Soul winner by C.H. Spurgeon (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example)
Firstly, we learn that Paul's great object in his daily life and ministry was to 'save some'. Spurgeon contrasts this with other goals of ministers (to amuse, educate, moralize) and then shows what it truly means (regeneration, cleansing of sin, sanctification).
Secondly, Spurgeon outlines the reasons why Paul had soul-winning as his great goal. When men are not saved:
(i) God is dishonoured;
(ii) humans are miserable;
(iii) humans are cast into hell;
(iv) humans miss out on heaven.
Thirdly, Spurgeon shows Paul's methods of accomplishing his goals:
(i) simple preaching of the gospel of Christ;
(ii) much prayer;
(iii) intense sympathy which made him adapt himself to each case.
It's always wonderful to hear Spurgeon speak about the gospel that he held so dear: 'But the great truth is the cross, the truth that "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Brother, keep to that. That is the bell for you to ring. Ring it, man! Ring it! Keep on ringing it. Sound forth that note upon your silver trumpet, or if you are only a ram's horn, sound it forth, and the walls of Jericho will come down. Alas, for the fineries of our "cultured" modern divines! I hear them crying out, and denouncing my old-fashioned advice. This talking about Christ crucified is said to be archaic, conventional, and antique, and not at all suitable to the refinement of this wonderful age. It is astonishing how learned we have all grown lately. We are getting so very wise, I am afraid we shall ripen into fools before long, even if we have not arrived at it already. People want "thinking" nowadays, so it is said; and the working-men will go where science is deified, and profound "thought" is enshrined. I have noticed that, as a general rule, wherever the new "thinking" drives out the old gospel, there are more spiders than people, but where there is the simple preaching of Jesus Christ, the place is crowded to the doors. Nothing else will crowd a meeting-house, after all, for any length of time, but the preaching of Christ crucified. But as to this matter, whether it be popular or unpopular, our mind is made up, and our foot is put down.'
Keep to the gospel regardless of how much the 'learned' look down upon you.
Next week's reading
Now it's your turn
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