Here’s What You Said About Charles Spurgeon

Have you ever read Charles Spurgeon for yourself? Maybe you have read about him, or heard about him in a sermon, but have never delved into his writings. Or perhaps you are well acquainted with the writings of Spurgeon, but it has been a while since you last read one of his books. Are you unsure if reading Spurgeon is for you? Have a look below at the testimonials we have received from Banner e-newsletter subscribers, on how the writings and life of Spurgeon changed their lives.

Testimonial from Ron Wood:

Although this is not the same thing as reading Spurgeon himself, Iain Murray’s biography, The Forgotten Spurgeon turned my theological world upside down (or right side up, depending on how you look at it). I had always loved Spurgeon’s evangelistic fervor but when I understood the theology that ignited that fervor, it revolutionized my understanding of Scripture. Additionally, seeing all the attacks that Spurgeon received from those within the church due to his theological position and how he graciously yet firmly responded was a great encouragement to a younger pastor like myself. One of my earthly heroes for sure.

Testimonial from Michael A. Logsdon

Charles Spurgeon was the man God used to reshape and refuel my affection for the gospel. I went through a period of fasting from contemporary celebrity mega-pastors by devoting myself to reading at least one Spurgeon sermon a day for a year. The reservoir of gospel thoughts and illustrations continue to enrich my own preaching even now. What’s more, Spurgeon quotes, when they are shared, still inspire God’s people to erupt in a chorus of “Amen!” I have shared countless times his simple, laser-focused story of preaching election to a group of Methodists until they cried hallelujah over it and still it results in transformed minds and hearts. I praise God for Spurgeon’s faith and devotion to the gospel. Oh, how God has spoken to me through his submitted and humble vessel.

Testimonial from Jen David

To share Spurgeon with others is such an incredible opportunity. I’ve been an avid Spurgeon reader since I was 12. Over the years I’ve given away many copies of Morning and Evening, finding it my absolute favorite book. Trying to pick one quote is difficult, but it would have to be this: ‘It is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee, it is Christ.’ His emphasis on the sovereign power of God to save, sanctify, and keep us is something we all should remind ourselves of daily. The way he writes brings such conviction of truth and points directly to Christ. One cannot read Spurgeon without seeing The One who gave him hope and the desire to share Him with the world. We all can benefit and be challenged by his powerful writing.

Testimonial from Brett Kruschke

As many do, I consider Spurgeon my favorite old-time preacher. He seems to have the best grasp of God and his immutable traits as anyone I’ve listened to, and he has such a great way of relating God’s Word to his fellow man in such a colorful and convicting way. He has been a great blessing to my faith and he’s among those I most look forward to meeting someday in heaven.

Testimonial from Zachary Anderson

I began reading C.H. Spurgeon while I was in college. At that young age, I was an Arminian and an avid evangelist in the town where I went to college. I found the writings of Spurgeon to help me tremendously — to know how to express the truths of the gospel. About that same time I began to study doctrinal issues related to God’s sovereignty and our salvation. I soon discovered that Mr. Spurgeon was a strong Calvinist. His love for the lost and eagerness to convey the truth found in the death of Christ helped me to navigate some very difficult waters. And my seminary years were filled with encouragement as I read commentaries and sermons by Spurgeon. Learning to preach with the help of Spurgeon’s book, Lectures to My Students, kept me from succumbing to the desire of congregations to hear watered down and moralistic sermons.

In my first years as a pastor, I continued to read Spurgeon’s writings. I had two different sets of his sermons at that time, both were five volumes. I read him very regularly. We saw many conversions in the congregations we served and I would say that was chiefly due to an emphasis on preaching faith and repentance — recognizing, as Spurgeon did, that even people who congregate with us are not necessarily converted.

Later in my ministry I was able to purchase the entire set, some 67 or 68 volumes of his sermons. I used to begin my day by reading a sermon from one of them. I was on a pace to read through all the volumes in 11 years (4-5 per week) when we were called to serve as missionaries to Mexico. Alas, I had to sell the set! I still read him almost every week.

