Introduction

“Those preachers whose voices were clear and mighty for truth during life continue to preach in their graves.  Being dead, they yet speak; and whether men put their ears to their tombs or not, they cannot but hear them.”[1]  Although Charles Haddon Spurgeon may not have completely understood the significance of those words when he offered them (especially as it related to his own life and ministry), his voice of truth continues to sound in this modern day.  Dr. J.H. Jowett once remarked of Charles Spurgeon regarding his preaching ability and achievement.  He said, “He is not eclipsed even when set in radiant succession to Paul, Luther and Calvin.”[2]  Of course, comparing a man to the likes of legendary Reformers and arguably the greatest man to walk this earth (besides Christ Himself) would be absurd; except it be true.  Charles Spurgeon was the most popular preacher of his day in which his ministry demonstrated a global reach as he became an international figure.  However, his influence did not end upon his death.  Although the “Prince of Preachers” died January 31, 1892[3], Spurgeon’s voice resonates in the hearts and minds of thousands of men and woman all over the world.  In fact, Charles Spurgeon is history’s most widely read preacher (except for preachers in the bible) in part because there is more material written by Spurgeon than by any other Christian author, living or dead.[4]  What made this man so successful?  Why is Charles Spurgeon considered one of the most prolific preachers of all time?  Indeed, Spurgeon had been gifted with natural abilities as an orator and had the natural ability to mesmerize the crowds by mastering his words, yet Spurgeon’s success as a preacher was a direct result of the experiences he enjoyed as a believer in Christ and the commitments he made to necessary disciplines he valued in ministry.

 Spurgeon:  Enjoying His Person

His Childhood

            Charles Haddon Spurgeon was born June 19, 1834 in the Essex village of Kelvedon to John and Eliza Spurgeon.[5]  However, when young Charles was merely 10 months old his father moved the family to Colchester.[6]  John Spurgeon was a clerk in a coal yard but was better known for as a pastor of a congregational church in Tollesbury.[7]  John embraced Calvinistic doctrines and preached them with conviction.[8]  Eliza was a pious woman which exampled her deep faith.  Although Charles was the oldest child of 17, nine of the children died in infancy.  However, Eliza maintained a deep religious conviction that greatly impacted the family.  Her commitment to prayer and holiness impacted the entire family, including her own husband.[9]  As Charles would eventually reflect upon his upbringing, he credited his mother by saying, “I am sure that in my early youth no teaching ever made such an impression upon my mind as the instruction of my mother; neither can I conceive that, to any child, there be one who will have such influence over the young heart as the mother who has tenderly cared for her offspring.”[10]  This is a significant statement considering Charles spent much of his childhood with his grandfather in Stambourne due to financial difficulties they encountered as a lower middle class family.[11] 

            Like Charles’ father, Charles Spurgeon’s grandfather was a Congregationalist pastor also and was committed in raising Charles to embrace the things of God.  Therefore, Charles grew up in the atmosphere of the evangelical faith which contributed to his theological training.  In an upstairs storeroom of his grandfather’s house, Charles frequently gave himself to the reading of literary treasures.  These educational experiences of his childhood cultivated an appreciation for Protestant orthodoxy.[12]  It would be in this place that Charles would discover John Bunyan’s Pilgram’s Progress.  By the age of 14, young Charles was an avid reader embracing Shakespeare, Milton and Defoe.[13]  By the age of 15, Charles had read Baxter’s Call to the Unconverted, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs and Doddridge’s Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul.[14]  Eventually, Spurgeon would study in school Greek, Latin and philosophy, yet these things of themselves would not lead young Charles to a place of peace.  Unsettled his own faith Charles struggled with doubts of Christian truth.  Instead of coming to faith through reading deep theological thoughts, Charles found himself at the brink of despair.  God seemed elusive and Charles began to question whether or not God existed at all.     

  His Conversion

            It was January 6, 1850 and Colchester had been hit with a heavy snow which became the reason why Charles attended a primitive Methodist on this particular Sunday.[15]  Although Charles was able to make it to the service that day, the regular preacher was detained by the weather.  However, in his place stood a layman from the congregation (who was a tailor or shoemaker by trade) which preached on the text found in Isaiah 45:22, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.”[16]  Even though there were only 12 to 15 gathering within this ministry on this particular day, the layman’s message resonated deep within young man’s heart.  Spurgeon would eventually retell this experience and he made it a point to indicate that this layman was not much of a preacher. In fact, Spurgeon claimed that this man was “really stupid.”[17]  He did not pronounce the words right and he really did not have much to say other than sticking to the text.  Spurgeon did not want to give the credit of his conversion to any man, rather he wanted to give the credit where the credit was due.  The text said to, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.”  It was this message that arrested his soul and captured his life.  It was looking to Christ that profoundly changed him.  Spurgeon wrote:

The cloud was gone, the darkness rolled away, and in that moment I saw the sun.  I had been waiting to do fifty things, but when I heard the word “look”, I could almost have looked my eyes away.  I could have risen that instant, and sung with the most enthusiastic of them of the precious blood of Christ, and the simple faith that looks alone to Him.  I thought I could dance all the way home.  I could understand what John Bunyan meant when de declared he wanted to tell all the crows of the ploughed about his conversion…Between half past ten, when I entered the chapel and half past twelve, when I returned home, what a change had taken place in me.[18]

The joy Spurgeon experienced is in stark contrast to the many lonely hours he had spent as a child which brought about a deep dissatisfaction within his life.[19]  Spurgeon wrote, “I do from my soul confess that I never was satisfied till I came to Christ: when I was yet a child I had far more wretchedness than ever I have now.  I would even add, more weariness, more care, more heart-ache than I know at this day.”[20]

 His Calling

            Spurgeon began to study his bible earnestly and his life began to transform.  Although Charles was raised by Congregational preachers, he purposely became a Baptist simply because he read the New Testament and studied the Greek.[21]  He discovered that every believer in Christ should identify with Him in baptism.  The example of Scripture was clear, once an individual professed faith in the Lord, the new born believer should be buried with Christ in baptism upon entering his public Christian life.[22]  Therefore, Spurgeon sought out to find a Baptist minister to baptize him.  His searched ended when he stumbled upon W. W. Cantlow in Isleham and on May 3, 1850 (which was Charles’ Mother’s birthday) young Spurgeon was publically immersed in the name of the Triune God.[23]   Upon this event, Eliza Spurgeon said, “Charles, I often prayed the Lord to make you a Christian, but I never asked that you might become a Baptist!”  Charles responded in his witty and profound form.  He said, “Mother, the Lord has answered your prayer with His usual bounty and given you exceedingly abundantly above what you asked or thought.”[24]

            Spurgeon’s call to ministry is tied to his conversion experience and the preaching of God’s Word.  He wrote, “Personally, I have to bless God for many good books, but my gratitude most of all is due God, not for books, but for the preached Word- and that too addressed to me by a poor uneducated man.”[25]  Spurgeon would further write, “The revealed Word awakened me, but it was the preached Word that saved me; and I must ever attach peculiar value to the hearing of the truth, for by it I received the joy and peace in which my soul delights.”[26]  Therefore, Spurgeon began to position his life to do the Lord’s work.

            Spurgeon began his ministry by first placing tracts in envelopes and sending them to people he knew.[27]  When he moved to Cambridge to serve as an assistant school teacher, he united with the St. Andrews Street Baptist Church and began serving in Sunday School work which afforded him his first speaking experiences in public Sunday School assemblies.  However, his first sermon was preached in a little thatched roof cottage at Teversham which was a few miles from Cambridge.  Spurgeon had been sent out by his church under the sponsorship of its Lay Preacher’s Association for the purpose of conducting a worship service for a group of farm families.[28] 

After this first adventure had past, the Lay Preacher’s Association sent young Spurgeon to Waterbeach to a congregation of 12 to fill the pulpit in a similar setting.  The congregation was so pleased with the young Charles that the small church continued to invite him back until the day came in which they extended the pastoral call to the 16 year old.  For two and half years Charles Spurgeon served that congregation faithfully.  During his time serving this congregation, Charles’ impact in ministry was overwhelming.  At Waterbeach, Charles practically converted the entire town to Christ.  The community was known for its debauchery and sin to the extent that Waterbeach was known as one of the worst rural districts in England.[29]  Spurgeon did not merely preach at the Chapel, but he would go directly to the people and engage them in the streets.  By the time Spurgeon had concluded his ministry at Waterbeach, the church had grew to over 100.[30]  However, the greatest impact was made on Spurgeon himself.  Waterbeach had proved to be something more than a place to preach.  Waterbeach was the place that God had unmistakably put His hand upon Spurgeon’s ministry.  Waterbeach proved to be the place that Spurgeon was God’s man doing God’s work.  As a result, Spurgeon would be offered many other opportunities to preach and pastor in which would ultimately prepare him for his life’s work in London. 

