Sermon Of The Week: “Preaching! Man’s Privilege and God’s Power”

By / Feb 17

What is the means by which God’s ministers draw lost souls to the hope of the Savior? It is not the mere wisdom of man that leads souls to salvation, but the faithful teaching of God’s own inspired revelation which “pierces to the division of soul and of spirit.” The preaching of God’s word contains both the divine power and conviction necessary for this task. Spurgeon understood that God’s word is “that which is the great and master weapon of the minister”, and that it is “the foolishness of preaching by which it pleases God to save them that believe.”

God’s word holds the power of eternal life as it conveys the way of salvation through God’s grace and the work of the Son. “Nay, to-day there is not only a torch, but in the preaching of the Word the Sun of Righteousness himself arises with healing beneath his wings.” Spurgeon reminds us that God’s word should not only be viewed as the instrumental weapon of ministers, but as a gift to hear, handle, and preach. “Value, then, the preaching of the Word, and count yourselves happy that you are allowed to listen to it.”

Moreover, “…there is yet a greater privilege connected with the Word of God than this […] As I look upon a multitude of unconverted men and women, I am reminded of Ezekiel’s vision […] The preached Word is like Ezekiel’s prophecy; life goes forth with the word of the faithful minister.” Those who proclaim God’s word have the privilege of bringing the words of eternal life to lost souls. And it is upon this inspired word that God’s ministers must rely.

Excerpt:

Once more let me remind you, there is yet a greater privilege connected with the Word of God than this—for all this were nothing without the last. As I look upon a multitude of unconverted men and women, I am reminded of Ezekiel’s vision. He saw lying in the valley of Hinnom multitudes of bones, the flesh of which had been consumed by fire, and the bones themselves were dried as in a furnace, scattered hither and thither. There with other bones in other charnel-houses, lying scattered at the mouths of other graves; but Ezekiel was not sent to them; to the valley of Hinnom was he sent, and there alone. And he stood by faith, and began to practice the foolishness of preaching, “Ye dry bones hear the word of the Lord; thus saith the Lord, ye dry bones live.” And as be spoke there was a rustling, each bone sought its fellow; and as he spake again, these bones united and stood erect, as he continued his discourse the flesh clothed the skeleton; when he concluded by crying, “Come from the winds, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live,” they stood upon their feet an exceeding great army. The preached Word is like Ezekiel’s prophecy; life goes forth with the word of the faithful minister, when we say, “Repent!” We know that sinners cannot repent of themselves, but God’s grace sweetly constrains them to repent.

Read the rest of the sermon here.



Sermon Of The Week: “Pride and Humility”

By / Feb 10

The great sin of pride is a snare into which we fall all too easily, and its deceitful road leads only to destruction. Spurgeon declares that “There is nothing into which the heart of man so easily falls as pride, and yet there is no vice which is more frequently, more emphatically, and more eloquently condemned in Scripture.” Though often encouraged by the world to take pride in one’s own achievements, self, lifestyle, and sin, Spurgeon boldly declares that the pride of man is a “groundless thing” which ought to be discarded and rendered ridiculous. Pride keeps us from surrendering fully unto Christ and returning all glory to Him. Further, God reveals the severity of this sin as He proclaims that He resists the proud.

What is the remedy to this evil? The active humbling of oneself before God. From Proverbs 18:12, Spurgeon teaches that pride leads to destruction, but humility ultimately leads to honor. He further discusses the silliness of man’s pride, explaining that “Our very creation is enough to humble us; what are we but creatures of to-day? Our frailty should be sufficient to lay us low, for we shall be gone to-morrow. Our ignorance should tend to keep pride from our lips.” Humility is the cure, for it honestly looks at oneself and asks, “’…what have I that I have not received?’” Godly humility views all gifts, honor, and good in life as coming from the Father, which ought to produce gratefulness in our hearts to Him, rather than creating a proud, groundless perception of self.

Excerpts:

Again, pride is the maddest thing that can exist; it feeds upon its own vitals; it will take away its own life, that with its blood may make a purple for its shoulders: it sappeth, and undermineth its own house that it may build its pinnacles a little higher, and then the whole structure tumbleth down. Nothing proves men so made as pride. For this they have given up rest, and ease, and repose, to find rank and power among men: for this they have dared to risk their hope of salvation, to leave the gentle yoke of Jesus, and go toiling wearily along the way of life, seeking to save themselves by their own works, and at last to stagger into the mire of fell despair. Oh! man, hate pride, flee from it, abhor it, let it not dwell with thee. If thou wantest to have a madman in thy heart, embrace pride, for thou shalt never find one more mad than he.

Humility is to feel that we have no power of ourselves, but that it all cometh from God. Humility is to lean on our beloved, to believe that he has trodden the winepress alone, to lie on his bosom and slumber sweetly there, to exalt him, and think less than nothing of ourselves. It is in fact, to annihilate self, and to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ as all in all.

Read the rest of the sermon here.



Sermon Of The Week: “Heavenly Worship”

By / Feb 3

Too often, our worship here on earth can be focused on the wrong things: how we feel, the quality of the music, the circumstances of our gatherings, and other inferior matters. But in this sermon, Spurgeon reflects on how the worship of heaven should be a model or template for our worship here on earth.

When we get to heaven, we will be surrounded by unimaginable splendors – crowns, streets of gold, gates of pearl. But Spurgeon points out that in Revelation, John does not focus on any of those things. Instead, the worship of heaven is focused entirely on Christ. “He begins by saying, ‘I looked, and, lo, a Lamb!’ To teach us that the very first and chief object of attraction in the heavenly state is ‘the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.’” Worship on earth and worship in heaven are not two different things, but they are a continuation of the same thing: the worship of Christ by his people.

Therefore, we should consider what the worship heaven has to teach us about what our earthly worship should look like. After all, our earthly worship is only preparing us to one day join the worship of heaven.  “Rejoice, then! In a little while, when thine eyes shall have been wiped from tears, thou wilt see the same Lamb exalted on his throne. It is the joy of the heart to hold daily fellowship and communion with Jesus; thou shalt have the same joy in heaven.”

Excerpt:

In the first place, then, we wish to take a view of THE OBJECT OF HEAVENLY WORSHIP. The divine John was privileged to look within the gates of pearl; and on turning round to tell us what he saw—observe how he begins—he saith not, “I saw streets of gold or walls of Jasper;” he saith not, “I saw crowns, marked their lustre, and saw the wearers.” That he shall notice afterwards. But he begins by saying, “I looked, and, lo, a Lamb!” To teach us that the very first and chief object of attraction in the heavenly state is “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” Nothing else attracted the Apostle’s attention so much as the person of that Divine Being, who is the Lord God, our most blessed Redeemer: “I looked, and, lo a Lamb!” Beloved, if we were allowed to look within the vail which parts us from the world of spirits, we should see, first of all, the person of our Lord Jesus. If now we could go where the immortal spirits “day without night circle the throne rejoicing,” we should see each of them with their faces turned in one direction; and if we should step up to one of the blessed spirits, and say, “O bright immortal, why are thine eyes fixed? What is it that absorbs thee quite, and wraps thee up in vision?” He, without deigning to give an answer, would simply point to the centre of the sacred circle, and lo, we should see a Lamb in the midst of the throne. They have not yet ceased to admire his beauty, and marvel at his wonders and adore his person.

Read the rest of the sermon here.



The United Prayer Meeting of 1865

By / Jan 31

One of the hallmarks of C. H. Spurgeon’s ministry was his Monday night congregational prayer meeting. Each week, thousands of members of the Metropolitan Tabernacle gathered to pray for the ministries of the church and preaching of the Word. This was one of the pieces of evidence that a genuine revival was taking place: the people prayed. But Spurgeon was not satisfied with this. He wanted to gather Christians throughout London to pray.  

Spurgeon regularly met with like-minded pastors throughout London for fellowship and encouragement. And to begin the year 1865, they agreed to have a week of united prayer meetings for their churches. On January 2, they gathered for their first meeting.

A WEEK of prayer. The best possible beginning for a new year. So thought the ministers associated for prayer and mutual edification, and therefore they agreed to call their people together for united prayer. The Central Meeting of the Churches was held at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, on Monday, January 2nd.[1]

These days, churches get together for conferences, workshops, retreats, events… But when was the last time churches gathered together to pray? As you read this, consider: How might the Lord use you to bring churches together to pray for God’s blessing upon the work of the gospel in your city and around the world?

Pre-Meeting Prayer

The pastors met at three for prayer and consultation; and they were joined, at five, by about one hundred elders and deacons, who continued in prayer to God until the hour for the public meeting. The spirit pervading these devotions gave promise of a blessed gathering in the evening.

Welcome and Opening Prayers

At seven about six thousand persons were assembled in the Tabernacle probably the largest number of believers ever found together under one roof for prayer. Fully to characterize this meeting would be impossible. No pen could express the deep-thrilling power which pervaded the assembly. We can only present a brief outline of the proceedings.

The meeting was conducted by C. H. Spurgeon. The guiding hand of the Holy Ghost was manifest in the wisdom shown in the brief and suggestive remarks made in reference to the subjects and manner of the prayers. This must have been evident to all. The brethren, Varley and F. White, pleaded with deep and fervent earnestness for blessings to be then and there vouchsafed by the God of all grace to his people; and for a genuine revival of all the Churches of God in the land. Simple, direct, earnest, reiterated, were the desires of these servants of Jesus; and most fervent was the response of the thousands of Christian hearts, which united, as the heart of one man, to bear up those desires to the throne of grace.

Prayer for Pastors and Future Pastors

Two elders (W. Olney and Bridge) then pleaded with God on behalf of the pastors and students; the lowly, loving, touching breathings of these brethren, moved and bowed down the hearts of all the pastors around them. Old and young alike felt that blessing must descend upon them in answer to such heartfelt Spirit-wrought desires as those which were being poured forth on their behalf. Would to God that all elders and deacons might thus ever deeply feel, and earnestly plead, for the pastors of the churches that the full power of the Holy Ghost may rest upon them. Those brethren who were present can testify that they never, felt more solemnly the need and the value of such intercession. The responsibility, the trials, the necessities of God’s servants, were made the subjects of most sincere supplication.

Confession of Sin

Next came a confession of sin, through Brother Offord, the oldest minister on the platform. For this solemn act the whole assembly was prepared by the blessing already granted and felt; for all hearts and spirits were bowed down in deep repentance.

On behalf of the pastors

Many details of the failures and sins of ministers were spread before the face of God in the most solemn manner. Sins of omission and commission, neglect, and shortcomings, were acknowledged Solemn, simple, earnest appeal was made to the eye of the heart-searching God, that his servants might wish to hide nothing from that all the evil in them might in his sight. And when the it is I! it is I!” were uttered, many broke forth saying, “It is I! it is I” The beloved pastor of the Tabernacle Church wept like a child, and sobbed aloud, while the brethren around could not restrain their weeping and groaning before God.

On behalf of elders

Nor were the assembled elders less moved when their sins and shortcomings were solemnly and affectionately confessed unto the Lord, and when they, as men of like passions with their brethren, and of like necessities too, were borne into the presence of God, before the mercy seat, Jesus.

One behalf of all the people

But it was when the people, the worldliness, the deadness, the lack of love to brethren and to souls, and especially the want of love to Jesus and the consequent grieving of the Holy Ghost; it was when these were in lowly, broken sentences, named before the great Father of All, that hearts seemed to be melted into one universal feeling of grief, and to bow in the dust in one solemn act of self-abasement.

It was wont to be said of old time, that he had never seen sorrow who had not beheld the sorrow of Israel on the great day of atonement; and, verily, many who were present on that night, felt that they had never before seen such real, awful, general grief as that which rolled over the spirits of that vast assembly. God, the Holy God, was there, and his people had a sight of themselves, and of their ways, in the very light of his holiness; and each took the place of the patriarch, saying, “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee; wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” It was a solemn moment when the voice ceased, and all bowed in the silence of their souls’ agony before the holy God.

Hymn of Assurance

Great, indeed, was the relief and calm the peace which followed the sweet words uttered by Mr. Spurgeon: —

“There is a fountain filled with blood.”[2]

Never were the first two verses of this sung with more genuine and blessed feeling, or by more grateful hearts. Never were the words,

“I do believe, I will believe,
That Jesus died for me”

more sincerely and earnestly spoken by a multitude of mortal men, than on that occasion.

Address to the Churches

The time was now come for a few solemn words to the host of believers present; and the spirit of the pastor of the Tabernacle Church could no longer restrain its pent-up feelings. An earnest, loving, impassioned appeal broke from his lips. He led the hearts of the people into the depths of God’s everlasting love, and appealed to them as to what sort of persons men so loved ought to be. He gave forth a few burning words on the precious redeeming blood of Jesus, inquiring what manner of men they ought to be who knew themselves to be so redeemed? He pressed upon every conscience the great truth, that each loved and blood-bought saint is a temple of the Holy Ghost — the in-dwelling Spirit of God; and earnestly showed how holiness became the dwelling-place of the Lord; and he directed the hearts and hopes of God’s children to the home in the Father’s house, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and asked what manner of men its denizens ought to be? And then came the searching, thrilling, humbling question, have we, have I, have any of us, ever lived as it becometh those to live who have been loved of God with a sovereign and gracious love from eternity? Have any of us ever lived as it becomes men to live, who have been in very deed redeemed from wrath by the blood of God’s own Son, as it becomes men to live, in whom the Holy Ghost doth in very deed dwell, and who are destined to dwell with God and his Christ for ever? Many hearts will never forget these questions; strong men could not restrain the audible “Never! never! have we so lived;” while the deeply-moved heart of the great congregation gave forth the sit response that each and all were verily guilty before God. The power of the Almighty Spirit carried home those questions to the inner life of that great Christian gathering; and the grace of that same Holy One stirred the heavenly affections of that life with feelings of deepest humiliation before its great author.

Prayer of Dedication

A humble, fervent prayer, by Pastor Cole, for the up-lifting and revival of all believers, followed this appeal, the Spirit leading the speaker to dwell upon the precious truths which had been laid upon the hearts of the meeting, and to supplicate that God would enable his people thenceforth to realize them in the fullness of their power. The universal response which followed these pleadings with God told how deeply the blessings sought were desired by all.

Silent Prayer and Evangelistic Address

The time had now arrived for an address to the unconverted. At the suggestion of Mr. Spurgeon, three minutes were spent in silence by believers in pleadings for their fellow sinners, and that Mr. Offord might be aided to bear God’s message to them, as directly as he had been enabled to lay their confessions before God. In answer to prayer, our beloved brother was enabled to set forth the glories of heaven in a most delightful manner, so that many who had been hitherto careless, felt a desire after that goodly land; then came the warning that no defiling thing can enter there, and the simple, earnest, instructive, and touching story of the way by which the sinner may be cleansed from all defilement and made to stand accepted in the Beloved. Every word was clothed with power, we all felt that the speaker’s lips had been touched with a living altar-coal, and we sat wondering at the power of God, and expecting great results.

Hymn of Response

All the Christians present expressed their hearty desire that their fellowmen might receive God’s mercy in Christ, by singing certain verses each ending with the words,

“Come and welcome sinner come.”[3]

These words could not but fall with thrilling power upon many hearts.

Concluding Prayers

The earnest work of supplication was ended by Pastors Stott and C. H. Spurgeon pleading with God for anxious and careless souls present. Each plea seemed to go straight to the throne of grace, while numbers felt that such prayer must be and was accepted. These prayers, like all the others, as well as the confession, were evidently the result of a resistless power, moving the hearts of speakers and hearers, animating them with deep and earnest desire, and working in them a simple and mighty faith, that must surely prevail with him who said. “According to thy faith be it unto thee,” and, “all things are possible to him that believeth.” This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes Who shall tell what blessing may grow out of this wonderful display of the grace of our God! May he grant us to see yet greater things than these!

Dismissal and Follow-Up

After an announcement that another central meeting will be held on the first Monday in February, a number of Christians retired into a room below with many anxious ones, several of whom received peace with God through faith in the precious Savior. Many of these have since been seen by Mr. Spurgeon, who tells us that he conversed personally with no less than seventy-five inquirers, in one day subsequent to the meeting. We hope “The Sword and Trowel” will chronicle many blessed items of saving results.

[1] This account is taken from The Sword and the Trowel, 1865, 67-70. Thanks to Paul Martin for highlighting this event for me.

[2] There is a Fountain, William Cowper, 1771.

[3] From the Cross Uplifted High, Thomas Haweis, 1792.



Sermon Of The Week: “The Remembrance of Christ”

By / Jan 27

Are there times when you neglect or even forget the sacrifice of Christ on your behalf? Spurgeon asks, “Oh! my friends, is it not too sadly true that we can recollect anything but Christ, and forget nothing so easy as him whom we ought to remember?” So easily distracted by the things of this world and the sins that still tempt us, our cares and thoughts often drive us to look away from our Savior and forget the work that He has done for us. Spurgeon here teaches that our remembrance of Christ is both commanded and essential in our Christian walk.

In this sermon, we receive the necessary admonition to meditate on and recall the work of Christ. Spurgeon tells us of the sweet blessings that come as a result of that remembrance, namely patience in persecution and strength against temptation. But our remembrance of Christ should not be just a fleeting memory. Rather, we must meditate deeply and frequently on Christ’s person and work. One regular opportunity to remember Christ is at the Lord’s Supper. When we feel the weight of sin and guilt upon us, it is this remembrance of Christ that will give us true hope.

Excerpt:

And first, remembrance of Jesus will tend to give you hope when you are under the burden of your sins. Notice a few characters here tonight. There comes in a poor creature. Look at him! He has neglected himself this last month; he looks as if he had hardly eaten his daily bread. What is the matter with you? “Oh!” says he, “I have been under a sense of guilt; I have been again and again lamenting, because I fear I can never be forgiven; once I thought I was good, but I have been reading the Bible, and I find that my heart is ‘deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked;’ I have tried to reform, but the more I try, the deeper I sink in the mire, there is certainly no hope for me. I feel that I deserve no mercy; it seems to me that God must destroy me, for he has declared, ‘The soul that sinneth it shall die;’ and die I must, be damned I must, for I know I have broken God’s law.” How will you comfort such a man? What soft words will you utter to give him peace? I know! I will tell thee that there is one, who for thee hath made a complete atonement; if thou only believest on him thou art safe for ever. Remember him, thou poor dying, hopeless creature, and thou shalt be made to sing for joy and gladness. See, the man believes, and in ecstasy exclaims, “Oh! come all ye that fear God, and I will tell you what he hath done for my soul.”

Read the rest of the sermon here.



Sermon Of The Week: “A Lecture for Little-Faith”

By / Jan 20

Do you struggle with little faith in the Christian life? Do you sometimes fear that the Lord’s grace is not sufficient for your doubts and sins? In this week’s sermon, Charles Spurgeon delivers helpful insight and instruction for those of little faith. Utilizing imagery from Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, this sermon helps us understand the nature of one’s faith, and the means by which it can be grown and strengthened.

He further emphasizes the reality that those of little faith are not abnormalities. Doubts and unbelief are real battles that must be faced by every Christian. But God’s grace is sufficient for those of little faith, even if we struggle to believe it. Our faith – looking and coming to Christ – must be strengthened and accordingly turned into thankful praise to the Lord. “Faith is a feeding grace” and must be sustained through God’s promises. Spurgeon provides encouragement for the doubting believer by pointing us to God’s sufficient grace, sovereignty, and role in our salvation.

Excerpt:

“When faith grows a little, it rises from looking to Christ to coming to Christ. He who stood afar off and looked to the cross by-and-bye plucks up courage, and getting heart to himself, he runneth up to the cross. or perhaps he doth not run. but hath to be drawn before he can so much as creep thither, and even then it is with a limping gait that he draweth nigh to Christ the Saviour. But that done, faith goeth a little farther: it layeth hold on Christ; it begins to see him in his excellency, and appropriates him in some degree, conceives him to be a real Christ and a real Saviour, and is convinced of his suitability. And when it hath done as much as that, it goeth further; it leaneth on Christ. it leaneth on its Beloved; casteth all the burden of its cares, sorrows, and griefs upon that blessed shoulder, and permitteth all its sins to he swallowed up in the great red sea of the Saviour’s blood. And faith can then go further still; for having seen and ran towards him and laid hold upon him, and having leaned upon him, faith in the next place puts in a humble, but a sure and certain claim to all that Christ is and all that he has wrought; and then, trusting alone in this, appropriating all this to itself, faith mounteth to full assurance; and out of heaven there is no state more rapturous and blessed. But, as I have observed at the beginning, faith is but very small, and there are some Christians who never get out of little faith all the while they are here.”

Read the rest of the sermon here.



The Service in the Snowstorm

By / Jan 2

A snowstorm is forecasted to hit Kansas City over the weekend, and I’m reminded of one of my favorite stories from Charles Spurgeon’s life: the story of his conversion. As churches ponder whether they should cancel services, here’s an encouragement not to underestimate how God might work even through a snowstorm and a simple worship service.

