Kootenai Community Church on Theolexicahttps://theolexica.com/tags/kootenai-community-church/Recent content in Kootenai Community Church on TheolexicaHugo -- 0.134.3en-usFri, 05 Jun 2026 17:54:51 +0000The Spurgeon Conferencehttps://theolexica.com/posts/spurgeon-conference-notes/Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:54:51 +0000https://theolexica.com/posts/spurgeon-conference-notes/<h2 id="conference-details">Conference Details</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://kootenaichurch.org/product/2026-equipping-conference-with-phil-johnson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2026 Equipping Conference: The Spurgeon Conference</a> </li> <li>Speaker: Phil Johnson</li> <li>June 5-5, 2026</li> </ul> <h2 id="spurgeon-quick-facts">Spurgeon quick facts</h2> <ul> <li>1834–1892 (Victorian England)</li> <li>Known as “The Prince of Preachers.”</li> <li>Became pastor of New Park Street Chapel in London at age 19.</li> <li>Preached to thousands weekly before microphones existed.</li> <li>Led the Metropolitan Tabernacle, one of the largest churches of his day.</li> <li>Sermons were transcribed and published worldwide, eventually exceeding 3,500 sermons and dozens of books.</li> <li>Strongly Reformed/Calvinistic but intensely evangelistic.</li> <li>Converted at age 15 after hearing a simple sermon on Isaiah 45:22: “Look unto me, and be ye saved.”</li> <li>Founded a pastors’ college, orphanages, and numerous ministries.</li> <li>Battled severe depression and chronic illness throughout much of his ministry.</li> <li>Opposed theological liberalism in the famous “Downgrade Controversy.”</li> <li>Often called the last great Puritan, though he lived 150+ years after the Puritans.</li> </ul> <h2 id="session-1-spurgeon-the-soul-winner">Session 1: Spurgeon the Soul Winner</h2> <ul> <li>Converted on Jan 6 1850 when he was 15.</li> <li>Began preaching almost immediately. <ul> <li>Preached his first sermon to the London congregation at 19.</li> <li>Never attended university or seminary. <ul> <li>Many circumstances that led to maturity early.</li> <li>Father and grandfather were pastors.</li> <li>Especially gifted - devoured books and remembered them well <ul> <li>did not take notes in his books - memory too good</li> </ul> </li> <li>became a book collector <ul> <li>Spurgeon library sould to William Jewel College shortly after his death <ul> <li>sold to <a href="https://www.mbts.edu/venue/spurgeon-library/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary</a> </li> <li>best place to go see Spurgeon stuff</li> </ul> </li> <li>books shaped Spurgeon</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>very popular sermons <ul> <li>made lots of money from selling them &ldquo;Penny Pulpit&rdquo;</li> <li>gave most of that money away to university he founded, orphanage he founded, widows, etc.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Mary King - housekeeper at his boarding school <ul> <li>Spurgeon - the greatest influence on my theology <ul> <li>&ldquo;I learned more from her than I would from any six doctors of theology we have nowadays.&rdquo;</li> </ul> </li> <li>strong calvinist who loved the doctrines of grace</li> <li>One of the elderly women Spurgeon supported her in her old age.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Spurgeon joined the same church as Mary King <ul> <li>relatively dead church</li> <li>pastor was not pastoral</li> <li>wanted to be baptized (even though Father and Grandfather taught infant baptism) <ul> <li>convinced from reading Baptist theology as a 14yo (before conversion)</li> <li>found a pastor 8 miles away</li> <li>wrote to parents for approval <ul> <li>granted, but a warning from his parents: don&rsquo;t trust in your baptism.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Baptized May 3, 1850 <ul> <li>became a bold witness to Christ from this point forward.</li> <li>wrote that baptism loosened his tongue and he has not been quiet since.</li> <li>partook of the Lord&rsquo;s Supper for the first time that next week</li> </ul> </li> <li>committed to baptism but not to Baptist denomination</li> </ul> </li> <li>began teaching young boys in SS <ul> <li>This became a key influence on his teaching.</li> <li>Spurgeon - learning to teach to young boys made him a good preacher and helped him to keep an audience engaged.</li> <li>Spurgeon - a good illustration will stick in the mind and drive home the point long after the sermon is forgotten</li> </ul> </li> <li>tricked into his first sermon <ul> <li>Spurgeon - thankful to just get through the sermon</li> <li>Ppl - sermon was very good and beneficial to us</li> <li>Naturally gifted as a preacher <ul> <li>voice was never recorded - technology existed, but was never recorded</li> </ul> </li> <li>preaching was theologically rich</li> </ul> </li> <li>Waterbeach Chapel 1851 <ul> <li>preached/pastored there for 2 years</li> <li>first experience of preaching and pastoring</li> <li>first convert here <ul> <li>Spurgeon - this is my most prized convert. God saved a soul through my ministry.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Decided he needed to go to college <ul> <li>President Angus of baptist college and cambridge met with Spurgeon <ul> <li>both waited in another room for another but never saw each other due to miscommunication</li> </ul> </li> <li>Spurgeon gave up thoughts of going to college and made plans to serve wherever God put him.