my burg

I'm enjoying reading An Exhibition of the Law, the Gospel and the Holy Spirit , by Charles Simeon (1759-1836).  This is a selection of sermon outlines taken from his Horae Homileticae Commentary (21 volumes).  Simeon served faithfully as pastor at Holy Trinity Church in Cambridge (UK) for 53 years.  The many trials and oppositions he faced are related by John Piper in "Brothers, We Must Not Mind a Little Suffering"   Bishop Handley Moule's biography of Simeon can be downloaded for very little cost.  It's a very readable account of the life of Charles Simeon, who is an outstanding example of faithfulness in ministry, as well as, a preacher of great simplicity, clarity, and power.   Here are some highlights from Simeon's teaching on the gospel... It is the pride of the human heart which interposes the great obstacle to men's reception of the Gospel. They are averse to see the extent of their necessities: they will contend for some remnant of goodness ...

I was asked recently to suggest some biographies that I have read and would recommend to others. Most of the biographies that I have read are about men, and specifically, theologians and pastors, and sometimes soldiers.  I read biographies to find people to emulate and to serve as historical mentors.  Here are my top ten biographies, in alphabetical order... Augustine of Hippo: A Biography , by Peter Brown. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy , by Eric Metaxas.  Francis Schaeffer: An Authentic Life , by Colin Duriez. Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther , by Roland H. Bainton. Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret , by Howard Taylor and Geraldine Taylor.  Jonathan Edwards: A Life , by George M. Marsden. (Or, A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards , by George M. Marsden). Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones , by Iain Murray. (Either the two-volume original set or the new one-volume edition.) Robert E. Lee on Leadership: Executive Lessons in Character, Courag...

"A human life, filled with the presence and power of God, is one of God's choicest gifts to His church and to the world. Things which are unseen and eternal seem, to the carnal man, distant and indistinct, while what is seen and temporal is vivid and real. Practically, any object in nature that can be seen or felt is thus more real and actual to most men than the Living God. Every man who walks with God, and finds Him a present Help in every time of need; who puts His promises to the practical proof and verifies them in actual experience; every believer who with the key of faith unlocks God's mysteries, and with the key of prayer unlocks God's treasuries, thus furnishes to the race a demonstration and an illustration of the fact that 'He is, and is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.'" --A. T. Pierson, on George Mueller. 

I stood at this site and relived a powerful moment in the healing of a nation.  General Robert E. Lee chose to surrender to the Union Army at Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865. At this site, on the road outside Appomattox, the following occurred.  The text is from the historical marker there:  On April 12, 1865, Union Brig. Gen. Joshua Chamberlain watched the distant ridge as the Confederates prepared for the surrender. They formed into column, marched into the valley, then up the Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road toward the village. As the column approached this knoll, Chamberlain ordered his men to honor them. The Federals snapped to “carry arms” – the “marching salute.” A surprised Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon instantly ordered his men to return the salute. Until now, the drama at Appomattox had been played out by major figures. But here was a profound expression of respect by the armies’ common soldiers. They, more than anyone else, would blaze the path to reconciliation ...

Here's a list, in no special order, of some good biographies to read: Surprised by Joy , C. S. Lewis The Swans are not Silent (series), by John Piper Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther , by Roland Bainton. Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God , Noel Piper A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael , by Elisabeth Elliot Through Gates of Splendor , Elisabeth Elliot Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret , by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor and George Verwer Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy , by Eric Metaxas Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery , by Eric Metaxas. Augustine of Hippo: A Biography , by Peter Brown. Francis Schaeffer, An Authentic Life , by Colin Duriez. Lee: The Last Years , by Charles Bracelen Flood Robert E. Lee on Leadership: Executive Lessons in Character, Courage, and Vision , by H. W. Crocker D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: the First Forty Years (Vol. 1), and The Fight of Faith (Vol. 2...