Good Friday Meditations

“Let us stand beneath the cross of Calvary, and behold our Lord Jesus hanging there, and remember that His bleeding body was in alliance with the unsuffering Deity. Those wounds of His, that streaming, spear-rent side, was taken into union with the nature of the living and eternal God. The infinite merit of the Godhead was imparted to the sufferings of the manhood. Neither your sins nor mine can ever exceed the merit of the precious blood of Christ. If our sins be high as mountains, the ocean of His atonement, like Noah’s flood, covers the utmost summits of the mountains. It prevails twenty cubits upwards, till all the highest mountains are covered. Though our sins be never so crimson, the blood of Jesus Christ is more crimson, and the one washes out the other. Though our iniquities be never so dark and bitter, His death hath taken away the blackness and bitterness of our sins; and therefore it is that “He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.”" – Charles H. Spurgeon

“O wondrous, glorious cross! Blessed interpreter of God to us! Scene of the great self-manifestation, the great revelation of the mind and heart of God! O cross of Christ, tell us more and more of this grace of God! Preach reconciliation to the alien, pardon to the guilty, assurance of God’s free yet holy love to the dark and foolish soul! Speak to our hearts; speak to our consciences; pour in light; break our bonds; heal our wounds-all by means of your interpretation of the divine character, your revelation of the righteous love of God!” – Horatius Bonar

“The cross is a center in which many lines of truth meet. The cross is an incomprehensible mystery. That God should be manifest in the flesh, is the great “mystery of godliness.” That the Prince of life should be crucified, was an event which caused the angels to stoop from their celestial thrones, that they might gaze in amazement upon it. The prophets who predicted these events were perplexed at their own prophecies, “They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating, when He testified in advance to the messianic sufferings and the glories that would follow.”" – Archibald Alexander

“The atonement springs from the fountain of the Father’s love; He commends His own love towards us. We must not think, however, that the action of the Father ended with the appointment and commission of the Son. He was not a mere spectator of Gethsemane and Calvary. The Father laid upon His own Son the iniquities of us all. He spared not His own Son but delivered Him up. He made Him to be sin for us. It was the Father who gave Him the cup of damnation to drink. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. Here is love supremely demonstrated.” – John Murray

“The curse which Christ bore upon the cross was not a curse that wrongly rested upon Him; it was not a curse pronounced upon Him by some wicked human law. No, it was the curse of God’s law; it was a curse, therefore, – we tremble as we say it, but the Scripture compels us to say it – it was a curse that rightly rested upon Him. But if that be so, there can be no doubt but that the substitutionary atonement is taught in Scripture. The only way in which a curse could rightly rest upon a sinless One is that He was the substitute, in bearing that curse, for those upon whom it did rightly rest.” – J. Gresham Machen

“Any gospel that talks merely of the Christ-event, meaning the Incarnation without the atonement, is a false gospel. Any gospel that talks about the love of God without pointing out that his love led him to pay the ultimate price for sin in the person of his Son on the cross is a false gospel. The only true gospel is of the ‘one mediator’ (1 Tim. 2:5-6), who gave himself for us. ” – James Montgomery Boice

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For more articles on the Atonement and the Cross of Christ please click here.

Filed under: Charles Spurgeon, Doctrine, God, Jesus, Justification, Salvation, The Glory of God

Westminster Wednesday – Devotional

Wednesday is for books! Each Wednesday Pastor and People highlights books from the Westminster online bookstore. These books are excellent resources for Bible study and Christian growth and are offered to you at wonderful discounted rates. This Wednesday will be featuring books that can be used with enhance your devotional life from the humdrum to the glorious. Have a wonderful week!

