Gospel Came Not in Word Only

In this part of the sermon: The text teaches the distinction between the general call (the word of the gospel to all, which may prick conscience but leaves men unchanged) and the special, effectual call (the…

Simon Magus heard the call and trembled but didn't forsake sin; Herod called John the Baptist to preach but held to his illicit relationship. These examples illustrate that the general call can prick the conscience and move affections but leaves a man fundamentally unchanged in his relationship to sin and Christ.

But they are people. Whose hearts are still wedded. To their sin. Soon it may hear the call.

24:19 - 24:25 Read in full sermon

The point: Read your election not by prying into God's secret counsels, but by examining your effectual call and the fruits of a transformed life.

A man tells Spurgeon he wouldn't preach the gospel if he believed in election. Spurgeon replies that God saves His elect through the gospel, and since God hasn't marked His elect with a stripe, he preaches to all, illustrating the preacher's duty despite the doctrine of election.

Has God chosen me to salvation from the beginning? Where can I read my election? Well someone came to say. Spurgeon one time and said.

29:52 - 30:00 Read in full sermon

The point: Parents, refuse to believe your children are saved until you see positive evidences of spiritual life, such as sensitivity to sin, desire to pray, and love for God's Word, rather than assuming salvation based on upbringi…

Martin describes two approaches parents take to their children's salvation: one assumes salvation unless contradicted, the other requires positive evidence of spiritual life. This illustrates the practical application of discerning true conversion based on the fruits of the effectual call.

Hereby do we know that we know him if we keep his commandments. May I give a word of exhortation with regard not only to ourselves but to our children. I find two kinds of parents in our church, in other churches. One set of parents, this is the basis of their thinking.

32:59 - 33:17 Read in full sermon

The point: Apply the standard of positive evidence of the effectual call to your loved ones, friends, and neighbors, refusing to believe they are savingly drawn to Christ until such fruit is evident.

Martin shares that his mother was the second type of parent, refusing to believe he was saved until she saw genuine tenderness to sin, desire to pray, and love for God's Word. This personal anecdote reinforces the importance of seeking positive evidence of the gospel's power.

Until I see the tokens of the effectual call of God. The gospel coming in power. I thank God I had a mother who was in that class. And not this one.

34:41 - 34:53 Read in full sermon

The point: Ensure that anointed preaching is the hallmark of this pulpit and anointed witnessing is the hallmark of your life with children, neighbors, work associates, and friends.

God can use even an unsaved man to save a soul, just as He spoke through a donkey to turn a stubborn prophet. This illustrates God's sovereignty in using various vessels, though generally He uses those who themselves know spiritual realities.

God may call some of his elect to himself in strange ways. Through vessels who themselves are not even saved. If God can speak through a donkey to turn a stubborn prophet back into his way. God can speak through an unsaved man to save a soul.

39:15 - 39:30 Read in full sermon