PM Edition for July 22

In tonight's episode of "Morning and Evening with Chuck Spurgeon," we reflect on John 19:5, which calls us to "Behold the man!" This profound invitation directs our gaze to Jesus Christ, particularly in His moments of deepest suffering and sorrow. The theme for this evening centers on finding comfort and joy in the contemplation of Christ's agony and sacrifice.

1. Invitation to Behold Jesus in His Suffering:

   • We are encouraged to draw near and behold Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, witnessing His heart overflowing with love and sorrow.
   • The devotional invites us to see His bloody sweat, the nails driven into His hands and feet, and the crown of thorns adorning His brow.

2. Unique Sorrow of Christ:

   • There is no sorrow like His sorrow, no grief like His grief. This unparalleled agony testifies to His boundless love and the price He paid for our redemption.
   • By contemplating His suffering, we find healing for our own sorrows and doubts.

3. Living in the Light of Christ's Death:

   • The reflection calls us to live in the light of Christ's death, finding dignity in His humiliation and joy in His sorrow.
   • To truly grasp the depth of His love, we must continually contemplate His suffering.

AM Edition for July 22

In today's episode of "Morning and Evening with Chuck Spurgeon," we explore the profound message of Jeremiah 3:14, which proclaims, "I am married unto you." This beautiful declaration speaks to the intimate and enduring union between Christ and His Church. The theme for this morning centers on the sacred and eternal marriage bond that unites us with our Savior.

1. Christ's Marriage Covenant with His Church:

   • Christ Jesus, in His boundless love, has united Himself with His people in a sacred marriage covenant.
   • Just as Jacob labored for Rachel out of deep affection, Christ has paid the ultimate price for His Church, ensuring her redemption and future glory.

2. The Church as the Beloved Bride:

   • Despite enduring trials and tribulations in this world, the Church remains the beloved bride of Christ, cherished and provided for by her heavenly Bridegroom.
   • We are encouraged to reflect on the deep and abiding love that Christ has for His Church.

3. Duties of a Devoted Husband:

   • Christ assumes all the duties of a devoted Husband, providing for our needs, covering our debts, and sharing His name and riches with us.
   • This divine marriage is eternal and unbreakable by death, surpassing all earthly unions in its purity and intensity.

4. Anticipation of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb:

   • We are reminded to find comfort and joy in knowing that we are eternally bound to Christ.
   • The glorious day of full consummation of this union will come at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

PM Edition for July 21

In tonight's episode of "Morning and Evening with Chuck Spurgeon," we delve into Psalm 42:9, which poignantly asks, "Why must I go about mourning?" This reflection invites us to examine the reasons behind our sorrow and to consider the hope that we have in Christ. The theme for this evening centers on finding joy and hope amidst life's trials and tribulations.

1. Reflection on Mourning vs. Rejoicing:

   • The devotional challenges us to consider why we often mourn instead of rejoice.
   • It questions our tendency to entertain gloomy anticipations, reminding us that night will turn to day and winter will give way to spring.

2. Encouragement to Hold on to Hope:

   • We are encouraged to trust that God never fails us, even in the darkest moments.
   • God's love remains constant, like mountains steadfast even when shrouded in darkness.

3. Purpose of Trials:

   • God uses our trials for our lasting good, similar to how a father disciplines out of love.
   • These afflictions are temporary and serve a greater purpose in shaping our character and drawing us closer to Him.

4. Joy in Tribulation:

   • We are urged to sing in the midst of tribulation and to rejoice even while passing through the furnace of affliction.
   • Our light troubles are momentary, and the eternal joy that awaits us far outweighs them.

Today, we journey back to a profound sermon delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London on January 8, 1888

The sermon we are exploring today is titled "The Secret of Power in Prayer," based on John 15:7, which reads, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." This scripture opens the door to a powerful understanding of the relationship between abiding in Christ and the effectiveness of our prayers.

In this message, I endeavored to address several vital themes, themes that resonate with the urgency and passion of the gospel message.

Firstly, we explored the essential call to abide in Christ. Just as a branch must remain connected to the vine to bear fruit, so must we remain in Christ to experience the fullness of His grace and the power of prayer. It is through this abiding that we grow in purity, joy, power, and blessedness.

Secondly, we discussed the transformative power of abiding in Christ's words. When His words dwell richly in us, they shape our desires and align our wills with God's. This intimate connection ensures that our prayers are in harmony with His divine will, leading to remarkable answers to our requests.

The third theme is the profound promise of answered prayer. "Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" is a bold and extraordinary assurance given to those who abide in Christ and let His words abide in them. This privilege is not a blank check for selfish desires but a powerful tool for those who seek to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

Moreover, we tackled the common struggle of feeling powerless in prayer. By emphasizing the necessity of continuous, living union with Christ, I urged my listeners to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Him, ensuring that their prayers are both fervent and effective.

Fifthly, I acknowledged the essential role of the Holy Spirit. It is not through human effort alone that prayers are answered, but by the mighty power of God's Spirit working through us, aligning our hearts with His purposes.

Lastly, the sermon was marked by passionate pleading. With fervor and heartfelt emotion, I appealed to all who would hear, to turn to Christ, abide in Him, and experience the incredible power of prayer that He promises to His faithful followers.

This sermon, "The Secret of Power in Prayer," is a reflection of my deep-seated conviction in the importance of a vibrant, abiding relationship with Christ and the Christian's duty to remain steadfast in Him. It combines theological insights with practical exhortations, aiming to inspire and empower believers to experience the fullness of God's promises.

So, without further ado, let us listen to the words that flowed from the pulpit that day. May they stir your hearts and inspire you to deepen your walk with Christ and discover the true power of prayer.

