ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PASTORS (BY SPURGEON)
We must cultivate a cogent as well as a clear style in preaching; we must be forceful. Some imagine that this consists in speaking loudly, but I can assure them they are in error. Nonsense does not improve by being bellowed. God does not require us to shout as if we were speaking to three millions when we are only addressing three hundred. Let us be forcible by reason of the excellence of our matter, and the energy of spirit which we throw into the delivery of it. In a word, let our speaking be natural and living.
I hope we have forsworn the tricks of professional orators, the strain after effect, the studied climax, the prearranged pause, the theatrical strut, the mouthing of words, and I know not what besides, which you may see in certain pompous divines who still survive upon the face of the earth. May such preachers become extinct animals before long, and may a living, natural, simple way of talking out the gospel be learned by us all; for I am persuaded that such a style is one which God is likely to bless.
SERMON ILLUSTRATION (BY SPURGEON)
Spurgeon was a master illustrator. You can use this illustration in your own preaching to describe the power of sharing your testimony.
The Samaritans believed because of what the woman told them concerning Jesus. Many of our beliefs arise out of the testimony of others. I believe that there is such a country as Japan; I never saw it, and yet I believe that there is such a place because others have been there. I believe that I shall die; I have never died, but a great many have done so whom I once knew, and therefore I have a conviction that I shall die also.
The testimony of many convinces me of that fact. Listen, then, to those who tell you how they were saved, how they were pardoned, how they were changed in character. If you will look into the matter you will find that somebody just like yourself has been saved.
THANKS FOR READING
Brothers,
It is so tempting to attempt to impress in our preaching. Friends, this is not a performance — it is a sacred trust from God himself. May God humble us and exalt himself in our pulpits 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