Biggest Wonder in the World
E.A. Johnston teaches that the greatest wonder in the world is God's transformative power to save and sanctify a believer, enabling them to live a holy life in a sinful world.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston explores the profound truth found in Jesus' intercessory prayer in John 17, emphasizing the transformative power of God's saving grace. Johnston highlights the Bible as the ultimate source of truth and the new birth as the greatest miracle. He passionately declares that the biggest wonder is God's work in sanctifying believers to live holy lives amidst a sinful world, serving as a powerful testimony to His grace.
Full Transcript
In the Gospel of John, in chapter 17, we read the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as He prays an intercessory prayer for all followers of His. I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil.
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth. Thy word is truth.
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself that they also might be sanctified through the truth. I will stop their friends.
I believe the greatest message in the world is the good news of the gospel of the Son of God. I believe the greatest book in the world is the Bible, which is the word of God. I believe the greatest miracle in the world is the new birth, when God saves a person by working regeneration upon the heart.
But I believe the biggest wonder in the world isn't the tallest skyscraper or discovery of an ancient buried treasure. I believe the biggest wonder in the world is when God takes a man out of the world and saves him, then cleans him up by his word and by his spirit, and puts that same man back into the world to live a holy life for God in a sin-loving society. It's a real wonder to the world and a real testimony to the grace of God.
And its only explanation is Almighty God.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Jesus' intercessory prayer for believers
- Believers are not of the world
- The role of God's word in sanctification
-
II
- The greatest message: the gospel of Jesus Christ
- The greatest book: the Bible as God's word
- The greatest miracle: the new birth
-
III
- The biggest wonder: God's saving and sanctifying power
- Living a holy life in a sin-loving society
- The testimony of grace through transformed lives
Key Quotes
“I believe the biggest wonder in the world is when God takes a man out of the world and saves him, then cleans him up by his word and by his spirit, and puts that same man back into the world to live a holy life for God in a sin-loving society.” — E.A. Johnston
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth. Thy word is truth.” — E.A. Johnston
“I believe the greatest message in the world is the good news of the gospel of the Son of God.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Trust in God's word to sanctify and guide your daily life.
- Embrace your identity as not of the world and live accordingly.
- Be a testimony of God's grace by living a holy life in a sinful society.