New Park Street Chapel was one the leading Baptist churches in London.  A member of this church had the opportunity to hear young Spurgeon in the summer of 1853 at the annual Cambridge Sunday School Union.[31]  He was so impressed with his preaching, that Spurgeon was invited to candidate for their vacant pulpit.  Initially, Spurgeon thought this invitation was a mistake.  The New Park Street Chapel was a historic ministry which had notable pastors in its history.  Benjamin Keach and John Gill were both pastors of the New Park Street Chapel.  Spurgeon was aware of the church’s rich heritage and struggled to believe that the invitation was sincere.  However, on December 18, 1853, Spurgeon stood in the pulpit of the famous old church which seated 1200 and addressed a congregation of 80.[32]  The church was failing but his presentation created something of a sensation in that by evening the audience grew greater than its usual number.  The church invited Spurgeon to occupy the pulpit for 6 month probation, however Spurgeon insisted on 3 month probation just in case the congregation did not want him any longer.[33]  Finally, on April 19, 1854 a formal call was extended to Spurgeon to be the pastor of the New Park Street Chapel in which he accepted and solidified his London ministry at the age of 19.   

 His Character

            The humility and sincerity of the young Spurgeon saved him from growing in arrogance.  On April 28, 1854 just days after officially receiving the invitation to pastor the New Park Street Chapel, Spurgeon wrote in his acceptance letter:

I feel it to be a high honor to be the Pastor of a people who can mention glorious names as my predecessors, and I entreat of you to remember me in prayer, that I may realize the solemn responsibility of my trust.  Remember my youth and inexperience, and pray that these may not hinder my usefulness.  I trust also that the remembrance of these will lead you to forgive mistakes I may make, or unguarded words I may utter.[34]

Having the foresight to express these deep rooted sentiments allowed Spurgeon to grow more successful as a young pastor without becoming proud and overbearing within his ministry.  Within a short period of time, Spurgeon generated great crowds and developed and international following.  Perhaps no one would have predicted that this young teenage preacher would develop into the London’s premier voice of the Gospel, but Charles captured the hearts of people and became a phenomenon in the London Times headlines.[35]

            Soon Spurgeon became known as the most popular preacher of his day, but it did not come without a price.  Many have dreamed or imagined generating Spurgeon’s kind of success, but few have calculated the cost associated with such responsibility.  Spurgeon’s life was marked by significant suffering in which shaped his spirituality and revealed his character.  Spurgeon suffered physically and was evident within his life.  Spurgeon was diagnosed with rheumatic gout and showed symptoms of kidney disease.[36]  There were few days in which Spurgeon lived without pain and as time went by his physical suffering increased dramatically.  There were times in which Spurgeon was effectively “shut in” at home and unable to preach.  He once remarked, “My pains have at times been overpowering and I have needed Divine succor to come through them.”[37]  Spurgeon’s ministry was characterized with this type of physical suffering.  He also endured a great deal of mental suffering as well.  On October 19, 1856, the decision was made to rent the largest auditorium in London, Surrey Music Hall in the Royal Surrey Gardens to hold Sunday services due to the fact that no other facility could handle the crowds.  Once Spurgeon arrived, the 10,000 seat auditorium was to capacity with another 10,000 people gathering outside in hopes to hear the Prince of Preachers.  Shortly after the beginning the service, several who premeditated their actions began to yell “fire”.  Panic ensued and 7 people died and many others were seriously injured.[38]  Spurgeon fell into a deep psychological despair in which many thought he would never recover.  Reflecting on this incident, he said it was like a case of knives cutting his heart into pieces.  He said it was a time of unrelenting misery and darkness.[39]  From this time on Spurgeon experienced regular bouts of insomnia and mood swings.  It was not uncommon to see joy give way to weeping, despair and/or sudden burst of violent emotion.[40]  However through all these infirmities, Spurgeon believed that suffering resulted in important benefits for Christians.  Through his entire earthly affliction, Spurgeon pushed on and endured to the end.

 Spurgeon:  Experiencing His Preaching

Recounting His Popularity

            Recounting the historical events of Spurgeon’s ministry, it seems as if Spurgeon was an overnight phenomenon.  Immediately after securing the pastorate at the New Park Street Chapel, Spurgeon began creating a stir.  Within a few months, the church which was built to seat 1,200 people was filled to capacity.  The congregation moved to Exeter Hall which could seat 4,500 people and then to the old Surrey Music Hall which could seat 10,000.  Ultimately, the church built the famous Metropolitan Tabernacle to specifically house the vast numbers which gathered each week to hear Spurgeon’s sermon.  For 31 years Charles Spurgeon preached to 6,000 people twice every Sunday.[41]  Altogether, 14,460 people were added to the church during Spurgeon’s tenure.[42]  His popularity in which he achieved never subsided from his first year in London to the day of his death in spite of not having the heavy hitting marketing strategies prevalent in this modern day.[43]  During his lifetime it is estimated that Spurgeon preached to 10 million people.[44]  Perhaps the circulation of his sermons helped sustain Spurgeon’s reputation and influence.  His printed homilies traveled far beyond his British base.  In 1865, Spurgeon’s sermons sold 25,000 copies each week and were translated into 40 different languages.[45]  By the time he was 24 years of age, the North American Review was reporting that Americans returning from a trip to England were being 2 questions.  First, they were being asked, “Did you see the Queen?”  Second, they were asked, “Did you hear Spurgeon?”[46]  This periodical reported that there was hardly a more familiar name in America than Spurgeon’s.[47] 

  Reviewing His Preaching

            Spurgeon sought to preach to the common people with uncommon clarity.  Although, his central themes followed orthodox lines he would often utilize a text in which no other preacher would have the courage to tread.  Spurgeon emphasized the sovereignty of God, the cross of Christ and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to facilitate life change in the believer.  In the end, Spurgeon shaped the evangelical pulpit of his day and beyond.  Skinner has identified 10 perspectives of Spurgeon’s preaching that aid in evaluating his success.[48]  There are many facets which can be explored to gain a better appreciation for Spurgeon’s preparation and delivery of life changing sermons.  However, the most critical dynamics that account for Spurgeon’s success can be clearly identified. 

First, there is the quantity of Spurgeon’s productions.  The weekly sermons which sold for a penny at newsstands and railroad stations made Spurgeon a household name.  Spurgeon’s sermons were in great demand, yet he never wrote them out beforehand.[49]  His sermons were written by a stenographer on the day of Spurgeon’s delivery.  On Monday morning, Spurgeon would review and revise the copy for print.  By Thursday morning Spurgeon would have a final proof giving him one last opportunity to revise before it was sent to the printers.  The following week his sermon was published in the English speaking newspapers in both London and New York.[50]  Eventually, this process was repeated for publications in other periodicals.  Spurgeon would ultimately use this process to publish at least 3,800 different sermons, but that was just the beginning.  Spurgeon had even greater success with other works he created.  For example, there were 500,000 copies of his Lectures to My Students sold along with 130,000 sets of his Treasury of David.[51]  Publishers have more titles by Spurgeon in print today than by any other religious author, living or dead.[52]  

            The second dynamic which can aide in evaluating Spurgeon’s success in his preaching is the quality of his content.  The quality of Spurgeon’s preaching helps explain his power to captivate his listeners.  Most of his day was spent reading, researching and planning his sermon by utilizing his 12,000 volume library.[53]  Each sermon was theologically sound, creative and carefully presented.  Systematic study was essential in developing quality sermons consistently.

