PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH (BY SPURGEON)
May the leaders of the churches be able to set an example for the flock, and to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the principles that adorn the teachings of God, our Savior.
Lord, we desire to be better Christians than we currently are; we long to be saturated with your Spirit, just as Gideon’s fleece was wet with dew. Every day, we are becoming more aware of our own weaknesses and the corruption that resides within us. May we increasingly perceive the suitability of Christ and the perfection and appropriateness of his work in transforming us into his perfect image.
Amen.
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Thanks to Midwestern Seminary for sponsoring the Weekend Edition of this newsletter.
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WEEKEND LONG READ (SERMON BY SPURGEON)
Saved in Hope
We rejoice at this moment in salvation already obtained and enjoyed by faith which is in Christ Jesus. Yet we are conscious that there is something more than this to be had. There is salvation in a larger sense, which as yet we see not; for at the present moment we find ourselves in this tabernacle, groaning because we are burdened. Frequent calamities and disasters are portents of a great future which shall be born of this travailing present. Nowhere on earth can a perfect paradise be found. Our best things are expectant of something better. The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain with us. Even we that have received the firstfruits of the Spirit, and so are blessed and saved, nevertheless groan within ourselves, waiting for a further something, a glory not seen as yet. We have not yet attained, but are pressing on. Our first soul-thirst as sinners has been quenched; but there are within us still greater desires, by which we hunger and thirst after righteousness with longings insatiable.
Read the full sermon from the Spurgeon Center for Biblical Preaching at Midwestern Seminary.
A FREE RESOURCE FROM MIDWESTERN
Cynicism isn’t a spiritual gift by Dan Darling
A prophet speaks to people he loves with tears. A cynic disdains the people he is called to confront. A prophet’s desire is to see transformation. A cynic’s desire is to bring attention to himself.
Today, cynicism is contagious. It has become a movement, a niche lifestyle, a way of being.
PREPARE FOR MINISTRY AT MIDWESTERN
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.