Gospel Valor
E.A. Johnston highlights the profound courage and sacrifice of missionaries who embody gospel valor, inspiring believers to boldly advance the gospel despite great risks.
In this powerful sermon, E.A. Johnston reflects on the courageous sacrifice of missionaries like John Allen Chow and Jim Elliott, emphasizing the profound spiritual impact of gospel valor. Johnston explores the biblical foundation for such faithfulness and challenges believers to embrace a deeper commitment to Christ. This message inspires Christians to overcome fear and boldly proclaim the gospel, even at great personal cost.
Full Transcript
I have been trying to digest the news of 27-year-old American missionary John Allen Chow, who died by the hands of the Sentinelese tribesmen whom he was trying to reach with the gospel. When I first saw the news of his death, my mind raced back to Jim Elliott and his fellow missionaries who died at the hands of the Aka Indians, paying the ultimate price by being mortars for the sake of souls and the gospel. The news of Chow's death was grabbed by the whole world, as all major news agencies have carried it.
Chow knew the danger he was facing, and he counted the cost. His first attempt to reach this tribe was met with an arrow in his Bible, but that did not dissuade him from going back again to tell them about Christ Jesus. There is something about this kind of gospel valor that stirs the deepest feelings within us.
In Revelation we read, And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death. The spirit of missions is often fanned by the sacrifice of those who have counted the cost and who are willing to pay the ultimate price so others can hear about the One who came down here so we can go up there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Like I said, it does something to us when we hear of such gospel valor.
It ignites something in us to do greater things for God, and at the same time it shames us for our lack of not doing more with our lives for Christ while we can. In this case, as one man has laid down his life for the sake of the gospel, perhaps his life will become a bridge on which others who also possess that same gospel valor can cross.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Introduction to John Allen Chow's missionary sacrifice
- Comparison to Jim Elliott and other missionary martyrs
- The global impact of gospel valor
-
II
- The cost and dangers of gospel missions
- Chow's perseverance despite threats
- The spiritual significance of risking life for the gospel
-
III
- Biblical foundation from Revelation 12:11
- Overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and testimony
- Loving not life unto death as ultimate faithfulness
-
IV
- How gospel valor inspires believers
- The call to greater commitment in Christian life
- Using sacrifice as a bridge for others to follow
Key Quotes
“There is something about this kind of gospel valor that stirs the deepest feelings within us.” — E.A. Johnston
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death.” — E.A. Johnston
“As one man has laid down his life for the sake of the gospel, perhaps his life will become a bridge on which others who also possess that same gospel valor can cross.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Be willing to count the cost and boldly share the gospel regardless of personal risk.
- Let the example of missionary sacrifice inspire greater commitment and faithfulness in your own walk with Christ.
- Use stories of gospel valor as motivation to overcome fear and live courageously for God.