I had an electronic version of his sermons at that time, before coming to Mexico, which gave me the ability to search topics and ideas. I found it fascinating to study a topic and find out where and how Spurgeon used a particular idea in his sermons — a study that would benefit any pastor. Doing this study, you will see both tremendous insights of his, as well as references that don’t fit his messages, showing us he was but a man too.

Testimonial from R. Kent Blessing

In his Morning by Morning and Evening by Evening devotional compilations, I have found a sure and sturdy resource that consistently brings me back to center…which is only, truly, found at the cross of Christ. As a layman, who wants to faithfully serve the Lord in His local church as a servant, teacher and leader, I am most grateful to Mr. Spurgeon’s ability to ‘personalize’ the gospel without compromising its universalism — it isn’t really about me, it’s about the glory of God. And, I thank Mr. Spurgeon for constantly reminding me of that fact and bringing me back together with Christ.

Testimonial from Teryl Keohane

My introduction to Spurgeon was through the bibliographies of John MacArthur’s books. After poking around on the internet I discovered the ‘Spurgeon Archive’ and ‘Spurgeon Gems’ and began printing reams of his sermons and writings. Spurgeon speaks to every man, high and low, rich and poor, saved and lost. Many of his words I have noted in my favorite Bible and I turn to his teachings time and time again.

I would soundly recommend EVERY Christian read through All of Grace at least once per year because it helps to keep one on track and humble. I would also recommend A Defence of Calvinism, not only for the message but also for his statement on the pre-eminence of our Lord.

Spurgeon has a preaching/teaching style that, at once, draws the listener (reader) into the subject matter and makes one think. He illustrates his messages with the best and worst of those daily occurrences that befall all of us, helping to diagnose our ills and offering the only solution that can heal our wounded souls and strengthen us for another bout of all of life. He brings faith into practice where the rubber meets the road and ALWAYS points to Him who died and who intercedes for us.

Every time I read Spurgeon I have a revival inside.

My last Spurgeon read was Hatred Without Cause. I’ve read through it twice wondering at the animosity towards Christ AND His followers. For the Christian as well as the non-believer it presents the ultimate case for our Lord’s perfections, mannerisms, words, compassion, mercy and grace. It’s a grand essay on the fact that there is absolutely no reason to reject Christ save that we are simply and inherently evil. This sermon really sets me meditating on the reasons we have for rejecting Christ. There aren’t any and I am currently working this into my gospel presentation.

Please read Spurgeon. His writings explain many hard truths, why they are hard, how we can understand them and how the bible ‘fits’ different teachings from the OT and NT together to pierce our hearts and draw us into worship.

My ‘take home’ from Spurgeon is ‘flee despair’ and that from a man who knew.

Testimonial from Rebecca Goings

God has used Spurgeon’s writings in my life in a powerful way. I don’t remember how I was introduced to him, but his words captivated me from the first. As a writer myself, I couldn’t help but stand in awe of Spurgeon’s elevated prose, and I knew that through his words, God was showing me how He uses a sanctified pen for His glory.

I devoured many books and countless sermons, and it was at Spurgeon’s own recommendation from yesteryear that I first began to read the Puritans. It is through his zeal for Christ that I came to learn and believe in the doctrines of grace. It is by reading his decadent words that God has taught me a high view of Himself, that Christ is altogether lovely, that there is none beside Him, that He alone outshines all other glories.

Through Spurgeon’s high view of God, I came to understand the same, and began more voraciously reading and studying my Bible. I pursued a greater love for Christ, and hid long and often in my prayer closet. I believe God has used Spurgeon, both yesterday and today, as a testimony of what His grace can do in a sold-out heart. My own Christian life has been greatly inspired by Spurgeon’s deep love for Christ. He lifted up the beauty of Christ in such a way as I had never seen Him before. The blazing fire in Spurgeon’s heart, even now as I read him, continues to stoke the tiny flame in mine, all to the glory of God.

