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Life in Christ: Lessons from Our Lord's Miracles and Parables, Volume 1
Original Miracles and Parables of Our Lord.Volume 1A deep, inspiring, and often challenging study of the Lord Jesus Christ's miracles and parables. Men who were led by the hand or groped their way along the wall to reach Jesus were touched by his finger and went home without a guide, rejoicing that Jesus Christ had opened their eyes. Jesus is still able to perform such miracles. And, with the power of the Holy Spirit, his Word will be expounded and we’ll watch for the signs to follow, expecting to see them at once. Why shouldn’t those who read this be blessed with the light of heaven? This is my heart's inmost desire.I can’t put fine words together. I’ve never studied speech. In fact, my heart loathes the very thought of intentionally speaking with fine words when souls are in danger of eternal separation from God. No, I work to speak straight to your hearts and consciences, and if there is anyone with faith to receive, God will bless them with fresh revelation.- Charles H. SpurgeonIn this first volume, Charles H. Spurgeon expounds on the following Jesus heals two blind men by touching their eyes (Matthew 9:27-30).Jesus uses spit to heal another blind man (Mark 8:22-25).Jesus passes through the midst of those who would kill him (Luke 4:28-30).Jesus brings a widow’s son back to life (Luke 7:11-17).Jesus releases a woman from a spirit of infirmity (Luke 13:10-13).Jesus heals ten lepers but only one thanks him (Luke 17:12-16).Jesus gently rebukes his mother then makes wine for the wedding (John 2:1-5).Jesus tests a nobleman’s faith and his son is healed (John 4:46-53).About the AuthorCharles Haddon (C. H.) Spurgeon (1834-1892) was a British Baptist preacher. He started preaching at age 16, and quickly became famous. He is still known as the “Prince of Preachers,” and frequently had more than 10,000 people present to hear him preach at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. His sermons were printed in newspapers, translated into many languages, and published in many books.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2017
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About the author
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
5,988 books1,613 followersCharles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian, John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues, Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861, the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 5, 2023
Have never read a book that was more insightful and made scripture seem to come alive more than this one. Spurgeon was truly blessed by the Lord with a gift to speak the Word.
August 10, 2017
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Aneko Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
As part of the Christian classic series of reprinted books, I have had the chance to read a few books from the "Prince of Preachers [1]" before. This was a disappointing read. Admittedly, I would have liked this book a lot more had I been a Calvinist [2] who believed that it was wrong to drink alcohol even in moderation. I expected to read a great deal about the Bible, and what this book provides is the author starting from a small verse or a couple of verses in the parables and miracle passages of the Gospels and then going all over the place, not always staying remotely close to the point of the passage. This is a great book if you want to read Calvinist polemics, but even for a reader as critical of the author's approach as I am, there is still a great deal of value in the author's commitment to preaching unpopular truths, even if at times what the author considers to be the truth isn't necessarily the truth.
In terms of its contents, this book consists of fifteen chapters that total about 250 pages or so that look at a few passages of the Gospels. Sometimes there are multiple sermons on the same passages, and many of the messages seem to be a bit meandering. It can be safely said, though, that all of the messages do have some sort of "come to Jesus" moment and some sort of practical application, although many of these messages come off as highly polemical and sometimes deeply unpleasant, even if at other times one wants to give the author an attaboy for taking on the fashionable sins of his own time and our own. At times the author can be a bit repetitive, as when he is talking about the waterpots at Cana, and how we are to bring Christ the waterpots so that He may turn them into wine--for the author, definitely metaphorical wine and not literal wine. One wonders whether to look at the author's comments about the supposed wordliness of the wedding's manager as being a striking and original insight or a possibly libelous speculation, but this book definitely manages to exist on that blurred line between the two, where the author's vivid imagination and colorful use of language can be judged as being insightful and clever and memorable or as being speculative and manipulative depending on whether one is favorable or unfavorable to the author's worldview and perspective.
Ultimately, this book was less pleasant than it would have been had I been in a place that was more congruent with the author's. This book, more than most books, depends on how sympathetic one is with the author's perspective. I tend to abstain from alcohol because of personal reasons and family history, but am a moderationist in terms of my beliefs on drinking, and this book appeared far too often for my tastes to hew closely to Colossians 2:23: "These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh." This is a book where the author claims to be humble but where it is easy to see in him the sort of attitude that the Pharisees had. Perhaps I am being uncharitable, though this book is not exactly filled with charity towards Arminians or Catholics, to name a few groups. Even so, this is a book that provokes the reader with a strong view about God's word and an uncompromising insistence that it be honored regardless of the whims and fashions of the times. Even if one doesn't always like what the author has to say, or one doesn't always think that the author understands the Bible as well as he thinks he does, that point is enough to make this a worthwhile book and one worthy of reflecting on even with the way it offends.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
As part of the Christian classic series of reprinted books, I have had the chance to read a few books from the "Prince of Preachers [1]" before. This was a disappointing read. Admittedly, I would have liked this book a lot more had I been a Calvinist [2] who believed that it was wrong to drink alcohol even in moderation. I expected to read a great deal about the Bible, and what this book provides is the author starting from a small verse or a couple of verses in the parables and miracle passages of the Gospels and then going all over the place, not always staying remotely close to the point of the passage. This is a great book if you want to read Calvinist polemics, but even for a reader as critical of the author's approach as I am, there is still a great deal of value in the author's commitment to preaching unpopular truths, even if at times what the author considers to be the truth isn't necessarily the truth.