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Preaching fame spread</li> </ul> </li> <li>New Park Street Chapel (Baptist Church) <ul> <li>John Gill, famous pastor there before Spurgeon <ul> <li>very good commentator but in theology a bit hyper-calvinist</li> <li>set some baptists down a wrong path with hyper calvinism</li> <li>pastor for 51 years there</li> <li>died 1771 (cf Spurgeon dates 1834-1892)</li> </ul> </li> <li>Spurgeon - church building in a terrible location. This is an indictment on the wisdom and miserliness of the deacons who purchased the cheapest plot of land they could find. <ul> <li>Industrial area - breweries, vinegar factories and no residential area close</li> <li>On other side of toll, so no cabs</li> <li>Low spot on Thames, so always stunk and occasionally flooded</li> <li>No public transport</li> </ul> </li> <li>Rippon <ul> <li>Pastor immediately before Spurgeon</li> <li>pastor for 63 years</li> <li>first to introduce a Baptist Hymnal - <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120731090022/http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/r/i/p/rippon_j.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rippon&rsquo;s selections</a> , key source of some of our modern hymns</li> </ul> </li> <li>Church invited Spurgeon to come preach because they were looking for a pastor. <ul> <li>Deacon at Waterbeach encouraged Spurgeon to move to London due to his gifts. Don&rsquo;t bury them in Waterbeach.</li> <li>Asked to preach in the oldest and most venerable baptist church at 19 years old</li> <li>Had never been to London <ul> <li>looked like a country bumpkin</li> <li>church put him up in a boarding house 2 miles from the church in a bad area.</li> <li>Spurgeon remembered the bad experience 25 years later</li> <li>London at this point was a bleak place <ul> <li>the time of Dickens</li> <li>extreme poverty</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>preached from James 1:17 - every good gift is from above <ul> <li>deacons impressed - &ldquo;church will be full in three months if Spurgeon stays</li> <li>people refused to leave the building until they promised Spurgeon would return</li> <li>promised that he would return three times <ul> <li>on that final sunday asked him to stay as interim for 6 months, would be a probationary period</li> <li>Spurgeon countered with 3 months and they accepted</li> <li>Probationary period was not reached, offered and accepted before it was up. <ul> <li>welcomed by the church, but not by the Baptist denomination</li> <li>nervousness over the youth of the young phenom</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2 id="first-qa">First Q&amp;A</h2> <ul> <li>What was final outcome of legal issues with state of California after Covid? <ul> <li>Better than expected</li> <li>Grace Church won every legal battle. <ul> <li>Even the removal of renting of the parking lots was overturned as vindictive.</li> <li>County had to pay a settlement to Grace</li> </ul> </li> <li>Church grew because they were constantly in the news and other churches were closed.</li> <li>MacArthur was surprisingly accurate throughout time. <ul> <li>From Driscoll to wokeism.</li> <li>9Marks guys outspoken critics of Macarthur on Covid cf <a href="https://www.9marks.org/article/a-time-for-civil-disobedience-a-response-to-john-macarthur/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jonathan Leeman&rsquo;s Article</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>What is GTY and Grace like without John? <ul> <li>GTY suprisingly similar. Everything the same. John was not essential to GTY. <ul> <li>GTY going to be the same regarding speaker (a la Martin Lloyd Jones)</li> </ul> </li> <li>Phil Johnson is 73. <ul> <li>has been at GTY for 43 years.</li> <li>would like to make it to 45, but prob done then. If he gets pressed into retirement, fine.</li> </ul> </li> <li>GCC <ul> <li>Would take up to 2 years to find a replacement for John Macarthur. How is it going? <ul> <li>Assumed ppl that are driving 80+ miles for MacArthur would go to other local churches. Should let things settle before calling new guy so he is not blamed for decline.</li> <li>Attendance has not declined.</li> <li>Have started convo after Shepherd&rsquo;s Conference with who to find.</li> <li>Have had three 8 hour meetings <ul> <li>All of the elders surprised at how easily and unified the convos have gone. Not far from deciding who the next pastor is. Should be announced in next few months.</li> <li>All elders submit nominees and work from there.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>What was John MacArthur like in private? <ul> <li>John is great. Meet your heros is not true with this.</li> <li>How to survive as John&rsquo;s coworker: do not do small talk. He doesn&rsquo;t care. Talk ministry, theology, and important stuff.</li> <li>John not going to complain about physical ailments. <ul> <li>Went into surgery without anyone but his wife knowing.</li> <li>PJ: You wouldn&rsquo;t tell me if you had terminal cancer and were dying next week. JM: You are right.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Similarities between John MacArthur and Charles Spurgeon <ul> <li>Same birthday June 19</li> <li>Both died of liver-related issues.</li> <li>Both very prolific in preaching and writing.</li> <li>Both very involved in surrounding ministries like college, seminary, and other institutions.</li> <li>John MacArthur had more support staff than Spurgeon. <ul> <li>maybe JM a bit more prolific because of that</li> </ul> </li> <li>John and Spurgeon both very hard workers.</li> <li>John MacArthur did not like modern technology and distrusted it. Spurgeon would have liked it and used it effectively. <ul> <li>John had no social media.</li> <li>MacArthur scold PJ for being involved in it too much.</li> <li>MacArhur would be informed about online controversies, but it was generally second hand.