Testimonial from Keith Keyser

For about 6 years I have been systematically reading through Spurgeon’s sermons (I’m now working through Volume 17.) I also have extensively used his Morning & Evening devotional and his Treasury of David (commentary on the Psalms.) My soul has been greatly refreshed by his Christocentricity. His preaching clearly flowed out of his love for the Savior and much precious time spent at our Lord’s feet. I’ve also appreciated his high commitment to Scripture rather than dogma according to human tradition. While he’s well-read in the Reformers, Puritans, and other giants of Christian history, he’s not a slave to their opinions. Like a good Berian, if he found it in the Scripture, he added a hearty amen and used it. Lastly, I’ve deeply appreciated his incorporation of rich Christian hymnody. His quotations are varied among many different authors and theological fields of thought. Yet the lyrics he chooses appropriately illustrate the points that he’s making in his sermons. In short, Spurgeon was a tremendous gift to the Church and his writings continue to address the same issues that we face in the 21st century, namely God’s greatness and glory, His wonderful saving work, His plan for the ages, and the need for people to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. I heartily commend his works to any serious minded believer or to anyone who is seriously seeking the Savior.

Testimonial from David Ledgerwood

Forty years ago, my wife purchased the three-volume set of Treasury of David for my 25th birthday. Several years ago, I began reading it each day as part of my private devotions, copying each verse, and then underlining and copying Spurgeon’s comments that especially resonate. I am currently on Psalm 108 and have 111 pages of notes. What a rich treasure! Since I am a musician by profession, I also copy Spurgeon’s comments related to music in a separate file. I only regret that I waited as long as I did to spend extended time with this man of God. I have been enriched and challenged by his words, and heartily recommend him to others.

Testimony from Stefanie and Chris

We have been so very blessed by spending time reading devotionals and sermons by C.H. Spurgeon – his love for the Lord, the Word and the Church shine so brilliantly through his words… it’s impossible not to be swept up in his adoration!

Testimonial from Rick Jones

I try to read as much of Spurgeon as I can, at least one sermon a week, and have read his Autobiography, and many other books (which I get from The Banner), as often as I can, when I can get them. I use his notes for messages and Sunday School lessons, I pray that one day the church would see the need to return to Spurgeon’s style and power of preaching. If we only had a Spurgeon for our time now. I recommend anything of Spurgeon’s and most about him for reading.

Testimonial from William L. Krewson

Reading about Spurgeon from his contemporaries or reading Spurgeon himself, these two habits have encouraged my heart and deepened my love for the gospel for my forty years of ministry. Spurgeon’s profound use of language blended with his theological convictions produce a tonic for the soul. I prefer to alternate between Spurgeon’s own pen and various biographies of the preacher. His Autobiography is priceless for his wit, his wisdom, and his profound gratitude to our sovereign God. What a gift to the church of Jesus Christ was this man whose life was directed solely to the glory of God.

Testimonial from Traci Hinkle

I had hit a wall in my late twenties. At that time I had two very young girls, and motherhood had completely destroyed me. My marriage left me disenchanted, and everyday I was disappointed in my performance in both roles. I knew the answer was always God. My Christian walk began in third grade, so of course I knew where to turn, but I could not manufacture any measure of tenderness, patience or maturity. The guilt that I lived with stole my joy, and my inability to spontaneously produce fruit grieved me. My ‘quiet’ time was deficient. That was my fault too. I was on my last attempt to get it right. My 15-20 minutes of quiet time (which was usually interrupted) was full of topical lessons, regurgitated scripture that had been poorly digested by someone else, and principles that were extracted from scripture that I didn’t know or love. I spent my time searching for Him out of duty and felt punished. It must not be good enough if I’m still a wretched person. It all came to a head one morning when my heart deflated yet again, because I couldn’t generate the feelings no matter how many principles I broke myself on. They wouldn’t stick. I thought ‘I could walk away from this. This isn’t appealing.’