In terms of its contents, this book consists of fifteen chapters that total about 250 pages or so that look at a few passages of the Gospels. Sometimes there are multiple sermons on the same passages, and many of the messages seem to be a bit meandering. It can be safely said, though, that all of the messages do have some sort of "come to Jesus" moment and some sort of practical application, although many of these messages come off as highly polemical and sometimes deeply unpleasant, even if at other times one wants to give the author an attaboy for taking on the fashionable sins of his own time and our own. At times the author can be a bit repetitive, as when he is talking about the waterpots at Cana, and how we are to bring Christ the waterpots so that He may turn them into wine--for the author, definitely metaphorical wine and not literal wine. One wonders whether to look at the author's comments about the supposed wordliness of the wedding's manager as being a striking and original insight or a possibly libelous speculation, but this book definitely manages to exist on that blurred line between the two, where the author's vivid imagination and colorful use of language can be judged as being insightful and clever and memorable or as being speculative and manipulative depending on whether one is favorable or unfavorable to the author's worldview and perspective.
Ultimately, this book was less pleasant than it would have been had I been in a place that was more congruent with the author's. This book, more than most books, depends on how sympathetic one is with the author's perspective. I tend to abstain from alcohol because of personal reasons and family history, but am a moderationist in terms of my beliefs on drinking, and this book appeared far too often for my tastes to hew closely to Colossians 2:23: "These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh." This is a book where the author claims to be humble but where it is easy to see in him the sort of attitude that the Pharisees had. Perhaps I am being uncharitable, though this book is not exactly filled with charity towards Arminians or Catholics, to name a few groups. Even so, this is a book that provokes the reader with a strong view about God's word and an uncompromising insistence that it be honored regardless of the whims and fashions of the times. Even if one doesn't always like what the author has to say, or one doesn't always think that the author understands the Bible as well as he thinks he does, that point is enough to make this a worthwhile book and one worthy of reflecting on even with the way it offends.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
September 14, 2017
Life in Christ by Charles H. Spurgeon is a treasure to read. Learning from this 19 century book was akin to drinking deeply from a spring of refreshing water after wandering in a dry and dusty land for so long.
C. H. Spurgeon includes 8 of Jesus’ miracles from Scripture in this 15 chapter volume: the two blind men from Matthew, the blind man from Mark, Christ’s own miraculous escape from those who would kill Him early on in His ministry from Luke, the widow’s son raised from the dead from Luke, the woman with the spirit of infirmity from Luke, the ten lepers from Luke, and the water turned to wine from John.
I highly recommend this book to every professing believer in Christ. It is most prophetic of today’s lukewarm church culture and calls all those who have come to Jesus to live in love, boldness, and total surrender on the one they call God.
C. H. Spurgeon includes 8 of Jesus’ miracles from Scripture in this 15 chapter volume: the two blind men from Matthew, the blind man from Mark, Christ’s own miraculous escape from those who would kill Him early on in His ministry from Luke, the widow’s son raised from the dead from Luke, the woman with the spirit of infirmity from Luke, the ten lepers from Luke, and the water turned to wine from John.
I highly recommend this book to every professing believer in Christ. It is most prophetic of today’s lukewarm church culture and calls all those who have come to Jesus to live in love, boldness, and total surrender on the one they call God.
January 10, 2023
Eye opening and insightful
I found this book to be very uplifting and encouraging. It is very eye opening in the depth of Charles Spurgeon's insight into the true faith of Christians. The information and advice herein will help each of us on our journey.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all as a great example of the truth in God's word that is always relevant to everyday life.
It is almost impossible to believe that this book was not written recently as it applies to life today perfectly.
I found this book to be very uplifting and encouraging. It is very eye opening in the depth of Charles Spurgeon's insight into the true faith of Christians. The information and advice herein will help each of us on our journey.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all as a great example of the truth in God's word that is always relevant to everyday life.
It is almost impossible to believe that this book was not written recently as it applies to life today perfectly.