Morning and Evening
Publisher: Crossway/Good News Publishers
Author: Spurgeon, Charles Haddon
ISBN-10: 158134466X | ISBN-13: 9781581344660
Binding: Hardcover
List Price: $19.99
Westminster Bookstore: $12.99 – 35% Off

For over one hundred years, Christians have gotten up and gone to bed with Charles Spurgeon’s devotional Morning and Evening as a companion. With a reading to begin and end each day throughout the year, you will come to appreciate Spurgeon’s emphasis on the importance of abiding in Christ and meditating on God’s Word. His wisdom and counsel provide a timeless guide through the trials and triumphs of the year. The richness of his biblical understanding offers readers a look into the heart of one of England’s foremost pastors and enduring Christian authors.

His lasting message is even more accessible with Alistair Begg’s careful modernizing of Spurgeon’s English. Begg, who has a deep love for Spurgeon’s preaching and especially for this work, has maintained Spurgeon’s clear passion and commitment to Christ. Using the English Standard Version as the scriptural text provides an accurate, understandable accompaniment to Spurgeon’s lessons. This updated version of a devotional classic is a timely and much-needed encouragement for today’s Christian. This is a wonderful classic that I personally use daily in my devotions.

Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Author: Bennett, Arthur G.
ISBN-10: 0851512283 | ISBN-13: 9780851512280
Binding: Paperback
List Price: $16.00
Westminster Bookstore: $10.56 – 34% Off

The strength of Puritan character and life lay in prayer and meditation. In this practice the spirit of prayer was regarded as of first importance and the best form of prayer, for living prayer is the characteristic of genuine spirituality. Yet prayer is also vocal and may therefore on occasions be written. Consequently in the Puritan tradition there are many written prayers and meditations which constitute an important corpus of inspiring devotional literature.

Too often ex tempore prayer lacks variety, order and definiteness. The reason for this lies partly in a neglect of due preparation. It is here that the care and scriptural thoroughness which others found necessary in their approach to God may be of help. This book has not been prepared to supply prayers but to prompt and encourage the Christian as he treads the path on which others have gone before.

Ancient Christian Devotional: A Year of Weekly Readings
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Author: Oden, Thomas C.
ISBN-13: 9780830834310
Binding: Paperback
List Price: $17.00
Westminster Bookstore: $11.22 – 34% Off

By helping us to read holy writings with ancient eyes, the church fathers help us drink deeply from the only water that can give us true life. This guide to prayer and reflection combines excerpts from the writings of the church fathers as found in the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture with a simple structure for daily or weekly reading and prayer.

There are fifty-two weeks of readings following the weekly lectionary cycle A. You can read through them in order or by thematic interest. Each day you will also find a simple opening and closing prayer drawn from the prayers and hymns of the ancient church. Come and find the deep nourishment God offers through the insights of this “cloud of witnesses”-the ancient church fathers.

For the Love of God, Vol 1: Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God’s Word

Publisher: Crossway/Good News Publishers
Author: Carson, D. A.
ISBN-10: 1581348150 | ISBN-13: 9781581348156
Binding: Paperback
List Price: $19.99
Westminster Bookstore: $12.99 – 35% Off

In a world that views absolute truth, right and wrong, and salvation as being subject to individual interpretation, the Bible’s unwavering proclamations and miraculous stories seem obsolete in modern times. But it is not God’s Word that has changed. Indeed, its relevancy and its power to transform lives are intact. What has changed is the number of people who consult it. Now more than ever the need to read the Bible, to understand the big picture of its storyline, and to grasp the relevance this has for your life, is critical.

As with its companion volume, For the Love of God, this devotional contains a systematic 365-day plan, based on the M’Cheyne Bible-reading schedule, that will in the course of a year guide you through the New Testament and Psalms twice, and the rest of the Old Testament once. In so doing, D. A. Carson completes the work he began in the first book.

In an effort to help preserve biblical thinking and living, he has also written though-provoking comments and reflections regarding each day’s scriptural passages. And, most uniquely, he offers perspective that places each reading into the larger framework of history and God’s eternal plan to deepen your understanding of His sovereignty–and the unity and power of His Word.

