How is radical obedience to God kindled, and what kind of preaching is needed to help kindle it? I mean obedience like the obedience of the early Christians described in Hebrews 10 who heard that their friends were in prison and went to visit them even though it cost them the plundering of their property.

The answer may surprise you.

A few years ago, I reread some portions of David Brainerd's diary. I recalled that he had seen great repentance and contrition among the Indians at several times in his preaching. In 1745 he preached to the Indians of Crossweeksung, New Jersey, and made this observation: "It was surprising to see how their hearts seemed to be pierced with the tender and melting invitations of the Gospel, when there was not a word of terror spoken to them.

He preached on Luke 16 concerning the rich man and Lazarus. "The Word made powerful impressions upon many in the assembly, especially while I discoursed of the blessedness of Lazarus in Abraham's bosom. This, I could perceive, ...

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