Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834–92) continues to be a colossal influence on gospel-centered ministry. Contemporaries recognized his significance, resulting in many biographies of him in the months and years following his death, not to mention those written during his lifetime. However, new developments, like the creation of the Spurgeon Center at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, have opened up new opportunities for exploring studies of Spurgeon’s legacy. In Spurgeon: A Life, Alex DiPrima provides an updated and accessible biography of the Prince of Preachers. Few of Spurgeon’s many biographies accurately portray his life or reflect the scholarly precision his legacy warrants. This new portrayal serves the church because it “makes some improvements over previous accounts of his life and also takes into view many of the new studies and new data now available to historians and researchers” (15–16). Beyond increasing appreciation of Spurgeon, this book aims to help readers develop “a deeper love for the glorious Savior who captivated Spurgeon’s heart and life” (17). Formed by the Saints Raised in a deeply convictional Christian home, Spurgeon learned from his parents and grandparents the truth of the gospel. His father, John, served as a lay preacher among Congregationalists, and his mother, Eliza, intentionally taught her children the gospel. Yet his grandfather James, a Congregationalist preacher, proved one of the most influential individuals on the young man. Spurgeon lived with his grandparents for several years and had access to his grandfather’s library, which was filled with Puritan authors and their meditations on Christ. His early enthrallment with the Puritans continued throughout his life, and these saints of old formed his life, theologically and pastorally. As DiPrima explains, “Spurgeon’s childhood was deeply shaped by the gospel” (37). And yet he remained unconverted. As Spurgeon matured, he faced growing anxiety about his future, his career, and his burden of sin. All this likely weighed on his mind as he walked into the Primitive Methodist Chapel in Colchester. On that snowy day in January 1850, Spurgeon heard the gospel from Isaiah 45:22, and God brought about new life. Spurgeon’s own account reveals this to be one of the most simplistic but effective sermons ever documented. Spurgeon’s spiritual formation obviously didn’t stop there. As DiPrima shows, Spurgeon’s path to discipleship was marked by baptism and local church membership. Early on, people began to recognize talent in young Spurgeon, but it’s those like Mary King, a cook at the Newmarket school Spurgeon attended, who were keys to his spiritual maturity. Her piety and motherly guidance led him to write, “I do believe I learnt more from her than I should have learned from any six doctors of divinity of the sort we have nowadays” (52). In Spurgeon’s life, we see that ordinary people investing in young people through ordinary means can accomplish extraordinary purposes. Committed to Doctrine Spurgeon’s preaching ministry began shortly after his conversion. DiPrima writes that, unlike many beginner preachers, “Spurgeon’s first preaching experience was perhaps something like Bach’s first encounter with the organ or Michelangelo’s first efforts with a mallet and chisel, in the sense not only that in preaching Spurgeon discovered the work of his life but also that this was manifestly a matter of personal destiny” (59). In Spurgeon’s life, we see that ordinary people investing in young people through ordinary means can accomplish extraordinary purposes. Spurgeon went on to pastor Waterbeach Baptist Chapel north of Cambridge before being called to London to pastor the New Park Street Chapel, which became the Metropolitan Tabernacle. DiPrima’s chronological narrative relates important aspects of Spurgeon’s life and ministry, such as the challenges he faced in his early years as a pastor, and the joys of marriage and family. This exploration of his personal life benefits from recent interest in the life of his wife, Susie Spurgeon. Much of this reflects the usual history of Spurgeon’s life. DiPrima’s unique contribution comes from his evaluative work as he helps us understand how Spurgeon’s ministry prefigures, in some ways, the best of modern evangelical ministry. For example, he argues that “Spurgeon’s preaching was Protestant, Puritan, Calvinist, Baptist, and evangelical” (153). “Undoubtedly,” DiPrima writes, “the depth of Spurgeon’s doctrine and the content contributed to the unusual power and appeal of his preaching” (159). Thus, it was the substance as much as his magnificent oratorical style that earned him the title “Prince of Preachers.” Dedicated to Discipleship Spurgeon was deeply invested in discipling others. Beyond his primary responsibilities as pastor at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, he committed himself to ministries like the Pastors’ College, about which he said, “This is my life’s work, to which I believe God has called me” (169). How many of us have benefited from reading Lectures to My Students, which distills wisdom from his ministry to those young men? The man seemed indefatigable. His courage and visionary leadership shone through challenges like the baptismal regeneration controversy in the mid-1860s, the formation of the Sword and the Trowel magazine, church planting, and the Stockwell Orphanage. Spurgeon’s final years were marked by the Downgrade Controversy in his denomination, the Baptist Union. DiPrima’s updated account of this turmoil reaffirms Spurgeon’s “characteristic commitment to conviction over pragmatism” (265). It was the substance as much as his oratorical style that earned Spurgeon the title ‘Prince of Preachers.’ Through all this, Spurgeon endured substantial health struggles, including kidney issues, rheumatic gout, and depression. As DiPrima says, “Although he suffered greatly, he suffered successfully as a child of God. Much of his piety as a Christian and as a minister was forged in the fires of distress and affliction” (218). Spurgeon’s persistence in overwork due to his dedication to discipleship likely contributed to his early death at age 57. It’s hard to summarize Spurgeon’s ministry’s influence and reach, which stretches to our contemporary moment. He accomplished more in his four decades of ministry than most could dream of. God is still working through his legacy as his story is retold, especially in well-researched and accessible volumes like this one. DiPrima’s biography offers a vivid and edifying portrayal of the Prince of Preachers, one that will stir readers’ affections for Christ while moving them to engage others with the gospel.