For the Love of God, Vol. 2: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God’s Word

Publisher: Crossway/Good News Publishers
Author: Carson, D. A.
ISBN-10: 1581348169 | ISBN-13: 9781581348163
Binding: Paperback
List Price: $19.99
Westminster Bookstore: $13.19 – 34% Off

More than a devotional guide, For the Love of God, Volume 2 will open the Bible to anyone who wants to:

- Understand Scripture in its context and the larger framework of God’s kingdom
- Know the God of the Bible
- Discover how He works in the world and in the lives of those who love Him

These daily insights will help you view the Bible for all that it is–both the inspired history of redemption, and the revelation of God and His character. In addition, this book’s through-the-Bible-in-a-year reading plan will renew your urgency not only to delve deeply into God’s Word, but to study it daily so that your mind will be shaped and informed by what God Himself says.

Filed under: Book Recommendations, Books, Charles Spurgeon, Church History, Devotional, The Christian Life, Westminster Books

Westminster Wednesday – Pastors and Preachers

Once again it is Westminster Wednesday at Pastor and People. Today I would like to recommend books that will greatly benefit the pulpit ministry and personal life of the man of God. These books provide excellent direction and practical advice for preacher and pastor.

Lectures to My Students
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Author: Spurgeon, Charles H.
ISBN-13: 9780851519661
Binding: Hardcover
List Price: $39.00
Westminster Bookstore: $27.30 – 30% Off

The substance of Spurgeon’s regular Friday afternoon addresses to the students of the Pastor’s College (founded by Spurgeon in 1857 to train others for the ministry), this new complete and unabridged Banner edition, newly typeset and smyth-sewn, contains all the lectures in the original first and second series, including “The Minister’s Self-Watch,” “The Preacher’s Private Prayer,” “The Minister’s Fainting Fits,” “The Holy Spirit in Connection with our Ministry,” “The Need of Decision for the Truth,” and “On Conversion as our Aim.” This edition also includes a third series of lectures, originally published as “The Art of illustration,” and Spurgeon’s Commenting and Commentaries, which contains two further lectures and a fascinating and often humorously annotated catalogue of commentaries.

God Centered Preacher: Developing a Pulpit Ministry Approved by God
Publisher: Christian Focus
Author: Reymond, Robert
ISBN-10: 1857928962 | ISBN-13: 9781857928969
Binding: Paperback
List Price: $17.99
Westminster Bookstore: $14.39 – 20% Off

Part 1 contains 8 chapters on the nature of preaching. The need for a:

1. Scripturally-Grounded Pulpit,
2. Rational Pulpit,
3. God-Centred Pulpit,
4. Theologically Articulate Pulpit,
5. Godly Pulpit,
6. Protestant Pulpit,
7. Evangelistic Pulpit,
8. Reformed Pulpit.

Part 2 contains 10 sample sermons each made up of a short preface, an opening prayer, the bible passage, the sermon, and a sample closing prayer. Sermons:
1. Where Does God Live? (2 Chr 26:3-4,16-21,Is 6:1,57:15)
2. Jesus’ Great Invitation (Mat 11:25-30)
3. Jesus’ Strange Question (Mk 10:46-52)
4. Choosing to Live on the Joy Side of the Christian Life (Lk 10:17-20 Mat 11:25)
5. The Immeasurable Greatness of the Love of God (Jn 3:16)
6. Martin Luther’s Text (Rom 1:16-17)
7. The Relevance of Christ’s Cause (I Cor 2:2)
8. Christ Has Redeemed Us! (Gal 3:10-13)
9. Seeing Him Who is Invisible (Heb 11:24-27)
10. What Will Happen When Jesus Comes Again? (I Cor 15:21-26)

Reforming Pastoral Ministry: Challenges for Ministry in Postmodern Times
Publisher: Crossway/Good News Publishers
Author: Armstrong, John H.
ISBN-10: 1581341792 | ISBN-13: 9781581341799
Binding: Paperback
List Price: $17.99
Westminster Bookstore: $11.69 – 35% Off

By its very nature the church requires an ongoing renewal by the power of the Sprit. An essential instrument in that process is the pastor, who must continually reform his ministry and seek Christ in the face of an ever-changing world. These writings by pastors from a variety of backgrounds will help spiritual shepherds recapture their focus and remind them of their practical needs as ministers of the gospel. It’s a resource that goes beyond theory to practically prepare pastors “in season and out” for God’s work.

