Podcast Summary: "The Story of 5 Sermons"

Podcast: 5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Episode Date: January 7, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Jonathan Edwards’ collection, Discourses on Various Important Subjects, specifically the five sermons it contains and the context behind their publication. Dr. Stephen Nichols explores why Edwards gathered these specific sermons, what was happening in his church at the time, and what messages Edwards intended to convey both to his original listeners and to posterity.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Five Sermons in Focus

• [00:07] Dr. Nichols recaps that these five sermons were published in Edwards’ second book, Discourses on Various Important Subjects:
  1. Justification by Faith Alone (Nov 1734)
  2. Pressing into the Kingdom of God (Feb 1735)
  3. Ruth’s Resolution (1735)
  4. The Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners (1734)
  5. The Excellencies of Christ

2. Deep Dive: "Ruth’s Resolution"

• [01:05] Dr. Nichols reads from Edwards' sermon on Ruth, highlighting two key reasons for its place in Scripture:
  • Christ descended from Ruth, an event noted in Scripture because of its relation to the Messiah:

    “The Holy Ghost thought fit to take particular notice of that marriage of Boaz with Ruth, from which sprang the Savior of the world.”

  • Ruth embodies both the Gentile Church and the genuine convert:

    “Ruth was not originally of Israel, but was a Moabitess...she forsook her own people and the idols of the Gentiles to worship the God of Israel...She seems to be a type of the Gentile Church. And also, Edwards writes, of every sincere convert.”

3. Revival and Decline in Northampton

• [02:10] The sermons were preached during the 1734-1735 revival in Northampton.
  • This period sparked transatlantic attention regarding Edwards and the New England revival.
• [02:42] Context: Despite the buzz, Edwards privately witnessed spiritual decline in his congregation:
  • Describes his church’s “near blindness” to spiritual realities
  • The congregation experienced contention, especially after rapid growth outstripped the original church building’s capacity.

4. Practical Problems and Social Tensions

• [03:10] The decision to build a new church in 1736 led to disputes:
  • Arguments about costs and building location
  • Controversy over assigning pew boxes:
    • Tradition: Assignment by age, benefitting the elderly for respect and audibility
    • Change: Assignment by wealth in the new building, which deeply troubled Edwards

5. Edwards’ Rebuke and Pastoral Concern

• [03:58] Edwards rebuked his congregation for misplaced priorities:

  • “Those who seek a high seat in God’s house above seeking eminent holiness.”

6. The Purpose of the Published Sermons

• [04:15] Edwards intended the collection as a spiritual reminder, seeking to rekindle the zeal and spiritual life of 1734-1735:
  • The sermons are identified on the title page as having been preached “chiefly at the time of the late wonderful pouring out of the Spirit of God there.”
  • Edwards includes a warning from Deuteronomy 6:9:

    • “Take heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which the eyes have seen, unless they depart from your heart all the days of your life.”

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “[The Holy Spirit] often takes notice of little things, minute occurrences that do but remotely relate to Jesus Christ.” – Jonathan Edwards, read by Stephen Nichols [01:22]
• “She seems to be a type of the Gentile Church. And also, Edwards writes, of every sincere convert.” – Jonathan Edwards, summarized by Stephen Nichols [01:50]
• “Those who seek a high seat in God’s house above seeking eminent holiness.” – Jonathan Edwards via Stephen Nichols, addressing church controversies [03:58]
• “Delivered at Northampton chiefly at the time of the late wonderful pouring out of the Spirit of God there.” – Quoted from Edwards’ sermon collection title page [04:30]
• “Take heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which the eyes have seen, unless they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” – Deuteronomy 6:9, quoted by Edwards [04:36]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:07 – Introduction to Edwards’ collection of five sermons
• 01:05 – Excerpts from “Ruth’s Resolution” and its theological significance
• 02:10 – The 1734-1735 revival: context and impact
• 02:42 – Signs of spiritual decline despite revival legacy
• 03:10 – Practical and social disputes in the church (new building, pews)
• 03:58 – Edwards’ public rebuke from the pulpit
• 04:15 – Purpose of publishing the sermons and Deuteronomy exhortation

Tone and Style

Dr. Nichols maintains an informative, reflective, and concise narrative throughout, focusing on the historical and spiritual meaning of Edwards’ sermons and how past church experiences can inspire today’s believers.

This episode offers listeners a succinct but rich glimpse into both the theological depth and practical realities of Jonathan Edwards’ ministry during the Northampton revival, capturing both the spiritual highs and the subsequent challenges faced by his congregation.