Posts Tagged with Ligonier Ministries

I pick up the review of Steve Lawson’s book “The Gospel Focus of Charles Spurgeon” in chapter 3 (page35). The chapter title is “Sovereign Grace”. The never ending debate between Calvinism and Arminianism had all but disappeared as Spurgeon came preaching. The preaching of the puritans and the reformers were fading fast. But now so with Spurgeon. In this chapter, Lawson reminds all readers and preachers who love to quote Spurgeon that he refused to become “infatuated with the current theological fads.” Spurgeon refused and chose the old paths, the path through Scripture. The language of Scripture was the language Spurgeon spoke.

Lawson shows that for Spurgeon, “Preaching the Bible meant preaching Calvinism.” And for Spurgeon, he “never whispered anything.”

When I first began to read sermons by Spurgeon, I began to discover his clear position and defense of Calvin. Lawson points this out frequently in this section of the book. For Spurgeon, Calvin was only preaching what Paul preached. I’ve continued reading Spurgeon’s sermons over the years. I’ve often found myself praying that I might understand what Spurgeon did about the “doctrines of grace”. I’ve come to embrace this title over Calvinism only because I find so few people are willing to learn what Calvin taught on the doctrines of grace. Calvin clearly understood that salvation is 100% the work of God and that too, the preacher of the Bible must preach the Gospel, calling men to repent and believe. For Spurgeon’s Gospel focus, this was not a conflict for a sovereign God who rules and elects to hold man responsible at the same time. In Chapter Three, Lawson helps show this beautiful truth as Spurgeon preached.

Lawson did a masterful job of taking the five truths that constitute the doctrines of grace and show how Spurgeon focused his preaching from this vantage point. This is among some of the strongest support I’ve ever read in a short amount of words. I give Lawson an A+ for his helpful work here. This alone makes this book worth reading for me.

There are only a few more days left to get a free download of this eBook. Click HERE to get it.

“It is no novelty, then, that I am preaching; no new doctrine. I love to proclaim these strong old doctrines, that are called by nickname Calvinism, but which are surely and verily the revealed truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus.” (page 35)

I do not believe that we preach the Gospel unless we preach the sovereignty of God in His dispensation of grace; nor unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah, nor do I think we can preach the Gospel unless we base it upon the special and particular redemption of His elect and chosen people which Christ wrought out upon the cross; nor can I comprehend the Gospel which allows saints to fall away after they are called.” (page 36)

“the result, he said, is that ” a very hell of corruption lies within the best saint.” Spurgeon recognized that sin lies deep within the souls of even the best of men. This inward corruption makes every man a savage beast: “There is no beast in wolf or lion or serpent that is so brutish as the beast in man.” All people are spiritually dead, unable to see, desire, or respond to the gospel message. (page 37)

“God gave me this great book to preach from, and if He has put anything in it you think is not fit, go and complain to Him, not to me. I am simply His servant, and if His errand that I am to tell is objectionable, I cannot help it. Let me tell you, the reason why many of our churches are declining is just because this doctrine has not been preached.” (on unconditional election, page 39)

Sunday I downloaded my free copy of “the Gospel Focus of Charles Spurgeon” by Steve Lawson. Yesterday, I started reading it. Today I’m attempting to put into words the value of recommending this book to all readers. Ligonier Ministries is offering this free eBook download in the following formats until November 30, 2013; ePub, MOBI / Kindle and iTunes.

I will break my review down into three parts. I want to review it while it’s fresh on my mind. I’m a third of the way through the book today.

Even though I’ve not finished reading the book, Steve Lawson, has written as simple and flowing as he speaks.

If you have never read a biography of Charles Spurgeon you will find this to not be an overboard of history. For the readers of Charles Spurgeon, you will likely find the first third of the book will refresh your memory of this most unlikely candidate in man’s eyes to be titled ‘The Prince of Preachers’.

Lawson has crafted an historically attached snapshot of Charles Spurgeon in the first 35 pages. You’ll feel like you are getting to know Spurgeon as Lawson tells the story. You’ll hear Lawson speak of the influence Spurgeon had across the world. You’ll find that Spurgeon believed the Bible to be most important. I discovered some things about Spurgeon and his wife that endeared me to him and his care for his wife.

I’m looking forward to the next third of the book. As a matter of fact, as soon a I past in a smattering of quotes below, I’ll get back to reading. This is an enjoyable read thus far. Anyone else read or reading this book? Share your thoughts with me below, I’d love to hear what you think.

I had to limit myself to a few random quotes, otherwise I would be in violation of copyright laws if I posted all my favorites… it would be the first 35 pages. Here are a few. (get the book, it’s free for a few more days.)

“People warned Spurgeon that he would break down physically and emotionally under the stress of such expansive preaching. Spurgeon replied: “If I have done so, I am glad of it. I would do the same again. If I had fifty constitutions I would rejoice to break them down in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ.” He added: “We find ourselves able to preach ten or twelve times a week, and we find we are the stronger for it…’Oh.’ said one of the member, ‘our minister will kill himself.’… That is the kind of work that will kill no man. It is preaching to sleepy congregations that kills good ministers.” Spurgeon found strength in preaching.” (page 22)

“Several years later, in 1887, Spurgeon entered yet another conflict, the greatest of his ministry, known as the Downgrade Controversy. He spoke out in defense of the gospel, confronting the doctrinal decline that was becoming prevalent in many pulpits. He compared the Baptist church to a train that had crested a high mountain pass and was barreling down the steep grade, gaining speed as it plummeted. The further it descended this slippery slope, he contended, the greater its destruction wold be. He strongly warned against the undermining of the authority of Scripture, which was resulting in worldly entertainment, Vaudeville techniques, and a circus-like atmosphere in many churches in his day.” (page 23)

“Spurgeon clearly understood that the power of the gospel is built on the inerrancy of Scripture: “Everything in the railway service depends upon the accuracy of the signals. When these are wrong, life will be sacrificed. On the road to heaven we need unerring signals, or the catastrophes will be far more terrible.” If the Bible is to rightly direct men to God, Spurgeon contended, it must be entirely trustworthy. Therefore, no preacher is free to alter the biblical message, change its words, soften its doctrines, or withhold any truth.” (page 29)

“I hold one single sentence out of god’s Word to be of more certainty and of more power than all the discoveries of all the learned men of all the ages.” (page 31)

“An idler has no right in the pulpit. He is an instrument of Satan in damning the souls of men.” (page 32)