In her TGCW24 message, Ruth Chou Simons unpacks Jesus’s statement “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” from John 14:1–14. When we believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we find comfort and hope, knowing that nothing in the world can shake this truth. Jesus’s claim is exclusive, and many will find it offensive. But the truth that no one can come to the Father except through Jesus is the greatest comfort for troubled hearts. Christ, the perfect offering, is the only One who could make a way to God for us. Simons teaches the following: Struggles with striving and seeking clear paths Jesus’s response to the disciples’ troubled hearts Believing in Jesus and his promises Hoping in Christ and our eternal home Looking to Jesus as the way, truth, and life Choosing Jesus and following his path

Telemundo’s most recent coverage of the controversy surrounding bathroom privileges for a transgender freshman Member of Congress confirms that those who depend on the national Spanish-language media are the most disinformed cohort among the electorate.  Watch the wild open to the Bathroomgate segment on Telemundo’s midday newscast:  NOTICIAS TELEMUNDO MEDIODÍA 11/21/24 12:38 PM OCTAVIO PULIDO: Well, and on other topics, Democrat Sarah McBride, representative of Delaware, is the first transgender congresswoman to arrive at the Capitol. But she will not be able to use the women's bathroom, since on the other side, Republican Nancy Mace, of South Carolina, has introduced an ordinance that would prohibit transgender women from using facilities on federal property such as bathrooms and locker rooms that do not correspond to the sex that they were assigned at birth. It's a position shared by Speaker Mike Johnson. In fact, he has already issued a new policy that stipulates this. NICOLE SUAREZ: And we are joined now by Mónica Trasandes, Executive Director of Representation and Hispanic media at GLAAD. Thank you for being here with us. First of all, what is your reaction to this rule? MONICA TRANSANDES: I find it incredibly disrespectful. Incredible that our Congress is focusing on this, instead of all the problems we have in this country, they are focusing on this. She is an elected member of Congress, chosen to represent her state and deserves the respect of her colleagues. So, that's my personal reaction. And GLAAD's too. Incredible that this is what they are focusing on. For those keeping score at home, we are on Day Four of the Bathroomgate cycle. And Telemundo’s idea of balanced coverage is to bring on a GLAAD activist and do four and half minutes of “advocacy journalism.” There were no advocates for women present. Telemundo did not book anyone who might explain why protecting women’s spaces from the ongoing intrusion of masquerading men is a good idea. In fact, the questions appeared to be written by GLAAD. For example: PULIDO: This year alone, more than 600 anti-transgender laws have been introduced in at least 43 states in the country. What does this mean? Especially in the fight for the rights of the LGBT community. And what is GLAAD, for example, doing to protect them? PULIDO: Monica, a new study indicates that 82% of people who participated in this UCLA study have experienced some type of discrimination in their area of ​​employment. If you are in a situation like this, what help is there or what can these people do? SUAREZ: And well, since we're on that political topic, President-elect Donald Trump has also promised to roll back protections for trans students. What do you expect for the future? None of these questions had anything to do with the situation at The Capitol. It is as if all of that was a mere conveyance for Telemundo to beat viewers over the head with trans agenda. Telemundo is working extra hard to earn and uphold Comcast’s CEI score. Unfortunately, they are also working hard at further alienating viewers. Click “expand” to view the full transcript of the aforementioned report as aired on Noticias Telemundo Mediodía on Wednesday, November 21st, 2024: NOTICIAS TELEMUNDO MEDIODÍA 11/21/24 12:38 PM OCTAVIO PULIDO: Well, and on other topics, Democrat Sarah McBride, representative of Delaware, is the first transgender congresswoman to arrive at the Capitol. But she will not be able to use the women's bathroom, since on the other side, Republican Nancy Mace, of South Carolina, has introduced an ordinance that would prohibit transgender women from using facilities on federal property such as bathrooms and locker rooms that do not