            Another dynamic which can aide in evaluating Spurgeon’s success in his preaching was his simplicity in his message.  Spurgeon’s preaching centered on the atoning work of Jesus Christ.  The comfort he gave and the hope he extended were solely based upon the evangelical experience of the new birth as outlined in the Scripture.  Spurgeon relied on the Scripture alone as his ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice.  He held a high view concerning the inspiration of Scripture and refused to become entangled with arguments undermining its credibility.[54]  On one occasion Spurgeon was asked if he would defend the Bible to those that were denying its historicity.  He replied, “Defend the Bible?  Would you defend a lion?  Loose him, and let him go.”[55]

            Perhaps the most obvious dynamic which can aide in evaluating Spurgeon’s success as a preacher was his methodology in regards to his presentation.  Spurgeon’s common preaching style was to summarize a doctrine or biblical topic by selecting a single text.  Theologically, Spurgeon dared to approach difficult doctrines by dealing with them masterfully.  It was common for Spurgeon to speak about the truths of election, predestination, atonement, the nature and attributes of God and the perseverance of the saints.[56]  Spurgeon reached into places in which few contemporaries would dare to go.  As a result he mastered the art of tackling the heights of human thought and presenting mined truth in such a way that simple people would understand. 

 Spurgeon:  Embracing His Practice

Understanding His Disciplines

            Spurgeon could “play to the gallery”, meaning that he had a way about him when setting out to captivate an audience.  First, he had possessed a powerful voice which some had labeled as a “bell voice.”[57]  His speaking would resonate and resound so that he could literally speak to thousands without the aid of amplification equipment.  No audience ever shouted, “speak up” nor did they ever accuse Spurgeon of shouting.  Leveraging his bellowing voice appropriately, Spurgeon could masterfully engage the crowd.  His ability to speak in perfect expression was a natural gift making him the most perfect orator of his time.  He had a way about wrapping his message in the language dignified simplicity.  However, these natural talents alone were not the sole cause of his success.  Indeed, Spurgeon would lean upon his natural abilities and utilize them accordingly (as any other man), but his talent as an orator did not make him an international icon alone. 

            Spurgeon was a man with deep conviction not only about matters concerning his theology as one might suspect, but he also had strong sentiments regarding his methodology.  For example, when speaking on the subject of preaching styles, Spurgeon had this to say:

Brethern, we should cultivate a clear style.  When a man does not make me understand what he means, it is because he does not himself know what he means.  An average hearer who is unable to follow the course of thought of the preacher ought not to worry himself, but to blame the preacher, whose business it is to make the matter plain.  If you look down into a well, if it be empty it will appear to be very deep, but if there be water in it you will see its brightness.  I believe that many “deep” preachers are simply so because they are like dry wells with nothing whatever in them, except decaying leaves, a few stones, and perhaps a dead cat or two.  If there be living water in your preaching it may be very deep, but the light of truth will give clearness to it.  It is not enough to be so plain that you can be understood; you must speak so that you cannot be misunderstood. 

We cultivate a cogent as well as a clear style; our speech must be forceful.  Some imagine that this consists in speaking loudly, but I can assure them they are in error.  Nonsense does not improve by being bellowed…Let us be forcible by reason of the excellence of our matter, and the energy of spirit which we throw into the delivery of it.  In a word, let our speaking be natural and living.[58]

            Spurgeon had come to understand that a real ethic needed to exist in order to be effective in one’s preaching.  Therefore, Spurgeon pursued an unrelenting work schedule in order to adequately prepare for his ministry.  As a young boy Spurgeon developed the passion to read which stayed with him the duration of his life.  Most days were spent in reading and research.  It was not uncommon for Spurgeon to work 18 hour days all within his study.[59]  The volumes which Spurgeon poured over provided him with rich resource which he needed to develop great sermons.  Many of the books found within Spurgeon’s 12,000 volume library provided him illustrations for his messages.  One of the reasons that Spurgeon could preach up to 12 times a week was because he had a wealth of truth stored deep within him due to the fact that he invested so much of his time to study.  Due to his diligence in preparation, Spurgeon did not select a text or a theme for his Sunday sermon until Saturday evening.  In like manner, his Sunday evening sermon was not outlined until Sunday afternoon.  After extensive reading in biblical and theological materials, Spurgeon claimed that there were dozens of text that were striving for attention, but Spurgeon sought to discover the text that the Spirit had chosen.[60]  However, once the text was identified, only a few notes were written.  On the day of his delivery, Spurgeon would read the text, comment briefly and provide his interpretation and commentary.  Then Spurgeon would preach without utilizing his notes.  Instead, he would recall to his memory all he had learned and studied.                       

Understanding His Hermeneutics

            In light of his own circumstances, Spurgeon came to believe that suffering in the life of believers resulted in significant benefits for Christians.  He believed that Christians could experience a more intimate relationship with Christ as they endured through struggles.  Spurgeon was convinced that trials and suffering positioned a believer for ministry giving them a capacity to care for those in need.  This reality shaped his hermeneutical approach to Scripture.  Spurgeon was so impacted by his own suffering that his preaching ministry (in terms of tone and content) would have been dramatically different if he had not suffered as he did. 

            Having an understanding of Spurgeon’s life and background can provide assumptions which were his guide in interpreting the Bible.  Spurgeon’s foundation was the Word of God.  Spurgeon placed his faith in the redeeming act of God as they were recorded in the Bible.  In other words, the Scriptures were inspired and authoritative.  Spurgeon had adopted the major tenants of the Puritan faith.[61]  He believed that God was sovereign in creation, providence and redemption.  Therefore, the trials that plagued man’s life were not by happenstance, but rather divinely ordained.  Spurgeon emphasized that the fall of man had brought about sin and its consequences; misery and pain.  Therefore he stressed the human responsibility for suffering and characterized it as the devil’s activity.  However, he would also emphasize that the all suffering fell within God’s sovereign plan.  In other words, Spurgeon would stress that others bore the responsibility for suffering in the world although God remained sovereign over it. 

Spurgeon believed that Christ was man’s substitute in atoning for sin enabling man to be justified by faith in Christ.  For this reason God uses man’s infirmities to reveal man’s need of a Savior.  The cross of Christ was the supreme example of this principle.  The cross illustrated that believers did not have to pay for their own sinfulness.  It also shows that saints have not fallen in the hands of Satan; rather believers are in the hands of God.  Even in the midst of hardship and overwhelming sinfulness, God is gracious in that he suffered in their place and died for their sins in order to secure their salvation.  This would mean that a believer’s trial was strictly limited in its duration and scope for eventually ones suffering would give way to heaven’s guarantee of abundant eternal life.[62]  Spurgeon had suffered much, but he labored to affirm what he believed to be a proper perspective as he endured his personal sufferings.  He sought to declare that God’s mercies had delivered him from the penalties of sin, death and the grave. 

 Conclusion

Charles Haddon Spurgeon continues to resonate in the hearts and minds of thousands of men and woman all over the world.  He is history’s most widely read preacher for there is more material written by Spurgeon than by any other Christian author, living or dead.[63]  Spurgeon’s ministry has impacted the entire civilized world resulting in enumerable conversions and men surrendering into the gospel ministry.  Charles Spurgeon shaped the theological minds of great evangelicals make their mark for Christ.   Men like:  Dwight L. Moody, R.A. Torrey, J.W. Chapman, John McNeill, F.B. Meyer, Henry Varley, F.W. Boreham, and G. Campbell Morgan were some of Christendom’s most notable figures of modern times that greatly benefitted from Spurgeon’s ministry.[64]

Spurgeon’s influence on Baptists in America is too enormous to fully detail.  From the architecture of the Metropolitan tabernacle to the dramatic style of his sermon delivery, men in the states have sought to emulate and imitate the “Prince of Preachers.”  George W. Truett once remarked concerning Spurgeon’s influence in American society, “Mr. Spurgeon’s sermons may be found in more American homes than the sermons and pictures of any other preacher of this century, or any other century.”[65]    

What made this man so successful?  Why is Charles Haddon Spurgeon considered one of the most prolific preachers of all time?  Indeed, Spurgeon had been gifted with natural abilities as an orator and had the natural ability to mesmerize the crowds by mastering his words, yet Spurgeon’s success as a preacher was a direct result of the experiences he enjoyed as a believer in Christ and the commitments he made to necessary disciplines he valued in ministry.  Charles Spurgeon experienced a considerable amount of success within his London ministry, but it was not simply because it fell into his lap.  Spurgeon was reared in a home that loved Jesus.  Here Spurgeon was introduced to Puritan doctrines that would ultimately guide his faith.  As his parents diligently labored in Christian love to lead their children to Christ, Spurgeon found opportunity to respond to the Gospel of Christ.  Ultimately, the disciplines he learned and embraced as a young child proved critical elements that developed his mind for the work of the ministry.  Those things he learned as a child he diligently employed in the work of the Lord.  Perhaps man naturally seeks popularity and prestige while being enamored by someone in great position.  However, Spurgeon’s success was birthed from an authentic place of personal suffering not out of personal ambition to be “successful”.  His struggles in life shaped his ministry behind the pulpit and enabled him to reach the people of the world.  Indeed, Charles Spurgeon was a success in which young preachers would serve themselves well to learn and follow his example for his voice of truth continues to sound even today.      