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Single greatest strength that the other did not have? <ul> <li>Macarthur - verse by verse exposition <ul> <li>Spurgeon not a verse by verse expositor</li> </ul> </li> <li>Spurgeon - his ability to know who could be trusted and who could not <ul> <li>John trusted everyone to a fault</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Could spurgeon and macarthur pastor a church together? <ul> <li>no, they would have agreed that no one church needed two pastors like them. They should part ways and minister to more people.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Spurgeon well known for extemporanous preaching. Could JM do that? <ul> <li>John could have done that, but did not.</li> <li>Wrote out full manuscripts in felt-tip pens. Highlighted important points in red felt tip pen.</li> <li>Didn&rsquo;t really look down at his notes. His wording was extemporaneous. <ul> <li>When PJ editing books, would look at the notes for pieces left out of the sermon.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>MacArthur dispensationalist. Spurgeon not. <ul> <li>Early in dispensationalism was tangled up a lot of bad theology (lots that would lead to the non-Lordship view.)</li> <li>Spurgeon concerned about the hints to antinomianism.</li> <li>Spurgeon concerned about <a href="https://archive.org/details/dispensationaltr0000clar_o0h0/mode/1up" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Larkin</a> and the idea that God deals with people differently according to the different dispensations.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Gospel According to Jesus <ul> <li>Moody contract - dropped by Moody because it disagreed with Ryrie who was Moody&rsquo;s best selling author</li> <li>Zondervan called the next day and took the contract for two months and made it the basis of a marketing push. <ul> <li>Became a best selling book, only theological book to do that.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Was Spurgeon a charismatic? <ul> <li>prone to mysticism <ul> <li>eg. Spurgeon make an illustration about someone&rsquo;s conscience is pricked from stealing gloves. Turns out someone had stolen gloves.</li> <li>Spurgeon would call it a prophecy.</li> <li>PJ would call it a profound providenceo.</li> <li>happened a few times in Spurgeons life.</li> </ul> </li> <li>not a charismatic in the modern sense at all</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2 id="session-2-charles-and-susannah">Session 2: Charles and Susannah</h2> <ul> <li>Susannah Thompson <ul> <li>Opposite of Spurgeon</li> <li>Upscale and stylish city girl</li> <li>Unbeliever at this time</li> <li>First impression of Spurgeon on his first Sunday evening - he was a country bumpkin and funny looking.</li> <li>2 years older than Spurgeon</li> </ul> </li> <li>Spurgeon&rsquo;s country bumpkin-ness was something to work on <ul> <li>Complaint/amusement by many - Susie, deacons, etc</li> <li>He dropped his blue polkadotted pocket square for white ones when the deacons purchased him a dozen white ones</li> </ul> </li> <li>Deacon Olney pushed Spurgeon to success at New Park Street Chapel <ul> <li>recruited Susie and others to come to the evening service on the first sunday.</li> <li>Spurgeon called him &ldquo;the model deacon&rdquo;</li> <li>introduced Susie and Spurgeon <ul> <li>immediate attraction between them during Spurgeon&rsquo;s interim period</li> <li>Spurgeon became the pastor on April 20.</li> <li>Spurgeon gave her a book the next day with a personal note the next day.</li> <li>Susie converted in his first month there.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Relationship <ul> <li>Opening of the Crystal Palace <ul> <li>Spurgeon and Susie and many friends there for the opening.</li> <li>40,000 people there. Queen there, etc.</li> <li>Spurgeon reading <a href="https://archive.org/details/tuppersproverbia00tupp/page/n8/mode/1up" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tupper&rsquo;s Proverbial Philosophy</a> <ul> <li>Passe at this point.</li> <li>section on marriage in it.</li> <li>Spurgeon asked her - what do you think about this section, &ldquo;Pray for your spouse&rdquo;?</li> <li>Susie blushed and could not think about the gala.</li> <li>Walked around the grounds together</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Engaged two months later, August 2nd <ul> <li>Susie &ldquo;dreary and unromantic place&rdquo;, but now I consider it a sacred place.</li> <li>Spurgeon baptized her during the engagement.</li> <li>Regularly met at the Crystal Palace for walks together.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Married 15 months later (Jan 8, 1856)</li> <li>Pregnant with twins in September 1857 <ul> <li>Susie permanently injured after birth.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Basically permanently homebound by 1868 <ul> <li>Spurgeon had to travel to warmer climates due to his health, so they were often separated.</li> <li>She went with him on his final three month trip before his death. <ul> <li>Recalled as her favorite period of life.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Spurgeon died in France <ul> <li>Susie gave a prayer of thanksgiving to the gift God had given her.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Letters <ul> <li>became a primary way for them to &ldquo;be with&rdquo; one another since he travelled so much</li> <li>his letters are full of affection and devotion</li> <li>wrote to her almost every day of his life</li> </ul> </li> <li>Time together <ul> <li>Favorite activity of Susie was sitting with Spurgeon while he worked since he was always working. <ul> <li>silence but presence</li> </ul> </li> <li>She was a help to him in the home and for his study</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2 id="session-3-afflicted-but-not-crushed">Session 3: Afflicted, but not Crushed</h2> <ul> <li>Spurgeon suffered with depression throughout his life. <ul> <li>unsure of the cause <ul> <li>weight of responsibility?