Author: Charles Spurgeon

Pastor, think before you pray on Sunday morning

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ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PASTORS (BY SPURGEON)

Public prayer would be a far better means of grace to the people if those who utter petitions in public would seek preparation of heart from the Lord and enter upon the exercise with careful thought. Surely it is not sufficient to repeat a round of godly expressions which have become current in the church, but we ought to speak with the Spirit and with the understanding in our approaches to God, so that the thoughts of our fellow Christians may be excited, and their hearts united with us in our public devotions. He who prays in public a dull prayer, devoid of all thought and meditation, damps the flame of devotion, whereas it was his duty to have added fuel thereto. I invite those who take part in our prayer-meetings to lay this matter to heart.

RESOURCE FOR PASTORS

FREE: Theologically Sound Children’s Ministry Resources*

Children’s ministry is not “childcare.” In many of our churches, the children’s ministry is the highest concentration of lost people in the entire church! We believe that God is going to work in the lives of these children for his glory.

As a pastor, you should definitely be familiar with the curricula from Truth78. This ministry (formerly Children Desiring God) was founded out of Bethlehem Baptist Church, while John Piper was the teaching pastor.

These curricula share a comprehensive view of the gospel, showing the extent of the problem of sin and glorious grace of God in sending Jesus to redeem us

And here’s some REALLY great news: Truth78 is offering 23 lessons from their incredible curriculum FOR FREE.

This is 23 FULL lessons (including lesson plans, activities, crafts, games, object lessons, and more) for kindergarten–7th grade.

Click here to download these 23 FREE LESSONS now.

SERMON ILLUSTRATION (BY SPURGEON)

Spurgeon was a master illustrator. You can use this illustration in your own preaching to describe the importance of being bold about Christ.

What would Her Majesty think of her soldiers if they should swear they were loyal and true, and were to say, “Your Majesty, we prefer not to wear these uniforms. Let us wear the dress of civilians! We are honest men and upright, but we do not care to stand in your ranks, acknowledged as your soldiers. We would rather slink into the enemy’s camp, and into your camps too, and not wear anything that would mark us as being your soldiers!”

Some of you do the same with Christ. You are going to be secret Christians, are you, and slink into the devil’s camp, and into Christ’s camp, but acknowledged by none? Well, you must take the chance of it, if you will be so. But I would not like to risk it.

THANKS FOR READING

Brothers,

Thanks for reading the newsletter this week.

Question for you: How do you prepare for public prayers on Sunday morning? Do you have any great resources or habits that help you make this time meaningful? (Reply to this email with your answers — I’ll share the best answers next week)

If this newsletter is encouraging, please share it with another pastor. You can forward this email to a pastor you know.

If someone forwarded this email to you, sign up to get another one every week. Click here to subscribe.

Blessings to your ministry,

Doug H.
Creator of SpurgeonBooks
Preaching Pastor of Pillar Church of Washington DC

Pray with Spurgeon: Let us see Jesus

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

We do not ask to be entranced or to witness the appearance of an angel in radiant apparel. Instead, we humbly ask that through faith, we may see Jesus. May his presence be so profoundly felt among us that we rejoice as if we could see him with our own eyes. May we love him, trust him, and worship him with the same earnestness as if we could touch the nail marks in his hands.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Come, see the works of the Lord, who brings devastation on the earth.” (Psalm 46:8)

The joyful citizens of Jerusalem are invited to go forth and witness the remnants of their enemies, to observe the might of the Lord and the spoils won by his mighty hand for his people. It would be beneficial if we also paid close attention to the providential dealings of our covenant God and quickly recognized his hand in the battles of his church. As we read history, let this verse resound in our ears. Let us approach the news with the same mindset, to see how the head of the church governs the nations for the good of his people, just as Joseph ruled Egypt for the sake of Israel.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Free Gospel-Centered Kids Ministry Tools*

We often fail to notice the incredible privilege of teaching children in the church. This is not childcare so that the adults can do “real ministry” in another part of the building. This IS real ministry — as sinners are called to Christ and minds are filled with the truth of Scripture and the wonder of God.

Children’s ministry matters.

And so it’s important that we give lessons that are thoughtful, creative, engaging, and, above all, thoroughly biblical.

A GREAT provider of children’s ministry resources is Truth78 (formerly Children Desiring God) — They have built some powerful curricula that give children a stunning picture of the Bible’s full story and the greatness of our sovereign God.