 Does that surprise you?  Most of us would probably say, “No it doesn’t”.  In fact, many would say, “I am not that naïve or gullible.  Haven’t you heard you can’t teach an old dog new tricks or a leopard can’t change his spots?”  I suspect that most people are skeptical toward people who claimed they have experienced significant change in life.  I have found that most people today struggle to believe that that anyone can authentically change.  Ask anyone’s opinion and thoughts on politicians, celebrities, athletes, musicians, lawyers, reporters, co-workers and family members and see what people think about their predetermined vices.  They all have them don’t they? 

 What are the chances that the antics of Congress will change?  Would we ever expect a celebrity’s marriage to last?  Is the womanizing by athletes ever going to end?   Is the substance abuse of musicians going to cease?  Will lawyers stop lying?  Can we imagine a day that the media no longer has a liberal bias and agenda?  Will those slackers at work ever develop a strong work ethic?  Will my mom, my dad, my son, my daughter, my brother, my sister, aunt, uncle or cousin ever stop hurting me?  

For many today, wisdom is seen as learning to accept those internal struggles and circumstances that battle within us.  We are all familiar with those cravings rooted within our flesh.  These are those unholy and unhealthy appetites which characterize the fallen nature of man.  Often, the goal is adjust to them and adapt to them for tying to fundamentally change them is seen as an impossibility because the die is cast, the lot is fixed, our personality is assigned and there is nothing we can do that will alter who we really are.  Our culture declares, “That’s just the way it is.  We must come to terms that we are who we are and there is nothing we can do about it.” 

However, with all of this uncertainty and suspicion about the possibility of changing, there is still such a deep longing desire that people have to change.  There is a restlessness about life’s experiences and the circumstances people face.  We desire more than a life filled with self indulgence and vanity.  Often, we find ourselves discontent.  Therefore, the temptation is to change the things on the outside; we rearrange the furniture, paint the hallway or buy new clothes.  If that doesn’t do we think about changing where we live, our jobs or even consider changing our spouse.  In our society today, some even try to take on those fixed boundaries of sexuality and gender.  But as these things run their course, it is not the change that is ultimately needed which leads people to despair and trapped without hope. 

 So are the cynics right?  Is any real substantive change impossible for man to encounter? 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  II Corinthians 5:17

The Bible makes it clear; this life includes real, deep, personal change in life when we are found in Christ. 

Change is both needed and possible.  The change that we need is a change from living guilty lives riddled in sin to forgiven lives of trust in Christ.  To do this, we must repent of our sins and trust in Christ.  Relying fully upon Him can only happen by God’s grace through the preaching of His Word.  Down through the ages men and woman have continued to experience this great change.  An African man named Augustine heard a child’s voice while weeping under in the yard saying, “Take up and read, take up and read.”  Augustine, who had been living a disillusioned life, eyes immediately fell upon the writings of Paul found in Romans. 

 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  ¹²The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  ¹⁴But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:11 – 14

 Having read these words, Augustine got up a changed man.  In fact it would be Augustine that coined such expressions as “Love the sinner, hate the sin,” “Jesus Christ is Lord of all or He will not be Lord at all,” and  “there is a God- shaped whole in every person that only He can fill.”  God through the ages has changed many other people.  The list goes on and on.  God has used many ways to get His Word out in order for men and women to place their trust in faith in Christ.  There is a great change that the world desperately needs.

 It is high time, to awake out of sleep.  The night is far spent, the day is at hand.  Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.  Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh.Repent and believe in the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.

For me, my simple pleasures are quite simple:  I am a baseball fan.  In fact, it is no secret around here that I am a St. Louis Cardinal fan.  I enjoy the sights and the sounds of America’s past time.  There is no greater game on planet earth than the game of baseball. 

 I like to ride motorcycles.  There is something about getting on that iron horse and trekking down those back roads that gives me great pleasure.  On a given day, one might catch of glimpse of me tooling around town on my bike sporting my boots, my leather vest, or even my doo-rag and as odd as that might sound to some of us, I enjoy being a biker.

 I love the beach.  If someone were to ask me to pick a vacation destination, without hesitation I would say, “I want to go to the beach” and the more secluded the better.  I don’t need glitz and glamour.  I don’t want to spend all my resources of time and money on tourist shops and trappings.  Rather, give me a beach and a place to cover this bald head and I am happy. 

 I am a Skyline Chili and brownie kind of guy.  My wife often asks me when we are going out for dinner, “where do you want to eat?”  My response is usually, “I’m a simple man.”  Which means I don’t need to spend a lot of money out at dinner?  I am perfectly content with Cincinnati’s greatest comfort food, Skyline Chili.  I don’t need a sophisticated desert; it’s hard to improve upon a dollar box of brownies. 

 These are just a few of my simple pleasures of life.  These are not all of them, but I am sure we get the point.  There are some simple joys in life that add to the everyday pleasures of life.  Perhaps not everyone’s simple joys are not as simple as mine (some are downright complicated as far as hobbies and special interest goes) but we all have them. 

 However there are other joys in life that are in an entirely different league than those classified as simple joys.  There are joys we have discovered that would be better characterized as profound joys.  Profound joys are those joys that we commit our lives to.  Profound joys are the passions of our life. These passions in our life inflame us.  These are those things that create within an incredible excitement and enormous enthusiasm.  In some cases we obsess over the passions of our life because they instill in us something far greater than fleeting happiness.  Profound joys give our life meaning, they extend us purpose and they speak to the quality of life we enjoy. 

 There are several things that I am passionate about:  I am passionate about my wife and kids.  There is a profound joy that I have not just because I am a husband and father, but because I am Jessica’s husband and Jordan, Tanner and Madison’s father.  Life is not always easy, and sometimes they drive me crazy (as I do them), but I always look forward to going home because there is real love in our house and it is one of the greatest things I have experienced in life.  They are a profound joy to me. 

 I am passionate about the church.  Perhaps some think I say that because the church is my “job” and many are passionate about their career and vocation.  However, my passion for the church extends well beyond the opportunity for me to receive a paycheck.  I believe in the church.  I believe in our purpose, our process and our programs.  However, I am most passionate about its people. 

 However, my greatest passion in life, the greatest gift I have, and the most profound joy I have in this life, hands down is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Perhaps, one might expect a preacher to say that, but in great wonder and astonishment one may also fail to understand how that can be. 

 The Apostle Paul said, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:  And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.  And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”  

 As we come to the book of I Corinthians, we can appreciate the gigantic task that the Apostle Paul has before him.  He has been laboring to develop and put in order a dysfunctional people.  Prior to chapter 15, Paul has tackled the divisions existing between the players of Corinth.  Up to this point, Paul has hit their difficulties head on.  The diversity of problems and the need of discipline within the people are clearly evident. 

 However, when he comes to chapter 15, Paul pauses and he takes on (I believe) their greatest problem; Paul challenges their disbelief.  Charles Spurgeon once said that the greatest sin of the church is unbelief.  (Illus.  It is unbelief that robs Christians of their inheritance.)   However, I would take that a step further.  Think about it, the only sin that God is not able to forgive is unbelief.  Unbelief will not only rob us of profound joy in life, unbelief will send a man to Hell. 

