Preaching from the Overflow of Personal Piety: The Contribution of Prayer and Bible Intake to the Pulpit Ministry of Charles Spurgeon

Abstract

This thesis explores the impact of personal piety and the spiritual disciples of prayer and Scripture intake on the pulpit ministry of Charles Spurgeon. Chapter One explores his example of a ministry nurtured by personal piety. Chapter Two charts the biblical and historical rationale upon which this thesis is based. It establishes how the practice of prayer and Scripture intake has been the consistent foundation for God’s spokesmen throughout history. Chapter Three focuses on how Spurgeon pursued personal holiness, character, and integrity by consistently practicing the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible intake. Chapter Four highlights the way in which the persistent practice of prayer and Scripture intake contributed to the preparation of Spurgeon, as God’s messenger. Chapter Five emphasizes why caution must be exercised when attempting to emulate the practice of Spurgeon due to factors such as intellect, ministry setting, and personality. However, timeless principles can be gleaned and practically applied in the preparation and delivery of sermons.