RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_174f3dc9-6eb8-4e76-b1b1-73ee120ad7ff -- Rendered At Sat, 04 Apr 2026 21:30:39 +0000 Preach Better https://redcircle.com/shows/preachbetter en-US All rights reserved. Wisdom from the past for today's preacher Joe Cassada I read old dead guys and share their wisdom to encourage men in Christian ministry. 174f3dc9-6eb8-4e76-b1b1-73ee120ad7ff I read old dead guys and share their wisdom to encourage men in Christian ministry.

]]> episodic no Joe Cassada jcassada@protonmail.com no full Preaching in Earnest - Part 1 Preaching in Earnest - Part 1 Joe Cassada Charles Spurgeon considered earnestness one of the most essential elements of effective preaching. In this episode, I look at what Spurgeon means by "earnestness" in his book titled Lectures to My Students.

]]> <p><strong>Charles Spurgeon</strong> considered earnestness one of the most essential elements of effective preaching. In this episode, I look at what Spurgeon means by &#34;earnestness&#34; in his book titled <em>Lectures to My Students</em>.</p> 2868cde9-3e07-40be-ae7c-4638ec3cd668 https://www.joecassada.com Wed, 29 Mar 2023 16:24:37 +0000 533 no full Spurgeon on Street Preaching Spurgeon on Street Preaching 19 1 Joe Cassada Preaching on the street, or open air preaching, is good for the preacher, the church, and the city. This episode shares a summary of Spurgeon's advice on the benefits of street preaching and a few pointers on how to do it well.

]]> <p>Preaching on the street, or open air preaching, is good for the preacher, the church, and the city. This episode shares a summary of Spurgeon&#39;s advice on the benefits of street preaching and a few pointers on how to do it well.</p> 7c07426d-242d-4f77-8f20-637913b9eefa https://www.joecassada.com Fri, 18 Feb 2022 23:27:33 +0000 749 no full The Need for Bold Preachers - Spurgeon's Hills to Die On Part 2 The Need for Bold Preachers - Spurgeon's Hills to Die On Part 2 18 1 Joe Cassada This chapter in Spurgeon's "Lectures to My Students" is titled "The Need for Decision for Truth." It is about why preachers need to make up their minds about what is true, and then to stick to it; how preachers need to stop giving in to the spirit of the age and forsaking doctrines that the Bible declares as true, and instead should be bold in their declarations of truth.

Spurgeon lived in an age when theological liberalism was beginning to invade the church. Ministers of all denominational varieties were beginning to chip away at the doctrinal pillars of the gospel of Christ. That trend continues today, and Spurgeon’s words in this chapter are still relevant for modern Christians.

I’m going to divide the chapter along three lines, which are questions which Spurgeon answers:

• “In what ought we to be positive?”,

• “How are we to show this decision?”, and finally,

• “Why should we at this particular age be decided and bold?”

The last episode dealt with the first question. In this episode I’ll address the other two questions.

You can buy "Lectures to My Students" here: https://amzn.to/3qaAYQl

Have a blessed day!

]]> <p>This chapter in Spurgeon&#39;s &#34;Lectures to My Students&#34; is titled &#34;The Need for Decision for Truth.&#34; It is about why preachers need to make up their minds about what is true, and then to stick to it; how preachers need to stop giving in to the spirit of the age and forsaking doctrines that the Bible declares as true, and instead should be bold in their declarations of truth.</p><p>Spurgeon lived in an age when theological liberalism was beginning to invade the church. Ministers of all denominational varieties were beginning to chip away at the doctrinal pillars of the gospel of Christ. That trend continues today, and Spurgeon’s words in this chapter are still relevant for modern Christians.</p><p>I’m going to divide the chapter along three lines, which are questions which Spurgeon answers:</p><p>• “In what ought we to be positive?”,</p><p>• “How are we to show this decision?”, and finally,</p><p>• “Why should we at this particular age be decided and bold?”</p><p>The last episode dealt with the first question. In this episode I’ll address the other two questions.</p><p>You can buy &#34;Lectures to My Students&#34; here: https://amzn.to/3qaAYQl</p><p>Have a blessed day!</p> 8b8bbf76-745c-449e-ac57-f3dc840fb57d https://www.joecassada.com Wed, 29 Sep 2021 16:14:05 +0000 589 no full Spurgeon's Hills to Die On Spurgeon's Hills to Die On 17 1 Joe Cassada "The Need for Decision for Truth" At first glance, this chapter may sound like a lesson on how to lead people to make a decision for Christ, but that is not what this chapter is about. This chapter is about why preachers need to make up their minds about what is true, and then to stick to it; how preachers need to stop giving in to the spirit of the age and forsaking doctrines that the Bible declares as true.