AM Edition for July 21

The devotional today encourages us to look with calm contempt upon our most formidable foes, knowing that they strive in vain against the eternal and invincible power of God. Just as the trembling citizens of Zion found boldness through faith, we too can stand firm, recognizing the ultimate futility of those who oppose God's will. Our enemies, though they may roar and swell, are but men—fragile and powerless in the face of the Almighty.

Key Points:

1. Reassurance Through God's Word: The citizens of Zion were reassured by the Word of the Lord, enabling them to shake their heads at Sennacherib's threats. Strong faith empowers us to look with calm contempt upon our most haughty foes.

2. Understanding Our Enemies' Weakness: Our enemies attempt the impossible by striving against the eternal life that cannot die as long as Jesus lives. They seek to overthrow the citadel against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. Their efforts are futile, and they injure themselves in the process.

3. Confidence in God's Power: We know that our enemies are but men—fragile like worms. When the Lord arises, they shall flee as chaff before the wind and be consumed like crackling thorns. Their powerlessness to harm God's cause may make even the weakest soldiers in Zion's ranks laugh them to scorn.

4. The Most High is With Us: Above all, we know that the Most High is with us. When He dresses Himself in arms, His enemies cannot withstand Him. If He comes forth from His place, the earth will not long contend with its Maker. His rod of iron shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel, and their very remembrance shall perish from the earth.

PM Edition for July 20

The devotional today recounts how Israel, despite witnessing numerous miracles and receiving God's varied mercies, foolishly abandoned their true and living God to chase after false idols. God, through the prophet Jeremiah, pleads with His people, questioning their decision to leave the pure and refreshing streams of His provision for the muddy and deceitful waters of Egypt. This poignant imagery serves as a warning to us, urging us to reflect on our own spiritual journey.

Key Points:

1. God's Proven Worthiness: By numerous miracles, varied mercies, and remarkable deliverances, Jehovah had proven Himself worthy of Israel's trust. Yet, they forsook their true and living God to follow false idols.

2. God's Plea: The Lord constantly rebuked Israel for their foolishness, pleading with them, "Why do you wander so far and leave your own cool stream from Lebanon? Why abandon Jerusalem to turn aside to Noph and Tahapanes?"

3. A Message for Believers: As believers who have tasted the goodness of Christ, we are called to remember the richness of our fellowship with Him and the joy of His presence. The fleeting pleasures of this world cannot compare to the deep satisfaction found in Christ.

4. Return to the Living Fountain: If we find ourselves drifting towards the empty promises of worldly pleasures, let us quickly return to the living fountain, Jesus Christ. Just as Rutherford noted, having tasted the manna from heaven, our appetite should no longer crave the husks of this world.

AM Edition for July 20

The devotional today encourages us to cherish the enlightenment and delight we find in Christ, even though it is but a foretaste of the greater joy to come. Our present experience of God's grace is like a single cluster from Eshcol, a small taste that whets our appetite for the full harvest of heaven. We are reminded that our current spiritual understanding is just the beginning, a glimpse that makes us long for the complete revelation of God's goodness.

Key Points:

1. Present Enlightenment and Joy: What joy and consolation are experienced by the one who relies on Jesus alone. Yet, our understanding of Christ's preciousness in this life is incomplete. As an old writer says, "It's just a taste!" The little we know of His sweetness makes us long for more.

2. Firstfruits of the Spirit: We have enjoyed the firstfruits of the Spirit, which make us hunger and thirst for the fullness of the heavenly bounty. Here, we are like Israel in the wilderness with only a single cluster from Eshcol; there, we shall be in the vineyard.

3. Future Fulfillment: Our spiritual education has just begun. Although we have learned the basics, we cannot yet fully comprehend the glory that awaits. Soon, every wish shall be satisfied, and all our abilities will find the sweetest employment in that eternal world of joy.

4. Heavenly Anticipation: Imagine heaven for a few years. In a very short time, you shall be free from all your trials and troubles. Your eyes, now filled with tears, shall weep no more. You shall gaze in indescribable rapture upon the splendor of Him who sits on the throne. More than that, you shall sit upon His throne. The triumph of His glory shall be shared by you; His crown, His joy, His paradise—all these shall be yours, and you shall be co-heir with Him who is the heir of all things.

PM Edition for July 19

Tonight’s scripture from Matthew 12:20 beautifully captures the gentle and compassionate nature of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our theme for this evening revolves around Christ's tender care for the weak and fragile among His followers.

The devotional today encourages us to find comfort in the tenderness of Jesus. We are reminded that even in our most fragile state, whether like a bruised reed or a smoldering wick, Jesus treats us with utmost care and compassion. While some of God's children are strong and capable of mighty deeds, many of us feel weak, timid, and easily overwhelmed by life's challenges. Yet, it is precisely for the weak and fearful that this promise is made.

Key Points:

1. Jesus' Compassion for the Weak: A bruised reed and a smoldering wick are metaphors for those of us who feel fragile and weak. A reed that grows in the marshes is so fragile that the lightest touch can snap it, and a smoldering wick is barely holding onto a spark. Despite their fragility, Jesus promises not to break the bruised reed or snuff out the smoldering wick.

2. Tenderness Over Scolding: Some of God's children are strong, like Samsons who can perform mighty acts. However, the majority of His people are timid and fearful. They are easily frightened and often feel overwhelmed. Jesus, in His infinite compassion, does not scold us for our weaknesses but instead offers gentle support and reassurance.

3. Comfort in His Promise: This promise is made especially for those who feel weak and fragile. It reveals the grace and kindness of Jesus, who is gentle, tender, and considerate. We need never fear His touch or harsh words. His approach is always filled with love and understanding.