</li> <li>physical malady?</li> <li>constant criticism and attacks from 19yo through the rest of his life</li> <li>social hardship (time of Oliver Twist)</li> <li>fundamental disposition</li> <li>unhealthy atmosphere of London (&ldquo;miasma&rdquo;, cholera, sewage, Jack the Ripper and crime)</li> <li>involvement in many controversies through his life</li> </ul> </li> <li>be aware of overdoing it <ul> <li>does not have marks of depression as we think of it.</li> <li>one of the most productive pastors in church history</li> <li>shows humor very often</li> <li>focused on others and gives them help <ul> <li>letter sent with a widow to the deacons &ndash; this woman needs some help. I think we ought to help her. However, &ldquo;be forewarned that she talks like a parrot with its tail on fire.&rdquo;</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Spurgeon said he had a &ldquo;perpetual struggle with sadness&rdquo;.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Struggled with this from childhood. <ul> <li>Sent to live with his grandparents from 18 months. <ul> <li>25 miles away</li> </ul> </li> <li>Spurgeon did not return to live at home until he was 8. <ul> <li>Spurgeon always spoke affectionately about his mother, but something must have been strained there.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Spurgeons mother gave birth to 17 children. Only 9 survived.</li> <li>Seems like his mother suffered from some sort of infirmity.</li> <li>Mainly cared for by his Aunt. <ul> <li>She taught him to read when he was 3.</li> </ul> </li> <li>He was reading the puritans by the time he was 8. <ul> <li>Pilgrim&rsquo;s Progress was his favorite book. He felt like the burdened Pilgrim.</li> <li>felt the weight of sin and condemnation that was out of proportaion to his age</li> <li>At a young age he had a lot of solitude. <ul> <li>Would hide in a tomb in the graveyard.</li> <li>&ldquo;To be alone was my boyish heaven&rdquo;</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Spurgeon kept this private struggle private, even with a father and grandfather who were capable pastors.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Spent five years searching for salavation. <ul> <li>Refused to deal superficially with matters of guilt and divine judgement.</li> <li>Listened to sermons, read books, refused to allow mental knowledge to substitute for real faith</li> <li>Called these five years the greatest depression of his life.</li> <li>Recalled that this made him an effective soul winner. He could articulate the fear and angst of the lost and point to the way to salvation.</li> <li>Saved at 15 - poor message on the simplicity of the gospel. The preacher called him out directly and told him that he looked miserable.</li> <li>recognized the joy of heaven in his forgiveness.</li> <li>began to speak of the mercies of God almost immediately</li> </ul> </li> <li>Began meeting in Exeter Hall 5 years after taking the New Park Street Chapel due to large crowds. <ul> <li>bitter criticism <ul> <li>made him a bit melancholy</li> <li>learned to take the abuse</li> </ul> </li> <li>received large praise <ul> <li>made him more melancholy</li> <li>never became accustomed to praise</li> <li>made him feel inadequate and a need to work harder</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Decision to build the Metropolitan Tabernacle <ul> <li>one of the busiest intersections in London</li> <li>preached at Surrey Gardens Music Hall to 12000 people <ul> <li>at the end of the pastoral prayer, some shouted &ldquo;Fire!&rdquo; <ul> <li>7 killed, 28 seriously injured</li> </ul> </li> <li>attacked afterward that it was his ego of gathering sich large crowds that led to this disaster</li> <li>22 when this happened</li> <li>shock never left him <ul> <li>would call his reaction to this today as PTSD.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Did not have a strong physical constitution <ul> <li>lifelong health problems especially with his liver and kidneys</li> <li>pain from rheumatism, gout, sciatica, etc. <ul> <li>in relatively constant pain during winters</li> <li>health worsened every winter - began at age 37 to take a vacation every winter to southern France</li> <li>said cigars gave him relief - so maybe don&rsquo;t trust his medical advice</li> <li>eg letter to congregation when invalided in France: &ldquo;know that if this soldier could stand, he would march&rdquo;. Lord willing, I will be able to get out of bed and return in two weeks.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Constantly preached to downcast people. <ul> <li>made the encouragements and promises of the gospel more prominent than the condemnation</li> <li>make the good news of the gospel stand out</li> </ul> </li> <li>One passage that he preached on at least 10 times <ul> <li>Spurgeon generally only preached a text once. <ul> <li>Preached excerpts from every book of the Bible except 2 John.</li> <li>Did not repeat sermons even when traveling.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Exception: Isaiah 61:1-3</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <blockquote> <p>The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.</p>Conference Details

Spurgeon quick facts

  • 1834–1892 (Victorian England)
  • Known as “The Prince of Preachers.”