Spurgeon lived in an age when theological liberalism was beginning to invade the church. Ministers of all denominational varieties were beginning to chip away at the doctrinal pillars of the gospel of Christ. That trend continues today, and Spurgeon’s words in this chapter are still relevant for modern Christians.

]]> <p>At first glance, this chapter may sound like a lesson on how to lead people to make a decision for Christ, but that is not what this chapter is about. This chapter is about why preachers need to make up their minds about what is true, and then to stick to it; how preachers need to stop giving in to the spirit of the age and forsaking doctrines that the Bible declares as true. </p><p>Spurgeon lived in an age when theological liberalism was beginning to invade the church. Ministers of all denominational varieties were beginning to chip away at the doctrinal pillars of the gospel of Christ. That trend continues today, and Spurgeon’s words in this chapter are still relevant for modern Christians.</p> 87a273fb-19e5-4f96-a413-3f84f0c26216 https://www.joecassada.com Mon, 19 Jul 2021 18:43:13 +0000 460 no full Why Preachers Need the Help of the Holy Spirit - Part 2 Why Preachers Need the Help of the Holy Spirit - Part 2 16 1 Joe Cassada This is part 2 of a 2 part series. Spurgeon discusses the necessity of the Holy Spirit in the chapter titled “The Holy Spirit in Connection with Our Ministry” in his classic book, Lectures to My Students. In this chapter, Spurgeon approaches the subject along the lines of two questions, “In what way do we need the help of the Holy Spirit?” and “How can we lose this help of the Spirit of God?”

]]> <p>This is part 2 of a 2 part series. Spurgeon discusses the necessity of the Holy Spirit in the chapter titled “The Holy Spirit in Connection with Our Ministry” in his classic book,<em> Lectures to My Students</em>. In this chapter, Spurgeon approaches the subject along the lines of two questions, “In what way do we need the help of the Holy Spirit?” and “How can we lose this help of the Spirit of God?”</p> e1307e6c-b83d-4cc3-bfc0-0590428eba68 https://www.joecassada.com Mon, 31 May 2021 15:45:40 +0000 677 no full Why Preachers Need the Help of the Holy Spirit - Part 1 Why Preachers Need the Help of the Holy Spirit - Part 1 15 1 Joe Cassada The ultimate goal of gospel ministry is not to fill a building but to impact eternity. It is very possible to be numerically successful in ministry – to have large buildings crammed with people, to garner large amounts of donations, to become a household name in contemporary Christianity – and to have zero eternal impact.


This is why preacher’s need the Holy Spirit. As believers we have the indwelling Spirit, but as preachers we need the influencing Spirit as well.


Spurgeon discusses the necessity of the Holy Spirit in the chapter titled “The Holy Spirit in Connection with Our Ministry” in his classic book, Lectures to My Students. In this chapter Spurgeon approaches the subject along the lines of two questions, “In what way do we need the help of the Holy Spirit?” and “How can we lose this help of the Spirit of God?”



