Reads like dialogue ripped straight out of Breaking The Waves or There Will Be Blood. ( )

It's really interesting how he interprets all of creation being subjected to futility unwillingly. Like even the earth is tired of holding us up, tired of being forced to participate in our rebellion against its Master. As humanity continues to insult a gracious creator, what can awaken our stony hearts? What can help us feel the urgency of Jesus's call to live? This sermon, Lord willing! ( )

Nothing like starting the New Year with a bowl of wrath! The 18th Century Puritan divine, Jonathan Edwards, is probably best known for this sermon which vividly paints God's righteous anger at humanity for their sin. Fire and brimstone are keywords in this sermon and it has served as a template for lesser lights.

I think it is unfortunate that this sermon is what most people today know of Edwards. Other aspects of his theology are more amenable to contemporary tastes. His descriptions of nature and beauty are almost mystical. He was also a panentheist before panentheism was cool (and way more orthodox than the likes of Matthew Fox).

But this sermon is worth reading. From a literary standpoint, I think it is brilliantly constructed. While I don't like the tone of the sermon (especially as it draws to a close), I appreciate the main theological point, that there is nothing holding back God's righteous judgement on us, but his Sovereign pleasure and that a day of reckoning is sure.

I remember George Marsden making a comment in his Edwards biography that the gospel remedy was well known across Protestant New England, but that people needed to be moved to seek it. This means that I can appreciate this sermon for its time and the effect it had, used by God, to help usher in the first Great Awakening in America.

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This book is composed of a number of sermons by the great preacher Jonathan Edwards. It is worth reading for the famous "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" sermon alone as it will definitely convict, challenge and hopefully inspire. There is also a shorter sermon on Use of Time which is very practical. I found the rest of the sermons hard going...obviously they are Biblical but repetitious in places and very long. I would recommend this for theology students or as a reference book rather than for reading cover to cover.

Recommended reading for all Christians. ( )

This was required reading in high school, but I enjoyed it. ( )

This is a little pocketbook sermon Edwards preached in Enfield, Massachusetts in 1741. From the back cover: “With this marvelous sermon, Jonathan Edwards changed history and helped spark a spiritual awakening … Historians recognize Edwards as one of the most brilliant men of all times.”

The torments of hell are vividly described, but according to the book, “Throughout the sermon Edwards demonstrates the utmost compassion for the lost.” See if you can locate the compassion in this quotation from the sermon:

The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked; his wrath toward you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else, but to be cast into the fire.

I’m speechless. What can I say? My generic rating of three stars reflects an utter refusal to grade the sermon.

One minister on the platform pulled on Jonathan’s coat and cried, “Mr. Edwards! Is not God merciful?” Yet the results were remarkable. People cried aloud and grasped the back of the pews lest the ground open up and swallow them alive into hell. Others fainted, wept uncontrollably or quivered like a leaf in the wind.

Gimme that old time religion.

(The text of the sermon may be read here: http://www.biblebb.com/files/edwards/je-sinners.htm ) ( )

Jonathan Edwards presents a clear picture of the predicament of every sinner and lukewarm Christian. The most famous sermon ever given.

onathan Edwards' sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" narrated by Max McLean will take your breathe away. This is the pure, unadulterated, hard hitting Truth that, once heard, simply cannot leave you as you were before you heard it.

This sermon is regarded by many as the most famous sermon ever delivered. Written by (or perhaps through) one of the greatest American Theologians. It begins with the Word from Deuteronomy 32:35 '..their foot shall slide in due time', and with these words, the Truth is released upon the hearer without restraint.This sermon ends with this warning:

"Therefore, let every one that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come. The wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great part of this congregation: Let every one fly out of Sodom: "aste and escape for your lives, look not behind you, escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed."

If you are a Christian, take heed that though you may have escaped the fate of the 'sinner' described in this book, there are those in your life that have not. I was moved to pray for those that I love that have not chosen the path of escape freely given and available to all - salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.

If you are not a Christian, take heed. This book foretells your future.

The text of this sermon is in the public domain and is easily accessible. I recommend reading from the Christian Classic Ethereal Library. This sermon, whether written as shown here or spoken as delivered in this audio book, should be read at least once in your life.

Special Bonus
At the time of this post, The Listener's Bible site is offering a FREE download of this sermon. ( )

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1 R.C. Sproul– Introduction
2 Max McLean– Your Foot Shall Slip In Due Time
3 Max McLean– God Does Not Lack The Power To Throw Wicked People Into Hell
4 Max McLean– The Purpose Of This Terrifying Subject Is To Wake Up The Unconverted
5 Max McLean– It Is The Wrath Of The Infinite God
6 Max McLean– How Dreadful Is The State Of Those Who Are In Danger
Narrator [Narrated By] – Max McLean

Jonathan Edwards' well-known sermon.