George Whitefield and The Power of the Open Book
Puritan preacher George Whitefield was perhaps the best known preacher in the American colonies during the 1700s. He was a traveling preacher of the gospel who preached an estimated 18,000 sermons in his lifetime!
God used him in amazing ways and allowed him to reach many for Christ. Whitefield was very well known and was a well known public figure.
Here is a story that demonstrates the Power in the Open Book as demonstrated in Whitefield’s biblical preaching:
“George Whitefield, the great 18th century evangelist, was hounded by a group of detractors who called themselves the ‘Hell-Fire Club’ derided his work, and mocked him. On one occasion one of them, a man named Thorpe, was mimicking Whitefield to his cronies, delivering his sermon with brilliant accuracy, perfectly imitating his tone and facial expressions, when he himself was so pierced that he sat down and was converted on the spot! Mr. Thorpe went on to become a prominent Christian leader in the city of Bristol.”It is amazing how God have his Word accomplish what he desires, even if that is through the mocking of an enemy of the gospel!
Isaiah 55:10-11;
“As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Story found in commentary: “Hebrews: An Anchor for the Soul, Volume 1″ By R. Kent Hughes
Related Links: Bible Study Resources and Tools for Church Small Groups Blog: Four Things God Supplies to Overwhelmed Leaders Sermon Series by Pastor Colin Smith: Sold Out for Christ and His KingdomAuthor: Kevin Halloran. – Kevin blogs for Unlocking the Bible, loves reading, baseball, and coffee, and can be found on Twitter @Kp_Halloran or at KevinHalloran.net.
Date Posted: July 20th, 2012
