Charles Spurgeon
My mom used to say that if you don’t have anything good to say then don’t say anything at all. That’s what drives the gospel: a good message. Charles Spurgeon, from nineteenth century England, became the prince of preachers because he believed in the good message of Jesus Christ and was passionate about sharing it. He loved God and people and his life reflected it.
His preaching to thousands of people at one time, with no amplification, brought countless numbers to Christ. His belief in the fate of lost sinners was agonizing and passion for God’s glory drove him to evangelize. It’s documented that people would stand outside during his preaching and get saved; that’s the power of anointed, Holy Spirit-driven preaching.
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15 ESV
Spurgeon obeyed God’s calling to his world: England. He wasn’t just ‘Bible-based’ but believed in it’s pure and perfect truth without reasoning it away. Spurgeon desired to get the Word into his congregation’s heart therefore he constantly quoted scripture and talked in scriptural language. As a writer his deep spiritual life allowed the Holy Spirit to flow through him:
“The tide is flowing—now let us pull manfully for the shore. O for Pentecostal outpourings and Pentecostal labors. Christian, in yourself there are times when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees. You have a peculiar power in prayer; the Spirit of God gives you joy and gladness; the Scripture is open to you; the promises are applied; you walk in the light of God’s countenance; you have peculiar freedom and liberty in devotion, and more closeness of communion with Christ than was your wont (habit).”
This preacher never went to college or seminary but ate the scriptures for every meal. He was a God-centered Baptist/Calvinist who had unwavering courage, determination, and commitment to the Church. This isn’t to say he didn’t suffer, with a church of 20,000 and organizing 66 ministries he experienced so much stress in body and soul that he lived only a short life of 57 years. He is quoted as saying, “A large church must have a large heart for the city.” Spurgeon’s ministry years were mightily fruitful and the media recognized it. Newspapers printed his sermons every week! How different is the media today? He once spoke at a Pastor’s Conference and proclaimed, “Forward!!! Do something! Be all that you can be; let the fire fall.” I cannot think of better advice to believers today. His desire was to see the Holy Spirit fall and bring true revival to churches around the world.
The Treasury of David (commentary of the Psalms) and his morning and evening devotionals (available as an app) are my favorite writings and they’re available free online. Take advantage of his life’s work and receive encouragement to face any obstacle.
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