Truth78 has also recently released Truth78+, where church leaders can subscribe to get unlimited access to their full library of discipleship resources. (And if you use code SPURGEON, you can save 10% on your subscription.)

And here’s some REALLY great news!

Truth78 is offering 23 lessons from their incredible curriculum FOR FREE.

This is 23 FULL lessons (including lesson plans, activities, crafts, games, object lessons, and more) for kindergarten–7th grade.

If you’re a pastor or ministry leader, I really recommend you grab these free lessons. They WILL be a blessing to your church!

Click here to download these 23 FREE LESSONS now.

Pray with Spurgeon: Worthy is the lamb of God

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Lord Jesus, you are not physically present with us, for you have risen. Our souls long to trace the shining path by which you ascended through the pearly gates to your Father’s throne. We envision you sitting there, fully God and fully man, reigning over all things for your people. Our ears almost catch the harmonious sounds of the everlasting song that rises up at your feet: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive honor, power, glory, and dominion forever and ever.”

Lord, we say, “Amen.” Even from the outskirts of the multitude surrounding your throne, we lift our feeble voices in earnest “Amens.” For you were slain and have redeemed us to God by your blood, making us kings and priests unto God. We shall reign with you, for though we may be far away in physical distance, we know that we are intimately close to your heart.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“The Lord of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.” (Psalm 46:7)

This is the reason for all of Zion’s security and the overthrow of her foes. The Lord commands the angels, the stars, the elements, and all the hosts of heaven, and the heavens of heavens are subject to his rule. The armies of men, although unaware, are made to serve his purposes. Woe to those who fight against him, for they shall flee like smoke before the wind when he commands their scattering.

Immanuel, the Lord of armies, and the God of Jacob is our high place of defense.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

God’s grace sets us free from sin

Today, we prayed, reflecting on the fact that Jesus is not present with us today. But that does not mean that he isn’t still at work for our good. No matter how many times we sin, we find his grace to be an inexhaustible ocean.

But God’s grace is NOT about forgiving our sin and leaving us stuck; it’s about empowering you to actually change. The book Unlimited Grace by Bryan Chappell will show you how wonderfully large and never-ending God’s grace is, and how this grace has the power to change your life from the inside out.

I know this book will encourage you and fill your heart with love and gratitude for God’s grace. If you’re feeling discouraged and shameful about your past sin, this book will assure of God’s never-ending kindness towards sinners. If you’re feeling stuck and unmoved in your present sin, this book will help you to lean into the power of God’s grace to change.

Buy Unlimited Grace:

Pray with Spurgeon: We ask in the name of Jesus Christ

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

You who walks among the seven golden candlesticks trim the flame, pour forth the oil, and let the light shine brightly and steadily. Now, Lord, we cannot pray any longer, though we have a thousand things to ask for. Your servant cannot, so he begs to leave a broken prayer at the mercy seat with this at the foot of it: We ask in the name of Jesus Christ your Son.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Nations rage, kingdoms topple; the earth melts when he lifts his voice.” (Psalm 46:6)

With just a word, the Lord governed the storm. His voice caused resolute hearts to dissolve, decimated proud armies, and weakened conquering powers. Initially, the confusion may have intensified when the element of divine power came into view. The very earth appeared as molten wax, causing even the most solid and substantial human constructs to melt away like the fat of rams on the altar. However, peace followed. The fury of mankind subsided, hearts capable of repentance softened, and the implacable were silenced.

How mighty is a word from God! How mighty is the Incarnate Word! Oh, that such a word would come even now from the excellent glory to melt all hearts in love for Jesus and forever end all persecutions, wars, and rebellions of men!

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A book to teach kids about our prayers and God’s grace.

Today we prayed, confessing that our only hope in prayer is that God would hear us through Jesus Christ. We need to teach our kids this truth about prayer — God hears us, not because our prayers are good enough, but because he is so wonderfully merciful!

Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer by Laura Wifler and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri is a great book that walks through the story of Scripture, showing how our sin separates us from God, how Jesus came to bring us back, and how we can communicate with this holy God through prayer all along the way.

The book will fill pre-school/early-elementary-aged kids with wonder as we think about the grace of God to allow us to pray.

I hope you’ll add it to your family’s library today and grab a copy for a friend as well!

