A Bare Service But a Full Heart

Any pastors, would be pastors, or theologically inclined people out there should get and read Zack Eswine's book, Kindled Fire: How the Methods of CH Spurgeon can help your preaching. But here is a tidbit that needs recognition in our day of jazzy worship services...

Spurgeon called the services in his church, "A bare service."

Dr. Eswine explains,

The largest crowds in London, and perhaps the Western world at that time, flocked to services that were recognized as 'bare' because of their simplicity. They consisted in a prayer, congregational singing without an organ, and then a sermon. Spurgeon refers to the absence of an organ as testimony that something more than musical power can attract and change people. Spurgeon was not against organs. He called them 'that wonderful box of music with which men praise God with wind.' But lasting power he felt lay elsewhere.

I post this not because I hate music or because I have a chip about current church music. I simply adore the emphasis on the Word. Would that we return to this emphasis on the Word of God. And would that the Holy Spirit raise up preachers who would be able to wear the mantle of CH Spurgeon. Half his spirit would do wonders in today's land. A double portion would turn the world upside-down.

Lord, would you kindle such a fire in me and allow your people to seek churches on the basis of the preacher's message, not the choir's performance.