Sometimes to get inspiration and wisdom, it is best to look back and learn from the past. Therefore, on Fridays, we will begin taking a look back at historical people who have played a part in church history. I plan to share resources for learning more about these historical figures as well as an encouraging quote and what we can model after them.
Our first historical person to look at and learn from is Charles Haddon Spurgeon, otherwise known as the Prince of Preachers. There have been many books and resources made available about Mr. Spurgeon, especially with the addition of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Websites
- The Spurgeon Center for Biblical Preaching at Midwestern Seminary
- Spurgeongems.org
- SermonAudio.com
- CSBspurgeonstudybible.com
“May we do good everywhere as we have opportunity, and results will not be wanting.” – Charles H. Spurgeon
Books (Available at Christianbook.com)
- Charles Haddon Spurgeon Autobiography – Volumes 1 & 2
- Steal Away Home by Matt Carter, Aaron Ivey
- Charles Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers by Christian George
- The Shadow of the Broad Brim: The Life and Legacy of Charles Haddon Spurgeon by Richard Ellsworth Day
- The Gospel Focus of Charles Spurgeon by Steven J. Lawson
- The Sum and Substance of the Gospel: The Christ-Centered Piety of Charles Haddon Spurgeon by Reformation Heritage
- Tethered to the Cross: The Life and Preaching of Charles H. Spurgeon by Thomas Breimaier
- Living by Revealed Truth by Tom Nettles
- Spurgeon on the Christian Life: Alive in Christ by Michael Reeves
- The Lost Sermons of C.H. Spurgeon – Volumes 1 & 2 by Christian George
“As for our great King, when we venture into His presence, let us have a purpose there. Let us beware of playing at praying; it is insolence toward God.” – Charles H. Spurgeon
Why should we learn from Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s life? He suffered from depression as well as health issues throughout his life, and with the help of his wife and the encouragement of his friends, he still got up to preach the Gospel. We can remember when looking at Spurgeon’s life that our power and strength are not truly ours, but it comes from God. God can use us even in our weakest moments for His glory; however, we must rely on Christ to receive the strength to obey and glorify God.
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards s of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NASB)
Peter writes in that passage about the importance of using God’s strength that He provides us to serve others and in a way that glorifies God. Therefore, as you learn about and reflect on the life of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, consider whether you are relying on the strength of God or on your own strength. Consider how you can encourage and inspire others in their faith and walk with God.
“The Lord gets His best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction.” – Charles H. Spurgeon
Join in on the conversation!
I always love hearing from my readers, so feel free to comment on this post.
- Do you feel as though you have been toughing it out in your own strength?
- Do you feel powerless? (Look to the one who provides strength in times of need.)
- How can you serve others in a God – glorifying way right now?
- How can you encourage others during their times of affliction and depression?
- What other resources would you add to this list about Charles Spurgeon?
- What other lessons could we learn from his life?
Sarah B. Deringer 