Living on Doorstep of Heaven
E.A. Johnston teaches that living with a steadfast focus on eternity empowers believers to impact the world boldly, just as historic servants of God did by living on the doorstep of heaven.
In 'Living on Doorstep of Heaven,' E.A. Johnston explores the lives of historic Christian servants who exemplified a faith focused on eternity. Through vivid examples of men like D.O. Moody and George Whitfield, Johnston challenges believers to live boldly for God's kingdom, embracing sacrifice and perseverance. This devotional sermon encourages listeners to cultivate a heavenly perspective that empowers them to impact the world and prepare for eternal rewards.
Full Transcript
There have been some choice servants of the Most High God who have lived their lives on the doorstep of heaven. Men like D.O. Moody and C.T. Studd, Jonathan Edwards and George Whitfield, Mordecai Hamm and Sam Jones. Men who knew how to gain the attention of heaven by their consecrated lives and desperate prayers.
Men who could accomplish big things for God because they possessed a big faith in God. Some men live their lives for personal gain. Some live for power and fame, but others live for eternity and its rewards, and subsequently they live their lives on this green earth with one foot on heaven's door.
They have power with God and influence with man. They are so empty of self and so filled with the Holy Ghost they cannot stand idly by while people perish. They risk the reputations for God and His glory.
Moody gave up a successful business career to make winning souls his business. Studd gave away his inherited fortune to live and die in a tent in an African jungle. Whitfield endured rotten eggs and stones as they were hurled at him while preaching a risen Christ on a throne.
After seeing glorious revivals, Edwards was kicked out of his Northampton church and thrust into the wilderness of Stockbridge to witness to a handful of Indians. Mordecai Hamm was pistol-whipped, tarred, and feathered for preaching man's duty of repentance. Sam Jones was beaten about the face with a cane for preaching against sin.
They each knew persecution because they each knew their God and were fearless in going after the souls of men. Each of these men were holy weapons in the hand of God because when they lived their lives here on earth they lived like they were living on the doorstep of heaven, and when they died they made a bigger noise in heaven than when they were here on earth.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Examples of servants who lived on heaven's doorstep
- Their consecrated lives and desperate prayers
- The impact of their faith on their ministries
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II
- Contrast between living for personal gain and living for eternity
- The power of a life focused on heavenly rewards
- How faith fuels boldness and influence
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III
- Sacrifices made by Moody, Studd, Whitfield, and others
- The persecution they endured for the gospel
- Their fearless pursuit of souls despite opposition
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IV
- Living as holy weapons in God's hand
- The eternal impact of a life lived for heaven
- Encouragement to live with one foot on heaven's door
Key Quotes
“Men who knew how to gain the attention of heaven by their consecrated lives and desperate prayers.” — E.A. Johnston
“They have power with God and influence with man.” — E.A. Johnston
“Each of these men were holy weapons in the hand of God because when they lived their lives here on earth they lived like they were living on the doorstep of heaven.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Live each day with an eternal perspective, prioritizing God's kingdom over earthly success.
- Be willing to sacrifice personal comfort and reputation for the sake of advancing the gospel.
- Cultivate a prayerful and consecrated life to gain power with God and influence with others.