 Therefore, I want to challenge your unbelief.  Notice the facts surrounding the Gospel.  The facts are plainly stated.  Paul first takes us to the cross.  There can be no doubt, Jesus died upon the cross.  This is not just a story in the bible.  This is an indisputable fact of history substantiated in other historical writings besides the bible.  But know this, the bible is a credible and reliable source for history. 

 We can have confidence in the Bible.  We can have confidence in its origin.  Although God used men to pen His Word, the Bible is not a book merely written by men.  In fact, God used more than 40 men, on 2 continents, in 3 languages in 12 different countries over a period of 1600 years to write the Bible.  Some writers like Moses and Paul received the finest education of their day, while other writers raised sheep, were fisherman and one was a tax collector (the low of the low).  Yet the Bible contains a collection of letters, sermons, poems, history, stories and prophecy from different men in diverse and distant locations, yet the Bible has only 1 theme and a single purpose.  It reads as if 1 author wrote it; which ultimately is what happened when the Holy Spirit inspired holy men of old.  (See II Peter 1)

 We can have confidence in the Bible’s proclamation.  One of the most unique things about the Bible is its prophecy.  Did you know that no other religious book or writing in the world has specific predictive prophecies like we find in the Bible.  For example: 

Isa 50:6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. 

 Psa 22:16    For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet

Psa 22:1 ¹    My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me

Psa 22:7 – 8 ⁷    All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, ⁸    He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

 Psa 69:21 ²¹    They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink

Isa 53:7 ⁷He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 

 Psa 22:18 ¹⁸    They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

 Of whom are these verses speaking?  Of course, the answer is clear, Jesus Christ.  Everyone of these verses were written in the Old Testament, but let me remind us that the Old Testament was completed 400 years before Christ was on Earth.  Mere coincidence?  What about the other 2000 prophecies in Scripture?  These prophecies are so specific that they leave no room for excuse.  No one would ever prophesy these things especially about how One would die, raise from the dead and ascend to Heaven.  How absurd would it be for anyone to predict that, yet according to the New Testament, it happened in the Life of Christ.

 We can have confidence in the Bible’s preservation.  Most don’t know of the fact that the Bible is the most accurately transmitted book from the ancient world.  No other ancient book has as many, as early or more accurately copied manuscripts than the Bible.  Most works from antiquity survive only a handful of manuscripts.  There are only 7 from Plato, 10 for Caesar’s Gallic Wars, and 20 for Tacitus.  Yet there are thousands of Old Testament manuscripts and thousands of New Testament manuscripts.  Most books in comparison have only 7 to 10 manuscripts.  The most secular writing is Homer’s Iliad at 643.  That means that the Bible is simply the best textually supported book from the ancient world. 

 Since there are so many manuscripts, we can look back and evaluate the accuracy of the Bible.  In a nutshell, after 1000 years of copying, there were no changes to meaning and almost no changes in wording.  Those words that had change were not substantive changes and would not lead anyone to a differing conclusion.  What this all means is this, we can have confidence in the Bible and in the Bible the facts are plainly stated; Jesus died, Jesus died for our sins, Jesus was buried and Jesus arose from the grave 3 days later. 

 These facts were plainly seen by friends, family, followers and even the early Church’s greatest foe, Saul the persecutor.  These are the facts surrounding the gospel, but I want us to take note about the fruit surrounding the believer.  Two things happen when you believe.  First, our salvation is secured.  We are from the penalty of sin (death), the power of sin (bondage) and ultimately from the presence of sin (Heaven).  Second, our stand is established.  We are rooted and given a security which stabilizes us in an unstable world.  Therefore as the Gospel is preached the Gospel must be professed.  In other words, jump in with all your heart for faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.

 The people of France gave the Statue of Liberty to the people of the United States over 125 years ago in recognition of a friendship established during the American Revolution.  Over the years, the attributed meanings of the Statue have grown until she has become the international icon of freedom and liberty.  The Statue of Liberty is the most recognizable symbol of democracy in all the world.

We have known her as the “Statue of Liberty” but her real name is “Liberty Enlightening the World”.  The Statue was completed in France in July of 1884, then disassembled and shipped to the United States.  She arrived in NY in June of 1885.  Once the pedestal in which she rests upon today was finished, Lady Liberty was re-assembled in four months and on October 28, 1886 President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty in front of thousands of spectators.

 The crown of Lady Liberty has seven spikes, symbolizing the Seven Seas across which liberty should be spread.  In her left hand she holds a tablet with the Declaration of Independence and in her right hand a torch, symbolizing liberty’s enlightenment.  But what many may not have realized because it is not visible do to the way she is positioned high upon that pedestal is that Lady Liberty is not standing still, rather she is trampling a broken chain while carrying Liberty’s flame. 

 In other words, freedom is not standing still.  The French artist depicted this symbolic feature to deliver a subtle yet significant message.  He intended to make a statement with a broken chain wrapped around the Statue’s feet.  The chain is protruding from the bottom of Lady Liberty’s robe and it symbolizes her free forward movement, enlightening the world with her torch.  As we gaze upon her the artist intended Americans to realize that liberty is moving forward for it is free from oppression.

 Patrick Henry, the great statesman of our Revolution asked, “Why stand we here idle?…I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”  He seemed to recognize that freedom is not standing still. 

 And so it is that we celebrate our freedom.  In the coming days we will celebrate our nation’s birthday.  Just as John Adams suggested over 200 years ago that we commemorate the signing of our Declaration of Independence with fireworks and celebrate the liberty we have in America with great pomp and pride, this weekend we will gather to celebrate our freedom.

 In like manner, we must gather here in God’s house on the Lord’s Day to celebrate our Liberty that we have in Christ.  Christ intended man to be free men!  In fact, Christ died to set mankind free.  Therefore, Christians from around the world must set aside Sunday day and celebrate the liberty we have in Christ. 

 But the question becomes, ”What is this liberty we celebrate and what are we to do with it?  If we are free, what are we free from?  If we are free, what are we free to do?”  Some believe that if we are free, we are free to do nothing.  I suggest that that is not freedom.  Freedom does not stand still!  Freedom is moving forward enlightening the world with liberty.  Therefore, may we resolve to live outloud the liberty Christ has afforded every believer.      “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Cor 6:20)

The Brown family entered my life for the first time while I was a student at Baptist Bible College in Springfield Missouri.  On one particular day of classes, Harold and his son Dan attended one of my ministry classes and offered practical perspective to aspiring pastors.  Harold and Dan were incredible ministers serving the people of Somerset Kentucky at Oak Hill Baptist Church.  Although, this was my first encounter with them, one of my classmates leaned over and shared with me their reputation; I was immediately impressed, intimidated and naturally curious.

My first real introduction came a few months later.  I was now serving as the youth pastor of Fairfield West Baptist Church and Dan had invited our ministry to attend LIFT; an up in coming camping ministry that was like none other.  Through the circumstances surrounding the planning and attending of LIFT (which still continues today some 16 years later), I fell in love with the entire Brown family and have forged one of my most intimate friendships in life.

However, on the day in which Harold called me, I never anticipated what I was about to hear.  “Hey Rob, I need you to find me a place that will let me jump out of an airplane.” 

My response went something like this, “Huh?”

Harold reiterated, “I want to jump from an airplane this weekend, can you help me?”

I could not believe what I was hearing.  I know people jump out of airplanes all the time.  Sky diving is often the preferred way adrenaline junkies get their fix, however I never would have guessed that my 70 year old ministry mentor would be asking me to hook him up in a tandem sky dive. 

Immediately my head began to spin.  I did not know whether I had a whole new respect for Harold or I had just lost all respect for Harold.  In any case I agreed to help him mark off another line item from his bucket list, but this is when the craziness turned to madness.  Harold continued, “You should come and do it with me.”    

Now he did it.  What was I to do now?  I have to be honest; the thought of me jumping from an airplane had never crossed my mind.  Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of things that I would love to do before the Lord comes or before I die, but jumping from an airplane was not one of them.  It all just seemed so, so…unnecessary.  I did not get the point.  Why would any perfectly sane person jump out of a perfectly good airplane at 13,000 feet?

