It's Time
E.A. Johnston emphasizes that every season in life has a divinely appointed purpose, urging believers to recognize and act according to God's timing in their spiritual journey.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston explores the biblical truth that life unfolds in divinely appointed seasons. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3:1, he encourages believers to discern and embrace each phase of their spiritual journey, whether it be times of challenge or blessing. Johnston calls Christians to trust God fully and to step out boldly in faith, even when it means becoming a target for their witness.
Full Transcript
In Ecclesiastes 3.1 we read, To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. I've been a Christian for a long time now, and I have observed the time for each season of life, a time for rebellion, and a time for chastisement, a time to make sore, and a time to bind up, a time for instruction, and a time to put into practice what has been learned, a time to be pruned, and a time to be purged, a time to be in want, and a time to prosper, a time for planting, and a time for fruitfulness, a time of barrenness, and a time of usefulness, a time to give reluctantly, and a time to give sacrificially, a time to stay in the boat, and a time to step out on the water, a time to do little for God, and a time to do big things for God, a time for lethargy, and a time for revival, a time for separation, and a time for reconciliation, a time to be silent, and a time to take a stand, a time for apostasy, and a time for vital Christianity. In desperate times, it's time to go out on a limb for God, and to trust God.
It's time to be a witness, and it's time to be a target. It's time for self-preservation, or it's time to embrace the cross.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the concept of seasons and timing in life
- Reference to Ecclesiastes 3:1 as foundational scripture
- Observation of different seasons experienced in the Christian walk
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II
- Examples of contrasting seasons: rebellion vs chastisement, want vs prosper
- The importance of recognizing God's timing for each season
- Encouragement to embrace both challenges and blessings
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III
- The call to step out in faith during desperate times
- Balancing self-preservation with embracing the cross
- Being a witness and sometimes a target for Christ
Key Quotes
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” — E.A. Johnston
“In desperate times, it's time to go out on a limb for God, and to trust God.” — E.A. Johnston
“It's time to be a witness, and it's time to be a target.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Recognize and accept the different seasons God places in your life as purposeful.
- Trust God fully during challenging times instead of relying on self-preservation.
- Be willing to step out in faith and be a bold witness for Christ, even if it brings opposition.