ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PASTORS (BY SPURGEON)
“This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:8)
It really is a grace to be permitted to preach the gospel, and it brings grace with it. Brethren in the ministry, have you not read the Bible much more because you have had to preach the blessed truths revealed in it? Have you not been driven to your knees much more because you have had to deal with anxious souls, and to lead the people of God?
I am sure that it is so; and I thank God for having a calling which does not take me away from the mercy-seat, but drives me to it. I am grateful that I have a message which I am glad to tell, glad to tell anywhere, a message which never needs to be concealed, but which brings joy to us in telling it, and salvation to our hearers in listening to it. Blessed be God that we have such a story to tell!
SERMON ILLUSTRATION (BY SPURGEON)
Spurgeon was a master illustrator. You can use this illustration in your own preaching to describe God’s use of our trials to increase our faith.
Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper, and makes more room for consolation. God comes into our heart—he finds it full—he begins to break our comforts and to make it empty; than there is more room for grace.
THANKS FOR READING (AND SHARING!)
Brothers,
Thank you again for reading this newsletter. At this point, over 400 pastors have subscribed to get weekly encouragement from Spurgeon. I really hope it’s useful to you.
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Thank you again for reading and sharing! It is an honor!
— Doug
Creator of SpurgeonBooks