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Victory or Defeat
John Ridley

John G. Ridley (1896–1976) Born in 1896 in Australia, John G. Ridley was a Methodist evangelist and military chaplain who profoundly influenced Australian Christianity. After serving in World War I, he trained for ministry and became known for fiery revival sermons, notably a 1930s campaign at Burton Street Baptist Tabernacle in Sydney, where his sermon “Echoes of Eternity” inspired Arthur Stace to chalk “Eternity” across the city for decades. Ridley pastored churches and preached across Australia, emphasizing repentance and salvation. He authored tracts and articles but no major books. Married with a family, he died in 1976, leaving a legacy through his evangelistic impact. He said, “Eternity is written on every heart; proclaim it.”
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John Ridley challenges the congregation to reflect on their spiritual state, asking whether they seek God's blessings and whether they experience victory or defeat in their lives. He draws on Peter's experience of denial and the grace of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of prayer and vigilance against spiritual pitfalls. Ridley warns against pride and encourages a wholehearted commitment to Christ, reminding listeners that in times of trial, one must choose between denial and confession of faith. The sermon serves as a call to action for believers to seek victory through reliance on God's mercy and strength.
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This morning I asked the question, do you really want the blessing from God? And I climaxed our brief visit, dear friends, is it victory or defeat with you? Is it victory or defeat with you? And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter beneath its power and its pain. He remembered his boastful utterance. He remembered the Lord's merciful love. He remembered his own shocking grace. No wonder he went down. Peter, I failed the awful possibility. Beware of poor things. Beware of the day. The dangerous drink. Peter followed. Why, there was a time more devoted, more consecrated. Almost out. Again met him. When a man prays, he'll hear his song. John Wesley. All one. At any cost. Men ought always to pray. All pride. Peter went in with joy. What did I know him not to say? Relieved the whole of the situation. And he knew it was just this. And he said to one of his daughters. Oh, then beware. Can he hear the raucous? All the angst. But if you're not. All the shame. When Jesus went. Failed. By God. No man ever. Yes, you can say. All have prayed. In war time. You'll either deny Christ. Or you'll confess. You'll either be defeated. Or you'll get the victory. Or when you score. He also. Will. Not may. Will. And have been denying. Into the thick. Wholehearted.
Victory or Defeat
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John G. Ridley (1896–1976) Born in 1896 in Australia, John G. Ridley was a Methodist evangelist and military chaplain who profoundly influenced Australian Christianity. After serving in World War I, he trained for ministry and became known for fiery revival sermons, notably a 1930s campaign at Burton Street Baptist Tabernacle in Sydney, where his sermon “Echoes of Eternity” inspired Arthur Stace to chalk “Eternity” across the city for decades. Ridley pastored churches and preached across Australia, emphasizing repentance and salvation. He authored tracts and articles but no major books. Married with a family, he died in 1976, leaving a legacy through his evangelistic impact. He said, “Eternity is written on every heart; proclaim it.”