Johnston's Jolts
E.A. Johnston emphasizes that true Christian usefulness and revival come from humble obedience to Christ's lordship, putting Jesus first above self and worldly desires.
In 'Johnston's Jolts,' E.A. Johnston challenges believers to examine their hearts and prioritize Christ's lordship above self. He highlights the necessity of obedience for true usefulness and calls for revival that begins with personal transformation. Through vivid illustrations and spiritual insight, Johnston encourages listeners to invest in their eternal lives and resist the devil's tactics of discouragement and disappointment.
Full Transcript
Usefulness is found in one's desire to be invisible, for in true usefulness to God, Christ is always the one visible. The key to the Christian life that unlocks all doors of blessings and opportunities, usefulness and fruitfulness, is this, that obedience and lordship go hand in hand like biscuits and gravy. If you want to see revival, first you have to take a good look at yourself.
You might need reviving yourself. When a church's sanctuary has an eerie silence and an icy blast like a morgue, instead of the groaning and piercing cries of a birthing station, it's time for revival. If Jesus isn't first place in your life, it's time to get your life in order.
You only get one go-around in life. Be sure what's done is done for Christ. A self is part of the word selfish, and selfish is part of the word selfishness, and selfishness demands attention, recognition, in first place all the time.
With all those selves in there, is there any room for Jesus? We should spend less time on our investment portfolio and invest more time in our eternity portfolio. The twin tools of the devil are discouragement and disappointment. If he can get you down in the dumps, he can get you into the dumpster of sin.
Next time you're discouraged or disappointed, sniff around and see if you smell sulfur. When Jesus was here in his earthly ministry, as he passed through towns and villages, those who encountered him experienced change. Let me ask you, friend, have you had an encounter with Jesus, and have you experienced change? If Jesus, is Jesus on the throne of your life, or do you rule there? The preacher whose main desire is acceptance and recognition will hear his applause and accolades for sure, but the preacher whose main desire is to see conversions and transformation will probably end his course with the sound of a fallen axe.
Sermon Outline
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I
- True usefulness means Christ is visible, not self
- Obedience and lordship are inseparable
- Revival begins with personal self-examination
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II
- Signs of spiritual dryness in the church
- Jesus must be first place in life
- Selfishness blocks room for Jesus
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III
- Invest in eternity, not just earthly things
- Discouragement and disappointment are devil’s tools
- Recognize spiritual attacks by their source
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IV
- Encounter with Jesus leads to transformation
- Who rules your life: Jesus or self?
- True ministry seeks conversions over applause
Key Quotes
“Usefulness is found in one's desire to be invisible, for in true usefulness to God, Christ is always the one visible.” — E.A. Johnston
“If Jesus isn't first place in your life, it's time to get your life in order.” — E.A. Johnston
“The twin tools of the devil are discouragement and disappointment.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Evaluate your life to ensure Jesus is truly first in all things.
- Resist discouragement by recognizing it as a spiritual attack.
- Focus on eternal investments rather than temporary worldly gains.