The Free Gospel-Call
The sermon calls all who are thirsty and needy to come to Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal joy.
Ralph Erskine preaches a powerful message on the invitation to all thirsty souls and the poor and needy to come and share in the water of salvation's well. He emphasizes the freedom from sin and woe, the blessings of divine love and mercy, and the abundance of grace available to all who approach the fountain head of bliss. Erskine warns against seeking satisfaction in earthly pursuits that leave the soul empty and encourages listeners to incline their ears to God's offer of true and lasting joy and life.
Text
"Ho, every thirsty soul, and all
That poor and needy are,
Here's water of salvation's well
For you to come and share.
Here's freedom from sin and woe,
And blessings all divine,
Here streams of love and mercy flow,
Like floods of milk and wine.
Approach the fountain head of bliss,
That's open like the sea,
The buyers that are moneyless,
To poorest beggars free.
Why spend you all your wealth and pains,
For that which is not bread,
And for unsatisfying gains,
On which no soul can feed ?
While vain ye seek with earthly toys,
To fill an empty mind,
You lose immortal solid joys,
And feed upon the wind.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
Hear and your soul shall live:
For mercies sure as well as free,
I bind myself to give."
Sermon Outline
- The Call to Salvation
- A call to all who are thirsty and needy
- Freedom from sin and woe
- Streams of love and mercy
Key Quotes
“Here's water of salvation's well For you to come and share.” — Ralph Erskine
“Incline your ear, and come to me; Hear and your soul shall live:” — Ralph Erskine
Application Points
- Come to Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal joy.
- Do not seek earthly things that cannot satisfy the soul.
- Trust in God's promise of mercies sure and free.