Buy Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer:

Pray with Spurgeon: Help us to never abandon God

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Oh, that you would turn the hearts of people back to the gospel once more. Your servant often feels heavy-hearted because of the departures from the faith. Oh, bring them back; do not let Satan take away any more stars with his tail. Instead, may the lamps of God shine brightly. You can do it. Oh, that the heavens may rain righteousness, and that the earth may bring forth salvation, and that righteousness may spring up together! The world is full of idols; let them all be cast down. You, O Lord, are the only true God.

We ask these things for Jesus’ sake, who is worthy to be praised, now and forever.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“God is within her; she will not be toppled. God will help her when the morning dawns.” (Psalm 46:5)

As soon as the first ray of light announces the dawn, God’s mighty arm will be outstretched for his people. The Lord rises early. We may be slow to meet him, but he is never slow in helping us. Impatience may complain about divine delays, but in reality, the Lord is not slack concerning his promises. Human haste often leads to folly, but God’s apparent delays are always wise and, when viewed correctly, are not delays at all.

Today, the forces of evil may surround the church of God, threatening its destruction. However, before long, they will pass away like foam on the waters, and the noise of their tumult will be silenced in the grave. The darkest hour of the night is just before the dawn, and even then, the Lord will appear as the great ally of his church.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Gospel-Centered Kids Ministry*

The kids in our churches don’t need to hear moralistic stories about believing in themselves — they need to be called to trust in GOD, who is a better savior!

Our churches need to offer a counter-cultural message of hope and wonder to children.

Children’s ministry in our churches must be intentional, biblical, and well-rounded as we call the next generation to put their hope in God. 

Our children are precious, and so this work is really REALLY important.

We can’t afford to “wing it.”

If you’re looking for great resources to strengthen your church’s ministry to children, you need to check out Truth78 (formerly Children Desiring God).

Truth78 has put together some comprehensive biblically-solid, theologically-RICH curricula for your church.

And this month, they’re giving YOU a free preview!

Truth78 is giving 23 full lessons (for kindergarten through seventh grade) as a FREE GIFT for your church.

I know you (and the children God has entrusted to you) will be blessed by these resources.

Click here to download these 23 FREE LESSONS now.

Weekend Edition: We need God’s help to worship truly

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PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH (BY SPURGEON)

O Lord God, we earnestly seek your help in truly worshiping you. We thank you for this occasion and bless your name for setting apart this sacred season. Lord, would you please shut the door on the distractions of the world for us? Help us forget our worries and concerns. Enable us to rise above the worldly tendencies that weigh us down. May the allure of earthly things fade away, and may you draw us close to yourself.

Amen.

GET A FREE BOOK

Thanks to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College for sponsoring the Weekend Edition.

This month, its #MBTSBooks Month. Midwestern is giving away a book written by their faculty EVERY DAY. They’re also giving away one complete set of the Lost Sermons of C.H. Spurgeon (7 incredible volumes).

Learn everything you need to know right here.

WEEKEND LONG READ (SERMON BY SPURGEON)

A Sermon to the Lord’s Little Children

Keep you to Christ. Ask not for pomp and show; ask not for noise and bluster: ask for nothing but that your sins may be forgiven you, that you may know the Father, and then that you may abide in Christ, and be full of love to all the family of God. Little children, may the Lord Jesus Christ be with you, and may you grow in grace till you come unto the fulness of the stature of men in him. May his grace be upon all them that love him, and wait for his appearing.

Read the full sermon from the Spurgeon Center for Biblical Preaching at Midwestern Seminary.

A FREE RESOURCE FROM MIDWESTERN

The Purpose of Worship

Most Christians will admit there are Sunday mornings when they awaken and wonder whether it’s even worth getting out of bed. Surely God doesn’t need our worship? We’re not serving on the set up team this week. No one will notice if we’re not there. We can perhaps read the Bible ourselves a bit later, pray from the comfort of the couch, pop on some Christian music over coffee. So why bother with corporate worship?

A CONFERENCE FOR MINISTRY LEADERS

With all the hardships and headwinds Christian ministers face in a post-Christian world, along with the growing reality of ministry burnout, this year’s For The Church National Conference seeks to remind ministry leaders and saints alike of the glorious calling of everyday ministry. There may be days filled with difficulties and loss, yet being a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ is worth every pain, every worry, and every tear.

Join us in Kansas City on September 11-12 to remember why everyday ministry matters for the glory of God and the good of the Church.

Pray with Spurgeon: May God protect my family

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

We raise our voices in prayer for all of our loved ones. Lord, bless the sick and restore them to health at the right time. Sanctify everything they have to endure. There are dear friends who are weak and trembling. God, bless them. As the tent is being dismantled, may the dwellers within look on with calm joy, for soon we will be “clothed with our habitation which is from heaven.”