November 29, 2021
Spurgeon at his finest. Always appreciate the simplicity and complexity of Spurgeon along with his witty humor.
God has, is, and continues to be glorified by his life lived spent on preaching the Gospel.
God has, is, and continues to be glorified by his life lived spent on preaching the Gospel.
April 4, 2021
I believe I have read other books by Spurgeon though I can't recall the titles. I am aware he is considered one of the great Christian writers. I was excited to find this book as a free title on Amazon. I wanted to rate it higher but--as you will see below, I did have some issues with it.
Published writing changes over time, so I can't tell if some of my issues with this book stem from reading it in the current time (vs. reading it nearer to when it was published) or if it's really an issue. I see some other reviewers made comments similar to what I am going to make which does make me feel better that I was not the only one.
My biggest struggle was the length of the chapters. Spurgeon would start out with a part of scripture that dealt with one of the miracles of parables of Jesus. Sometimes he'd give a bit of a background on it, sometimes he'd just expound on it. But his coverage of the topic seemed to go on far too long. I'd get about halfway through the chapter and wonder how much longer the chapter was going to be--but be afraid to stop mid-chapter because I might lose the train of thought and not be able to jump back in at the same point I'd stopped.
There were a few differences in interpretation between myself and the author too that I noticed, though I couldn't name them now. Another reviewer commented that Spurgeon is a Calvinist. I don't know enough about him to say if that is the truth, but if so, it could explain some of the differences I noted.
Published writing changes over time, so I can't tell if some of my issues with this book stem from reading it in the current time (vs. reading it nearer to when it was published) or if it's really an issue. I see some other reviewers made comments similar to what I am going to make which does make me feel better that I was not the only one.
My biggest struggle was the length of the chapters. Spurgeon would start out with a part of scripture that dealt with one of the miracles of parables of Jesus. Sometimes he'd give a bit of a background on it, sometimes he'd just expound on it. But his coverage of the topic seemed to go on far too long. I'd get about halfway through the chapter and wonder how much longer the chapter was going to be--but be afraid to stop mid-chapter because I might lose the train of thought and not be able to jump back in at the same point I'd stopped.
There were a few differences in interpretation between myself and the author too that I noticed, though I couldn't name them now. Another reviewer commented that Spurgeon is a Calvinist. I don't know enough about him to say if that is the truth, but if so, it could explain some of the differences I noted.
April 18, 2024
I stumbled across this book while scrounging around looking for free books. While this book was free (and there are more volumes like this), its worth is priceless.
Spurgeon takes a couple of miracles of Jesus and crafts sermons from them - multiple sermons. These sermons - like the Gospel itself - is timeless. Spurgeon really makes the Gospel in relatable form that can prick the heart of both the believer and unbeliever alike. I highly recommend this book to my brothers and sisters in Christ for a new look at some of Jesus' miracles.
BOTTOM LINE: Potent spiritual food for the Christian soul.
Spurgeon takes a couple of miracles of Jesus and crafts sermons from them - multiple sermons. These sermons - like the Gospel itself - is timeless. Spurgeon really makes the Gospel in relatable form that can prick the heart of both the believer and unbeliever alike. I highly recommend this book to my brothers and sisters in Christ for a new look at some of Jesus' miracles.
BOTTOM LINE: Potent spiritual food for the Christian soul.
July 19, 2023
There were some good thoughts in here, and it was interesting to see one text looked at from multiple angles. My biggest complaint is that it was so verbose and repetitive, any of these chapters could have been half the length, or even a third of the length, and they would have been just as or more effective, had they been more concise.
I appreciated the exhortation to discount feelings, but not your faith. Do you not feel God's presence? You still know He is there and He is true. Your feelings, and signs and wonders, are not the substance of your faith. The substance is Jesus Christ.
I appreciated the exhortation to discount feelings, but not your faith. Do you not feel God's presence? You still know He is there and He is true. Your feelings, and signs and wonders, are not the substance of your faith. The substance is Jesus Christ.
June 4, 2019
i read this book for free from Google Play Book provided by Aneko Press.
the first of two volumes. this is more likely from Spurgeon's sermons for there are many paraphrase verses here. also there are many chapters with the same story but viewed on different angles. the message still valid though this books written for many years ago.
the first of two volumes. this is more likely from Spurgeon's sermons for there are many paraphrase verses here. also there are many chapters with the same story but viewed on different angles. the message still valid though this books written for many years ago.
August 16, 2020
Absolutely Wonderful!!!
This is a book for all. As a Christian I see myself in some of the articles and needed some continual revival in my soul especially in these times. I love this book. I also was reading another one of his book, "Faithful To Christ" which I love but paused to finish this one.
