Sermon Tone Analysis

What, was it such a wonder, to hear that Saul was praying?

Why, Saul was a Pharisee, and therefore, no doubt, tasted and made long prayers: and, since we are told that he profited above many of his equals, I doubt not but he was taken notice of for his gift in prayer; and yet it seems, that before these three days, Saul never prayed in his life; and why?

Because, before these three days, he never felt himself a condemned creature: he was alive in his own opinion, because without a knowledge of the spiritual meaning of the law; he felt not a want of, and therefore, before now, cried not after a Jesus; and consequently, though he might have said or made a prayer (as many Pharisees do now a-days) he never prayed a prayer; but now, “behold!

He prayed indeed;” and this was urged as one reason why he was converted.

None of God’s children, as one observes, comes into the world still-born; prayer is the very breath of the new creature: and therefore, if we are prayerless, we are Christless; if we never had the spirit of supplication, it is a sad sign that we never had the spirit of grace in our souls: and you may be assured you never did pray, unless you have felt yourselves sinners, and seen the want of Jesus to be your Savior.

May the Lord, whom I serve in the gospel of his dear Son, prick you all to the heart, and may it be said of you all, as it was of Saul, behold, they pray!

1. Jesus’ Grace is Both Awesome and Awful

2. Discipleship is a Call to Regular Risk

3. The Gospel Alone is Risk-Free

“Planned grace is worked out by the Triune God.

It’s a loving plan made by the Father.

It’s a victorious plan achieved by the Son.

It’s a guaranteed plan sealed with the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Daniel Montgomery

“The next Jonathan Edwards might be the man driving in front of you with the Darwin Fish bumper decal.

The next Charles Wesley might be a misogynist, profanity-spewing hip-hop artist right now.

The next Billy Graham might be passed out drunk in a fraternity house right now.

The next Charles Spurgeon might be making posters for a Gay Pride March right now.

The next Mother Teresa might be managing an abortion clinic right now….. (so) be kind to that atheist in front of you on the highway, the one who just shot you an obscene gesture.

He might be the one who evangelizes your grandchildren.”

-Russell Moore

“I define risk very simply as an action that exposes you to the possibility of loss or injury.”

John Piper.

Risk Is Right: Better to Lose Your Life Than to Waste It

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

-Jesus,

“Big S” Salvation: God’s plan to restore and renew the entire creation through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

“Little s” salvation: When “Big S” Salvation comes into contact with you and me: we are forgiven, reconciled to God, saved from a destiny apart from him, and we begin a journey towards spiritual and emotional wholeness.