Spurgeon’s Conversion

From an early age, God gave him a sensitivity towards his sinfulness. He was never outwardly rebellious. But he knew the sinfulness of his heart. He knew his pride, his envy, his coveting, his impatience. He wrestled with doubts about the gospel and the existence of God. But in all this, he wasn’t sure what it meant to be a Christian. All he heard was more about what he had to do to be a Christian or to prove he was a Christian rather than what Christ had done for him. So from ages 10-15, Spurgeon wrestled with this sense of lostness, helplessness, and conviction.

But the answer finally came on a snowy winter morning. January 6, 1850, Spurgeon was back home in Colchester on winter break. His school had gotten out early because of an outbreak of fever. He decided that, during that holiday, he would visit every chapel in town, hoping that someone would show him the way of salvation. And on that Sunday morning, he was walking towards the city, on the way to another church, when a snowstorm suddenly blew in. Spurgeon was forced into a sidestreet, where he found refuge in a Primitive Methodist chapel.

There were just a handful of people there. He said the Primitive Methodists sang so loud it made his head ache. Then after the singing, an uneducated lay preacher got up and delivered the sermon.

The minister did not come that morning; he was snowed up, I suppose. At last, a very thin-looking man, a shoemaker, or tailor, or something of that sort, went up into the pulpit to preach. Now, it is well that preachers should be instructed; but this man was really stupid. He was obliged to stick to his text, for the simple reason that he had little else to say. The text was, — “LOOK UNTO ME, AND BE YE SAVED, ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.” (Isa 45:22)

He did not even pronounce the words rightly, but that did not matter. There was, I thought, a glimpse of hope for me in that text. The preacher began thus: — “My dear friends, this is a very simple text indeed. It says, ‘Look.’ Now lookin’ don’t take a deal of pains. It ain’t liftin’ your foot or your finger; it is just, ‘Look.’ Well, a man needn’t go to College to learn to look. You may be the biggest fool, and yet you can look. A man needn’t be worth a thousand a year to be able to look. Anyone can look; even a child can look. But then the text says, ‘Look unto Me.’ Ay!” said he, in broad Essex, “many on ye are lookin’ to yourselves, but it’s no use lookin’ there. You’ll never find any comfort in yourselves. Some look to God the Father. No, look to Him by-and-by. Jesus Christ says, ‘Look unto Me.’ Some on ye say, ‘We must wait for the Spirit’s workin’.’ You have no business with that just now. Look to Christ. The text says, ‘Look unto Me.’ … Look unto Me; I am sweatin’ great drops of blood. Look unto Me; I am hangin’ on the cross. Look unto Me; I am dead and buried. Look unto Me; I rise again. Look unto Me; I ascend to Heaven. Look unto Me; I am sittin’ at the Father’s right hand. O poor sinner, look unto Me! look unto Me!”

As Spurgeon sat there dripping wet, it all became clear to him. This is what he records:

“I had been waiting to do fifty things, but when I heard that word, ‘Look!’ what a charming word it seemed to me! Oh! I looked until I could almost have looked my eyes away. There and then the cloud was gone, the darkness had rolled away, and that moment I saw the sun; and I could have risen that instant, and sung with the most enthusiastic of them, of the precious blood of Christ, and the simple faith which looks alone to Him.”

That Sunday morning, Spurgeon was radically converted. And this would change the course of his life forever. For the first time, he understood that faith in Christ was not about doing something for God. It was about receiving, about trusting in what Christ had done for him.

The Lesson of the Snowstorm

Have you ever been discouraged when you go to church on a Sunday morning after a snowstorm and only a handful of people are here? Don’t underestimate what God can do. You never know who’s there. You never know who will show up. There may very well be a young man or woman who has been wrestling with their sin and has finally come hoping that someone will show them the way of salvation.

Don’t underestimate what God can do through another time of family worship, through another Sunday School class, through another personal quiet time, through another Bible study, through another Sunday gathering. These are all very ordinary things. But God can use these very ordinary means to accomplish His miracles, through the proclamation of the gospel. Spurgeon came to believe this about preaching. He was converted under the preaching of an uneducated, inexperienced lay preacher. And he never got over that fact.

Personally, I have to bless God for many good books… ; but my gratitude most of all is due to God… for the preached Word, — and that too addressed to me by a poor, uneducated man, a man who had never received any training for the ministry, and probably will never be heard of in this life, a man engaged in business, no doubt of a humble kind, during the week, but who had just enough of grace to say on the Sabbath, “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.” The books were good, but the man was better. The revealed Word awakened me; but it was the preached Word that saved me.

So as the snowstorm approaches, if even just a few people can safely gather for worship, don’t cancel the service! You don’t have to have all the production that you might normally have on a Sunday. Sing from the hymnal. Have an elder or another qualified brother lead in prayer and the preaching of the Word. And celebrate the risen Christ together. The preacher may not preach like Spurgeon but don’t underestimate what God can do through a plain, simple, clear proclamation of the gospel. God uses our efforts and talents, but the power lies not in us but in God and His Word.



The Father’s Role in the Incarnation

By / Dec 18

With the Christmas season upon us, we are reminded of God’s plan of salvation for His people; a plan which centered on the incarnation, death, and resurrection of His only begotten Son. We naturally meditate upon the reality of Christ’s work on behalf of sinners; a truth which ought to be on the forefront of our minds. Inseparably tied to this truth, however, is the Father’s divine, sovereign ordination of this salvation plan.

