“ Great Sermon! ” I have been searching for an explanation of the parable of the talents for a while now, and had never found anything satisfactory. This sermon was just what I was looking for,and explained the meaning brilliantly. Thank you!
“ Great Sermon! ” This message greatly helped me in understanding what is our part in evangelism: to pray and proclaim the Gospel -- and what is God's part: to convert the sinner and give him a new heart. We cannot do God's part and should not try to "engineer" a conversion. Rev. Murray beautifully shows that this inner transformation is a "secret work" of God that He alone can do; we must not intrude into His sphere of working. It is a great relief when we realize that God does not hold us responsible for the results of our witness, only that we bear faithful and prayerful testimony to Christ and to His Word and trust Him to do the rest. Man-made "conversions" don't last anyway! Jesus said, "Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up" (Matt. 15:13). Only the new, pure heart that God creates is able to endure the fire of testing and last for all eternity.
Rev. Murray also speaks of the great freedom that comes from being under Christ's yoke and learning of Him. His humility leads us into rest and peace. This is a sermon I'll listen to again and am also recommending to others.
“ A great encouragement to persevering prayer! ” Rev. Murray uses the example from Gen. 32 of Jacob wrestling with God to say, "Our prayers detain God." What an amazing truth: the Sovereign of the whole universe not only permits Himself to be detained by His weak, sinful creatures, but even desires our tenacious persistence in pursuit of His blessing.
Why do we not experience greater practical holiness in our personal lives, more definite answers to prayer, or more signs of awakening and revival in our churches? Is it perhaps because we give up too easily when we don't immediately receive what we ask for? When an answer to a prayer that is fully in accord with God's will as revealed in Scripture is delayed, don't we often assume that it must not have been God's will after all? Don't we comfort ourselves by ascribing the results of our spiritual sloth, unbelief, and impatience in prayer to God's sovereign will and inscrutable providence?
Jesus told us that we ought always to pray and not to faint, and that God would intervene for His own who cry to Him day and night. Jacob wanted God's blessing badly enough to cling to Him even when his natural strength was exhausted, and He prevailed.
Rev. Murray says, "God does not bring our prayers to an end." We may continue in a spirit of prayer even after we conclude our formal praye
“ Touching the Heart ” I was nearly brought to tears as I listened to this sermon. When Pastor Murray spoke of the trials of Jacob, I thought about my own childhood and the troubles that I brought upon my parents. "When Everything Seems to be Against Us" is poignant and true. Many thanks to the Reverend for this work.
“ Extremely moving sermon! ” I have listened to this over and over. It comforts me and motivates me to carry on in the Lord's work, not with carnal weapons, but with the powerful weapons that God has given to us...weapons that are MIGHTY through GOD to the pulling down of strongholds!
“ Science and Religion ” Allan Murray's sermon is a cogent remark addressing the issue of the faith of religion vs. the belief in science. He makes it quite clear that, by starting with Genesis 8:22, the Bible supercedes science. Indeed, it even seems that this particular verse is addressing "Global Warming" exactly. He maintains also that this thrust of science is poisonous to our hearts as it distracts us from the real business of life which is to repent of sin and to make our election sure. God bless Rev. Murray for this timely and succinct message!
“ Great Sermon! ” Thank you Mr. Murray for your precious, Christ-exalting sermon. I fully agree with your exegesis. Dividing the spoil with the great obviously points to God's weak, unworthy people, made great by the imputed righteousness of Christ.
I love the parallel passage in 1 Samuel 30 where David stands out as a beautiful type of Christ. He makes provision for the 200 by the brook Besor who were to weary to continue. I belong to those 200 men. I am an old missionary of 84 and suffer from cognitive impairment. Nevertheless, the promises of God are yea and amen by Christ Jesus. Thank you again my brother.
“ Well Said ” Thank you Rev. Murray for this sermon. Christians need to be made more aware of where this concept of liberty comes from and how it is being lost. I pray more preachers will sound this war drum.
8/18/2021 3:52 AM
