(Clip) Becoming More Intimately Aquatinted with Jesus Christ
Corrie Ten Boom shares how deepening intimacy with Jesus Christ brings joy and strength even in the darkest circumstances.
This sermon shares a powerful testimony of experiencing the joy of the Lord even in challenging circumstances, such as being in prison. It emphasizes the transformative encounter with Jesus Christ that brings joy and the impact of inviting Jesus into one's heart, leading to a visible change in individuals, including both prisoners and guards. The story highlights the work of the Holy Spirit in creating an atmosphere of joy and openness, prompting a desire for more of Jesus even in unlikely places.
Full Transcript
In that prison, where I saw my sister's star before my eyes, I've enjoyed the joy of the Lord. Because I got more intimately acquainted with Jesus Christ. And when you come to Him, He will give you that joy, also in this prison.
And I must say, there was such an open atmosphere there. And afterwards, I told him, now you can ask Jesus to come into your heart. And I told that man, I said, now who of you is willing to do that and ask Jesus to come into your life? And they all raised their hands, also the guards.
Now, when I give an invitation and everyone raises hands, now then, I always think, hmm, that is mass suggestion. I don't trust that. But I had to believe it.
Because I saw in the eyes the joy of the Lord. The Holy Spirit had done a great miracle to give joy in such a surrounding. I'll never forget when I went home, when I left the prison, I came in the street and the guards and the prisoners all brought me to the car.
I was amazed that they were not afraid that the prisoners should run away. And they stood around the car and they shouted something again and again. I said to my interpreter, a missionary, say, what do they shout? She said, they shout, old woman, come back, come back and tell us more of Jesus.
And then she told that she had been in that prison. And she had brought the gospel, but she said, I didn't come back. I thought it was just in vain.
But today I have seen what the Holy Spirit can do. And now I will go every week. And later she wrote me a letter that every week she went.
And the feast is going on, she wrote. The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Experience of joy in prison through Jesus
- Invitation to accept Christ amidst hardship
- Skepticism about mass responses
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II
- Visible evidence of the Holy Spirit's work
- Transformation of prisoners and guards
- Joy as a supernatural strength
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III
- Return visits to share the gospel
- Encouragement from witnessing fruit
- Ongoing celebration of God's joy
Key Quotes
“I've enjoyed the joy of the Lord. Because I got more intimately acquainted with Jesus Christ.” — Corrie Ten Boom
“The Holy Spirit had done a great miracle to give joy in such a surrounding.” — Corrie Ten Boom
“The joy of the Lord is our strength.” — Corrie Ten Boom
Application Points
- Seek a deeper, personal relationship with Jesus to experience His joy in all circumstances.
- Trust the Holy Spirit to work powerfully even in unlikely or difficult environments.
- Be persistent in sharing the gospel, knowing that transformation can occur over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Corrie Ten Boom mean by being 'intimately acquainted with Jesus Christ'?
She refers to a deep, personal relationship with Jesus that brings joy and strength even in difficult circumstances.
How did the prisoners and guards respond to the gospel message?
They responded with joy and openness, many asking Jesus to come into their lives.
Why was Corrie initially skeptical about the mass invitation response?
She thought it might be mass suggestion rather than genuine faith, but the visible joy convinced her otherwise.
What role did the Holy Spirit play according to the sermon?
The Holy Spirit brought a miraculous joy and transformation among the prisoners and guards.
What encouragement does Corrie share for those witnessing in difficult places?
She encourages persistence, showing that the Holy Spirit can work powerfully even where it seems unlikely.