Nevertheless, I had just agreed to set it all up and now Harold had asked me to join him in taking the plunge.  I began to scramble for an answer.  Then it hit me so I said, “If my wife signs off on the idea, then I am in.”  I thought to myself that this was the perfect answer.  I am a husband with great responsibilities in life.  I have young children that need a father.  I am a pastor which people depend upon.  I just knew that my wife would never be okay with me jumping from an airplane.  Therefore, I believed my response was brilliant.  I would appear as a caring and responsible husband, father and pastor once I declined Harold’s invitation to jump.  No one could fault me for putting my family and ministry first.  I could say no and save face.  No one could ever call me a weenie for being afraid, instead I would come off as a devoted and conscientious man that values personal relationships more than cheap thrills in life.

However, my scheme all unraveled with my wife’s response, “Sounds like fun; go ahead Hun, opportunities like this do not come along every day.”

Therefore, on May 22, Harold Brown, Bruce O’Neal (president of Manna Worldwide) and I put on blue jump suits, boarded a prop plane, ascended to 13,000 feet and we jumped. 

Regardless of how one might feel about the adventures of skydiving, my experience has placed many things in perspective.  The first thing that resonated with me is that life extends many opportunities.  Opportunities are usually seen as a favorable circumstance that offers some kind of advantage, but in the end they are all chances.  In other words, life offers us chances to achieve and accomplish the things we value in life. 

The second thing I learned is that we need to decide on the opportunities that we are going to take.  Life is full of decisions; the question becomes is this, when making the necessary decisions in life what do we base our decisions upon?  Is there a standard on which we measure the opportunities that have presented?  How do we know which fork in the road to take?

Finally, we must understand that some decisions we make cannot be undone.  Some decisions are so significant that once they have been decided, they will totally alter one’s future.  Regardless of whether we fully understand or appreciate the full impact of life’s choices, some decisions are irreversible; in other words, there is no turning back.  Therefore, choose wisely.   

Although some may see jumping out of an airplane as being careless and irresponsible, I see it as one of the most memorable opportunities of my life.  Sure, there was some risk (not as much as one might think), but this was a chance for development and growth which has afforded me a fresh perspective on making life’s decisions. 
Joshua 24:15  …choose you this day whom ye will serve;…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

 Therefore, Peter was a hard worker; a fisherman by trade he was accustomed to laboring on the water probably in a boat made of cedar and oak.  If you can imagine a vessel some 26 feet long, by 7 feet wide by 4 feet deep with a crew of 4 or 5 leather skinned men negotiating the Sea of Galilee, you can get a glimpse of what their days were like. 

 However, once Peter met Christ, everything changed.  It was Andrew, Peter’s brother and business partner, that led him to Christ and once that happened, everything in Peter’s life became radically different.  Simon Peter, became a Christ follower.

 Peter had boldly confessed that he believed the Lord to be the Christ, the Son of the Living God and along his journeys with the Lord, Peter had witnessed too many astounding things to think any differently.  Peter was there when Christ raised Jarius’s daughter from the dead.  Peter was there when Christ beckoned him to step outside the boat and walk on water.  Peter was there to see the feeding of the thousands, the healing of the diseased and the teaching of the multitudes.  Peter was an eye witness to all the miracles of Jesus Christ and was present during the Lord’s transfiguration. 

 Yet it was the resurrection of Christ that had its strongest effect.  But how could it not. 

• To be there in the Garden when the Lord was betrayed and then arrested,
• to watch from a distance the abuse and interrogation,
• to see the bludgeoned Savior die upon to a wooden cross,
• to know that His body was sealed in tomb of stone only to see that tomb empty accept the grave cloths that once wrapped our Lord’s body,
• and then ultimately seeing the risen King with your own eyes,
• touching Him again with your own hands and
• spending many additional days with Him until witnessing His glorious ascension to Heaven

How could one not be profoundly impacted?  These experiences enabled Peter to stand before man boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Christ.    

 Well pastor, that sounds great for Peter, but what about me?  I was not there.  I did not see those things.  Those events sound a little too good to be true.  If I experienced what Peter experienced I would believe as well. 

 Others may say, I believe.  I believe the Bible.  I do not question those miracles that Peter witnessed in his life.  I can see how it impacted Him.  This man that at one time denied Christ for the consequences of his association with Jesus, stands before thousands and boldly declares his faith in the Savior.  I get it and I believe it.  But I was not there.  I lack Peter’s confidence.  I lack his motivation.  I lack his desire and determination to share Christ. 

 Life is hard.  Like Peter, we all have families to support.  We are in a different culture and time but we are trying to live as Simon Peter lived; trying to make an honest living in an effort to provide for those you love.  Perhaps we are interested in truth; but the truth is we were not there.  We did not see what Peter saw.  We have not had the same experience.  Peter was profoundly impacted through the events of the resurrection, but can we be impacted in a similar manner since we were not there?  I guess the question we have is this, can our faith be as bold as Peter’s?  It is one thing to celebrate Easter and the Lord’s resurrection, but it quite a different story to live as Simon Peter lived; it is something different to live boldly for Christ.

 However, Peter writes, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”  I Peter 1:8-9

 This was a timely message for those who originally received Peter’s letter and for us today.  Rome was burned in 64 AD.  Nero was the likely suspect but he needed a scapegoat so he accused the Christians of starting the blaze.  Nero then launched a devastating persecution on the church.  The peril and suffering were unimaginable at this time and this was the time period in which Peter was writing this first letter.  In like manner, this world seems like it is on fire.  The flames are hot and spreading quickly.  Every dimension of our society is threatened.  Words fail to adequately express the heartache people are experiencing in today’s world.  Yet it is in this moment that we need to hear what Simon Peter says. 

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”  I Peter :1:13-16

 We must maintain a sober focus.  Once we have a relationship with Christ, there is a responsibility we have to Him.  We are to gird up the loins of our mind; we are to ready our minds for work.  This is no time to be lackadaisical.  We must not settle in complacency.  We must not wallow in mediocrity.  It is time to be sober minded.  We must not be under the influence of the world.  Literally we are to free ourselves from those worldly vices and become obedient children.  We are to be holy in all manner of conduct.  Ultimately we are to rest our full weight and our eternal hope on what lies ahead.

 Ancient Judaism avoided visual signs and symbols for fear of breaking the second commandment which prohibits making graven images.  But modern Judaism has adopted the Star of David which is a hexagram formed by combining 2 equilateral triangles.  It symbolizes God’s covenant with David that his throne would be established forever and that the Messiah would descend from him. 

 Islam, on the other hand, is identified by a crescent.  This image of one of the moon’s phases is said to depict the sovereignty of Muslim conquest, but ironically history reveals that the symbol predates Islam by several thousand years.  Modern legend sometimes claims that the points of the star refer to the 5 pillars of Islam:    Testimony of faith, prayer 5 times/day, almsgiving of 2.5% of individual savings, fasting during the daytime for 1 month during Ramadan and pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.       

 Beside mainstream religions, there are ideologies of the humanist which have their symbols as well.  For example, Marxism adopted the hammer and sickle in 1917 by the Soviet government from a 19^th century Belgium painting.  The images are to represent industry and agriculture.  They are crossed to signify the union of workers and peasants; the coming together of factory and fields.  The socialist believed that modern men with modern breakthroughs could usher in an Utopian society. 

 The swastika revealed the inability of man to save himself.  Although, the symbol is traced back some 6 thousand years, it was adopted by fascist as a symbol of the Aryan race.  Hitler took it over and became the sinister sign of Nazi racial bigotry. 

 When it comes to the church, we too have our symbol.  We have our visual image that represents and illustrates our history, our vitality and our Savior’s integrity.  Every week our symbol is displayed for all to see.  Although simply constructed and unadorned, it has a prominent place within our worship.  Regardless of those who focus upon it with their eyes, consider its implications with their mind, and/or authentically embrace it with their life, it remains clearly visible and unobstructed within our congregation’s physical view and (more importantly) within our spiritual grasp. 

 I want us to take a look at the Christian symbol.  However, I want us to do more than casually gaze upon the cross, I want us to fix our eyes upon it and consider its worth.  We are days away from celebrating the most sacred event of our Christian calendar.  Easter is not about bunnies, baskets, or Cadbury eggs.  It is not about egg hunts, family gatherings or even a special church service.  Easter is about the cross. 