This is a book for all. As a Christian I see myself in some of the articles and needed some continual revival in my soul especially in these times. I love this book. I also was reading another one of his book, "Faithful To Christ" which I love but paused to finish this one.
June 22, 2018
Long but worth your time
Surgeon is very thorough explaining the scriptures. I gave four stars because he can over explain and it becomes tedious. It is worth the time because there are many important nuggets of truth.
Surgeon is very thorough explaining the scriptures. I gave four stars because he can over explain and it becomes tedious. It is worth the time because there are many important nuggets of truth.
November 25, 2018
Heart reaching
I find CHS unlike any other. He had a way with words that moved thoughts right to the heart. Many, especially today fill the page with words that consume time but do nothing to move the heart. Thank you Lord for the gift of Charles Spurgeon!
I find CHS unlike any other. He had a way with words that moved thoughts right to the heart. Many, especially today fill the page with words that consume time but do nothing to move the heart. Thank you Lord for the gift of Charles Spurgeon!
April 6, 2020
Interesting points brought up in relation to the gospel. Some points possessed a bit more zeal and emphasis than necessary, but we're worth hearing out. Overall the book is great for increasing your faith and getting another point of view of concepts and stories mentioned in the gospel.
September 29, 2021
Great book!
It has great insight of the miracles of Jesus in the gospels. You didn't know there were those topics in those passages but Spurgeon found them.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a fresh air in the life of Jesus and an esay read.
It has great insight of the miracles of Jesus in the gospels. You didn't know there were those topics in those passages but Spurgeon found them.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a fresh air in the life of Jesus and an esay read.
October 31, 2021
A deeper dive into some things that Jesus said and did
Surgeon manages to open up several different events from the life and the works of Jesus which may not occur to us naturally. Food for thought and an encouragement for further study.
Surgeon manages to open up several different events from the life and the works of Jesus which may not occur to us naturally. Food for thought and an encouragement for further study.
January 27, 2022
Bible lessons from the Prince of Preachers
Spurgeon expounds on the miracles of Jesus in the New Testament. The main thing he brings to light is the need for Faith. We must have faith in God's Word including His many promises. God is always faithful and will keep His Word.
Spurgeon expounds on the miracles of Jesus in the New Testament. The main thing he brings to light is the need for Faith. We must have faith in God's Word including His many promises. God is always faithful and will keep His Word.
February 16, 2022
"One time a saint was dying, and another who sat with him said, “Farewell, brother, I will never see you again in the land of the living.” The dying man said, “Oh, I’ll see you again in the land of the living that’s up yonder, where I’m going. This is the land of the dying.”"
March 15, 2022
Wonderful book
This book was great. The reason I gave 4 stars is because I found the language difficult to understand in some areas of the book since this was written in the 1800's. overall a very good book
This book was great. The reason I gave 4 stars is because I found the language difficult to understand in some areas of the book since this was written in the 1800's. overall a very good book
March 30, 2024
Jesus is our only example to follow
Charles Spurgeon has put the entire series very well on how to live in Christ on a daily basis. Enjoyed this first volume and is a great learning
Charles Spurgeon has put the entire series very well on how to live in Christ on a daily basis. Enjoyed this first volume and is a great learning
April 26, 2018
Not my favorite Spurgeon book. Reads like a commentary.
April 28, 2019
Great book.
Surgeons sense of humor and incredible understanding of scriptures are an inspiration. I strongly recommend this book for the Christian scholar.
Surgeons sense of humor and incredible understanding of scriptures are an inspiration. I strongly recommend this book for the Christian scholar.
June 5, 2019
Wonderful!
June 7, 2021
This is a wonderful book about eight of Jesus miracles. Charles Spurgeon is a favorite author. This book is written for the believer or unbeliever. It was a blessing to me.
July 30, 2022
Great
I used this as a daily devotional and found so much wisdom within. This will be a blessing to your soul.
I used this as a daily devotional and found so much wisdom within. This will be a blessing to your soul.
August 5, 2022
C.H.Spurgeon is always a rewarding and joyful reading.
August 8, 2022
Good Read!
I love the works of Charles H Spurgeon! He is right to the point in what he has to say!
I love the works of Charles H Spurgeon! He is right to the point in what he has to say!
August 15, 2022
The author has a way of renewing my vision of the scriptures. He had me renewing my beliefs and vision. Freshened my faith in Christ. Great read!
August 29, 2022
Wonderful read. Every one should spend some time reading this book from Charles Spurgeon. Very informative and some of his writings affected me and my thinking.
June 3, 2023
CHS is always great and this one was easy to read a chapter and come back to the book a week or two later.
January 2, 2024
Spurgeon always pulls so much more out of scripture than ever expected or taught by many.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews