,Find a lesson for today,Pray once more, and go your way.May we be a people that eagerly studies and delights in the works of God in nature and in Scripture for his works demand our praise.Look with me at verses 3-6“Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations.”This brings us to part two.2. God's works reveal His character.This is a basic point. What you do reveals who you are. Your works reveal your character. The character of a good student is revealed by their long hours of study. The character of a good parent is revealed by the love and attention they give to their children.And likewise,the righteous character of God is revealed by the splendor and majesty of his work. And we must press on to know the character of God through his works. Why? Why is that important?Well, we cannot truly love what we don't know. Am I a good husband to my wife if I know literally nothing about her? If I make no effort to learn about her, her hobbies, her interests…?So too with God!We cannot love God very well if we know nothing about him! And make no effort to learn about him!And if the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart then we must press on to know God's character. And we see God's character on display in these verses.Particularly, on the heels of Psalm 110: I believe these verses are celebrating the Greater Exodus, the Greater Provision, and the Greater Conquest of the Melchizedekian Priest-King who is David's Lord.Verse 4 says that God's works reveal that he is gracious and merciful.This refers to the Exodus… Where God reveals his glory to Moses and says,“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…”And we know that God's righteousness, grace, and mercy is seen most clearly in the greater Exodus of the cross of Christ. The Israelites were delivered from the tyranny of Pharoah and we as New Covenant Christians are delivered from the tyranny of sin and Satan.Verse 5 tells us that God provides food for those who fear him, which calls to mind the manna he provided for his people in the Wilderness.And God's provision is seen more clearly in the greater manna, Jesus himself who says, “I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”Lastly, verse 6: “He has shown his people the power of his works,in giving them the inheritance of the nations.”This, of course, refers to the conquest of the promised land under Joshua.We see God's power in our greater Joshua. Jesus is the greater Joshua… the conquering Warrior-King of Psalm 110, leading his people to a new Promised Land in the New Heavens and the New Earth.We must know that God's perfect grace, mercy, provision, and power is sufficient to meet all of our needs…If you are broken over sin… if you have failed… rest in God's mercy and grace today.If you are anxious about your life… are you not of more value than a sparrow? Trust the God who provides!If you see chaos in the world around you, remember God's power. That right now he is ruling and reigning over all nations for his glorious purposes!God's works demand our praise; they reveal his character, and point three…3. God's works teach us to fear Him.Look at verses 7-8, and notice how God's works and God's words are put in parallel here,“The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy;8 they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.”God is trustworthy, and so everything he says (his precepts, his words) are trustworthy. In other words, you can stake your life upon God's words!And verse 8 says that because God's word is trustworthy, we are to obey him faithfully and uprightly.The psalmist continues in verses 9-10,“He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!”From the very beginning, after humanity fell into sin, God has promised redemption… And the whole story of the Bible, through God's covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David… all culminate in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant.“God sent his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).Those who reject Christ will be separated from God forever. But those who receive Christ are given the right to become children of God. Forgiven of all their sin, and given new hearts to obey God with joy. This is beautifully prophesied in Jeremiah 32:40, which says, “I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.”In the new covenant, God puts the fear of him in our hearts, so that we do not turn away from him! What a promise! Has God done that in your life? Do you fear God? What does it mean to fear God?Proverbs 3 says that to fear the LORD is to turn away from evil.Psalm 112:1 says that the blessed man fears the Lord and greatly delights in his commandments.But I think our church's mission statement also helps us here: Cities Church exists to make joyful disciples of Jesus who remember his realness in all of life.I think that's a good definition of the fear of the Lord. To fear the Lord is to remember his realness in all of life. Do you remember God's realness in all of life? Has God put the fear of him in your heart? Do his wonderful works cause you to marvel in awe at him? When you hear the good news of the gospel, does your soul cry out, “Holy and awesome is his name!”?If that is not true of you this morning, ask God to change your heart. Ask him to put the fear of the LORD in your heart today.Because, as verse 10 says,“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;”This is crucial for us to get. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom… Not one helpful tip … Not one thing to tack on to the Christian life… but the beginning of wisdom… the foundation of the good life.Meaning, if you are not basing your life upon the reality of who God is as your Creator, and what he has done as our Redeemer, then you are a fool! If God is not the central reality of your life, then whatever you are building in your life is a straw-house doomed to fail.Jesus says,“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”Or as Psalm 111 puts it,“Those who practice [the fear of the LORD] have a good understanding.”So as we close here, I want us all to reflect on this question: Where do I need to grow in practicing the fear of the LORD? In your home, in church, at work, at school. What would it look like for you to remember the realness of Jesus in all of life?God's works are indeed wonderful.They demand our praise.They reveal his character.And they teach us to fear him.His praise endures forever!Let's pray.

