Sunday Sermons: Compel Them to Come In

The Chuck Spurgeon Project

Today, we journey back to December 5, 1858, at the New Park Street Chapel in London.

On that day, I delivered a sermon that remains dear to my heart and, I believe, speaks powerfully to us even now. The sermon is titled "Compel Them to Come In," and it draws from the profound words of our Lord in Luke 14:23: "Compel them to come in."

In this message, I endeavored to address several vital themes, themes that resonate with the urgency and passion of the gospel message.

Firstly, we explored the essential call to find and reach out to the lost. The spiritually poor, the maimed, and the outcasts—these are the very souls Christ bids us to compel to come to Him. There is no soul too far gone, no heart too hardened, that cannot be touched by His grace.

Secondly, we discussed the urgency of evangelism. Time is fleeting, and the command to compel people to come to Christ is not one to be taken lightly or delayed. Every moment is an opportunity to share the life-transforming message of the gospel.

The third theme is the inclusivity of God's invitation. His grace knows no bounds and extends to all, regardless of their circumstances or spiritual condition. The invitation is universal, and the welcome is warm.

Moreover, we tackled the common excuses people give for not coming to Christ. These excuses are but flimsy barriers to the abundant life He offers. I urged my listeners, as I urge you today, to cast aside all hesitations and respond to His call without delay.

Fifthly, I acknowledged the essential role of the Holy Spirit. It is not through human effort alone that souls are drawn to Christ, but by the mighty power of God's Spirit working through us.

Lastly, the sermon was marked by passionate pleading. With fervor and heartfelt emotion, I appealed to all who would hear, to turn to Christ and receive the salvation He freely offers.