"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself,
if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus,
to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
-Acts 20:24
Below you will find one of the most encouraging prayers, a summons of the saints to take up the truth of God's Word, and one of the most stinging indictments against our days postmodern, emergent, Seattle-shallow, ecumenical faith to ever be uttered. It is proclaimed by "The Bear" himself - Charles Spurgeon. These words should be branded on the hearts and minds of all who are in ministry serving the Lord Jesus Christ; which means every Christian... For by nature of your regeneration in Jesus, you are in full time ministry right where you work and live.
When we are in the crucible of grace going through trials, it is easy under the weight of burden to put away the sword into its sheath, to retreat to a quiet place, and silence the battle cry. But if you are there with me tonight dear friend, may I encourage you to not faint; that our labor and toil is not in vain; and when you have done everything to stand... STAND. Stand in the power of the Lord and His might; be strengthened with the grace that is in Christ Jesus the Lord; and be filled with the Holy Spirit relying on His power to accomplish all that God has planned for you to do.
The Battle is the Lord's...
Campi
2 Cor. 4:1-7
Prayer by C. H. Spurgeon December 30, 1877:
"Lord, there are so many today who are running away from the truth. Oh, that You would be pleased to speak by Your Spirit that Your Word may be known. Lord, hold us fast to the truth of Your Word, bind us to it. May we not be ashamed of the truth of Your Word but proclaim it boldly without compromise. May we not wish to be thought cultured, nor aim to keep in step with the times. May we be side by side with You, O bleeding Savior; and be content to be rejected, be willing to take up unpopular truth, and to hold fast despised teachings of Sacred Scripture to the end. Oh make us faithful unto death."
6 comments:
"When we are in the crucible of grace going through trials, it is easy under the weight of burden to put away the sword into its sheath, to retreat to a quiet place, and silence the battle cry."
It's almost too easy, to do exactly that. Sometimes you're just battle weary and feel like you're wasting time and effort and concern.
A very encouraging post and quote, thank you for this.
Thanks for the encouragement, Steve. It is hard to stand and easy to retreat.
Thank you and Amen.
I'm sure that many have found refreshment today as I have by reading this prayer and your words of encouragement.
Excellent post!
And a much needed call to preach the word of truth in season and out of season.
Well done Steve!
I am new to the blogosphere, but really like Spurgeon a lot and couldn't believe that he is so quoted by many today.
This was a real blessing.
Thank you,
James
This is such a timely word for me! After all, the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus :)
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