  • Became pastor of New Park Street Chapel in London at age 19.
  • Preached to thousands weekly before microphones existed.
  • Led the Metropolitan Tabernacle, one of the largest churches of his day.
  • Sermons were transcribed and published worldwide, eventually exceeding 3,500 sermons and dozens of books.
  • Strongly Reformed/Calvinistic but intensely evangelistic.
  • Converted at age 15 after hearing a simple sermon on Isaiah 45:22: “Look unto me, and be ye saved.”
  • Founded a pastors’ college, orphanages, and numerous ministries.
  • Battled severe depression and chronic illness throughout much of his ministry.
  • Opposed theological liberalism in the famous “Downgrade Controversy.”
  • Often called the last great Puritan, though he lived 150+ years after the Puritans.

Session 1: Spurgeon the Soul Winner

  • Converted on Jan 6 1850 when he was 15.
  • Began preaching almost immediately.
    • Preached his first sermon to the London congregation at 19.
    • Never attended university or seminary.
      • Many circumstances that led to maturity early.
      • Father and grandfather were pastors.
      • Especially gifted - devoured books and remembered them well
        • did not take notes in his books - memory too good
      • became a book collector
    • very popular sermons
      • made lots of money from selling them “Penny Pulpit”
      • gave most of that money away to university he founded, orphanage he founded, widows, etc.
  • Mary King - housekeeper at his boarding school
    • Spurgeon - the greatest influence on my theology
      • “I learned more from her than I would from any six doctors of theology we have nowadays.”
    • strong calvinist who loved the doctrines of grace
    • One of the elderly women Spurgeon supported her in her old age.
  • Spurgeon joined the same church as Mary King
    • relatively dead church
    • pastor was not pastoral
    • wanted to be baptized (even though Father and Grandfather taught infant baptism)
      • convinced from reading Baptist theology as a 14yo (before conversion)
      • found a pastor 8 miles away
      • wrote to parents for approval
        • granted, but a warning from his parents: don’t trust in your baptism.
    • Baptized May 3, 1850
      • became a bold witness to Christ from this point forward.
      • wrote that baptism loosened his tongue and he has not been quiet since.
      • partook of the Lord’s Supper for the first time that next week
    • committed to baptism but not to Baptist denomination
  • began teaching young boys in SS
    • This became a key influence on his teaching.
    • Spurgeon - learning to teach to young boys made him a good preacher and helped him to keep an audience engaged.
    • Spurgeon - a good illustration will stick in the mind and drive home the point long after the sermon is forgotten
  • tricked into his first sermon
    • Spurgeon - thankful to just get through the sermon
    • Ppl - sermon was very good and beneficial to us
    • Naturally gifted as a preacher
      • voice was never recorded - technology existed, but was never recorded
    • preaching was theologically rich
  • Waterbeach Chapel 1851
    • preached/pastored there for 2 years
    • first experience of preaching and pastoring
    • first convert here
      • Spurgeon - this is my most prized convert. God saved a soul through my ministry.
    • Decided he needed to go to college
      • President Angus of baptist college and cambridge met with Spurgeon
        • both waited in another room for another but never saw each other due to miscommunication
      • Spurgeon gave up thoughts of going to college and made plans to serve wherever God put him.
    • Preaching fame spread
  • New Park Street Chapel (Baptist Church)
    • John Gill, famous pastor there before Spurgeon
      • very good commentator but in theology a bit hyper-calvinist
      • set some baptists down a wrong path with hyper calvinism
      • pastor for 51 years there
      • died 1771 (cf Spurgeon dates 1834-1892)
    • Spurgeon - church building in a terrible location. This is an indictment on the wisdom and miserliness of the deacons who purchased the cheapest plot of land they could find.
      • Industrial area - breweries, vinegar factories and no residential area close
      • On other side of toll, so no cabs
      • Low spot on Thames, so always stunk and occasionally flooded
      • No public transport
    • Rippon
      • Pastor immediately before Spurgeon
      • pastor for 63 years
      • first to introduce a Baptist Hymnal - Rippon’s selections , key source of some of our modern hymns
    • Church invited Spurgeon to come preach because they were looking for a pastor.
      • Deacon at Waterbeach encouraged Spurgeon to move to London due to his gifts. Don’t bury them in Waterbeach.
      • Asked to preach in the oldest and most venerable baptist church at 19 years old
      • Had never been to London
        • looked like a country bumpkin
        • church put him up in a boarding house 2 miles from the church in a bad area.