I praise God that he left me utterly unsatisfied by these means of seeking Him. I was fed up and He was so good to guide me to that. I picked up Spurgeon soon after this. I thought if everyone is going to quote this guy, I’m going to forsake all floral devotionals and all topical instruction and read him. The first sermon I stumbled on was given in 1890, Inexcusable Irreverence and Ingratitude. I’ll never forget the title. The scripture reference is Romans 1:20-21, ‘They are without excuse: because that, when they knew God they glorified Him not as God, neither were they thankful.’

You cannot read this sermon without running into Spurgeon’s palpable love for the man and savior Jesus Christ. I was broken on sentences like ‘If God is anything, we ought to make Him everything’, ‘God is infinitely glorious and unless we treat Him as such, we have not treated Him as he ought to be treated’, ‘Weep over your sin: now you have glorified him as God. Fall on your face and be nothing before the Most High: now you have glorified Him as God. Accept his righteousness; adore His bleeding Son; trust in his infinite compassion. Now you have glorified Him as God.’ I had never, not once, ever adored Him, and I knew it. The cross was in the background for years as I’d tinkered with my life. Always trying to act better. I’m so sad for the woman that I was. Spurgeon began a journey of seeking the God of the Bible. I’m 31 and I have spent the past few years pursuing my Glorious Savior who first pursued me. I’m staunch in my studies. I do not read what is not worthy of the precious little time I have. I’m still a novice, but I love Him much better. Spurgeon’s adoration and reverence revealed to me that what I was tasting was not the Lord. How valuable is that? When I thought I had Him, I had a very low view. When I found out that I didn’t, I had to look up. He increases in my view every single day. I love every word of scripture. I reject anyone who leads others in stopping short of an ever increasing view of the Most High. My journey has been time spent blowing past every errant thought I possessed and glorifying Him for all that He is and all that I can’t comprehend. It hurts to know I found my Master unappealing. He is irresistible. He. Is. Everything.

So to have a catalyst such as Charles Spurgeon to take me from ‘I could walk away from this’ to ‘I cannot move outside of this’ has left me a major fan of his.

Testimonial from Gerald White

The first I read of Charles Spurgeon was his devotional work, Morning and Evening. My father gave this book to me at a time of deep depression whilst I was serving the Lord in ministry.

The way Spurgeon wrote was a balm to my soul. He consistently pointed me back to Jesus and applied God’s truth and His promises to this pilgrim’s heart.

Spurgeon has been the best mentor a young pastor/church planter could ever wish for. Reading his Lectures To My Students and Autobiography has shown me that he was not just a good wordsmith, but was a serious, compassionate and godly man.

For any wishing to be greatly encouraged, then look no further than this man’s works; a man who stood on the truth and let the truth stand.

Testimonial from Stephen LaSpina

I can think of few other writers who have encouraged me in the Christian life like Charles Haddon Spurgeon has. His writings turn us to high views of God and ground us in Biblical truth. If you’re looking for a place to start being exposed to Spurgeon, I would highly recommend reading his classic devotional Morning and Evening. You will find your soul blessed for it.

Testimonial from Frank Cone

I’m presently preaching through the book of Psalms on Sunday evenings. Although I’ve read Spurgeon sermons for most of my ministry, reading The Treasury of David has meant more to me than I could have imagined. The exposition and choice contributions that apparently were meaningful to Spurgeon would greatly benefit any believer whether preaching the Psalms or not.

