In his 1877 Inaugural Address to his Pastor’s College entitled, “The Evils of the Present Age, and How to Meet Them,” Charles Spurgeon admonishes his students to preach the gospel as the only true cure for societal evils such as of superstition, unbelief, isolation and drunkenness. Too often, by…
My mother taught me the old adage, “I can’t hear what you say because I see what you do.” In other words, when our lives do not align with our speech, then our message is unbelievable. This is a sobering reality for pastors. How many times have we unwittingly…
It’s common wisdom among pastors that no important decision should be made on a Monday. Especially a Monday morning. The nature of pastoral work causes the Lord’s Day to be a day that typically requires a great expenditure of physical, emotional and spiritual energy for a man who gives…
James A. Spurgeon assisted his more famous, older brother, Charles, in the ministry of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in the 19th century. He served in various capacities, including from 1868, that of “co-pastor,” though his duties were primarily administrative. He often helped other churches that were struggling, seeking to encourage…
Occasionally I am asked about Spurgeon’s view of Christmas. I admire Spurgeon’s take on this subject because he does not fit easily into either of the simple pre-cut molds that tend to dominate those with strong opinions on whether Christians should even acknowledge, much less celebrate Christmas. In one…
This is from the Sword and Trowel, the magazine edited by Charles Spurgeon during his 19th century ministry in London. It is taken from an article by Edward Leach that appeared in the June 1869 issue. We honor the men who, subsisting on scanty and humble fare, battling with…
Charles Spurgeon closes his sermon entitled, “The Birth of Christ” (#2392, MTP) with the following words that express my own desire for friends and family at this time of year. Now a happy Christmas to you all; and it will be a happy Christmas if you have God with…
I, like so many other pastors, love Charles Spurgeon. He is a hero and mentor to me. Though I am not worthy to tie his shoes, I long for his passion, his spirit, large-heartedness, jealousy for his Master’s honor, evangelistic zeal and his faithfulness till death. And though I…