Having studied the theological convictions that drove the first American missionaries to the far corners of the globe with the gospel, we turn now to Adoniram Judson and his mission to the pagan people of Burma.
Having studied Edwards for two weeks, we move now to one of his friends — the young missionary, David Brainerd — and to the decline of the missionary spirit in the 1800s.
This week, we study a few major points of Jonathan Edwards' theology: His understanding of the "religious affections", his explanation of God's goal in creating the world, and his big God theology.
Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10–18 Main Idea: The crucifixion of Christ and baptism in the name of Christ serve the church’s unity. Application Questions: As part of your personal devotions or in your discipleship group, meditate on and discuss what the cross of Christ accomplished. Use the table in the sermon notes to find a list of those accomplishments. If we are truly united with other believers, in what ways are you acting in accord with that reality, or not? What does your baptism signify? In what ways are you tempted to rebuild the old life of sin and enslavement to the Law that was torn down by the blood of Jesus's cross?
While the Spirit of God moved through Whitefield in England, he was moving powerfully through Jonathan Edwards to revive the church in New England as well. This week, we study the life of Edwards and the impact of the Great Awakening for the church in the 1700s and today.
Tens of thousands of Englishmen — colliers and politicians alike — and thousands more of Georgians and New Englanders flocked to hear an old, true message proclaimed by a faithful preacher. The message was new birth by the Spirit as a result of faith in Christ alone. The preacher was George Whitefield. This week, we study his life and ministry.
The Great Awakening burned out at least some of the moral rot that pervaded England in the 18th century and reinvigorated the church in the New World. But where did that infection come from in the first place? This week, we study the state of affairs that preceded the Great Awakening.
What convictions drove these Puritan pilgrims? What was the theological foundation beneath their unyielding hope, pious living, and ardent zeal? This week, we discuss the Puritans' theological commitment to God's word, covenantal thinking, and hope for the future.
This week, we discuss the Massachusetts Bay Colony and its early leaders, including John Cotton and John Winthrop.
In week two of our study of early American church history, we follow the journey of a Separatist congregation from Babworth, England. They persevered through heartache, disappointments, persecution, sickness, and even death in the hope of building a society where God would be worshiped rightly.
Main Idea: The Book of Psalms is the epic, covenantal story of the gospel in song.
Main Idea: The Book of Psalms is the epic, covenantal story of the gospel in song.
Sermon Text: Leviticus 24:10–23 Main Idea: Members of God's household come to look like their Father, whose Name returned mercy for reviling, blessing for curse, love for hatred, and life for blasphemy. Discussion Questions: Jonathan Edwards argues the God's Name is Jesus. What does Edwards mean by this, and where in Scripture do you see this idea borne out? Discuss the difference between a legal code for the community of God's people and laws or expectations that govern our personal relationships. Discuss the context of the Sermon on the Mount which starts in Matthew 5. How is Moses displaying Jesus as the better Moses and the final Lawgiver? What is Jesus doing with the law from Leviticus 24 in Matthew 5:38–42? Is he negating it? How does Matthew 5:38–42 impact your understanding of strength? How should Christians live out Jesus's instruction? Where does their power to do this come from?
Sermon text: Leviticus 23:9–14 Main idea: Worship the Christ who died and rose again according to the Scriptures. Discussion questions: What did the Day of Firstfruits commemorate? Why is it important that God had Israel celebrate the Day of Firstfruits after the harvest had begun? What did the Day of Firstfruits anticipate? What connections do you see when comparing the events of Passover week in the Old Testament and Passion week in the New Testament? How can the holy days in Leviticus 23 help us have a tighter grip on the gospel (1 Cor 15:1–5)? Click here to see the timeline featured in the sermon. Click here to see the comparison chart featured in the sermon.
Sermon text: Leviticus 10 Main idea: Unholy people can only dwell with a holy God through sacrificial offerings and the pursuit of holiness. Discussion questions: How would you describe God's holiness? What did Nadab and Abihu do that was so wrong? What was their punishment? Does it seem too severe a punishment? Why or why not? Does Jesus's claim to be the only way to God seem offensive to you? If so, why? If not, how would you explain and defend this truth to someone who was offended by it? What does it mean to "sanctify God"? What does your manner of life communicate about God? If people were to study your thoughts, attitudes, words, actions, emotions, time, etc. what conclusions would they draw about God?
Biography Part 3: The later life, afflictions, and final triumph of C. H. Spurgeon
Biography Part 3: The later life, afflictions, and final triumph of C. H. Spurgeon