]]> <p>The ultimate goal of gospel ministry is not to fill a building but to impact eternity. It is very possible to be numerically successful in ministry – to have large buildings crammed with people, to garner large amounts of donations, to become a household name in contemporary Christianity – and to have zero eternal impact.</p><p><br></p><p>This is why preacher’s need the Holy Spirit. As believers we have the indwelling Spirit, but as preachers we need the influencing Spirit as well.</p><p><br></p><p>Spurgeon discusses the necessity of the Holy Spirit in the chapter titled “The Holy Spirit in Connection with Our Ministry” in his classic book, <em>Lectures to My Students</em>. In this chapter Spurgeon approaches the subject along the lines of two questions, “In what way do we need the help of the Holy Spirit?” and “How can we lose this help of the Spirit of God?”</p><p><br></p><p><br></p> bec5cf20-a52d-45ff-ac85-bf4affb3def1 https://www.joecassada.com Tue, 18 May 2021 14:37:47 +0000 591 no full Spurgeon's Philosophy of Reading Spurgeon's Philosophy of Reading 14 2 Joe Cassada This episode is about the chapter titled “To Workers with Slender Apparatus” – which is a very strange chapter title. What Spurgeon means by “workers with slender apparatus” is preachers with few books and little or no means by which to purchase more. When reading "Lectures to My Students" there is a temptation to skip this chapter because books are cheaper today, and ebooks are free. But I think you’ll be glad you read this chapter because in it Spurgeon does not give advice so much on how to get books for less money, rather he reveals his own philosophy of reading, which I have found very helpful.

]]> <p>This episode is about the chapter titled “To Workers with Slender Apparatus” – which is a very strange chapter title. What Spurgeon means by “workers with slender apparatus” is preachers with few books and little or no means by which to purchase more. When reading &#34;Lectures to My Students&#34; there is a temptation to skip this chapter because books are cheaper today, and ebooks are free. But I think you’ll be glad you read this chapter because in it Spurgeon does not give advice so much on how to get books for less money, rather he reveals his own philosophy of reading, which I have found very helpful.</p> 01a4f1e8-1e83-4182-8e47-262f363ce4e5 https://www.joecassada.com Tue, 04 May 2021 16:36:50 +0000 618 no full Spurgeon on "The Minister's Ordinary Conversation" Spurgeon on "The Minister's Ordinary Conversation" 13 7 Joe Cassada The Preacher and Public Relations Today’s episode is about the chapter titled “The Minister’s Ordinary Conversation” in Spurgeon’s timeless classic Lectures to My Students. And by “the minister’s ordinary conversation” Spurgeon means the preacher’s demeanor and behavior around others in his everyday life. Listen to my 6 takeaways from this chapter.

]]> <p>Today’s episode is about the chapter titled “The Minister’s Ordinary Conversation” in Spurgeon’s timeless classic<em> Lectures to My Students</em>. And by “the minister’s ordinary conversation” Spurgeon means <strong>the preacher’s demeanor and behavior around others in his everyday life</strong>. Listen to my 6 takeaways from this chapter.</p> 18eec6d6-1f1a-4f0b-a852-ac740900109e https://www.joecassada.com Tue, 20 Apr 2021 17:32:43 +0000 493 no full How Spurgeon Dealt with Depression in the Ministry How Spurgeon Dealt with Depression in the Ministry 12 1 Joe Cassada Preacher's can struggle with spiritual depression as much (or even more) than others. Spurgeon shows us the What's, Why's, and How's of dealing with spiritual depression from his own experience.


I am not (and neither was Spurgeon) a medical or mental health professional. The content of this video is for general information purposes only and should not be misconstrued as professional medical or mental health advice.

]]> <p>Preacher&#39;s can struggle with spiritual depression as much (or even more) than others. Spurgeon shows us the What&#39;s, Why&#39;s, and How&#39;s of dealing with spiritual depression from his own experience.</p><p><br></p><p>I am not (and neither was Spurgeon) a medical or mental health professional. The content of this video is for general information purposes only and should not be misconstrued as professional medical or mental health advice.</p> 6b0ffcf7-e00b-4aae-89e1-36b798285bb2 https://www.joecassada.com Sat, 03 Apr 2021 02:21:04 +0000 1062 no full The Preacher's "Noble Power" The Preacher's "Noble Power" 11 1 Joe Cassada The Faculty of Impromptu Speech - How to Preach with Minimal Notes Like Spurgeon Have you ever seen one of Spurgeon’s sermon outlines? They are very minimal – almost bare-boned.

