After an unexpected break, Spurgeon’s Pastor’s Note is back. I apologize for not being able to send this newsletter out over the last few months. I hope and pray this newsletter will continue to be a blessing to your ministry.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PASTORS (BY SPURGEON)
Brothers, we shall never preach the Savior of sinners better than when we feel ourselves to be the sinners whom he came to save. A penitent mourning for sin fits us to preach repentance. “I preached,” says John Bunyan, “sometimes, as a man in chains to men in chains, hearing the clanking of my own fetters while I preached to those who were bound in affliction and iron.” Sermons wrung out of broken hearts are often the means of consolation to despairing souls. It is well to go to the pulpit, at times, with “God be merciful to me a sinner” as our uppermost prayer. Some mourners will never be cheered till they see the preacher smite upon his own breast, and hear him confess his personal sense of unworthiness.
It would not be right, however, for us to stay upon such low ground, for we preach the gospel, and not the law; we are bound, therefore, to rejoice because we feel the power of the blood of Jesus upon our own consciences, giving us peace and pardon in him. Our joy will give life to our message.
SERMON ILLUSTRATION (BY SPURGEON)
Spurgeon was a master illustrator. You can use this illustration in your own preaching to describe the importance of forgiving others.
It is nobler to forgive and let the offense pass. To let an injury rankle in your bosom and to meditate revenge is to keep old wounds open and to make new ones. Better forget and forgive.
THANKS FOR READING
Brothers,
We are saved by the gospel! What an incredible glory we share in! And even more astounding, we get to preach it to others. Oh, may we never forget to treasure and trust in the grace that we preach.
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