        • Spurgeon remembered the bad experience 25 years later
        • London at this point was a bleak place
          • the time of Dickens
          • extreme poverty
      • preached from James 1:17 - every good gift is from above
        • deacons impressed - “church will be full in three months if Spurgeon stays
        • people refused to leave the building until they promised Spurgeon would return
        • promised that he would return three times
          • on that final sunday asked him to stay as interim for 6 months, would be a probationary period
          • Spurgeon countered with 3 months and they accepted
          • Probationary period was not reached, offered and accepted before it was up.
            • welcomed by the church, but not by the Baptist denomination
            • nervousness over the youth of the young phenom

First Q&A

  • What was final outcome of legal issues with state of California after Covid?
    • Better than expected
    • Grace Church won every legal battle.
      • Even the removal of renting of the parking lots was overturned as vindictive.
      • County had to pay a settlement to Grace
    • Church grew because they were constantly in the news and other churches were closed.
    • MacArthur was surprisingly accurate throughout time.
  • What is GTY and Grace like without John?
    • GTY suprisingly similar. Everything the same. John was not essential to GTY.
      • GTY going to be the same regarding speaker (a la Martin Lloyd Jones)
    • Phil Johnson is 73.
      • has been at GTY for 43 years.
      • would like to make it to 45, but prob done then. If he gets pressed into retirement, fine.
    • GCC
      • Would take up to 2 years to find a replacement for John Macarthur. How is it going?
        • Assumed ppl that are driving 80+ miles for MacArthur would go to other local churches. Should let things settle before calling new guy so he is not blamed for decline.
        • Attendance has not declined.
        • Have started convo after Shepherd’s Conference with who to find.
        • Have had three 8 hour meetings
          • All of the elders surprised at how easily and unified the convos have gone. Not far from deciding who the next pastor is. Should be announced in next few months.
          • All elders submit nominees and work from there.
  • What was John MacArthur like in private?
    • John is great. Meet your heros is not true with this.
    • How to survive as John’s coworker: do not do small talk. He doesn’t care. Talk ministry, theology, and important stuff.
    • John not going to complain about physical ailments.
      • Went into surgery without anyone but his wife knowing.
      • PJ: You wouldn’t tell me if you had terminal cancer and were dying next week. JM: You are right.
  • Similarities between John MacArthur and Charles Spurgeon
    • Same birthday June 19
    • Both died of liver-related issues.
    • Both very prolific in preaching and writing.
    • Both very involved in surrounding ministries like college, seminary, and other institutions.
    • John MacArthur had more support staff than Spurgeon.
      • maybe JM a bit more prolific because of that
    • John and Spurgeon both very hard workers.
    • John MacArthur did not like modern technology and distrusted it. Spurgeon would have liked it and used it effectively.
      • John had no social media.
      • MacArthur scold PJ for being involved in it too much.
      • MacArhur would be informed about online controversies, but it was generally second hand.
    • Single greatest strength that the other did not have?
      • Macarthur - verse by verse exposition
        • Spurgeon not a verse by verse expositor
      • Spurgeon - his ability to know who could be trusted and who could not
        • John trusted everyone to a fault
    • Could spurgeon and macarthur pastor a church together?
      • no, they would have agreed that no one church needed two pastors like them. They should part ways and minister to more people.
    • Spurgeon well known for extemporanous preaching. Could JM do that?
      • John could have done that, but did not.
      • Wrote out full manuscripts in felt-tip pens. Highlighted important points in red felt tip pen.
      • Didn’t really look down at his notes. His wording was extemporaneous.
        • When PJ editing books, would look at the notes for pieces left out of the sermon.
    • MacArthur dispensationalist. Spurgeon not.
      • Early in dispensationalism was tangled up a lot of bad theology (lots that would lead to the non-Lordship view.)
      • Spurgeon concerned about the hints to antinomianism.
      • Spurgeon concerned about Larkin and the idea that God deals with people differently according to the different dispensations.
  • Gospel According to Jesus
    • Moody contract - dropped by Moody because it disagreed with Ryrie who was Moody’s best selling author
    • Zondervan called the next day and took the contract for two months and made it the basis of a marketing push.
      • Became a best selling book, only theological book to do that.
  • Was Spurgeon a charismatic?
    • prone to mysticism
      • eg. Spurgeon make an illustration about someone’s conscience is pricked from stealing gloves. Turns out someone had stolen gloves.
      • Spurgeon would call it a prophecy.
      • PJ would call it a profound providenceo.
      • happened a few times in Spurgeons life.
    • not a charismatic in the modern sense at all

Session 2: Charles and Susannah

  • Susannah Thompson
    • Opposite of Spurgeon
    • Upscale and stylish city girl
    • Unbeliever at this time
    • First impression of Spurgeon on his first Sunday evening - he was a country bumpkin and funny looking.