 

Have you ever read one of Spurgeon’s sermons? They are as full of meat as an egg. How can a man take such a skeletal outline and turn it into such weighty sermons?

 

The answer to the question is the faculty of impromptu speech. And by this, Spurgeon means “speaking without special preparation, without notes or immediate forethought.” It’s a vital skill every preacher needs – and Spurgeon was a master at it. In today’s episode, I arrange Spurgeon's chapter titled "The Faculty of Impromptu Speech" around 4 imperatives.

]]> <p>Have you ever seen one of Spurgeon’s sermon outlines? They are very minimal – almost bare-boned. </p><p> </p><p>Have you ever read one of Spurgeon’s sermons? They are as full of meat as an egg. How can a man take such a skeletal outline and turn it into such weighty sermons?</p><p> </p><p>The answer to the question is the faculty of impromptu speech. And by this, Spurgeon means “speaking without special preparation, without notes or immediate forethought.” It’s a vital skill every preacher needs – and Spurgeon was a master at it. In today’s episode, I arrange Spurgeon&#39;s chapter titled &#34;The Faculty of Impromptu Speech&#34; around 4 imperatives.</p> 307efeab-2498-435e-9138-51b7994a54f8 https://www.joecassada.com Fri, 26 Mar 2021 19:57:02 +0000 842 no full ATTENTION! How to Get It (and Keep It) When You Preach ATTENTION! How to Get It (and Keep It) When You Preach 10 1 Joe Cassada When you preach, do people fall asleep? Do they look around the sanctuary or constantly look at their phones? Let’s start fixing that problem today.


I’ve taken Spurgeon’s chapter titled Attention! and organized his words around four headings. If you address these four areas of concern, you will go far in your ability to obtain and retain the attention of your hearers.


Recommended Reading:


• Spurgeon's "Lectures to My Students" here: https://amzn.to/2XCaAS7


(affiliate links)


Have a blessed day!

]]> <p>When you preach, do people fall asleep? Do they look around the sanctuary or constantly look at their phones? Let’s start fixing that problem today.</p><p><br></p><p>I’ve taken Spurgeon’s chapter titled Attention! and organized his words around four headings. If you address these four areas of concern, you will go far in your ability to obtain and retain the attention of your hearers.</p><p><br></p><p>Recommended Reading:</p><p><br></p><p>• Spurgeon&#39;s &#34;Lectures to My Students&#34; here: https://amzn.to/2XCaAS7</p><p><br></p><p>(affiliate links)</p><p><br></p><p>Have a blessed day!</p> 5c28116c-0dfa-48e6-aa44-1381afe02161 https://www.joecassada.com Sat, 20 Mar 2021 00:40:12 +0000 873 no full Spurgeon's 3 Rules for Better Public Speaking and 7 Tips for Improving Your Voice Spurgeon's 3 Rules for Better Public Speaking and 7 Tips for Improving Your Voice 9 2 Joe Cassada Wisdom for Public Speakers from before the Age of Microphones Do you struggle with a weak-sounding voice? Here are Spurgeon's 3 Rules for better Public Speaking along with his 7 tips for caring for your voice.


Recommended Reading:

• Spurgeon's Lectures to My Students: https://amzn.to/2XCaAS7 (affiliate links)

]]> <p>Do you struggle with a weak-sounding voice? Here are Spurgeon&#39;s 3 Rules for better Public Speaking along with his 7 tips for caring for your voice. </p><p><br></p><p>Recommended Reading: </p><p>• Spurgeon&#39;s <em>Lectures to My Students</em>: https://amzn.to/2XCaAS7 (affiliate links)</p> 18151fbe-e0a0-4ef2-9d71-8c48660e9e1d https://www.joecassada.com Fri, 05 Mar 2021 23:18:13 +0000 864 no full Avoid Looking Like a Fool by Following Spurgeon's Advice on Spiritualizing Avoid Looking Like a Fool by Following Spurgeon's Advice on Spiritualizing 8 1 Joe Cassada Spiritualizing is a method of sermon writing that can produce either good sermons or really, really bad sermons. The difference is found in how careful a preacher is when he attempts to spiritualize a Bible text.


