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Peter Taylor Forsyth

Peter Taylor Forsyth

7 Sermons

Peter Taylor Forsyth (1848–1921) was a Scottish preacher and theologian whose profound ministry within the Congregational Church anticipated key 20th-century theological developments. Born on May 12, 1848, in Aberdeen, Scotland, he was the eldest of five children in a modest family; his father was a postman. Forsyth excelled academically, graduating with first-class honors from the University of Aberdeen in 1869. He briefly studied under Albrecht Ritschl in Göttingen, Germany, before returning to England, where he was ordained in 1876. He served pastorates in Shipley, Yorkshire; Hackney, London; Manchester; Leicester; and Cambridge, before becoming principal of Hackney Theological College in London in 1901, a role he held until his death. He married in the late 1880s, and they had one daughter. Forsyth’s preaching career evolved from early liberalism to a robust evangelical theology centered on the cross of Christ and God’s holiness. Initially influenced by German critical theology, he experienced a personal crisis in 1878 that redirected his focus to the atonement’s moral and spiritual significance, a shift evident in his landmark sermon “God the Holy Father.” His prolific writings, including The Person and Place of Jesus Christ (1909), Positive Preaching and the Modern Mind (1907), and The Justification of God (1916), emphasized the cross as God’s self-justification amid human suffering, influencing later theologians like Karl Barth. He died on November 11, 1921, in London, leaving a legacy as a “preacher’s theologian” whose work bridged scholarly depth and pastoral urgency.

Sermons
Bio

The Sin of Prayerlessness

PSA 145:18ISA 64:7MAT 6:6LUK 18:1PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 4:2

Peter Taylor Forsyth emphasizes the critical importance of prayer in the Christian life, highlighting that prayerlessness is the worst sin that can lead to overt sins and spiritual inconsistencies. He explains that the lack of seeking God through prayer can result in being left by God and experiencing spiritual solitude. Forsyth stresses that living prayer is essential for maintaining humane relationships and producing sympathy towards others, as it connects us with God and fellow human beings. He warns that the sin of not desiring to pray can lead to spiritual deafness and starvation, ultimately causing spiritual decay and death.

The Prayer of God

PSA 42:1JHN 15:16ROM 8:26EPH 1:4EPH 2:10PHP 2:13JAS 4:81JN 4:19

Peter Taylor Forsyth emphasizes the profound nature of prayer, highlighting how the Spirit intercedes for us with unutterable groanings, indicating that our prayers are a response to God's initial call and movement in our hearts. He delves into the concept that our prayers are actually a result of God's first prayer for us, demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son for our redemption. Forsyth underscores that prayer is intricately linked to the Atonement, with Christ's self-offering to God being the essence of prayer. He explains that God's love ignites our desire to pray, drawing us closer to Him as His creations destined for communion with Him.

The Secret of the Lord

PSA 25:14MAT 6:6PHP 4:6COL 4:2JAS 5:16

Peter Taylor Forsyth emphasizes the importance of prayer in discerning the deeper truths and powers that govern our lives. Without prayer, the mind may be sharp but the soul remains blind to the profound forces at work, leading to a superficial understanding of spiritual matters. Those who cultivate a life of prayer experience a transformation where theology becomes worship, energy is infused with love, work is an outpouring of compassion, and character is shaped by humility. Forsyth highlights that true mastery and fulfillment are found not in talent, but in the practice of prayer, where believers encounter the secret wisdom and covenant of the Lord.

The Sacrament of Pain

PSA 30:11ISA 61:3ROM 8:282CO 12:81TH 5:18

Peter Taylor Forsyth preaches about the transformative power of prayer in the midst of pain, emphasizing the importance of praying for pain's conversion rather than just its removal. He highlights the concept of making pain a sacrament, capturing and exploiting it for God's glory, and converting it into a form of prayer. Forsyth encourages turning pain into praise, thanking God in all circumstances, and recognizing how our own struggles can be a blessing to others, ultimately leading to a true Eucharist of giving thanks.

To Whom Do You Pray?

PSA 37:4MAT 6:21MAT 6:24JHN 4:241TH 5:17

Peter Taylor Forsyth emphasizes the concept of continuous prayer in our lives, highlighting that our actions, ambitions, and desires are all forms of prayer directed towards something or someone, whether it be God or other worldly pursuits. He distinguishes between praying in the name of Christ with faith and praying to fulfill selfish desires, stressing the importance of total conversion and redirecting our prayers towards God. Forsyth underscores that every active life is engaged in prayer, either towards God or towards worldly distractions, and that true prayer requires a sincere and faithful connection with God.

Believe Your Prayers

MAT 21:22MRK 11:24PHP 4:61TH 5:16JAS 5:16

Peter Taylor Forsyth emphasizes the power of prayer, quoting Matthew 21:22 to encourage believers to ask in prayer with faith and expect to receive. He highlights that faith is crucial in prayer, surpassing scientific or philosophical considerations, and that prayer is not just a necessity of faith but faith in action. Forsyth explains that through prayer, the soul connects intimately with God, allowing for the harmonization of opposing elements and the alignment of human will with God's Kingdom, stressing the importance of prayer in bringing about God's Will and Kingdom.

Theological Prayers

PSA 119:105JER 33:3COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:16

Peter Taylor Forsyth emphasizes the importance of prayer as a direct connection with God, likening it to original research in science. He highlights the significance of using the Bible as a source of inspiration for prayer, encouraging a deep understanding of its teachings to cultivate a universal gospel in our prayers. Forsyth stresses the intertwining of theology and prayer, stating that true Christian prayer must contain theology, and vice versa, to maintain their greatness and depth.