 Early Christendom struggled to identify with our modern day symbol.  In fact, the symbol was initially avoided for being directly associated with the cross of Christ was both dangerous and shameful.  The early church was not that excited about being associated with the execution of common criminals.  To identify with such was socially taboo and Christians did not want to lose their influence and legitimacy as a movement. 

 The early church was also faced with enormous hardship and persecution.  To publically embrace the cross would seal ones fate.  Although, many would refuse to recant their faith in Christ and suffer a martyr’s death, they were unwilling to casually throw their life away by exercising careless piety and platitudes.  Therefore, early Christians identified other symbols that referenced their faith.

For example, early Christian motifs revealed images such as peacock (supposed to symbolize immortality), a dove, the athletes victory branch, or (perhaps the one we are most familiar with) a fish.  The ichthys (fish) was an acronym:  Jesus Christ Son of God, Savior which only the initiated would know what it represented.  The fish was used to identify a fellow believer.  As one would draw upon the ground with his feet, another would complete the sign indicating that he was a believer too.    

 However, the death of Christ was the central point of history.  Even though the cross was not the early universal symbol of Christianity, it has always been the central theme of the work of Christ.  The early Christian rightly understood that all roads of the past converged at the cross of Christ.  Of course then, this also meant that all roads to the future diverge at the cross of Christ.  This means that the cross is the pivotal point of history and it serves as the proverbial cross road for all humanity. 

 Therefore, by the second century Christians were drawing, painting and engraving the cross as the pictorial symbol of their faith.  Tertullian, the North African theologian, wrote about 200 A.D.

At every forward step and movement, at every going in and out, when we put on our clothes and shoes, when we bathe, when we sit at table, when we light the lamps, on couch, on seat in all the ordinary action of daily life, we trace upon the forehead the sign [the cross].

 But not everyone shares his sentiment. 

1 Cor 1:18 ¹⁸For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 

 The cross is a polarizing symbol.  Some criticize it while others cling to it.  Some brand it as foolish, while others call it faithful.  Some preach its message while others profane its messenger.  Some see it as the salvation of the Lord while others call it stupid religion of man.  To the unbeliever it is a meaningless symbol worn around the neck.  To the Christian it is a miraculous symbol carried in the heart.  

 The question becomes, “What do you ascribe it to be?”  Is the cross of Christ a foolish delusion or is the cross of Christ divine power from on High?

 Lyman Beecher began his ministry in Long Island New York and in 1806, Lyman gained notoriety after preaching a sermon concerning the historic duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.  History records that Hamilton, one of our nation’s founding fathers, was gunned down in that duel in defense of Burr’s honor and pride. 

 This fiery Presbyterian preacher went on to raise a large family in Connecticut, eventually served in Boston’s Hanover Church but ultimately came here in the Cincinnati area to pastor the Second Presbyterian Church of Cincinnati where Lyman Beecher is credited as being one of the leaders which led our nation into the Second Great Awakening.   (Today, this congregation is named Covenant First Presbyterian Church, 717 Elm St., 8^th and Garfield)

 In 1828 Ebenezer Lane, a Baptist laymen and a New Orleans merchant, along with his brother, William, pledged to finance from their business profits the establishment of a seminary in Cincinnati.  When the Baptists were unable to carry the project through, the Presbyterians assumed it.  So 1832, Lyman Beecher became the first president of Lane Theological Seminary in Walnut Hills where his mission was to train ministers to win the West for Christ. 

It was at this time when Lyman’s daughter was introduced to one of the professors of the seminary and she married him.  Perhaps we are more familiar with her name.  Harriet Beecher married Calvin Stowe, hence the name Harriet Beecher Stowe.   

 The Beecher’s time at the school came at a time when a number of burning issues, particularly slavery, threatened to divide the nation, the state of Ohio, and even the church.  In 1850, Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Law, prohibiting assistance to fugitives; prohibiting runaway slaves from being helped by sympathizers.   But Harriet refused to give up.  She supported the Underground Railroad and used her influence to make difference.  The Beecher’s sought more from life than success, they lived for significance. 

 On March 9, 1850, Stowe wrote to the editor of the weekly antislavery journal National Era, that she planned to write a story about the problem of slavery: “I feel now that the time is come when even a woman or a child who can speak a word for freedom and humanity is bound to speak… I hope every woman who can write will not be silent.” 

 Shortly after, in June 1851, when she was 40, the first installment of her Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published in the National Era.  In less than a year, the book sold an unprecedented three hundred thousand copies.  The book’s emotional portrayal of the impact of slavery captured the nation’s attention.  It added to the debate about abolishing slavery and aroused great opposition in the South.  Within a year, 300 babies were named after the character of her book in Boston alone and a play based on the book opened in New York.

 When asked by a reporter to comment on the nation’s reaction to her novel, she is said to have replied, “I only pray that God Almighty shall bring this cruelty to a swift end.”

 After the outbreak of the Civil War, Stowe traveled to Washington, D.C. and there met President Abraham Lincoln on November 25, 1862.   Legend has it that, upon meeting her, he greeted her by saying, “so you are the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war.”

 Of course the days that lay ahead were devastating to all Americans.  The country was in turmoil, families were broken and the future of America hung in the balance as the great Civil War ravaged our land.  Yet the Beechers refused to give up.    

 Eventually Lyman Beecher died in 1863 at the height of that great conflict, yet it was exactly 9 days after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which extended freedom to nearly 4 million slaves in America. 

 Harriet Beecher Stowe said this, “When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer; never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”

 Church, never give up!  I want this to resonate this morning.  Never give up!  Never quit living for significance.  I know the life is hard.  I know the journey is long, but never (and I mean never) never give up living for Christ.

 The Apostle Paul said it this way, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”  In other words, although the work is hard, don’t give out.  Even though the times are tough, don’t give in.  In essence, don’t give up.

Now, some believe what the Lord was suggesting is that Jesus came to extend to us worldly prosperity for mankind often equates “living life” with material wealth and circumstantial blessing.  However, that is reading into His statement that which He never intended.  Jesus never promised man such things; rather He simply promised us life; abundant life. (i.e., excessive life, superior life, superabundant life)

 So the question becomes, what does it mean to live?  Not only, what does it mean to live life, but rather what does it mean to be fully alive? 

We are people that want the best that life has to offer.  Well, how do I know if I am really living?  If asked, I am sure no one would want to squander time and waste their life.  No one would position themselves or purpose their days in such a way that they throw away their life.  Yet countless people in our world are doing just that; they are not really living.  They are not fully alive; they are merely existing.

 Again, Christ said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”.  God intends for us to be fully alive. 

 
Philippians 1:21 says,  “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  How does that look?  I think Paul said it best when he said, “…to Live is Christ”.  That is a pretty peculiar expression, “For me to live is Christ”.  Consider what Paul was suggesting.  First,  “to live” is a pretty interesting phrase.  The word “live” is an infinitive.  That means it is a verbal noun.  That is to say that it is a descriptive subject.  “To live”is speaking of full life and/or to enjoy real life.  Therefore, Paul is not talking about casual living but rather life at its best.  Paul is describing what it is to be fully alive! 

 What makes this expression so very interesting is to note Paul’s circumstances.  Paul is in prison when he writes this letter to the church of Philippi.  Originally Paul was a hater of the church.  His life’s ambition was to destroy the church.  Literally, Paul extended his life for the purpose of arresting, condemning and even murdering Christians.  However, on the road to Damascus, in route to decimate the lives of Christ followers, Christ Himself arrests Paul!  It was a monumental day in the life of the church when Paul accepted Christ as Savior for He then becomes the great ambassador of Christ and he sets out to establish churches all over the known world. 

 When Paul writes this letter to the Philippians, he is writing one of those churches that he established.  He is writing, because he can’t be there personally for he is incarcerated.  Paul had become a marked man.  Just as he sought to stop the church prior to his faith in Christ, others stepped up to stop him in his ministry.  As a result we learn through Scripture that Paul was:  falsely accused, beaten on several occasions, branded as an outlaw, stoned and left for dead, shipwrecked multiple times and spent an entire day in the deep sea fighting for life.  Now at the end of his life he is rotting in jail, all for the cause of Christ.  Yet it is in this context that Paul takes on this subject of being fully alive!  Despite all those hardships he endured, we discover Paul’s encouraging words to the church, “…to live is Christ.” 