correspond to the sex that they were assigned at birth. It's a position shared by Speaker Mike Johnson. In fact, he has already issued a new policy that stipulates this. NICOLE SUAREZ: And we are joined now by Mónica Trasandes, Executive Director of Representation and Hispanic media at GLAAD. Thank you for being here with us. First of all, what is your reaction to this rule? MONICA TRANSANDES: I find it incredibly disrespectful. Incredible that our Congress is focusing on this, instead of all the problems we have in this country, they are focusing on this. She is an elected member of Congress, chosen to represent her state and deserves the respect of her colleagues. So, that's my personal reaction. And GLAAD's too. Incredible that this is what they are focusing on. PULIDO: Mónica, but the problem goes further. This year alone, more than 600 anti-transgender laws have been introduced in at least 43 states in the country. What does this mean? Especially in the fight for the rights of the LGBT community. And what is GLAAD, for example, doing to protect them? TRANSANDES: Oh, we have a lot, a lot to do to educate, because I believe that in a certain way this has been politics. There are still many people who do not know transgender people, who do not have a transgender person in their life and who can, who can understand more about transgender people. So they use this as a way to - to - to - to lie and to try to get transgender people to be treated like they are outside of our communities. And the reality is that there are at least one point two million transgender people in this country. Many of them, and they are Latinos and there have always been transgender people, but there is a lack of understanding, knowledge of who they are. So what we in the LGBTQ community have to do is tell our stories. Thank you for inviting me to speak on the subject. This is so important. Simply tell who we are. I am not a transgender woman, but we are helping people Transgender people tell their stories. That's the most important thing. I think what we can do at this moment. SUAREZ: And well, since we're on that political topic, President-elect Donald Trump has also promised to roll back protections for trans students. What do you expect for the future? TRANSANDES: We have a lot to do, but we are not going to let our young people go without- without protection. We're not going to let them do that. Let them continue playing politics with the lives of young people. Young people have to be protected so that they can stay in school so that they can stay healthy and alive, so that depression does not attack them. And these politicians getting between families, doctors and trans people, it's horrible. Then we will continue fighting. This is a strong moment for us, the LGBTQ community, for immigrants, for people who are so concerned about DACA, about deportations. It is a very difficult moment and more. But you know what? Right now we don't stop fighting at all. PULIDO: Monica, a new study indicates that 82% of people who participated in this UCLA study have experienced some type of discrimination in their area of ​​employment. If you are in a situation like this, what help is there or what can these people do? TRANSANDES: There are several organizations that help with work, with elements of work that- with discrimination. If anyone has any questions or doesn't know where to go for help, they can contact me at GLAAD, which is glaad dot org. We have some resources there, but we can connect them. The most important thing is not to stay - not to stay silent. Of course, find trusted people you can talk to. But- but seek help and know that there are people in this world. Allies, many allies. People within the LGBTQ community and outside the LGBTQ community who love you, who want to help you. So the most important thing is not to lose optimism and not- and not to feel alone and not- and not to remain silent with discrimination. That's the most important thing, try to seek help. SUAREZ: Well, thank you very much for that valuable information. TRASANDES: Thank you for inviting me.  

Draggin' Over Dragons: Joe Rogan Shields Himself Against Joy Behar's Fiery Flames

We're almost at the end of the year, and that means awards and accomplishments for the games and the people behind that saw release this 2024. In its 42nd year, The Golden Joystick Awards 2024 winners for all categories have been revealed, and the winners shouldn't surprise anyone.

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