Testimonial from Jane Parrish

I choose one Puritan or other solid teacher of times past to read for each year, and this year I chose Spurgeon. I have read almost all of his Autobiography, and the impact of these accounts of his life on mine are faith building. Spurgeon’s love for God and exaltation of Christ pictures for me the life of God lived out — in the pursuit of Christ, His glory; the sanctification of all of life. I have read All of Grace, According to Promise, The Forgotten Spurgeon, The Soul Winner, How to Lead Sinners to the Savior, Sermons in Candles, Lectures to My Students. I will be reading other volumes to finish the year and will read his sermons next year. Spurgeon will get 2 focused years of reading! I am thankful to be able to enjoy these books; may they be used by God to shape me more into the image of Christ. I’ve been amazed how nothing is new under the sun. Our battles….are right there on the pages I read, and that helps me to think clearly about my times and my God in these times.

Samuel Alo

I am from Nigeria. I first read about Surgeon from S.M. Houghton’s Sketches From Church History. What struck me about his life and ministry are these:

– His devotion to reading, most especially the Bible.
– His faithfulness in preaching the gospel despite health challenges; He suffered from gout, yet ‘he abideth faithful’.
– His unwavering faith in God even during the time of crisis.
– The many good fights of faith that he fought, most especially the ‘Downgrade Controversy’. He was bold as a Lion.
– His power in prayer and utter dependence on the power of Holy Spirit to convict and save souls.
– His many gifts — e.g., oratorical skills, photographic memory and his right usage of words in his many works.

Spurgeon deserves to be read more and more. I pray that God should give us again faithful men like him.

Felicity Mullins

I read The Forgotten Spurgeon last year and thoroughly enjoyed the book, but then Iain Murray is such a great author! I have also had at home Morning and Evening for years, and have just started to use this book again as an extra devotional to my Bible reading. Spurgeon’s writings in this book are so uplifting and encouraging, you come away from them with such a love for the Lord, and I find it helps me so much in my prayer life too.

Jean-Marc Alter

Spurgeon’s writings have been a great encouragement and source of blessing to me. The 6 New Park Street Pulpit Sermons are warm, fiery and full of doctrine and, above all, Christ. His sermons after that (I aim to read one volume every 8 months) are all of that, but also pastoral and searching — they are balm in Gilead. Of his other works, it is difficult to highlight any, as they all have similar qualities — yet three stand out: All of Grace, Around the Wicket Gate and Lectures to my Students. These three encourage, enthuse and energise the reader and bring the Gospel clearly and vitally to the fore. What can one say? Spurgeon was saved by Christ and commends him at every opportunity.

Matthew Pearce

I first came across Spurgeon sermons through some small booklets that someone picked up quite cheaply from a Christian bookstore. I can’t remember if it was my mum or someone from our church. The booklets had small writing and contained 3 sermons tied to the same topic. My Christian mother took me to church and brought me up to believe in God and I remember as a young boy being sorrowful for my sins. However, I don’t think I ever really grasped the true and real meaning of God’s Sovereign Grace until I had read those 3 sermons by Spurgeon in that little booklet on Grace. I was in my late teens when I read them (1993-95) and they had a vast effect on my Christian walk. I began to understand fully that it is God alone who works in me and that any light in my soul is from him.

I found knowledge of his Grace a great joy and delight to think it was all of him and not me. It also enabled me to walk more lovingly toward my Saviour as I realised it was all dependent on him and not on me — it took a weight off my shoulder. I then later followed up by reading another booklet with 3 sermons by Spurgeon on the subject of the perseverance of the saints. One was on John 10:27-30, where the sheep hear his voice and follow him and he will let no one snatch them out of his hand. Another one was on Psalm 125:2, ‘as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people.’ Just writing this now I can’t help feeling emotional, as it brings back many wonderful memories. I realise now how important this time was.

I remember the following years whenever I felt down or doubting or failing I would pick up these booklets and reread them, especially the ones about Grace; they were very dear. The sermons on the perseverance of the saints also brought joy, knowing that he would finish his work in me, and this promise felt very sure and secure. The reasoning Spurgeon used was very convincing and he really pressed the point in many various ways as to leave you with a very clear understanding of the topic. It must have come from a very clear and thorough understanding of Scripture by the man himself.