In a sermon discussing Christ’s incarnation and birth, Spurgeon helps us understand God the Father’s sovereign role in sending the Son.

The Father sent him! Contemplate that subject. Let your soul get hold of it, and in every period of his life think that he suffered what the Father willed; that every step of his life was marked with the approval of the great I AM. Let every thought that you have of Jesus be also connected with the eternal, ever-blessed God; for “he,” saith Jehovah, “shall come forth unto me.” Who sent him, then? The answer is, his Father.[1]

The Lord’s ultimate sovereignty is displayed through Christ’s incarnation, and Spurgeon helps us shift our focus to again gaze at the divine author of all things: the “great I AM.” Why is it important for us to behold God’s role here? Because it is the great proof of the Father’s love. It was the Father’s plan to send His Son among men to die in their stead, thus bringing both redemption and reconciliation to earth. Unpacking this truth still further, Spurgeon remarks:

Who sent Jesus Christ?… “Out of thee” saith Jehovah, speaking by the mouth of Micah, “Out of thee shall he come forth unto me.” It is a sweet thought that Jesus Christ, did not come forth without his Father’s permission, authority, consent, and assistance. He was sent of the Father, that he might be the Saviour of men… What if Jesus came? Did not his Father send him? If he was made a child did not the Holy Ghost beget him? If he spake wondrously, did not his Father pour grace into his lips, that he might be an able minister of the new covenant? If his Father did forsake him when he drank the bitter cup of gall, did he not love him still? and did he not, by-and by, after three days, raise him from the dead, and at last receive him up on high, leading captivity captive?[2]

The work which the Father initiated through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son is the story of God’s love. It is good news. In this Christmas season, while the incarnation and earthly work of Christ are remembered more intentionally, let us not lose sight of the Father’s goodwill in sending forth His Son. We would do well to pay heed to the truth of which Spurgeon reminds us; this season points us back to God’s sovereign love.

Let our hearts take eternal courage and comfort in the truth that the Father brought about salvation for His people – despite the evil intentions of sinful man. In this season, whatever circumstances you may find yourself in – whether grieving, fighting illness, striving for familial peace – in all things, the Father’s goodwill is forever triumphant. As we ponder the incarnate, infant Christ in the manger, and reflect upon the Lord’s redemption in this humble child, let us look to Him for the peace which His divine sovereignty brings. Spurgeon leaves us with comforting and perfectly fitting Christmas-time truth to dwell on:

…for Jesus Christ did not die to make God loving, but he died because God was loving… Christ was sent into the world by his Father, as the consequence of the Father’s affection for his people. Yea, he “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”[3]

     [1] Charles Spurgeon, “The Incarnation and Birth of Christ”, 49.

     [2] Ibid, 48.

     [3] Ibid, 66.



Three Ways to Celebrate Christmas

By / Dec 11

To most modern Western Christians, it might be a surprise to discover that Spurgeon did not celebrate Christmas with the lights, bells, wreaths, and festivities that many of us enjoy today. Newspapers in the late 1800s show that the Metropolitan Tabernacle had no Christmas decorations and showed no signs of the holiday. In contrast to the lack of merriment, a popular quote from Spurgeon says that he wished there were “ten or twelve Christmases,” which dispels the “Bah humbug” spirit that one might read into the lack of seasonal participation.

Was Spurgeon inconsistent then? Absolutely not. He saw the Christmas season as a time to reflect on the incarnation of Christ, spend time with family, and thank God for the wonderful gift of his Son. He did not care if you celebrated Christmas, but he did care why and what you focused on during the season. A curious reader of Spurgeon’s views on Christmas might ask: How would Spurgeon advise someone to spend Christmas day? Does he think Christmas is good, or rather, popish? What if someone struggles with or chooses not to celebrate Christmas, how should they spend the holiday? Here are three ways Spurgeon encouraged his congregants to celebrate Christmas Day.

Christmas can be used as a day for family and rest

First, Spurgeon assured his congregation that it is fine not to observe Christmas as a holiday because an argument can be made for its popish origin or superstition.

“I hold it to be one of the greatest absurdities under heaven to think that there is any religion in keeping Christmas-day. There are no probabilities whatever that our Savior Jesus Christ was born on that day and the observance of it is purely of Popish origin.”[1]

While this quote is quite opinionated and can be jarring to some, in the same sermon Spurgeon affirms that it is good to spend this day off with family and enjoy rest.  He says:

“However, I wish there were ten or a dozen Christmas-days in the year; for there is work enough in the world, and a little more rest would not hurt laboring people. Christmas-day is really a boon to us, particularly as it enables us to assemble round the family hearth and meet our friends once more.”[2]

Spurgeon would rather there be ten or twelve (in a later sermon he increases this number to twenty) Christmas days if it meant that men were allowed more time to spend with their families.

But what if you do not celebrate Christmas? Can you feel right about setting this day aside as so many others around do? Is that not still effectually observing Christmas? Spurgeon has an answer for this.

