TITLE:
The Promises of God: A New Edition of the Classic Devotional Based on the English Standard Version
AUTHOR: Charles H. Spurgeon
PUBLISHER: Wheaton, IL:
Crossway Publishers, 2019, (400 pages).
"A promise from God is like a check payable to order." We accept it by faith. We trust that the promise will be received in God's time. We are reminded that we are not alone. Neither are we on our own. We belong to God and God keeps His Promises. Written by the "Prince of Preachers," Charles Haddon Spurgeon is a mighty preacher with a personal history of depression. If there is anyone who understands the need for God, it would be this man of God who battled emotional turmoils in his own quiet moments. The best way out of such troubles is to cling on to the promises of God. Just like the famous hymnal, "Standing on the Promises," Spurgeon's daily devotional is a daily encounter with God's promises. For God came not because we are good but because He is good; not because we are worthy but because Christ is worthy; not because we are holy but because the Holy Spirit is with us. Spurgeon shares his reflection on the truth of God's Word in his popular work, "Morning and Evening" now available online
here. Updated for the modern reader, this work focuses on the hope we have in Jesus. We may feel down at times but not forever. We may be discouraged but God's Word encourages us. Having a wise counsel and guide in Spurgeon helps anyone gets through their toughest times. For Spurgeon has said in the preface:
"Oh, that I might comfort some of my Master’s servants! I have written out of my own heart with the view of comforting their hearts." Guided by a daily verse, regardless of the state of the soul, Spurgeon anchors us on the truth of the Word and the promise of God with a single thrust of hope. Hope in spite of fallen humanity; in spite of war; in spite of suffering; in spite of poverty; in spite of loneliness; in spite of anything that hinders one from coming into the presence of God. A promise is a promise. Faith ushers us into the platform of promises that urges us to trust, to pray, and to hope.
When reading the daily devotional in this book, it is important to consider the Scripture verse at the beginning of each day. It is worth just reading and re-reading it to let the truth sink into our hearts. If possible, memorize it. Then watch how Spurgeon masterfully takes the verse and assimilates the truth through his famous expository style. There are no sensational stories to tell. There are no powerful illustrations to display. Neither are there popular quotes from famous people. Spurgeon unleashes the Word of God through honest engagement with the Divine. In an age where authors tend to use fanciful stories and attach colourful images, Spurgeon takes the pure Word and shows us how to receive the pure promise of God. No tricks. No additives. No gimmicks. If reading a page a day does not create much impact, try reading a couple of pages at a go and you would feel the promises of God flooding your heart in an inexplicable manner. Don't just take my word for it. Try it.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was a English Particular Baptist preacher. He was the pastor of New Park Street Chapel (later known as the Metropolitan Tabernacle) for 38 years. While he was known more for his impactful preaching, his writing has also touched many lives. This legacy has been preserved for us and future generations to come.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Crossway Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
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