In this sermon, Charles Spurgeon argues that the growth and success of Christianity cannot come through human armies, political power, large denominations, or even the talents of individual leaders like great scholars or eloquent speakers, because God wants all glory to belong to Him alone. He uses examples from history—such as how British colonial rule actually hindered the spread of the gospel in India rather than helping it—to show that when Christians rely on worldly power or institutional prestige, God withdraws His blessing, and it is only when people depend entirely on the Holy Spirit that true revival and conversion happen. Spurgeon concludes with a passionate plea for Christians to stop relying on church structures, plans, and human abilities, and instead pray earnestly for God to pour out His Spirit, since that alone is what the church truly needs to accomplish anything meaningful.

Sermon delivered on August 31, 1857.

In this sermon on Ecclesiastes 8:12, Charles Spurgeon teaches that fear can either destroy us or help us, depending on whether it's the wrong kind of fear (like fearing people's opinions or worldly loss) or the right kind of fear (godly fear that draws us to God). He describes five types of godly fear that Christians experience: (1) the fear of an awakened conscience when someone first realizes they're a sinner deserving God's wrath, (2) the anxious fear of doubting whether one is truly saved, (3) the cautious fear of falling into sin and dishonoring God, (4) the jealous fear of letting anything besides Jesus take first place in our hearts, and (5) the reverent fear felt when experiencing God's awesome presence. Spurgeon encourages people struggling with these fears by assuring them that "it shall be well with them that fear God"—that these fears are actually signs of true faith, and God promises to save and keep safe all who genuinely fear Him and turn to Christ for salvation.

Sermon delivered by Charles Spurgeon on August 23, 1857.

In this sermon based on 2 Samuel 5:24, Charles Spurgeon teaches that just as David waited for God's specific sign (the rustling in the mulberry trees) before going into battle, Christians should watch for special opportunities when God is clearly at work and then act with extra energy and urgency during those times. Spurgeon explains that when we see signs of spiritual awakening—like people being deeply moved by a sermon, someone showing interest in spiritual things, children asking questions about God, or revival breaking out in churches—we should "bestir ourselves" by praying more earnestly, speaking boldly to those who seem open, and seizing the moment rather than letting the opportunity pass. He emphasizes that while we should always be faithful in serving God, there are special seasons when the Holy Spirit is particularly active, and during these times we must be especially diligent to work with God rather than missing the chance to see souls saved and lives changed.

Sermon delivered on May 31, 1857.

In this sermon on Philippians 1:21, Charles Spurgeon explains that a true Christian's life is completely centered on Christ—Christ is the source of their spiritual life, their daily sustenance, their example to follow, and their ultimate purpose for living. Spurgeon then addresses the second part of the verse, arguing that death is actually a great gain for believers because, though they lose earthly things like wealth and friends when they die, they gain far more in heaven—they're reunited with loved ones who died in faith, receive eternal riches and glory, gain complete knowledge of God's mysteries, and live forever in perfect happiness without sin or suffering. He concludes with a sobering warning that this blessed death only belongs to those who truly believe in Jesus Christ, while those who reject Him face eternal judgment and torment.

Sermon delivered on August 16, 1857.

In this sermon, Charles Spurgeon preaches on Jesus's command to "love your neighbor as yourself," explaining that a neighbor is anyone near us regardless of their wealth, religion, or behavior, and we must actively love them with genuine kindness, not just avoid hurting them. He emphasizes that this means treating everyone—rich or poor, friend or enemy, even those who sin against us—with the same care and concern we naturally have for ourselves, helping them when they're in need, forgiving them when they wrong us, and speaking kindly rather than harshly to them. Spurgeon concludes by reminding his listeners that since no one has perfectly kept this command, we all need God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and once forgiven, Christians should strive to love others as Christ loved us—sacrificially and unconditionally.

Sermon delivered August 9th, 1857.

In this sermon, Charles Spurgeon urges believers to make God their only focus, relying completely on Him instead of worrying about problems or depending on other people and things for help. He teaches that Christians should trust God alone for guidance, protection, and provision in every area of life—whether facing money troubles, sickness, slander, or any other difficulty—rather than anxiously trying to solve everything themselves or looking to friends, wealth, or their own cleverness for solutions. Spurgeon emphasizes that those who put their complete trust in God and wait patiently for His help will find true peace and happiness both in this life and in the eternal life to come, while those who depend on anything else will ultimately be disappointed.

Sermon delivered on August 2, 1857.

In this sermon, Charles Spurgeon argues that if someone who died actually came back from heaven to preach, it wouldn't convince people any more than the Bible already does, because the problem isn't lack of evidence but the hardness of human hearts. He explains that people make excuses for their sins by blaming their circumstances, upbringing, or society, when the real problem is their own sinful nature that needs to be changed by God. Spurgeon emphasizes that the Bible already tells us everything we need to know about heaven, hell, and salvation, and if we won't believe God's written Word, we wouldn't believe even a dead person who came back to life—only the Holy Spirit's power can truly change hearts and bring people to faith in Christ.

Delivered by Charles Spurgeon on July 26, 1857.

This sermon by Charles Spurgeon explains that God solved the problem of being both just (having to punish sin) and loving (wanting to save sinners) by having Jesus Christ take the punishment that sinners deserved. Spurgeon teaches that when Jesus died on the cross, God treated Jesus as if he were guilty of all our sins and punished him in our place, while treating believing sinners as if they were as perfect and righteous as Jesus himself. Because of this great exchange, Christians can be completely forgiven and accepted by God, not because of anything they've done, but because Jesus already paid the full price for their sins.

Delivered on July 19th, 1857.

This sermon by Charles Spurgeon teaches that anyone who truly calls on God through prayer and faith in Jesus Christ will be saved, no matter who they are or what sins they have committed. Spurgeon explains that being saved means two things: being forgiven for the wrong things we've done and being given the power to stop living in sinful ways. He emphasizes that salvation doesn't require fancy feelings, special dreams, priests, or even knowing how to read—all that's needed is to admit you're a sinner, trust that Jesus died to save you, and sincerely pray to God for help.

Delivered on July 12, 1857.

Charles Spurgeon preaches that Jesus' crucifixion was actually His greatest moment of glory because it showed His love, fortitude, and completed His mission to save humanity, and when Christ is "lifted up" through preaching, He draws all people to Himself. He argues that the most effective preaching focuses on Christ crucified rather than on threats of hell, dry doctrine, mere morality, or showing off learning—simple, heartfelt preaching about Jesus and His cross will naturally attract crowds and save souls. Spurgeon concludes that preaching Christ is also the only way to unite Christians across different denominations, because when ministers from all churches focus on lifting up Jesus rather than their differences, believers will naturally come together in love around the cross, which is the one thing that can draw everyone to God and ultimately carry them to heaven.

Sermon delivered by Charles Spurgeon on July 5, 1857.