Pastor Mark Hogan teaches on sanctifying the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10) as the Christian Sabbath, taking a positive approach—asking what the day is for rather than listing prohibitions—drawing on Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, and Puritans like Ezekiel Hopkins. He outlines three categories of duty: acts of piety, with corporate worship as the chief part (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16; Heb 10; Ps 122), making the day 'church-shaped' with prayer meeting, Sunday school, and fellowship, plus private and family worship where fathers lead catechism and devotions (Isaiah 58:13–14); acts of charity such as hospitality (Rom 12:13; 1 Pet 4:9) and visiting the sick (Matt 12:12); and acts of necessity like eating and genuine emergencies. Applications from Reformed writers include preparing on Saturday night (J.I. Packer), delighting in the day as the Puritans' 'market day for the soul' (Ps 118), improving the day, and anticipating eternal rest, since Hebrews 4:9 says a sabbatismos remains for God's people—Spurgeon called it a 'dress rehearsal for eternity.' Finally, citing Thomas Shepard's warning against both profaneness and pharisaical strictness, Hogan urges guarding against legalism, closing with Christopher Wordsworth's hymn 'O Day of Rest and Gladness.'

We read poems dealing with the religious and intellectual history of New England & grappling with the legacies of Puritanism, the Great Awakening, and Transcendentalism: Robert Lowell's "Mr. Edwards and the Spider" and "Jonathan Edwards in Western Massachusetts," about the colonial minister, philosopher, and fire-and-brimstone preacher, Jonathan Edwards; and Anne Sexton's "Kind Sir: These Woods," addressed to Henry David Thoreau. Please sign on as a patron at any level, to make it possible to keep this podcat coming, and to hear patron-only lectures, including the upcoming lecture on the preacher George Whitefield's preserved thumb: https://www.patreon.com/c/u5530632

In John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, few figures offer a more sobering warning to the traveling soul than the character Temporary. Living in the town of Grace-less, right next door to Turn-back, Temporary begins his journey with intense zeal—weeping over his sins, seeking godly counsel, and setting his face resolutely toward the Celestial City. Yet, despite his bright start and genuine emotional stirrings, his zeal quickly cools, he aligns himself with a man named Save-self, and he slides back into total spiritual ruin. Through this tragic figure, Bunyan illustrates what Puritan theologians like Thomas Goodwin, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, and A. W. Pink identified as the "common influences" of the Holy Spirit—a work that can enlighten the mind, stir the emotions, and reform outward behavior without ever regenerating the heart. Temporary's story is not a tale of open hypocrisy, but a compelling, cautionary study in the vital difference between a temporary emotional reaction to the truth and a permanent, heart-transforming union with Jesus Christ.

In John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, few figures offer a more sobering warning to the traveling soul than the character Temporary. Living in the town of Grace-less, right next door to Turn-back, Temporary begins his journey with intense zeal—weeping over his sins, seeking godly counsel, and setting his face resolutely toward the Celestial City. Yet, despite his bright start and genuine emotional stirrings, his zeal quickly cools, he aligns himself with a man named Save-self, and he slides back into total spiritual ruin. Through this tragic figure, Bunyan illustrates what Puritan theologians like Thomas Goodwin, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, and A. W. Pink identified as the "common influences" of the Holy Spirit—a work that can enlighten the mind, stir the emotions, and reform outward behavior without ever regenerating the heart. Temporary's story is not a tale of open hypocrisy, but a compelling, cautionary study in the vital difference between a temporary emotional reaction to the truth and a permanent, heart-transforming union with Jesus Christ.

In John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, few figures offer a more sobering warning to the traveling soul than the character Temporary. Living in the town of Grace-less, right next door to Turn-back, Temporary begins his journey with intense zeal—weeping over his sins, seeking godly counsel, and setting his face resolutely toward the Celestial City. Yet, despite his bright start and genuine emotional stirrings, his zeal quickly cools, he aligns himself with a man named Save-self, and he slides back into total spiritual ruin. Through this tragic figure, Bunyan illustrates what Puritan theologians like Thomas Goodwin, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, and A. W. Pink identified as the "common influences" of the Holy Spirit—a work that can enlighten the mind, stir the emotions, and reform outward behavior without ever regenerating the heart. Temporary's story is not a tale of open hypocrisy, but a compelling, cautionary study in the vital difference between a temporary emotional reaction to the truth and a permanent, heart-transforming union with Jesus Christ.

In John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, few figures offer a more sobering warning to the traveling soul than the character Temporary. Living in the town of Grace-less, right next door to Turn-back, Temporary begins his journey with intense zeal—weeping over his sins, seeking godly counsel, and setting his face resolutely toward the Celestial City. Yet, despite his bright start and genuine emotional stirrings, his zeal quickly cools, he aligns himself with a man named Save-self, and he slides back into total spiritual ruin. Through this tragic figure, Bunyan illustrates what Puritan theologians like Thomas Goodwin, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, and A. W. Pink identified as the "common influences" of the Holy Spirit—a work that can enlighten the mind, stir the emotions, and reform outward behavior without ever regenerating the heart. Temporary's story is not a tale of open hypocrisy, but a compelling, cautionary study in the vital difference between a temporary emotional reaction to the truth and a permanent, heart-transforming union with Jesus Christ.

In John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, few figures offer a more sobering warning to the traveling soul than the character Temporary. Living in the town of Grace-less, right next door to Turn-back, Temporary begins his journey with intense zeal—weeping over his sins, seeking godly counsel, and setting his face resolutely toward the Celestial City. Yet, despite his bright start and genuine emotional stirrings, his zeal quickly cools, he aligns himself with a man named Save-self, and he slides back into total spiritual ruin. Through this tragic figure, Bunyan illustrates what Puritan theologians like Thomas Goodwin, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, and A. W. Pink identified as the "common influences" of the Holy Spirit—a work that can enlighten the mind, stir the emotions, and reform outward behavior without ever regenerating the heart. Temporary's story is not a tale of open hypocrisy, but a compelling, cautionary study in the vital difference between a temporary emotional reaction to the truth and a permanent, heart-transforming union with Jesus Christ.

(2 of 2) John the Baptizer's godly purpose, preaching, and perspective always elevated Jesus as the Christ. As a result, John would lose his freedom, popularity, and eventually his life. But how would John look at such a sacrifice? And what should we think about when we observe John's mission and calling? Join guest Jacob McKinney and host Jonathan Edwards as they discuss the three godly P's (purpose, preaching and perspective) of John the Baptist.

This sermon explores the enduring influence of Puritanism on church history and American culture by examining its theological foundations and political impact. The speaker highlights key developments such as the Westminster Standards, the establishment of congregational polity in New England, and the concept of visible saints within state-supported churches. A central focus is placed on five historical figures—Matthew Henry, Cotton Mather, Jonathan Edwards, C.H. Spurgeon, and D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones—who are identified as carriers of the Puritan spiritual and intellectual legacy. The discussion critiques the secularization of Puritan ideals in American political rhetoric while affirming their continued relevance for biblical study and personal devotion. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to draw from this rich heritage to deepen their understanding of Scripture and grow closer to Christ.

(1 of 2) John the Baptizer's godly purpose, preaching, and perspective always elevated Jesus as the Christ. As a result, John would lose his freedom, popularity, and eventually his life. But how would John look at such a sacrifice? And what should we think about when we observe John's mission and calling? Join guest Jacob McKinney and host Jonathan Edwards as they discuss the three godly P's (purpose, preaching and perspective) of John the Baptist.

This study explores the delicate balance between solemn warning and ultimate triumph in Reformed theology by contrasting John Bunyan's scene at the Delectable Mountains—where the Shepherds soberly observe that "few show their face on these mountains"—with the historic debate over the total number of the redeemed. By examining the rigorous pastoral warnings of Puritans like John Owen, Thomas Shepard, and Jonathan Edwards alongside the expansive, victorious vision of B. B. Warfield, R. L. Dabney, and C. H. Spurgeon, this investigation harmonizes the local, searching reality of Matthew 7 ("narrow is the gate") with the global, eschatological promise of Revelation 7 ("an innumerable multitude"). Ultimately, it demonstrates how classic Reformed theology maintains both a rigorous call to self-examination against false assurance—as embodied in Bunyan's tragic character Ignorance—and an unshakeable confidence in the cosmic, vast scope of Christ's saving victory.

This study explores the delicate balance between solemn warning and ultimate triumph in Reformed theology by contrasting John Bunyan's scene at the Delectable Mountains—where the Shepherds soberly observe that "few show their face on these mountains"—with the historic debate over the total number of the redeemed. By examining the rigorous pastoral warnings of Puritans like John Owen, Thomas Shepard, and Jonathan Edwards alongside the expansive, victorious vision of B. B. Warfield, R. L. Dabney, and C. H. Spurgeon, this investigation harmonizes the local, searching reality of Matthew 7 ("narrow is the gate") with the global, eschatological promise of Revelation 7 ("an innumerable multitude"). Ultimately, it demonstrates how classic Reformed theology maintains both a rigorous call to self-examination against false assurance—as embodied in Bunyan's tragic character Ignorance—and an unshakeable confidence in the cosmic, vast scope of Christ's saving victory.

