American Church and Paul
E.A. Johnston challenges the American Church to reconsider its misconceptions about Paul, emphasizing that true Christian faith often involves suffering and humility rather than worldly success.
In this sermon, E.A. Johnston confronts the American Church's misconceptions about the Apostle Paul, highlighting the contrast between worldly success and true Christian faith. Johnston exposes the superficial judgments based on appearance and prosperity, urging believers to recognize that suffering and humility are integral to authentic discipleship. This message challenges listeners to embrace a deeper, more sacrificial walk with Christ.
Full Transcript
Hey, Tommy, have you heard the latest about that evangelist Paul? Know what happened? Well, I heard he was thrown in prison again for preaching, and somebody threw a rock at him and cut open his head. Can you imagine that? I hand out tracts all the time, and nobody bothers me. God wouldn't let me get arrested for doing his work.
I bet that Paul guy has some kind of secret sin in his life, and that's why God keeps judging him. Yeah, that's right. I heard he even went hungry for several days in a row.
He must not know about the given blessing. You know, where if you give to God, you get back ten times as much. I paid a guy in Sunday school class to go on a mission trip just a few months ago, and the very next week, I hit it big in the stock market, and I made so much, I went out and bought a brand-new BMW.
That fella Paul doesn't know how to give to God, or he wouldn't be having financial problems. But wait till you hear this about him. Pastor Joe told me that Paul came to our church last week to see if he could preach for us.
You're not going to believe this when I tell you, but Pastor Joe told me that this guy Paul showed up in the worst-looking suit. It was stained and worn, and he looked a mess. You know how handsome Pastor Joe is.
After all, he was football All-American quarterback for Vandy. We were lucky to get him for our pastor. He's worth the big salary we're paying him, too.
Why, he's so funny in the pulpit, he keeps us laughing all the time. Well, anyway, this Paul guy shows up to interview to preach at our church. Imagine the nerve.
Pastor Joe said that he could hardly keep from laughing at him while he interviewed him because he was about as tall as a midget and had a wild look in his eye. Pastor Joe said he was one of the ugliest men he'd ever seen, and if he let him preach in our church, most everybody would just get sick looking at him. He couldn't wait to show them the door.
I heard right after that this Paul guy did some street corner preaching, and he got beat up again, and they threw him in jail. I'm telling you, this guy must really be on the wrong side of God. If he was living for God, then God would keep him out of jail and bless him with prosperity like he's blessed us.
After all, we got the biggest church in town, and we just spent three million dollars remodeling because God is blessing us so. But this Paul guy is on the wrong side of God. He must be such a pathetic loser.
Sermon Outline
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I. Misconceptions About Paul
- Paul's suffering misunderstood as judgment
- Comparison of Paul's hardships to American prosperity
- Superficial judgments based on appearance and success
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II. The Reality of Christian Suffering
- Paul's imprisonments and hardships as testimony
- Suffering as a mark of authentic faith
- Contrast between worldly blessing and spiritual blessing
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III. The Danger of Prosperity Gospel
- False belief that God always blesses with wealth
- Critique of judging God's favor by material success
- Call to embrace humility and sacrifice
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IV. Call to Authentic Discipleship
- Following Paul's example of faithfulness
- Rejecting superficial church culture
- Living a life marked by devotion rather than appearance
Key Quotes
“I heard he was thrown in prison again for preaching, and somebody threw a rock at him and cut open his head.” — E.A. Johnston
“If he was living for God, then God would keep him out of jail and bless him with prosperity like he's blessed us.” — E.A. Johnston
“Most everybody would just get sick looking at him. He couldn't wait to show them the door.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Do not judge spiritual success by outward appearances or material wealth.
- Embrace suffering as a part of faithful Christian living.
- Pursue authentic discipleship marked by humility and devotion rather than seeking approval.