Birthday Message
E.A. Johnston reflects on the changing moral landscape since his birth and encourages believers to live lives of enduring usefulness and faithfulness to God.
In this heartfelt devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston reflects on the stark contrast between the moral climate of his youth and today's society. He shares his personal testimony of God's sustaining grace and challenges believers to live lives marked by faithfulness and usefulness to God. Drawing inspiration from historical Christian figures and the example of Stephen the Martyr, Johnston calls the church to reclaim its voice and influence in a world that desperately needs it.
Full Transcript
I came into this world, on this day, a long time ago, when Dwight Eisenhower was in the White House, Hollywood had censors, states had obscenity laws, and there was still a fear of God in the land. It was a time when only sailors had tattoos, and marriage was still between a man and a woman. It was a day when gross evil stayed in the shadows, perversion was illegal, television was black and white, and there were still lines between right and wrong in society.
It was a time before vulgarity and indecency were in vogue, and there was still a moral code in the land. It was a time when churches still had weekly prayer meetings, hymns were sung about the blood, and preachers weren't afraid to warn sinners about a future judgment and an everlasting hell, and they warned you that you must repent or go on to hell. It was a time when the church still had a voice of authority and influence in the land.
Like I said, I've been around a long while now, and almost died last year in the hospital, but God wasn't through with me yet. At my age, I have outlived George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, Sam Jones, and D.L. Moody, but hopefully I have not outlived my usefulness to God. Graham Scroggie said of Stephen the Mortar, One's life should not be measured in length of days, but in usefulness.
Stephen means crown, and early did he receive his.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Reflect on the moral and cultural context at the time of the speaker's birth
- Contrast past societal values with present-day moral challenges
- Emphasize the importance of a fear of God in society
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II
- Recall the role and influence of the church in earlier times
- Highlight the significance of prayer, hymns, and preaching about repentance
- Discuss the church's voice of authority and its impact on society
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III
- Share personal testimony of survival and God's ongoing purpose
- Mention historical Christian figures and their legacy
- Encourage measuring life by usefulness rather than length
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IV
- Introduce the example of Stephen the Martyr
- Explain the meaning of Stephen's name and his reward
- Challenge listeners to live lives worthy of a heavenly crown
Key Quotes
“It was a time when churches still had weekly prayer meetings, hymns were sung about the blood, and preachers weren't afraid to warn sinners about a future judgment and an everlasting hell.” — E.A. Johnston
“One's life should not be measured in length of days, but in usefulness.” — E.A. Johnston
“At my age, I have outlived George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, Sam Jones, and D.L. Moody, but hopefully I have not outlived my usefulness to God.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Reflect on your own life and seek to be useful to God regardless of age or circumstance.
- Commit to regular prayer and worship as a means to maintain spiritual influence.
- Stand firm in godly values despite societal changes and moral decline.