Seeking God: Jonathan Edwards' Evangelism Contrasted with Modern Methodologies (Nichols)

Description

What should dictate how we do evangelism? Should tradition or the Word of God be our guide? Should we do things the way they always have been done in our lifetime, because it seems to produce outward results? Shouldn’t our theology dictate our evangelistic methodology? Yes, it should, but does it? If you really believe in total depravity, that man is dead in trespasses and sins, then why do you do evangelism that is dependent the one who is dead raising himself form the dead? If you really believe in divine election, then why do you do evangelism which elevates the free will of man above the will of the sovereign God? If you really believe in sovereign grace, they why do you teach that God is under obligation to save every vile rebel who prays the sinner’s prayer or asks Jesus into their heart? Is tradition the most influential factor in the way you do evangelism, or the Word of God?

Jonathan Edwards was the greatest evangelist this country has ever produced. Jonathan Edwards was the greatest theologian this country has ever produced. Jonathan Edwards’ theology and his understanding of the Word of God determined how he did evangelism. And no one can deny that the Lord mightily blessed his efforts. It is my belief that unless and until we return to the biblical evangelism of Jonathan Edwards, that we will not see revival, either in our time or in the future.

This book will attempt to lay out the evangelistic methodology of Jonathan Edwards in detail. This will be done by examining and analyzing his sermons and treatises which most particularly relate to evangelism. 

Contents:

1. The Vain Self-Flatteries of the Sinner
2. Natural Men Are God’s Enemies
3. A Natural Condition Is a Dreadful Condition
4. The Future Punishment of the Wicked Unavoidable and Intolerable
5. Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
6. The Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners
7. The Manner in Which the Salvation of the Soul Is to Be Sought
8. A Possibility of Being Saved Is Better Than a Certainty of Perishing
9. It Is God’s Manner to Make Men Sensible of Their Misery and Unworthiness
10. Persons Ought to Endeavor to Be Convinced of Sin
11. Pressing into the Kingdom of God
12. Hypocrites Deficient in the Duty of Prayer
13. True Grace Distinguished from the Experience of Devils
14. Directions for Judging Experiences
15. God Is Very Angry at the Sins of Children
16. Safety, Fullness, and Sweet Refreshment in Christ
17. A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God