Help us to detach ourselves from all these earthly things. May we live here as strangers, considering the world not a home but an inn where we dine and lodge, expecting to resume our journey tomorrow.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“God is within her; she will not be toppled. God will help her when the morning dawns.” (Psalm 46:5)

His help is certain and close. If she is besieged, he himself is besieged within her, and we can be certain that he will arise against his adversaries. The Lord is near to the distresses of his saints, for he sojourns in their midst. God’s presence renders any hope of capturing and demolishing the city utterly ridiculous. The Lord is present, and therefore the vessel cannot be wrecked.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Trust in God’s preserving, purifying power through all of your suffering

Today, we prayed for those who are sick. While we should pray for the sick, we must also remember that God is at work in our suffering to preserve us and to purify us.

This was one of the major themes in Spurgeon’s teaching on suffering, but it was not all he had to say on the topic. Spurgeon learned supernatural wisdom from God’s Word and his own pain on how to address our suffering in a God-glorifying, hopeful way.

Spurgeon’s teaching on suffering is very useful, so I compiled a brief collection of it in a short book, Spurgeon on Suffering. This book contains 12 classic sermons from Spurgeon on suffering, pain, and God’s grace through it all.

I hope you’ll buy a copy today, and I hope it will bless you.

(As a side note, purchasing a copy is a great way to support this ministry so that I can continue to send this daily newsletter!)

Buy Spurgeon on Suffering on Amazon (Paperback or Kindle edition)

Pastor, how long should your sermon be?

Get wisdom encouragement for Spurgeon in your inbox every week. Subscribe to the The Pastor’s Note newsletter for free.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PASTORS (BY SPURGEON)

Horses are not to be judged by their bells or their trappings, but by limb and bone and blood; and sermons, when criticised by judicious hearers, are largely measured by the amount of gospel truth and force of gospel spirit which they contain. Brethren, weigh your sermons. Do not retail them by the yard, but deal them out by the pound. Set no store by the quantity of words which you utter, but strive to be esteemed for the quality of your matter. It is foolish to be lavish in words and begrudging in truth. He must be very destitute of wit who would be pleased to hear himself described after the manner of the world’s great poet, who says, “Gratiano speaks an infinite deal of nothing, more than any man in all Venice: his reasons are as two graius of wheat hidden in two bushels of chaff; you shall seek all day ere you find them; and when you have them they are not worth the search.”

Rousing appeals to the affections are excellent, but if they are not backed up by instruction they are a mere flash in the pan, powder consumed and no shot sent home. Rest assured that the most fervid revivalism will wear itself out in mere smoke, if it be not maintained by the fuel of teaching.

RESOURCE FOR PASTORS

Get a free Bible

Special thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this newsletter.

The CSB was created using optimal equivalence, a translation philosophy that pursues both linguistic precision to the original languages and readability in contemporary English. It’s a faithful translation that you (and your church) won’t be able to put down!

Click here to learn more about the CSB (and request a free CSB Bible).

SERMON ILLUSTRATION (BY SPURGEON)

Spurgeon was a master illustrator. You can use this illustration in your own preaching to describe God’s role in sanctification.

The next blessing is, “And I will write my law in their hearts.” This is more than knowing the law—infinitely more. “I will write the law, not merely on their understandings, where it may guide them, but in their hearts where it shall lead them.” Brethren, the Holy Spirit makes men love the will of God, makes them delight in all in which God delights, and abhor that which God abhorreth. It is well said in the text that God will do this, for certainly it is not what a man can do for himself. The Ethiopian might sooner change his skin or the leopard his spots. It is not what the minister can do, for though he may preach to the ear he cannot write God’s law on the affections. I have marvelled at the expression used in the text, “I will write my law in their hearts.” To write on a heart must be difficult work, but to write in a heart, in the very centre of the heart, who can do this but God? A man cuts his name upon a tree in the bark, and there it stands, and the letters grow with the tree; but to cut his name in the heart of the tree—how shall he accomplish this? And yet God doth divinely engrave his will and his law in the very heart and nature of man!

THANKS FOR READING

Brothers,

Thanks for reading the newsletter this week. I hope it encourages you to be careful in the pulpit this weekend.

If this newsletter is encouraging, please share it with another pastor. You can forward this email to a pastor you know.

