Let the World See Christ When It Looks at Me
E.A. Johnston passionately calls believers to embody Christ visibly through a fervent, holy fire of prayer and surrender in anticipation of His return.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston invites believers to examine the depth of their prayer life and their readiness for Christ's return. Drawing from the example of Hannah and his own personal loss, Johnston passionately prays for God's holy fire to consume and transform his life. He challenges listeners to surrender fully to God so that their lives may visibly reflect Christ, becoming a beacon of hope and holiness in a dark world.
Full Transcript
Before we go to our time in prayer before God today, friends, let us examine what prayer is. A prayer itself is but an expression of the burden in our heart. Hannah desired a son, and she unburdens her heart to God in desperation.
Are we desperate enough in prayer? Have we come to the end of ourselves and our own self-reliance to cast ourselves entirely upon the God of our salvation? I don't know about you, friend, but I know my time on this earth is short, and we are living in the last days before Christ's return, and God needs his bride to be pure for his return. Right after my wife died, I was brought to a place of desperation before God, and in my quiet time, I wrote the following words as an expression of prayer and the desire of my heart, and I renew these thoughts today. Give me a fire, O Lord.
Give me a fire for Thee. Give me Your fire, O Lord. Let it burn brightly in me.
Give me a fire, O Lord. The wood of my life I give to Thee. Consume my ashes, O Lord, and let a revival begin with me.
Give me a fire, O Lord. Give me a glimpse of hell and eternity. Make me a fire, O Lord, so my life may be burned out for Thee.
Give me a fire, O Lord. Increase my desire for Thee. Make me a flame, O Lord, that draws others to You through me.
O holy fire of God, burn deep inside of me. Make me a holy flame, O Lord. Cleanse me, fill me, use me.
Holy God in heaven above, make me a burning flame for Thee. Let the world see Christ when it looks at me.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding prayer as an expression of the heart's burden
- Example of Hannah's desperate prayer for a son
- Encouragement to come to God in true desperation
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II
- The urgency of living in the last days before Christ's return
- God's desire for a pure bride prepared for His coming
- Personal testimony of loss leading to deeper prayer
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III
- A heartfelt prayer for God's fire to burn within
- Surrendering life as fuel for holy revival
- The call to be a visible flame drawing others to Christ
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IV
- The transformative power of God's holy fire
- Cleansing, filling, and using believers for His glory
- Letting the world see Christ through our lives
Key Quotes
“Are we desperate enough in prayer? Have we come to the end of ourselves and our own self-reliance to cast ourselves entirely upon the God of our salvation?” — E.A. Johnston
“Give me a fire, O Lord. The wood of my life I give to Thee. Consume my ashes, O Lord, and let a revival begin with me.” — E.A. Johnston
“Let the world see Christ when it looks at me.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Approach God in prayer with genuine desperation, laying all burdens before Him.
- Surrender your life fully to God, allowing His holy fire to purify and empower you.
- Live intentionally so that others can see Christ clearly through your actions and character.