This study explores the delicate balance between solemn warning and ultimate triumph in Reformed theology by contrasting John Bunyan's scene at the Delectable Mountains—where the Shepherds soberly observe that "few show their face on these mountains"—with the historic debate over the total number of the redeemed. By examining the rigorous pastoral warnings of Puritans like John Owen, Thomas Shepard, and Jonathan Edwards alongside the expansive, victorious vision of B. B. Warfield, R. L. Dabney, and C. H. Spurgeon, this investigation harmonizes the local, searching reality of Matthew 7 ("narrow is the gate") with the global, eschatological promise of Revelation 7 ("an innumerable multitude"). Ultimately, it demonstrates how classic Reformed theology maintains both a rigorous call to self-examination against false assurance—as embodied in Bunyan's tragic character Ignorance—and an unshakeable confidence in the cosmic, vast scope of Christ's saving victory.

This study explores the delicate balance between solemn warning and ultimate triumph in Reformed theology by contrasting John Bunyan's scene at the Delectable Mountains—where the Shepherds soberly observe that "few show their face on these mountains"—with the historic debate over the total number of the redeemed. By examining the rigorous pastoral warnings of Puritans like John Owen, Thomas Shepard, and Jonathan Edwards alongside the expansive, victorious vision of B. B. Warfield, R. L. Dabney, and C. H. Spurgeon, this investigation harmonizes the local, searching reality of Matthew 7 ("narrow is the gate") with the global, eschatological promise of Revelation 7 ("an innumerable multitude"). Ultimately, it demonstrates how classic Reformed theology maintains both a rigorous call to self-examination against false assurance—as embodied in Bunyan's tragic character Ignorance—and an unshakeable confidence in the cosmic, vast scope of Christ's saving victory.

(2 of 2) The Parable of the Shrewd Manager was told by Jesus in Luke 16:1-13. It is one of the most difficult parables to understand. Its meaning has been disputed by scholars. How could the unrighteous behavior of the main character serve as our example? What does it mean to be shrewd anyway? And what lessons can we learn from this shred manager? Join guest Shaun Wackerly and host Jonathan Edwards as they discuss the parable together.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him. . . He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under his feet. He rode on a cherub and flew; he came swiftly on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him, thick clouds dark with water. Out of the brightness before him hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds.”~Psalm 18:8, 9-12 (ESV) “What is obvious is the power of a religion whose secret is perhaps, simply, to get rid of the distance, the transcendence, and the remoteness of the divine… A present God this time; a God who is there, behind the door or the curtain, and asks only to show himself; a God without mystery; a good-guy God; almost a human being, a good American, someone who loves you one by one, listens to you if you talk to him, answers if you ask him to—God the friend, who has your best interests at heart.”~Bernard Henri-Levi, secular journalist experiencing an American megachurch “There is a paradox in Old Testament narrative ethics: on the one hand God is terribly demanding, he looks for nothing less than godlike perfect behavior, yet on the other, despite human failings, he does not forget his covenant loyalty to his people… Old Testament ethics are therefore, as much about grace as about law: they declare that God, the all-holy, is also God, the all-merciful.”~Gordon Wenham, Old Testament scholar “There is in God a sweet conjunction: majesty and meekness joined together: he is sweet and gentle, and holy majesty; and also a majestic meekness; an awful sweetness; a high, and great, and holy gentleness.”~Jonathan Edwards, American pastor “The God of the Bible localizes himself. In great condescension, the Lord of Hosts rends the heavens and comes down and dwells in the midst of his people. And he sets apart and makes holy the temple, the symbol of that dwelling; or he sets apart for his use Bible and cup and bread, in order that flesh and blood persons can see and remember and know that the holy God is in their company.”~Elizabeth Atchemeier, Old Testament scholarSERMON QUOTESPsalm 99 (ESV)1 The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!  He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!2 The Lord is great in Zion;  he is exalted over all the peoples.3 Let them praise your great and awesome name!  Holy is he!4 The King in his might loves justice.  You have established equity; you have executed justice  and righteousness in Jacob.5 Exalt the Lord our God;  worship at his footstool!  Holy is he! 6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,  Samuel also was among those who called upon his name.  They called to the Lord, and he answered them.7 In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them;  they kept his testimonies  and the statute that he gave them. 8 O Lord our God, you answered them;  you were a forgiving God to them,  but an avenger of their wrongdoings.9 Exalt the Lord our God,  and worship at his holy mountain;  for the Lord our God is holy!

(1 of 2) The Parable of the Shrewd Manager was told by Jesus in Luke 16:1-13. It is one of the most difficult parables to understand. Its meaning has been disputed by scholars. How could the unrighteous behavior of the main character serve as our example? What does it mean to be shrewd anyway? And what lessons can we learn from this shred manager? Join guest Shaun Wackerly and host Jonathan Edwards as they discuss the parable together.