Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) of John Newton (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sermon XXXII (The progress of the gospel).
My summary
This week Newton preaches on: 'their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. (Rom 10:18)'
The sermon is primarily a defence of the verse, answering the objection that if the gospel is the most beneficial and important discovery the world has been favoured with, why then is it treated with general contempt?
Newtown's main answer is: 'the gospel is so little known in the world, and so little received where it is known, cannot be so properly ascribed to the will of God, as to the wickedness and wilfulness of men.'
Ultimately the text is fulfilling, and shall be fulfilled.
What grabbed me
I liked Newton's closing paragraph: 'But the point I am chiefly to press upon my hearers, is, that this word of salvation is sent to you. How the great Judge will deal with the Heathens, who were never favoured with it, he has not seen fit distinctly to inform us. But thus far he has assured us, that it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon, yea, for Sodom and Gomorrah, than for those who have the privilege of knowing the Gospel, if they reject it. To them much is given, and of them much will be required. Do not think ministers assuming if they magnify their office. We have no reason to think highly of ourselves. Nor would you be blameable for disregarding us if we spoke in our own names. But if we preach the truth of the Gospel in simplicity and sincerity, then we speak in the name of the Lord, and demand your attention.'
Don't worry about where the heathen stand in relation to the gospel, worry firstly where you stand in relation to the gospel.
Next week's reading
Read Sermon XXXIII (Opposition to Messiah unreasonable).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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