Follow Spurgeon's 4 Guidelines to avoid making yourself look like a fool in the pulpit.


RECOMMENDED READING:

• "Lectures to My Students": https://amzn.to/2XCaAS7

• Spurgeon's book of devotions, "Morning and Evening": https://amzn.to/2ZULkHT

]]> <p>Spiritualizing is a method of sermon writing that can produce either good sermons or really, really bad sermons. The difference is found in how careful a preacher is when he attempts to spiritualize a Bible text.</p><p><br></p><p>Follow Spurgeon&#39;s 4 Guidelines to avoid making yourself look like a fool in the pulpit.</p><p><br></p><p>RECOMMENDED READING:</p><p>• &#34;Lectures to My Students&#34;: <a href="https://amzn.to/2XCaAS7" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/2XCaAS7</a></p><p>• Spurgeon&#39;s book of devotions, &#34;Morning and Evening&#34;: <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZULkHT" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/2ZULkHT</a></p> c25af87b-c414-4fa5-b447-9c5e4de59321 https://www.joecassada.com Sat, 27 Feb 2021 17:30:00 +0000 614 no full Why Preacher's Must Be Holy - Spurgeon's 3 "Musts" for the Minister's Life Why Preacher's Must Be Holy - Spurgeon's 3 "Musts" for the Minister's Life 7 1 Joe Cassada Every craftsman must keep his tools sharp, and every swordsman must whet his blade. The preacher must likewise guard his heart to keep it from the dulling effect of sin, and polish it from the grime of corruption. In today's episode, I discuss how Charles Spurgeon described the importance of a preacher's holiness in the chapter titled "The Minister's Self-Watch."


RECOMMENDED READING:

Charles Spurgeon's Lectures to My Students: https://amzn.to/2XCaAS7

Richard Baxter's The Reformed Pastor: https://amzn.to/3khO8bD Andrew Bonar's biography of Robert Murray M'Cheyne: https://amzn.to/3qP9nUg

John Bunyan's A Few Sighs from Hell: https://amzn.to/3sgeMEt

John Owen's The Mortification of Sin: https://amzn.to/37xlUUR


(links are affiliate)

]]> <p>Every craftsman must keep his tools sharp, and every swordsman must whet his blade. The preacher must likewise guard his heart to keep it from the dulling effect of sin, and polish it from the grime of corruption. In today&#39;s episode, I discuss how Charles Spurgeon described the importance of a preacher&#39;s holiness in the chapter titled &#34;The Minister&#39;s Self-Watch.&#34;</p><p><br></p><p>RECOMMENDED READING:</p><p>Charles Spurgeon&#39;s <em>Lectures to My Students</em>: <a href="https://amzn.to/2XCaAS7" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/2XCaAS7</a></p><p>Richard Baxter&#39;s <em>The Reformed Pastor</em>: <a href="https://amzn.to/3khO8bD" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/3khO8bD</a> Andrew Bonar&#39;s biography of Robert Murray M&#39;Cheyne: https://amzn.to/3qP9nUg</p><p>John Bunyan&#39;s <em>A Few Sighs from Hell</em>: <a href="https://amzn.to/3sgeMEt" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/3sgeMEt</a></p><p>John Owen&#39;s <em>The Mortification of Sin</em>: <a href="https://amzn.to/37xlUUR" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/37xlUUR</a></p><p><br></p><p>(links are affiliate)</p> 65b1238d-160c-4610-b707-dd6331d876e3 https://www.joecassada.com Sat, 20 Feb 2021 02:53:15 +0000 560 no full Choosing a Verse to Preach On - Charles Spurgeon's Method for Starting a Sermon Choosing a Verse to Preach On - Charles Spurgeon's Method for Starting a Sermon 6 1 Joe Cassada How do you pick a verse from the Bible to preach on? Where do you start? Charles Spurgeon shows us how in the chapter titled "On the Choice of a Text" in his book Lectures to My Students.