Ministry
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Author: Brown, Charles
ISBN-10: 0851519318 | ISBN-13: 9780851519319
Binding: Paperback
List Price: $9.00
Westminster Bookstore: $6.30 – 30% Off

The life of the minister is the life of his ministry. It is to be deeply regretted that a low level of spiritual vitality greatly hinders the impact of even the most gifted ministries. Paul’s words to Timothy, ‘Take heed unto thyself ‘, continue to apply to all ministers of the gospel. Charles J. Brown was a man who took the Apostle’s words seriously. ‘An animated, incisive, and very spiritual preacher’, he was often asked to give addresses on the subject of pastoral ministry. This powerful little volume survives as a statement of what he saw as the essence of the gospel ministry-preaching with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven. Men of doctrinal earnestness, catholic spirit, tender hearts, and abiding prayerfulness, whose lips have been touched with a ‘live coal from off the altar’, have ever been the means of reviving the church and awakening the world. Only let the Christian ministry return to the apostolic rule of Acts 6:4 and the church will surely see brighter days. Includes a biographical introduction by Iain H. Murray.

Filed under: Book Recommendations, Books, Charles Spurgeon, Ministry, Pastors, Preaching, Westminster Books

Top 10 Preachers of 2007

While magazines and newspapers are publishing their top ten “everything” of 2007 I though I would publish my top 10 Preachers of 2007. Those preachers and pastors who have made the list have greatly impacted my life in 2007 by their sermons and writings. These men of God have pointed me to the cross of Christ and the glory of God in 2007 by explaining God’s Word. Thank you to all who made the list. If one of these men has impacted your life in some way in 2007 please let me know.

1. John MacArthur
I suppose John MacArthur would make any top 10 list of preachers. Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God’s Word, John MacArthur is a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. I have had in 2007, as a companion, the John MacArthur Study Bible in my daily Bible reading. Dr. MacArthur is a frequent visitor to my mailbox through his mailing list. I am greatly indebted to Dr. MacArthur for showing me how to be a pastor, preacher and man of God, thank you.

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2. Alistair Begg
Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry for 32 years. Following graduation from The London School of Theology he served eight years in Scotland at both Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and Hamilton Baptist Church. Since 1983, he has been the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. Upon my morning commute, Alistair Begg comes into my car through my radio showing me, through the Word of God, the beauty, simplicity and sheer grandeur of our great and holy God.

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3. Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was England’s best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London’s famed New Park Street Church. The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In 1861 the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle. I spoke with Spurgeon every day in 2007 through his timeless and classic devotional, Morning and Evening.

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4. R.C. Sproul
Dr. Sproul is the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries and senior pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel both based in Orlando, Florida. He is also featured daily on Renewing Your Mind, an international radio broadcast. Dr. Sproul has come into my home 12 times in 2007 through the monthly magazine, Tabletalk, a publication of Ligonier Ministries. I feed on his timely articles and thoroughly enjoy his daily teaching on Renewing Your Mind.

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5. Iain Murray
Iain H. Murray was born (of Scottish parents) in Lancashire, England, April 19, 1931, and educated at King William’s College, Isle of Man, and the University of Durham. He helped found The Banner of Truth Trust, was assistant to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and pastor for numerous years. Dr. Murray authored several books that were influencial to me in 2007 including, Revival and Revivalism, The Old Evangelicalism and Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography (which I try to read each year). Thank you Iain for your kind letters, pastoral advice and mentorship through the years!

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6. Derek Prime
Derek Prime is an itinerant minister and writer. A former president of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, Mr. Prime has served as a pastor for more than 30 years, the last 18 as minister of Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh. Derek Prime continually filled my mind and heart with 3 sermons I heard him preach at Parkside Church (Alistair Begg’s church) entitled, On Being a Pastor. These three sermons caused me to reflect on my life and future ministry as a pastor. I probably heard these sermons 10 times each in 2007. Thank you Derek.

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7. Eric Alexander
Dr. Alexander was born and educated in Glasgow, where he earned degrees history, philosophy and theology at the University of Glasgow. After 15 years in a rural parish in Ayrshire, Scotland, he spent 20 years at historic St. George’s-Tron Church in the city center of Glasgow, retiring at the end of 1997. Every time I could hear or get my hands on a sermon my Eric Alexander in 2007 I downloaded, purchased, bought or read it. He is a phenomenal preacher and man of God.

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8. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Martyn Lloyd-Jones was possibly the greatest British preacher of the twentieth century. His ministry at Westminster Chapel and his writings earned him respect and affection throughout the world. He had a decisive influence on many individuals and on evangelicalism as a whole. Dr. Lloyd-Jones lifted me often in 2007 into the throne room of grace through his numerous published sermons.

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9. John Piper
John Piper is the Pastor for Preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. John is the author of more than 30 books and is founder of Desiring God Ministries. Dr. Piper influenced me greatly in 2007 mainly through his writing. He lifts my heart to God in each sentence putting on display the glory of God in a way that is marvelous and joyous. He points me to the joy-giver, the Lord Jesus Christ.

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10. Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards was born into a Puritan evangelical household on October 5, 1703, in East Windsor, Connecticut. He was the fifth of eleven children born to the Rev. Timothy and Esther Edwards. In 1726, Edwards succeeded his grandfather, Solomon Stoddard, as the pastor of the church in Northampton, Massachusetts, the largest and most influential church outside of Boston. He is the author of numerous works, many of which are spoken of on Pastor and People. I read many of these marvelous works in 2007. In 2007 Edwards taught me how to be a disciplined man of God creating in my heart a desire for holiness in my personal and public life. He continues to be and will always be one of my favorite preachers of all time.

All of these preachers, and many more have made huge impacts in my life in 2007. I owe a great debt of gratitude to all of these men and hope to thank them all in Heaven one day. Again, if any of these men have impacted your life in 2007 I would very much like to hear from you.

Filed under: Charles Spurgeon, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Derek Prime, Iain Murray, John MacArthur, John Piper, Jonathan Edwards, Pastors, Preaching, R.C. Sproul

Charles Spurgeon and the Return of Christ

“But who can endure the day of His coming…? – Malachi 3:2

Christ’s first coming was without external pomp or display of power, and yet in truth there were few who could endure its test. Herod and all Jerusalem with him were stirred at the news of the wondrous birth. Those who supposed themselves to be waiting for Him showed the fallacy of their professions by rejecting Him when He came. His life on earth was like a winnowing fan that sifted the great heap of religious profession, and only a few could survive the process. But what will His second coming be? What sinner can endure to think of it? “He shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked” (Isaiah 11:4). In Gethsemane when He said to the soldiers, “I am he,” they fell backward. What will happen to His enemies when He will reveal Himself more fully as the “I Am”? His death shook earth and darkened heaven. What will be the dreadful splendor of that day when as the living Savior He will summon the living and the dead before Him? O that the terrors of the Lord would persuade men to forsake their sins and kiss the Son in case He is angry! Though a lamb, He is still the lion of the tribe of Judah, tearing the prey in pieces; and though He does not break the bruised reed, yet He will break His enemies with a rod of iron and dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel. None of His foes shall stand before the tempest of His wrath or hide themselves from the sweeping hail of His indignation. But His beloved blood-washed people look for His appearing with joy; in this living hope they live without fear. To them He sits as a refiner even now, and when He has tested them they shall come forth as gold. Let us examine ourselves and make our calling and election sure, so that the coming of the Lord may not be the case of fearful expectations. O for grace to discard all hypocrisy, and to be found of Him sincere and without rebuke on the day of His appearing.

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From Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Morning of October 15.

Filed under: Charles Spurgeon, Jesus