EP 42: The Forgotten Spurgeon, Enduring Trials for God's Sake & Abounding in Hope, Ft. Brandon Rhea

The Broken Wharfe Podcast

In this second part of our series on C. H. Spurgeon, host John Mark is joined again by Dr. Brandon Rhea to explore the major controversies, trials, and enduring legacy of the “Prince of Preachers.” Building on the previous discussion of Spurgeon’s life and theology of the Sabbath, Dr. Rhea surveys the defining battles Spurgeon faced—hypercalvinism, slavery, baptismal regeneration, sabbatarianism, and the infamous Downgrade Controversy.

Dr. Rhea explains how Spurgeon’s unwavering convictions about the authority of Scripture, the exclusivity of Christ, and the necessity of doctrinal integrity often came at great personal cost—fractured friendships, public censure, physical illness, and emotional strain. Yet, through suffering, Spurgeon held fast to the truth, refusing to compromise for the sake of pragmatism or popularity. The conversation draws out enduring lessons for today’s church on the need for confessional clarity, the costliness of faithfulness, the centrality of sound doctrine in interchurch fellowship, and the hope believers have in Christ amid trials.

Brandon Rhea is author of Spurgeon’s Forgotten Sabbatarianism: The Fourth Commandment in the Life and Theology of the Prince of Preachers—available at [brokenwharfe.com/bookshop].

00:00 Welcome & Introduction
00:52 Recap of Part One & Episode Overview
02:00 Spurgeon’s Major Controversies
07:59 Slavery & Public Backlash
10:08 Baptismal Regeneration Dispute
12:25 Sabbath Controversies in Scotland
15:20 The Downgrade Controversy
20:45 Doctrinal Clarity in Church Partnerships
27:01 The Cost of Standing for Truth
32:55 Spurgeon’s Theology of Suffering
37:53 Susannah Spurgeon’s Suffering & Support
40:38 Lessons for the Church Today

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