“ Sweet, pure, living water for a parched soul ” Thank God for using this refreshing message--as He has used so many of Dr. Beeke's sermons in the past--to help raise me from my juniper tree!
“ One of the Best Sermons I've Ever Heard ” By a clear and powerful exposition of the text, Dr. Beeke shows the Gospel's content (Christ Jesus came to save sinners), reliability (This is a faithful saying), scope (worthy to be accepted by all), personalness (...sinners, of whom *I* am chief), patience (that...Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering), and doxology (...to Whom be glory forever and ever, Amen). A wonderful, God-glorifying sermon!
“ Before it is too late... ” A sobering reality check, especially for young people - I encourage anyone who does not see a need for Jesus Christ to listen to this sermon! Many compelling reasons are given. (And I was surprised to hear Pastor Murray say he was in America during this sermon. Heritage Netherlands is in Grand Rapids, MI? Got to be an interesting story behind that.)
“ Motivational Sermon! ” An enheartening reminder to never lay down arms or give sin a moment's rest, or to be satisfied with anything short of perfection! Our salvation is already accomplished, but the warfare is still of vital importance. It's also encouraging to remember, when the monsters of sin look so daunting, that perseverant soldiers, who keep their eyes fixed upon Jesus, WILL be conquerors, and that the battle is one that even the most experienced saints face until death. Unbelievers follow their own pleasures, but our constant struggle brings "pleasure forevermore at the right hand of God".
“ Lovely Sermon ” The only way to grow in love for God, and patience to all, is to muse on His stupendous love! How breathtaking it is to think that such a great, infinite God, could stoop so much as to take the smallest interest in us poor rebellious sinners, much less to love us with such great love! Oh, for more love to Him!
“ Outstanding Sermon! ” I am sorry to see that so few people have listened to this sermon. It brings great assurance in our mighty, unchanging God, and His Word; comfort, to believe; and conviction, to never doubt or try to change or avoid Him in any way!
“ Wondrous Truth ” I have never been able to understand how even many Christians have been able to deny God's sovereignty and not be completely crushed with sorrow! What a delicious sermon spreading at our feet the feast of God's amazing providence. A reminder one can never tire of, with rich application.
“ Challenging Sermon ” It is astounding how many of God's gifts we heartlessly take for granted. And even when He takes them away, to show us what a blessing they were, we are superficially thankful when they are restored. As he said, we rush out to "catch up" on all we couldn't do before. Thankfully, God can save even such thankless wretches as we! Thankfulness itself is dependent on His grace.
“ Very Helpful Sermon ” Plenty of food for meditation. Indeed, to serve Christ and be wholly devoted to Him is worth more than all that this passing earth can offer. An encouragement to give all to God!
“ WONDERFUL Sermon! ” I came to this message, discouraged over persistant, ever-present sin, thinking, "Ah yes, this is what I need--an exhortation against sin, counting all the things that tempt me loss..." If I had heard such a sermon, I would likely have become more discouraged at the failure of such efforts. What I truly needed was the relieving, refreshing and comforting reminder that even the best deeds (if I even could do them) would be loss, and that even the best saints have nothing to hope in but Christ! It's a breath of fresh air...a subject that can never be heard too often.
“ Important Sermon ” "I will delight yourself in my statutes; I will not forget Your word...open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law....my soul breaks with longing for Your commandments at all times." These and other verses from Psalm 119 came to mind when listening to this sermon. God's Word is so sweet, and so precious, and yet it seems that the smallest taste only leaves us seeing how much more there is to grasp: how we've only scratched the surface! If only God's people would turn back to His living, everlasting Word! The Word, and Christ, the Word, is the only Rock on which to rest.
“ Delightful Sermon ” This was especially delightful since I was ill last night and able to listen to it live! Thank you for broadcasting it. It was a good sermon. I really liked the comparison between the evidence of the grave-clothes and the sign and seal given to us in the Lord's Supper to aid our faith.
“ A Marvel ” If I were to tell all the ways that this sermon taught and encouraged me, I would have to repeat the entire thing, so I will only say that I give it my highest recommendation. As Rev. VanderZwaag stated, "It's almost too good to be true!"
“ Good Sermon ” What rich imagery can be found in that passage! I loved Dr. Beeke's point about constant neediness showing that we are trusting God, not ourselves. His connection with baptism at the end was great! Comforting to hear again of God's mercy in spite of our foolishness and ignorance. I also liked the way he brought out the awl in the ear and our slavery to Christ, "O Lord, I am Your servant, Your slave, for You set me free!" (Ps. 116)
I didn't quite understand the connection with his discussion of human slavery, because the Old Testament truly didn't say that slavery was wrong (except of a fellow-Israelite). Otherwise, a helpful message!
“ Helpful Sermon ” Oh, the black, loathsome, odious foulness of sin! How appallingly wretched it is to fall into the same sins again and again, day after day. It has been easy for me to come close to despair even after confessing sin; wondering if God will truly forgive so many times. Although I've come a long way, it is still very good to hear a sermon that acknowledges the abominable ugliness of sin, but still gives us hope in the overflowing abundance of mercy provided for us in the blood of Christ, and the assurance that God will pardon immediately after we confess. No need to carry the guilt around forever when it has already been "buried with Christ"! Also a good reinforcement on proper confession.
Charles Spurgeon said, "Great thoughts of your sin alone will drive you to despair; but great thoughts of Christ will pilot you into the haven of peace."
“ Joy in the midst of suffering! ” Oh, what a sweet message! I love Samuel Rutherford's quote, "Welcome, welcome, cross of Christ, if Christ be with it!" What joy there is in crosses, when it brings us closer to our dear Saviour, who bears both us and our crosses with, and for us! And how much easier it is to walk in His footsteps. I always think of that when I walk through three or more feet of freshly fallen snow: it's so hard--but when you have someone else's footsteps to place your feet in, it is still hard, but the hardest part is already done.
Nothing is worth the exchange for the cross of Christ! "Lead me in the way everlasting!" (Ps. 139)
5/18/07 10:11 PM