 So when we read this expression, “…to live is Christ”, it should take on a whole different perspective.  But Paul not finished.  As he often works, he first lays the principle and then weaves in the practical.  Paul continues by adding “to die is gain.”  Perhaps this does not sound very practical.  In fact, upon first glance this sounds pretty radical if not unreasonable.  However, Paul has not lost his wits.  He simply is indicating that a long life is not the goal. 

 Psalm 139 indicates that our death is written in a book, but more important than that date is the substance of my life that is recorded as well.  Psalm 39 suggest that we should measure our days.  In other words, the only thing that matters in my life is if I lived significantly.  In essence, was I fully alive!  It does not matter: the house, the car, the job, the money or the prosperity experienced in life.  It is not how long we live, but rather were we fully alive!

 Let us be reminded that Christ died at the age of 33.  He did not come to live as long as He could; it was not the goal.  The Lord came to give His life up.  Perhaps Western culture would say, “He was only 33, what a shame.  He died way too young.  He died well before His time.”  How ridiculous would we be to ever suggest such?  Christ was not seeking a long life on earth, He was seeking significance.    

 Paul was also indicating that physical death is not our end.  In America, death is our greatest enemy.  However, the reality is that wasting our life is our biggest nightmare.  According to the Bible dying is our greatest gain.  Having this understanding positions our minds to accept that glorifying God is man’s greatest opportunity.  Therefore, no should rob us of the opportunity of investing our days well.  No one should distract from living life fully in Christ.  Jesus has come that we might have life, real abundant life.  He extends us the opportunity to be fully alive.  However, it only comes by Him. 

 This past week, I measured my life; I took inventory of my days and asked myself, “Rob, are you living for success or significance?  Is your life characterized by significant pursuits or is you life spent chasing the insignificant?”  It was in that moment that I reminded myself of all the things that I truly value and believe to be important even those things which I have “temporarily” put aside, pushed back or flat out neglected.  It was at that moment, in my defense, my flesh cried out, “I just don’t have the time.” 

 But then a thought occurred to me, “How much time have I had?”  So I counted and discovered that I have lived that as of March 6, 2011, I have lived 14,081 days on earth.  That means I have lived…

• 470 months
• 2011 weeks
• 337,866 hours
• 2,027,196 minutes
• 1,216,317,731 seconds as of

 It began to dawn on me that life is happening; it’s happening fast.  I am going to blink and it will be over.  Let me ask one more question.  What needs to happen before we begin to make a change?  I think many of us are waiting for something to fall from the sky and strike like lightening or for God to somehow grab a hold of us.  Some think that is when we will begin to do things different.  That is when we will be fully alive.

 No.  If that is what you are doing you doing, you are wasting your life.  Your life will change in a moment of decision like this one, when you reason and submit your life as Paul and recognize that to live, to really be alive, is Christ.  Therefore, let us submit our lives to the glory of God.  This is when man is fully alive.  Let us sacrifice all that we are for all that Jesus is.  We are never more like Christ than when we give our life away.  Let us serve Him faithfully for it is not about how successful we are but rather how significantly we lived.

 However, I am beginning to notice that more and more people are not satisfied with pursuing worldly success.  This discontentment has seeped in for many reasons.  First, some have tasted all the world can offer and it has left them completely disillusioned.  They have been the “lucky” ones in our society and have achieved great prosperity in this life, yet they would be the first to tell us that worldly success is not all that it’s cracked up to be. 

They will tell us that they had bought into the big lie of life and had pursued the pleasures of this world and had achieved them, yet they were left wanting and void of real satisfaction, joy and purpose.  Many have convinced themselves that real happiness comes from a high paying job which affords them influence and affluence.  However, although they can purchase the big house, the car of their dreams and the life experiences which only money can buy, there continues to be an unquenchable thirst for more. 

 Others are not satisfied with pursuing worldly success because they do not believe that success is possible any longer.  I am not a fatalist, but rather a realist.  Look around us today; this world is a mess.  Things continue to escalate in the wrong direction.  (Humanly speaking) This world is growing more and more unstable every day. 

 Just in the past few weeks, look at what the eyes of humanity have witnessed.  Egypt has just experienced a revolution and now we wait to see which way they will lead; will they become a partner of democracy or a state which supports Islamic extremism.  This has led and enabled Iran, the country that wants to blow Israel off the map, to send warships through Israel’s backyard.  Adenajad, the Iranian president, has publicly stated that he is in contact with the 12^th Imam which is probably best described as the Islamic anti-Christ and that his plans for cataclysmic events are progressing wonderfully.  While at the same time Moammar Kadafi has killed hundreds if not thousands in an attempt to keep his power in Libya.  Of course these instabilities have already cause oil prices to spike.  It’s alarming how our way of life is so closely tied to these uncertain events.  On top of that New Zealand and Mexico has suffered enormous earthquakes this week.  This world is coming apart at the seams as sin runs amuck on planet earth

 This world is a frightening place and it is causing many to think that real success is not possible for they long for something more than a life built upon vanity.  They desire real peace, joy and love not this lifestyle which appears to be a house of cards.  In essence, many are longing for something that is more substantial than the shallow superficial living that is so prevalent in today’s world.  They are tired of the diet of life that consists of empty calories from meaningless choices.  They long for something substantial.  They want their life to count.  They want their life to matter.  They are longing for something significant.

Many may not be aware of the fact that before I surrendered to the Lord’s call of ministry, I was an art major.  Perhaps all are not aware that all the publications of the church and logos designed have been created by me.  That is one of my simple joys in life.  I loved to create and to design.  Not to be too pious, but I am my Heavenly Father’s son, I’m His child, and I find pleasure in creating and making something new. 

 Every artist, upon completing their creation, the very last thing they do is sign it.  It is a significant signature which does 2 things.  First, it indicates that his work of art is complete.  Regardless of what others think of the finished product (good, bad, right, wrong or indifferent), it is done.  It is now ready to be critiqued, valued and judged accordingly.  Secondly, it lets all know who the artist is.  Regardless of the quality of that portrait, the artist will be forever tied to his life’s work.  So for those two reasons an artist’s signature is significant.

 I believe we are all artist of some sort.  We are all painting in life and are creating our own portfolio.  We want to live.  We want to play hard and really enjoy life.  We want to experience the best that life has to offer.  But in the end, when we are finished with our portrait, we want our lives to be signed with something that matters.  We do not want to be characterized as shallow superficial people that lived self absorbed lives.  We want more than that because living for worldly success is simply not enough.  We want significance.  When we sign our portrait, we want our name to mean something.  We want our life to matter.  We want our life to count.     

How does one live a life of significance?  How does one escape the mindless dribble of the world which conditions man to waste his life on the insignificant? 

 Think about it, so much of our living hinges on things that have no real eternal value.  For example, if we work 8 to 10 hours a day and sleep 6 to 8 hours a night, that only leaves 6 to 10 hours a day to pay the bills, go to the grocery, cook the meals, straighten the house, cut the grass, do the homework, shuttle the kids, maintenance the car and all while trying to squeeze in little bit of down time just to keep our sanity.  There are hundreds of urgencies that crowd our calendar and as a result we lose sight of the significant; like loving our spouse, investing in our kids and serving our God.

 What is the answer?  Paul writes, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:16-17

 This is a prescription on how we can live a life of significance and it starts by framing each moment we live in a proper context so we can ultimately leave a signature of significance.  It begins by allowing the Word of God to dwell in man. God’s Word must be present in life.  Ultimately, God’s Word contains the answers to significant living and it must dwell in us; it must inhabit us richly or abundantly.  That is to say that God’s Word must be present in great quantity within our lives.  Without immersing our life in truth, we cannot perform appropriately.  Therefore, without living truthfully, we will not live significantly.    

 Herein lies a great principle, the work of man cannot be done for God, if the Word God is not dwelling in man for it is the Word of God which identifies those things that are significant.  If we do not know the Word, our life will be spent pursuing insignificant things.  However, once we understand the principle, it leads us to our Christian practice.  The work of man is designed to illustrate the significant and as Paul indicates in Colossians our life declares it as a life’s song. 

 There will come a time when we will come to the end of our journey on earth.  I wonder how our names will be remembered.  May we frame each moment we live by signing it with significance.