If someone forwarded this email to you, sign up to get another one every week. Click here to subscribe.

Blessings to your ministry,

Doug H.
Creator of SpurgeonBooks
Preaching Pastor of Pillar Church of Washington DC

Pray with Spurgeon: God’s truth will conquer the devil forever

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Lord, let your kingdom come. Send forth your light and your truth. Dislodge the old dragon from his throne, along with his infernal company. Oh, may the day come when the Son of the woman shall rule over the nations, not with a broken staff of wood, but with an enduring scepter of iron—full of mercy yet full of power, abundant in grace yet irresistibly mighty. May that day arrive soon, the personal advent of our Lord! We long for the triumph of his Word.

Until then, O Lord, equip us for the battle and make us among those who overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, as we do not love our lives to the death.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“There is a river— its streams delight the city of God, the holy dwelling place of the Most High.” (Psalm 46:4)

Divine grace is like a smoothly flowing, nourishing, abundant, and everlasting river that brings refreshment and consolation to believers. This is the river of the water of life, in which both the heavenly and earthly church partake continually. It is not a boisterous ocean but a peaceful stream that remains undisturbed even during earthquakes or the crumbling of mountains. Happy are those who know from personal experience that such a river of God exists. These streams assure the citizens of Zion that the Lord will unfailingly supply all their needs.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A Bible-saturated plan to grow in godliness

Today we prayed that God’s Kingdom would come. And we pray that it would come about in our own lives. We want to live for God.

While our growth in holiness is a miracle that only God can do, we also have a role to play in this work. You will not automatically grow in godliness — you need to pursue godliness with the strength that God the Holy Spirit gives you.

A great, practical book on growing in godliness (self-control, taming the tongue, and more) is The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges. This book won’t just tell you that something is sinful, it will actually equip you practical tools and truths from God’s Word to slay your sin and live in godliness.

Whatever pressing sin you are currently facing and want to grow in, The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges is a great resource to help you take your next steps. I hope you pick up a copy today.

Buy The Practice of Godliness:

Pray with Spurgeon: We pray for this poor world

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

As you are attentive to our prayers, we intercede for this poor world in which we live. Often, it horrifies us. Lord, we sometimes wish we were ignorant of its affairs for our own comfort. We have said, “Oh, for a dwelling in some vast wilderness.” We hear of oppression, robbery, murder, and the unchecked aggression among people. Lord, have mercy on this great and wicked city. What can be done with these millions? What can we do? At the very least, help each of your children to do their utmost. May none of us contribute to evil, either directly or indirectly, but may we contribute to the good that exists in it.

We believe we can speak with you about the sinful state of our world, for when your servant Abraham stood before you and spoke with remarkable familiarity, he pleaded for Sodom; and we plead for our city. We wish to follow the example of the Father of the faithful and pray for all great cities, as well as for all nations.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil.” (Psalm 46:2–3)

With God on our side, fear would be irrational. Where he is present, there is all-encompassing power and love. Why, then, should we be afraid? This verse depicts the most terrifying upheavals imaginable, encompassing the overthrow of dynasties, the destruction of nations, the ruin of families, the persecution of the church, the reign of heresy, and any other trial that may test the faith of believers. In the worst-case scenario, the child of God should never succumb to mistrust, for as long as God remains faithful, there can be no danger to his cause or his people.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Free Gift for Children’s Ministry Leaders*

If we invest in the Christian formation of children, we are investing seeds that will (by grace) bear fruit for generations to come. The truths that we teach will be treasured for a lifetime (and passed on to the NEXT generation).

This is a big responsibility. It’s crucial that we strive for faithfulness in this work.

Thankfully, we don’t have to do it alone. God has blessed us with some incredible resources to strengthen the children’s ministry of YOUR church.

One great resource is the curricula from Truth78.

Truth78 has sought to create resources to help you teach children in your church “the whole counsel of God’s Word.” These are not just the most popular Bible stories — this is a robust unfolding of the grand story of Scripture.

Church leaders can even subscribe to Truth78+ to get unlimited access to Truth78’s digital library. (And if you use code SPURGEON, you can save 10% on your subscription.)

AND IT GETS EVEN BETTER!
Because this month, Truth78 wants to give YOUR church 23 weeks of FREE lessons. These are classroom and take-home resources ranging from kindergarten to seventh grade.

These resources will bless your church for generations to come!

Click here to download these 23 FREE LESSONS now.