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When Henry Kollock delivered a sermon before the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was just 24 years old and newly-appointed to serve as a Professor of Divinity at the College of New Jersey at Princeton. His sermon was titled Christ Must Increase. A Sermon Preached Before the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America; by Appointment of Their Standing Committee of Missions, May 23, 1803, which can be found in Vol. 4 of Sermons on Various Subjects, and it left a mark on his hearers.
In this sermon, based on John 3:30, Kollock argues that it is a definite truth that Christ and his kingdom will increase, and that this truth gives both consolation to believers and a direction to duty.
Drawing from the Psalms, Isaiah, Daniel, Malachi and the writing of John in Revelation, among other Scripture texts, Kollock argues that as the kingdom of God grows on earth — like a mustard seed — every nation will be blessed to call Jesus Lord.
And what a consolation this is to those who love Jesus, to know that His work will advance and none can hinder it. When we look around and see so many people lying in darkness, void of the gospel, it is heartbreaking. But the promises of God assure us that the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection will reach every land, and that people all around the world will indeed praise him.
This knowledge leads to our duty as believers, for “we are workers together with God,” who must needs accomplish his purposes in the earth. We have a duty to pray for the extension of Christ’s kingdom in the world, and a duty to labor for the same, according to our place and calling. We can contribute to the work of missionaries, even if we are not called to be missionaries. An obligation is upon us to be missionary-minded.
Take time to read this missionary sermon by Henry Kollock, which is over 200 years old. It will still stir the hearts of any today who love the name of Jesus and desire to see his name magnified to the furthest ends of the earth. It is promised that “He will increase,” and this sermon offers assurance, consolation and direction to every believer to whom this promise is precious.