    • 2 years older than Spurgeon
  • Spurgeon’s country bumpkin-ness was something to work on
    • Complaint/amusement by many - Susie, deacons, etc
    • He dropped his blue polkadotted pocket square for white ones when the deacons purchased him a dozen white ones
  • Deacon Olney pushed Spurgeon to success at New Park Street Chapel
    • recruited Susie and others to come to the evening service on the first sunday.
    • Spurgeon called him “the model deacon”
    • introduced Susie and Spurgeon
      • immediate attraction between them during Spurgeon’s interim period
      • Spurgeon became the pastor on April 20.
      • Spurgeon gave her a book the next day with a personal note the next day.
      • Susie converted in his first month there.
  • Relationship
    • Opening of the Crystal Palace
      • Spurgeon and Susie and many friends there for the opening.
      • 40,000 people there. Queen there, etc.
      • Spurgeon reading Tupper’s Proverbial Philosophy
        • Passe at this point.
        • section on marriage in it.
        • Spurgeon asked her - what do you think about this section, “Pray for your spouse”?
        • Susie blushed and could not think about the gala.
        • Walked around the grounds together
    • Engaged two months later, August 2nd
      • Susie “dreary and unromantic place”, but now I consider it a sacred place.
      • Spurgeon baptized her during the engagement.
      • Regularly met at the Crystal Palace for walks together.
    • Married 15 months later (Jan 8, 1856)
    • Pregnant with twins in September 1857
      • Susie permanently injured after birth.
    • Basically permanently homebound by 1868
      • Spurgeon had to travel to warmer climates due to his health, so they were often separated.
      • She went with him on his final three month trip before his death.
        • Recalled as her favorite period of life.
    • Spurgeon died in France
      • Susie gave a prayer of thanksgiving to the gift God had given her.
  • Letters
    • became a primary way for them to “be with” one another since he travelled so much
    • his letters are full of affection and devotion
    • wrote to her almost every day of his life
  • Time together
    • Favorite activity of Susie was sitting with Spurgeon while he worked since he was always working.
      • silence but presence
    • She was a help to him in the home and for his study

Session 3: Afflicted, but not Crushed

  • Spurgeon suffered with depression throughout his life.
    • unsure of the cause
      • weight of responsibility?
      • physical malady?
      • constant criticism and attacks from 19yo through the rest of his life
      • social hardship (time of Oliver Twist)
      • fundamental disposition
      • unhealthy atmosphere of London (“miasma”, cholera, sewage, Jack the Ripper and crime)
      • involvement in many controversies through his life
    • be aware of overdoing it
      • does not have marks of depression as we think of it.
      • one of the most productive pastors in church history
      • shows humor very often
      • focused on others and gives them help
        • letter sent with a widow to the deacons – this woman needs some help. I think we ought to help her. However, “be forewarned that she talks like a parrot with its tail on fire.”
    • Spurgeon said he had a “perpetual struggle with sadness”.
  • Struggled with this from childhood.
    • Sent to live with his grandparents from 18 months.
      • 25 miles away
    • Spurgeon did not return to live at home until he was 8.
      • Spurgeon always spoke affectionately about his mother, but something must have been strained there.
    • Spurgeons mother gave birth to 17 children. Only 9 survived.
    • Seems like his mother suffered from some sort of infirmity.
    • Mainly cared for by his Aunt.
      • She taught him to read when he was 3.
    • He was reading the puritans by the time he was 8.
      • Pilgrim’s Progress was his favorite book. He felt like the burdened Pilgrim.
      • felt the weight of sin and condemnation that was out of proportaion to his age
      • At a young age he had a lot of solitude.
        • Would hide in a tomb in the graveyard.
        • “To be alone was my boyish heaven”
    • Spurgeon kept this private struggle private, even with a father and grandfather who were capable pastors.
  • Spent five years searching for salavation.
    • Refused to deal superficially with matters of guilt and divine judgement.
    • Listened to sermons, read books, refused to allow mental knowledge to substitute for real faith
    • Called these five years the greatest depression of his life.
    • Recalled that this made him an effective soul winner. He could articulate the fear and angst of the lost and point to the way to salvation.
    • Saved at 15 - poor message on the simplicity of the gospel. The preacher called him out directly and told him that he looked miserable.
    • recognized the joy of heaven in his forgiveness.
    • began to speak of the mercies of God almost immediately
  • Began meeting in Exeter Hall 5 years after taking the New Park Street Chapel due to large crowds.
    • bitter criticism
      • made him a bit melancholy
      • learned to take the abuse
    • received large praise
      • made him more melancholy
      • never became accustomed to praise
      • made him feel inadequate and a need to work harder
  • Decision to build the Metropolitan Tabernacle
    • one of the busiest intersections in London
    • preached at Surrey Gardens Music Hall to 12000 people
      • at the end of the pastoral prayer, some shouted “Fire!”
        • 7 killed, 28 seriously injured
      • attacked afterward that it was his ego of gathering sich large crowds that led to this disaster
      • 22 when this happened
      • shock never left him
        • would call his reaction to this today as PTSD.
