The focus of this issue is on a topic frequently neglected in our age–the blood of Christ. Through a variety of articles, we hope to rekindle appreciation for and an interest in preaching about the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The old hymn puts it poignantly: “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” It is our hope that you will be encouraged by this issue to teach about the “precious blood of Christ” and that you will find that His blood alone is sufficient to pay for all our sins and cleanse us to that we might stand faultless before the throne.
A number of the articles are excerpts from sermons by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Spurgeon may have been the greatest preacher of the modern era. Even before the era of the mega-church, Spurgeon pastored a congregation in London that regularly ministered to over 6000 people each Sunday. Spurgeon was a popular preacher, but he never shied away from preaching the great doctrines of the Bible. One theme on which he often spoke was the blood atonement. Choosing from a few of his sermons was most difficult. Shortening them for this publication was also difficult. We hope that the message of the blood, as preached by C. H. Spurgeon will prove to be a great blessing for you. We have also included a short excerpt from another sermon by Spurgeon that we hope will be a “new year’s” encouragement to all preachers: “Preacher, Keep Your Heart Full!”
Along with the articles by Spurgeon, we have included two by the Puritan theologian, Stephen Charnock. “The Cleansing Virtue of Christ’s Blood” is part of an introduction to an exposition of 1 John 1:9. Although we have only included a short part, the entire message is worth reading if you have access the Works of Charnock. Articles by Horartius Bonar, Andrew Murray, and A. W. Pink round out the theme study on the blood of Christ. Finally, we have included another article by Frank Boreham, this time on Hugh Latimer’s text.
Jim’s teaching ministry will continue to be a priority in the coming months. He is currently scheduled to be teaching in Haiti, Belgium, and the Ukraine this spring. There is also a possibility of teaching in Romania if we can work out the scheduling. Continue to keep us in your prayers regarding these trips and also regarding Jim’s writing and editing ministry. May the Lord bless your efforts for His sake as you serve Him this new year.
By His Grace, Jim & Debbie
Teaching Resources International 