Ep. 81 - The Life of Jonathan Edwards

In today's episode, the guys discuss the life of Jonathan Edwards. Looking at the lives and testimonies of Godly saints offers us a different perspective, inspiration and instruction. Jonathan Edwards is one of the most famous and impactful intellectuals to come out of American history, even in the secular world. His sermon, Sinners In The Hands of An Angry God, is studied in high schools and colleges alike.  Jonathan Edwards was born in 1703 in East Windsor, Connecticut. He is known as a great theologian, philosopher, a British American puritanism, a stimulator of the religious revival known as the Great Awakening and one of the forerunners of the age of Protestant missionary expansion in the 19th century. Rather than some theologians we hear about who lead poor family lives, Edwards was a dedicated husband and father to 11 children. The beauty of reading old theologians from a different era is that they had different blind spots than we do. This allows us to view things from a different lens and reveals more about who we are and the culture we live in today. Edwards became saved in 1721 under a delightful conviction meditating on 1 Timothy 1:17. His impact comes largely from the fact that he spent much time alone with God in the wilderness. At the age of 18, he had written 70 resolutions and meditated on them every single week of his life. Edwards and his impacts are considered to be cross-denominational. When he gave his sermon Sinners In The Hands of An Angry God, it was a frequent thing to witness a house full of outcries, convulsions and more coming from the audience with distress, admiration and joy. We often hesitate to bring fear into our gospel proclamations, however they should really be thoroughly flavored with fear. Edwards is someone who started life with the end in mind and lived a calculated existence. As the episode wraps up, we are encouraged to live a life dedicated to the Lord just like Edwards did, and remember that no figure is perfect.  Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!  Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Send us Fan MailThanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at [email protected]. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro