The Preacher's Mortality
E.A. Johnston emphasizes the urgency of faithful ministry in light of human mortality and the need for a new generation of Spirit-anointed preachers.
In "The Preacher's Mortality," E.A. Johnston reflects on the inevitability of death and the limited time believers have to serve God effectively. Drawing from Ecclesiastes and the lives of notable preachers, Johnston urges the church to raise a new generation of Spirit-anointed ministers. This sermon is a heartfelt call to recognize the urgency of faithful ministry and to pray for boldness and dedication in those who follow.
Full Transcript
In the book of Ecclesiastes in chapter 12, we read in verse 1, Remember now, thy creator, in the days of thy youth, While the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, When thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. Then in verses 6 and 7, it reads, Or even the silver cord be loosed, Or the golden bowl be broken, Or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, Or the wheel broken at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was, And the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Death awaits each of us, friends. I don't believe we have as much time as we think. Our time of usefulness to God is not in our hands, but his.
Illness may hinder or stop our public ministry, And a day fast approaches when God calls us home to him. David Brainerd and Robert Murray McChain both died in their twenties, But their blessed memory lives on. John Song died at the age of 42.
Jonathan Edwards died at 54. George Whitfield died at 55. Sam Jones died at 58.
Charles Spurgeon died at 59. D.L. Moody at 61. Azahel Nettleton at 61.
Like I said, death is no respecter of persons. It comes to us all. All of us think we have more time to serve God than we really do.
I don't see many young men going into the ministry like I used to, And those who do mostly just want to make a name for themselves or have a big church. I remember standing with Adrian Rogers at the funeral of Stephen Oldford, And Adrian Rogers stared at me in the eye and solemnly said, Do you know what concerns me? I answered, No, Dr. Rogers, what concerns you? He hung his head and replied, Oh, what concerns me is that I see God calling up men like Sidlow Baxter and Stephen Oldford, And I look around, and I don't see any comeuppers. Now, that's what the old boy said, and in a year's time, I was standing at Adrian Rogers' coffin, and I ask, Where are the comeuppers? Where are the next generation of God-called men Who will take the book of God and preach the Son of God With the anointing of the Spirit of God? Us old preachers are wearing out and dying out.
Where are the comeuppers? John Wesley cried, Give me one hundred men who fear nothing but God and hate nothing but sin, And I will shake the gates of hell. Let us pray.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of Mortality
- Death comes to all regardless of status
- Time of usefulness is limited and controlled by God
- Biblical imagery of life's fragility from Ecclesiastes
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II. The Legacy of Past Preachers
- Examples of faithful ministers who died young
- Their impact continues beyond their lifespan
- The importance of remembering their dedication
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III. The Urgency for New Generations
- Concern over lack of young men entering ministry
- Warning against motives of fame or success
- Call for Spirit-anointed, God-called preachers
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IV. A Call to Prayer and Action
- Remembering the words of John Wesley
- Praying for bold, fearless men of God
- Encouragement to rise as the next generation
Key Quotes
“Death awaits each of us, friends. I don't believe we have as much time as we think.” — E.A. Johnston
“Us old preachers are wearing out and dying out.” — E.A. Johnston
“John Wesley cried, Give me one hundred men who fear nothing but God and hate nothing but sin, And I will shake the gates of hell.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Recognize the brevity of life and commit to serving God faithfully today.
- Pray earnestly for the rise of Spirit-anointed leaders in the church.
- Avoid selfish motives in ministry and seek to glorify God above all.