Preaching and the power of perseverance

Some have a romantic view of Christian ministry.

We look to the role model of C. H. Spurgeon, under whose ministry thousands were converted, or the ministries of Whitefield or Wesley which had such extraordinary impact. We read the accounts of revivals in church history.

And so the preacher comes to the Lord’s Day praying that the Lord will use his sermon in a glorious way to exalt Christ and extend His Kingdom. Those in the pew join in those prayers and that sense of anticipation.