]]> <p>How do you pick a verse from the Bible to preach on? Where do you start? Charles Spurgeon shows us how in the chapter titled &#34;On the Choice of a Text&#34; in his book<em> </em><a href="https://amzn.to/2N8HKY1" rel="nofollow"><em>Lectures to My Students</em></a>.</p> 3521fe74-cf65-4a48-b11c-52f8024470bf https://www.joecassada.com Fri, 12 Feb 2021 17:54:56 +0000 780 no full "What Should I Preach About?" - Charles Spurgeon Answers "What Should I Preach About?" - Charles Spurgeon Answers 5 1 Joe Cassada I share five lessons I learned from the chapter titled "Sermons - Their Matter" in Charles Spurgeon's book called Lecture to My Students. These lesson have helped prepare better sermons.

]]> <p>I share five lessons I learned from the chapter titled &#34;Sermons - Their Matter&#34; in Charles Spurgeon&#39;s book called <a href="https://amzn.to/2N8HKY1" rel="nofollow"><em>Lecture to My Students</em></a>. These lesson have helped prepare better sermons.</p> ee55e008-3f08-4144-8918-a83888a6f673 https://www.joecassada.com Fri, 05 Feb 2021 17:19:23 +0000 615 no full The Preacher's Private Prayer Life The Preacher's Private Prayer Life 4 1 Joe Cassada Spurgeon Discusses the Real "Secret" to Success In the book titled Lectures to My Students, Charles Spurgeon gives us 4 lessons regarding the preacher's private prayer life.

]]> <p>In the book titled<em> </em><a href="https://amzn.to/2N8HKY1" rel="nofollow"><em>Lectures to My Students</em></a>, Charles Spurgeon gives us 4 lessons regarding the preacher&#39;s private prayer life.</p> e99cb658-c021-4e0e-8fab-af7a78694d1b https://www.joecassada.com Sun, 31 Jan 2021 16:40:30 +0000 663 no full How to Pray Better in Public - Charles Spurgeon's Tips How to Pray Better in Public - Charles Spurgeon's Tips 3 1 Joe Cassada Lessons on Prayer from Spurgeon's "Lectures to My Students" What are some of the most common mistakes preachers make when they pray publicly? Charles Spurgeon discusses them (along with other helpful tips) in the chapter titled "Our Public Prayer" from his book Lectures to My Students.

]]> <p>What are some of the most common mistakes preachers make when they pray publicly? Charles Spurgeon discusses them (along with other helpful tips) in the chapter titled &#34;Our Public Prayer&#34; from his book <a href="https://amzn.to/2N8HKY1" rel="nofollow"><em>Lectures to My Students</em></a>.</p> d7db334f-21ec-403e-a50f-0a702b99eef5 https://www.joecassada.com Fri, 22 Jan 2021 22:00:00 +0000 761 no full How to Tell if God is Calling You into the Ministry How to Tell if God is Calling You into the Ministry 2 1 Joe Cassada Gleaning lessons from his book Lectures to My Students, I share how Charles Spurgeon answers the very important question about whether a man is called to preach or not. I summarize it by suggesting we ask ourselves three questions: 1. Do I want to preach? 2. Can I preach? 3. Are people helped by my preaching?

]]> <p>Gleaning lessons from his book <a href="https://amzn.to/2N8HKY1" rel="nofollow"><em>Lectures to My Students</em></a>, I share how Charles Spurgeon answers the very important question about whether a man is called to preach or not. I summarize it by suggesting we ask ourselves three questions: 1. Do I want to preach? 2. Can I preach? 3. Are people helped by my preaching?</p> 930a5911-bcae-4346-9027-5ed05087b391 https://www.joecassada.com Fri, 15 Jan 2021 17:34:52 +0000 466 no