  • Did not have a strong physical constitution
    • lifelong health problems especially with his liver and kidneys
    • pain from rheumatism, gout, sciatica, etc.
      • in relatively constant pain during winters
      • health worsened every winter - began at age 37 to take a vacation every winter to southern France
      • said cigars gave him relief - so maybe don’t trust his medical advice
      • eg letter to congregation when invalided in France: “know that if this soldier could stand, he would march”. Lord willing, I will be able to get out of bed and return in two weeks.
  • Constantly preached to downcast people.
    • made the encouragements and promises of the gospel more prominent than the condemnation
    • make the good news of the gospel stand out
  • One passage that he preached on at least 10 times
    • Spurgeon generally only preached a text once.
      • Preached excerpts from every book of the Bible except 2 John.
      • Did not repeat sermons even when traveling.
    • Exception: Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

Session 4: Lectures to My Students

  • Survey of Spurgeon’s Book Lectures to My Students
    • A clear record of what Spurgeon thought a pastor should be.
    • History is a bit more convoluted on when the were published. Generally published today as a single volume.
    • Commenting and Commentaries published as a separate volume.
      • Two introductory lectures
      • A long annotated bibliography
  • Introduction and Apology
    • reason for the style of these informal lectures
    • a lot more literary and historical references than in his sermons
  • The Minister’s Self-Watch
    • carefully guard your hearts and personal habits
    • far more important than their academic studies
    • “Beware of being shoddy preachers.”
    • Many are disqualified in the ministry who would be fruitful members.
    • “The truth must not only be with us, but must always be in us.”
    • Be very very cautious about restoring a fallen man to ministry. He probably was never called in the first place
  • The Call to the Ministry
    • how can students know they are called?
    • first sign is an intense all-absorbing call
    • able to teach
    • meet all the other qualifications
    • must see a measure of conversion work going on under his efforts
      • what makes you think you are called to ministry if people are not being saved?
    • should see signs of fruit from preaching
    • There are many ways to serve the Lord in the church. It does not need to be preaching. (cf. Women must not be preachers.)
  • The Preacher’s Private Prayer
    • more important than preaching
    • necessity to rely on the Spirit for all ends
  • Our Public Prayer
    • opposed the idea of writing out a prayer and reading it
      • should be extemporaneous
      • should not be liturgical or pompous
      • PJ not agree about writing out prayers, but understands the objection to pompousness and liturgy
    • avoid vain repetition, especially of the Lord’s name
    • do not let it be long–people should not be longing to hear the Amen.
  • Sermons—Their Matter
  • On the Choice of a Text
    • PJ - not his best lecture, but still worth reading for a few nuggets
  • On Spiritualizing
    • Not bad to spiritualize a text, but should be very careful.
      • gives some humerous examples of over-spiritualizing
    • Meaning comes out of the text, but don’t assume there is never metaphorical meaning in the text.
      • meaning of Scripture is never merely spiritual. The first sense of the passage must not be drowned in the outflow of your imagination.
    • PJ - wish he was more clear on where the boundaries are
  • On the Voice
    • Need to be physically fitted to speaking to a large congregation
    • Don’t use an affected voice in the pulpit.
      • sound like a man
      • don’t sound effeminate
      • don’t sound like a bear
      • don’t sound grandiose
      • sound like yourself
  • Attention!
    • How to obtain and retain the attention of our hearers.
    • Overlooked in homiletics at the time.
    • Open windows and let foul air out of the building.
    • First rule: Always say something worth hearing.
    • Lots of good tidbits here.
    • Look at other lecture: How to Attract a Congregation
  • The Faculty of Impromptu Speech
    • Not about sermons with preparation, but about speaking without immediate forethought
      • not for sermons. Sermons should always be prepared.
      • do not attempt to speak impromptu unless you have studied thoroughly
    • Good advice for those with and without manuscripts
  • The Minister’s Fainting Fits
    • Gives insight into Spurgeon’s discouragement
    • Down heartedness has its advantages - when prostrate in the dust, trust in God and rely on him
    • Don’t be dismayed by soul trouble. It is a part of the ministerial experience.
  • The Minister’s Ordinary Conversation
    • encourage students not to project an air of superiority or putting on of airs to his people.
    • don’t have too much ministerial starch
    • working men keep clear of ministers because of the artificial and unmanly way they talk
    • must have humanity along with divinity
    • should still be aware that a minister is always on duty.
      • even in recreation, you are never off duty
    • lots of good tidbits
  • To Workers with Slender Apparatus
    • what if you have few books and are too poor to purchase more?
    • The idea of a pastor who is too poor to buy books is abominable. The church should supply food for his body and books for his soul. A good library is an indispensable part of the church furniture.
    • one of the most winsome of his lectures
    • good study can be done with very little

Missed Sessions

  • Session 5: Spurgeon vs. Joseph Parker
  • Session 6: Spurgeon’s Preaching Style
  • Second Q&A
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