Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Benefits of Holiness in a Pastor's Life

by Charles Spurgeon

At times we will find it a struggle to live holy, but ‘God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it’ (1 Cor. 10:13b, nasb).
Consider the lasting benefits that Charles Spurgeon noted:

‘Sanctity in ministers is a loud call to sinners to repent, and when allied with holy cheerfulness it becomes wondrously attractive.’ - from Lectures to My Students

‘In holiness God is more clearly seen than in anything else.’- from Flashes of Thought

‘The serene, silent beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world, next to the might of the Spirit of God.’ - from Gathered Gold

‘Only sanctified souls are satisfied souls.’- from An All-Round Ministry

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Strong Faith and Trials

by Charles Spurgeon

“God never gives strong faith without fiery trial; He will not build a strong ship without subjecting it to very mighty storms; He will not make you a mighty warrior if He does not intend to try your skill in battle. The sword of the Lord must be used; the blades of heaven must be smitten against the armor of the evil one, and yet they shall not break, for they are of true Jerusalem metal which shall never snap. We shall conquer, if we begin the battle in the right way. If we have sharpened our swords on the cross, we have nothing whatever to fear; for though we may be sometimes cast down and discomforted, we shall assuredly at last put to flight all our adversaries, for we are the sons of God even now. Why, then, should we fear? Who shall bid us ‘stay’ if God bid us advance?” - from Gleanings Among the Sheaves