“The old Puritans made a parade of work on Christmas-day, just to show that they protested against the observance of it. But we believe they entered that protest so completely, that we are willing, as their descendants, to take the good accidentally conferred by the day, and leave its superstitions to the superstitious.”[3]

Spurgeon urged his congregants that no matter their conviction on the holiday, they should use the time given to them as an opportunity to rest and enjoy being with family. Whether you partake in the festivities or not, God has gifted you a precious day to love and invest in your family and loved ones. This is always a gift from God, no matter what day it comes on. The following quote sums up Spurgeon’s views on Christmas Day quite well:

“For my part, I wish there were twenty Christmas days in the year. It is seldom that young men can meet with their friends; it is rarely they can all be united as happy families; and though I have no respect to the religious observance of the day, yet I love it as a family institution, as one of England’s brightest days, the great Sabbath of the year, when the plough rests in its furrow, when the din of business is hushed, when the mechanic and the working man go out to refresh themselves upon the green sward of the glad earth.”[4]

Christmas is a time to share the Gospel with others

Second, Spurgeon urged his congregation to share their gospel story with their loved ones.

“Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” You are not to repair to your houses and forthwith begin to preach that you are not commanded to do. You are not to begin to take up doctrinal subjects and expatiate on them, and endeavor to bring persons to your peculiar views and sentiments. You are not to go home with sundry doctrines you have lately learned, and try to teach these. At least you are not commanded so to do; you may, if you please and none shall hinder you; but you are to go home and tell not what you have believed, but what you have felt — what you really know to be your own; not what great things you have read, but what great things the Lord hath done for you; not alone what you have seen done in the great congregation, and how great sinners have turned to God, but what the Lord has done for you.”[5]

Whether we have believing families or not, we should spend the holiday with our loved ones by talking about the goodness of God and the freedom we have through the death and resurrection of Christ. For those of us with unbelieving families, this will be an evangelistic effort. Others who find themselves surrounded by believers will be sharpened by the stories of God’s work of salvation in our lives. For all that we see, we want to show something of the grace we have received through our acts of love and generosity. After all, when it comes to the salvation story, Spurgeon reminds us:

“…it must be a story of free grace. It is not, “Tell thy friends how great things thou hast done thyself,” but “how great things the Lord hath done for thee.”[6]

Christmas should be spent with Christ first

Lastly, Spurgeon directed his congregation to spend Christmas by making Christ the first one who “saw” them that day.

“Do not try to tell your tale to man till you have told it first to God. When you are at home on Christmas-day, let no one see your face till God has seen it. Be up in the morning, wrestle with God; and if your friends are not converted, wrestle with God for them, and then you will find it easy work to wrestle with them for God.”[7]

Spurgeon made the point that we should wrestle over the salvation of our family and friends. As pointed out earlier, Christmas is an opportune time to share the gospel with our families and friends, but the battle for their souls starts in prayer. Ask God to rescue their souls because he is the only one who has the power and authority to do so.

Most importantly, Spurgeon urges us to start Christmas day by reflecting on who Christ is and why he came to us. On any other day of the year, we should reflect on the coming and incarnation of Christ, but Spurgeon saw no issue with a day that allows us to reflect specifically on the incarnation. Spurgeon once said regarding Christmas, “I see no harm in thinking of the incarnation and birth of the Lord Jesus.”[8] One can never dwell too much on the incarnation of Christ because it is a pillar of Christian doctrine. Spurgeon reminds us of the essential truth of the incarnation of the Son saying,

“But as Jesus Christ is God’s Son, he is not born; but given, begotten of his Father from before all worlds, begotten — not made, being of the same substance with the Father. The doctrine of the eternal affiliation of Christ is to be received as an undoubted truth of our holy religion.”[9]

Conclusion

Spurgeon helps us navigate the Christmas holiday, whether we choose to participate in the festivities or not, by encouraging us that there are various reasons to gather on this day outside of tradition or superstition. He urges us that while this day is set aside already, we should spend the free time by first thanking the Lord for sending His Son to be born as a baby, live a sinless life, take the punishment for our sins upon Himself, and rise again in victory for our salvation through faith. He also encourages us to spend this time in rest with those we love, sharing with them the good news about the Christ who came to offer us salvation so long ago.

[1] The Incarnation And Birth Of Christ No. 57

[2] The Incarnation And Birth Of Christ No. 57

[3] The Incarnation And Birth Of Christ No. 57

[4] Going Home – A Christmas Sermon. No. 109

[5] Going Home – A Christmas Sermon. No. 109

[6] Going Home – A Christmas Sermon. No. 109

[7] Going Home – A Christmas Sermon. No. 109

[8] The Incarnation And Birth Of Christ No. 57

[9] A Christmas Question. No. 291



“For Such There Is Great Need”: The Ministry of Mrs. Bartlett

By / Dec 3

Just as Paul found allies and serious ministry partners in a few key women, Spurgeon found a special ministry partner in one woman whom he and others lovingly referred to as “his favorite deacon,” Mrs. Lavinia Strickland Bartlett.[1] Mrs. Bartlett is one of the Church’s and Charles Spurgeon’s lesser-known heroes of the faith who warrants further study even though she, like Spurgeon, would have protested any personal attention. She dedicated her life to prayer and to seeing others profess Christ as Lord and Savior.

A Fruitful Sunday School

As the oldest of three children, Lavinia taught her younger siblings to pray while kneeling at an old trunk before she put them to bed “in a very staid and motherly way.”[2] Mothering, prayer, and even the trunk followed her throughout her life.[3] Spurgeon referred to her often as “a mother in Israel,” having “an intense force of character.” In the preface for her biography, her son Edward describes his mother as someone who “believed with all her heart, and therefore acted with decision and power.”[4] Upon hearing about all of the fruits of her labor, one would never imagine that she was considered an invalid, often weak and ill.