Eventually I think I loaned these books to someone to share the joy I had and I can’t remember to whom, but the memory of them lives on. I had tried to find them online or in bookstores, but the closest I came was recently finding Spurgeon gems published online, which are actually very similar and helpful. As a youngster I was never an avid reader, but looking back, I know of no other literary work which assisted my Christian walk more than Spurgeon’s sermons.

I’ve recently been looking up sermons from Spurgeon to read to my family. It is only the Spirit of God that works in them too and the Lord may use other means for their lives, but it always brings back wonderful memories to me personally, so I can’t help wanting to share it with loved ones.

Most recently I read a sermon about how God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility were two truths that seem contradictory but should both alike be accepted as truth. They are like two lines of truth that are almost parallel and human minds will never discover where they converge, but nonetheless they will meet ‘somewhere in eternity close to the throne of God from where all truth doth spring’ — Sermon #207, August 1, 1858.

Spurgeon spoke of these truths having a great effect in times past when preached by other preachers which is why he never feared to preach them to his generation. May those who read his work find rich blessing, and many thanks to those who have persevered to preserve his work over the years.

Bob Thomas

Writing a testimonial about Spurgeon is not an easy task, because Spurgeon has been such a blessing to me — but I’ll begin with Spurgeon’s sermons. In his sermons, Spurgeon takes a small phrase of Scripture and uses it as the key to open up a vista of the rich tapestry of Scripture deftly applied to his hearers for their salvation and edification.

Then there are the devotionals, like Morning And Evening, encouraging individuals and families to pause at the beginning and end of each day to have a quiet time with the Lord in contemplation of His Word and in prayer. ‘Let prayer be the lock of the night and the key of the morning.’

The ‘how-to’ books apply Biblical principles to various aspects of the Lord’s work. Lectures To My Students and An All-Round Ministry join Scriptural methods to Scriptural teaching, while Come, Ye Children is a delightful book to place in the hands of youth workers, displaying Spurgeon’s own Christ-like love for children and his ability to speak to them simply but not condescendingly. The Greatest Fight In The World calls for a Godly approach in discerning the battle lines of conflict and how to defend the true faith — ‘We cannot fight the Lord’s battles with the Devil’s weapons.’ Smaller books like Around The Wicket Gate and Advice For Seekers were designed to help in one-to-one or door-to-door evangelism; the Sword And Trowel magazine brought the work of the Metropolitan Tabernacle and the pastor’s labours before the wider world.

Smaller still is Spurgeon’s Mission Statement at the opening of the Metropolitan Tabernacle: ‘I would propose that the subject of Ministry in this house, as long as this platform shall stand, and as long as this house shall be frequented by worshipers, shall be the person of Jesus Christ…’ Surely this should inform all of us who are engaged in the Lord’s work.

However, I have found the greatest blessing of Spurgeon’s legacy to us to be his mighty commentary on the Psalms, The Treasury Of David. I dare not preach on the Psalms without consulting it. Here the storehouse of Spurgeon’s own treasury of wisdom and knowledge meets the Psalmist’s to present us with immeasurable spiritual treasure. David’s life experience is matched with many of the Psalms and joined with the experiences faced by the Lord’s people throughout their Earthly pilgrimage. It is full of quotable quotes which can still enrich preaching in our own day; it is profoundly simple, yet simply profound. I must confess, though, that I pay scant attention to all the additional material Spurgeon has added, and I think if it were published in a modern format with all of the extraneous material excised and Spurgeon’s own words lightly edited, it would become even more valuable.

Remembering Spurgeon brings to mind Hebrews 13.7,8: ‘Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’

Gabriel Irks

We have been reading the Spurgeon daily readings for many years (at least 25 years, since we discovered him), and are so blessed every day by his words of wisdom, reverence and encouragement. He is a constant source of inspiration. I love Spurgeon and thank God for him every day.

