A Sermon A Day

Over the past few days, I have seen and heard of others who make it a practice to read one sermon a day. These sermons are not just any sermons. These are not just from a high profile pastor who propagates a particular influence palatable to the culture of our day. Rather, these sermons are from a time long gone and from a man long gone. These sermons were expounded from particular pulpits filled by a particular kind of fellow. Thousands would fill the churches to hear these sermons and millions more would read them throughout the world. These sermons are from the pen of none other than the Prince of Preachers, one Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

When I first heard of such a task of reading his sermons daily, I figured I should have known to do this all along. I was almost ashamed that it had not occurred to me until just a few days ago. Yet, I rest on the sovereignty of our Lord and give him thanks for raising up men such as Spurgeon for such a time as this. The knowledge has been most timely as I have began my studies to be a better minister of the Scriptures.

I am no stranger to Spurgeon, but have not thought of him as an addition to my daily regiment. Of course this is not for everyone and not an attempt to replace solid Bible study and prayer; rather, it is to cultivate a hunger for sound teaching and reflection. I find his sermons better than any daily devotional I can suggest apart from Spurgeon’s very own Mourning and Evening.

The application is most significant. Spurgeon was no doubt a master of the English language as the evidence is significant in these sermons. I have found myself looking up particular words, stretching my vernacular and understanding. Not only this, but his sermons cause one to reflect on the Sovereign God and his glorious gospel. This meditation keeps me from reading a sermons a day. It takes me a couple of days to wade through due to the depth each sermon possesses.

I would suggest to anyone who is seeking a deeper devotion time to add a Spurgeon sermon to their daily routine. Not only will you get to know this gifted preacher, but you will gain a glimpse of God’s majesty as his word is proclaimed from a man long gone. Soli Deo Gloria.

August 31, 2018 0

A Baptism

Recently I had the privilege of baptizing a young lady. Just a week prior to her baptism she cried out to Christ for salvation. It was an experience I will never forget. The Lord seemed to have been dealing with her for sometime and after approximately three hours of counseling, she cried out for salvation. The word intense comes to mind as I recall that night. There were other saints there talking and praying with her as the time waxed. It was beautiful. The following week we baptized her, but not without a strong warning that if Christ indeed did a work in her life, there will be a change. Her new relationship with Christ means a new relationship to sin.

Now, I don’t want to get into a debate over her bearing fruit prior to baptism or instantaneous baptism. She was baptized the very next week, but she had been coming to our in-depth Bible study of Romans for at least a month. Romans 5 was the chapter we were in that night. Christ used this to open her the eyes to her sinfulness and to his grace.

This baptism was particularly special to me because this was my first opportunity to baptize a fellow professing believer in Christ. These type events in the lives of those I minister, make all the hours of study, prayer, and preparation worth every second. God has been so gracious to me and those who he has given me to serve. So, be encouraged dear reader. Christ is calling his people to himself, even now. Soli Deo Gloria.

August 28, 2018 0

Thoughts on Prayer

Imagine for a moment seeing something so powerful that it simply changes your life. It is so absorbing, absolutely powerful, you understand that seeing it makes you altogether different. Because of what you saw, there are mighty changes in lives. The event is so absolutely powerful it makes you realize there is something more, there is something beyond this life and now your affections are directed towards possessing it.

I am not talking about witnessing a sales pitch, or natural phenomena, or even seeing something extraordinary happen to a loved one. No, I’m talking about the disciples of Christ witnessing and hearing Him in prayer.

No doubt they had seen him doing this many times. So powerful it must have been that these men asked the Lord to teach them to pray (Ref. Luke 11:1). Jesus then teaches them the model prayer as we see in Luke 11 and Matthew 6. Jesus goes further, and explains to them to be persistent in prayer as the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. That is a beautiful promise.

We can reflect on a couple things here. These disciples had the wonderful opportunity to see and hear the Lord in prayer. Undoubtedly a most beautiful experience. Yet, Jesus tells his disciples it is better that he goes away so the helper will come (John 16:7). He also tells them that the Father will give the spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13). The spirit indwells each believer and even groans on intercession on our behalf when we know not what to pray (Romans 8:26). The spirit also aids the believer in prayer and empowers them to pray. How wonderful to know that Christ not only gives us the model prayer, but also the means and the power to do so. Soli Deo Gloria!

References:

Scripture ref. Taken from Reformation Study Bible

August 27, 2018 2

Besetting Beast

Oh, how wretched I am, you know it be true. Shall I in this life be through with you? You demon, you devil, you lion, you snare! My hatred for you is beyond compare.

With the Sword I cut you, but yet you return. How to destroy you is my highest concern. You cover your wound from the depth of the mire. The honey of your lips mask the torment of fire.

How my flesh longs to delight in your touch, but the Spirit inside to crush you to dust. May it be as the battle rage, I see the death of you in my old age. I fight you now though weak I may be, I am strong in my Savior who commands the sea.

This besetting beast that torments me so, the lion of sin that longs to grow. With weak hands and shaking knees, I cry to my Father in desperate pleas. Only through His power will this sin be slain, yes victory from Heaven in Jesus name!

References:

Photos Credit: Lauren Williams

August 11, 2018 0