Of all of her fruits, Mrs. Bartlett became known best for the classes she held at the Metropolitan Tabernacle. She originally agreed to be a substitute teacher for one month at a New Park Street Chapel Sunday school, but when she showed up to teach on that first Sunday, she was asked to teach a different class. What started out with only three ladies grew to include thousands. Estimates are that between nine hundred and one thousand members were added to the Metropolitan Tabernacle’s membership from Mrs. Bartlett’s class, and Spurgeon was a frequent visitor. On several occasions, he found it difficult to enter the room where Mrs. Bartlett was teaching, leading him to find her more comfortable spaces. The class that started in a regular Sunday school room at the New Park Street Chapel was relocated a number of times, but eventually settled in at the lecture hall of the Metropolitan Tabernacle. With a motto of “My class for Jesus,” she regularly had between six and seven hundred students.[5] Spiritual fruit abounded.

A Fruitful Evangelist and Discipler

Her son, Edward Bartlett, writes, “Among her papers there is an abundance of material, sufficient to occupy a volume, showing how greatly her labors among the young were blessed in the bringing of hundreds to a knowledge of the Savior.”[6] From her very first trip to London and on each trip thereafter, she used the travel time for witnessing. During that first trip, she made a convert and a connection to the business world that would provide for herself and her two sons after her husband died from cholera. Eventually, she would focus all of her time on her ministry. While her teaching goal was to bring many souls to Christ, she also discipled the members of her class, praying with them, walking alongside them in their struggles, and encouraging their own fruitfulness.

In the letters she wrote to her class Mrs. Bartlett provided encouragement in their personal walks as well as their ministry endeavors. In one letter she wrote: “Oh, my beloved class, how it cheers my heart to know that so many of you love and serve the bleeding, dying Lord. My heart’s desire and prayer to God for you is that you may be able to comprehend with all saints the height and breadth of the love of God in Christ Jesus. Drink deep into His love and live near to His blessed side.”[7] Her letters also promised prayer, further updates, and her love to them all.

A Generous Fundraiser

Mrs. Bartlett took a special interest in the Pastor’s College, encouraging and pleading with her class to give to that work, even becoming physically ill when donations decreased. The ladies in Lavinia’s class donated £1,346 over twelve years, equivalent to more than $200,000 today.[8] Mrs. Bartlett and her class helped each of the Metropolitan Tabernacle ministries in some manner, including the Stockwell Orphanage, but the Pastor’s College was the main project addressed during the class’s bi-annual meeting. During these meetings, Lavinia would whole-heartedly encourage her students to give sacrificially, begging and pleading with them to the point of tears, all the while reminding them of the reason why the college was important: “My own beloved children–you whom God has given me in spiritual birth–to you I speak with all the love of a mother’s heart. ‘Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.’”[9]

Mr. Spurgeon and Mrs. Bartlett

Spurgeon often wrote to this sister in the faith to let her know when he could use her help and to offer his thanks for the work and support that Lavinia and her class provided. “With constant thanksgiving I remember your work of faith and labor of love, and I pray the Lord to sustain you and make you still a joyful mother in Israel.”[10] Without the help of Mrs. Bartlett and others who were willing to serve alongside him, Spurgeon would not have been able to accomplish the mighty works that God set before him. Both Spurgeon and Mrs. Bartlett were quick to give credit to those who labored in the Lord with them, not wanting any credit for themselves.

Visitors to the class came from around the globe, and notes about what was happening there often appeared in newspapers and lectures. Lavinia’s son Edward says that she was quick to destroy the papers when she found them. Many wrote letters, inquiring as to the methods she used to gain success. Her son responded to one such letter: “Unfortunately, many workers for the Lord now-a-days- trust too much to the outward auxiliaries, and not sufficiently to the teaching of God’s Holy Spirit; and consequently many fail because they do not speak from the fullness of heart, but more from head knowledge.”[11] His mother’s lessons could be considered Scripture-filled pleadings to turn away from sin and toward Christ. In many instances, she was granted her wish by both men and women. Even during the last six days of her life, as she lay partially conscious, she continued to pray for particular souls among her class to find salvation in the Lord.

Her Heavenly Reward

Lavinia Bartlett received her heavenly reward on a Monday morning in 1875. Her son says, “As she lived, so she died, in the very atmosphere of praise and prayer, for I believe in her lifetime she literally prayed without ceasing.”[12] Charles Spurgeon delivered the funeral service at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, and his brother led a time of prayer. The funeral process was five miles long and lined with thousands who wished to pay their respects. Spurgeon writes, “Her departure was the death of a mother to many, and her grave is a hallowed spot. The loss to us is gain to her; the battle is fought and the victory is won forever…May the Lord inspire many Christian women with the high ambition to be useful, direct them in the right way, and give them success therein. For such there is great need.”[13]

[1] Edward Bartlett, Mrs. Bartlett and Her Class at the Metropolitan Tabernacle (Cannon Beach: Move to Assurance, 2018), 143.

[2] Ibid., 9.

[3] Her son mentions that it was kneeling at the trunk where a number of souls placed their faith in the Lord. Ibid., 42.

[4] Ibid., 8.

[5] Ibid., 55.

[6] Ibid., 59.

[7] Ibid., 82.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid., 69.

[10] Ibid., 121.

[11] Ibid., 116.

[12] Ibid., 132.

[13] Ibid., 14.