Stephen Fox

I can heartily recommend Morning and Evening written by the Prince of Preachers. Like physical food and drink, this devotional has become part of my spiritual food and drink — it sustains me each morning and evening, as Spurgeon wholly centres on the Scriptures. The language, though somewhat antiquated, is yet so readable, as it contains a treasure trove of scriptural lessons that we can meditate on daily.

Richard Bowdery

Charles Spurgeon stood out because he stood up for the gospel of Jesus Christ. He didn’t compromise his faith in how he lived or spoke, and his strong stand for the truth has been an example I have tried to follow — not always successfully. But by obedience to our Lord, repentance for my failings and submission to the Holy Spirit, I know I can only grow into all God has called me to be. And I look forward to meeting Spurgeon in heaven. It is a good job God has granted us an eternal home — there is so much I want to ask Charles Spurgeon.

Tim Burns

I came across Charles Spurgeon about 20 years ago, whilst I was at university. I don’t know how the quote below crossed my path but at the time it was so profound, and completely relevant. I read these words at a time when I was at my loneliest, spiritually vulnerable, and the battle was real between the things of God and the supposed wisdom of man. Spurgeon’s words called me to something deeper than simply gaining knowledge but to knowing God himself:

‘The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls Father.’

When I read that I was about the same age as Spurgeon was when he preached it.

There was something so challenging, compelling and right about that statement, and I knew it. I did some digging and after discovering this was Spurgeon (and trusting a pastor friend of mine who suggested that anyone with Spurgeon’s works was well on their way to an excellent theological library), I began devouring sermons, books, biographies, anything I could that he’d written, and found gem after gem. This period of my life I remember as been one of the most significant times of spiritual growth. These days I’m no longer teaching as I was trained to do, but working as a chaplain and a youth pastor in my local church. Spurgeon still challenges me to better seek the Scriptures, to marvel at the grace of God and to persevere in the race for His glory. I have a bookshelf full of his books — Charles Haddon Spurgeon is still teaching me, and the young people in my care, today.

Ernest LeVos

Spurgeon is my pastor on my bookshelves and provides me with the best pastoral advice. When in doubt, enabled by the Spirit, I look for the biblical applications of the sculptural texts he uses. His books and sermons feed me daily, especially his devotions, and draw me nearer to the Christ of the Cross. He relied very heavily on the Holy Spirit, and it is evident that he had “communion with Christ and his people”. He walked what he preached from the pulpit, and lived “by revealed truth”. He maintained a balance between doctrine and practice. Besides, he constantly exalts the One greater than all the patriarchs and prophets. Spurgeon absorbed and assimilated the best biblical thoughts and insights from the Puritan preachers and theologians. Last but not the least, he proclaimed persuasively the Gospel message that the apostle Paul was not ashamed of, and Spurgeon staked his life on the same Gospel.

Joel Radford

Spurgeon has taught me many things, including the importance of prayer. In a letter to his members in 1861, Spurgeon wrote:

‘Pray for me as an intercessor for others. Beg that the Lord may give me power in prayer. The most of a minister’s work must be done upon his knees. Weak here, we are weak everywhere. I desire to bear you ever on my heart before the throne; but how can I do this unless you shall pray the Lord to enable me? For this, I appeal to you, and beg your perpetual remembrances.’

If prayer is not valuable to me, I am not a valuable pastor.

John Jerrams

For a number of years I have read the daily promise from Spurgeon’s Cheque Book of Faith.  He really makes the promise so relevant to me personally, in a clear and easy to understand language, and also causes me to wonder and rejoice at such great things that are promised by our Saviour.

Mary Jerrams

Reading Spurgeon over the years, he has proved to be a wise, kind pastor and a challenge to press on in the Christian life, and has often been used by the Lord to bring just the right word at the right time — his sermon on Nahum 1:3, “The clouds are the dust of His feet”, was and is an ongoing blessing to remind us of the vast greatness of our God.

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