Like a Burning Coal
E.A. Johnston emphasizes that a preacher must be ignited by the Holy Spirit like a burning coal, bringing the power of God to set hearts aflame through gospel proclamation.
In 'Like a Burning Coal,' E.A. Johnston passionately calls preachers and believers alike to be ignited by the Holy Spirit, bringing the fire of God into their ministry and daily lives. Drawing on the examples of historic Christian figures and biblical truth, Johnston challenges listeners to move beyond dry religion to a vibrant, Spirit-filled faith. This devotional sermon inspires a deeper commitment to prayer, anointing, and gospel proclamation that sets hearts ablaze.
Full Transcript
C.T. Studd, the great missionary to Africa, once said in regard to preachers, Don't go into the study to prepare a sermon. That's all nonsense. Go into your study to go to God and get so fiery that your tongue is like a burning coal and you have got to speak.
I agree with C.T. Studd, friends, that a preacher needs to be all aflame with the power of God upon him as he proclaims the great doctrines of the gospel, which are ruin, redemption, repentance, and regeneration. That when we stand in the pulpit as representatives of the Most High God, we should be like a burning coal that sets hearts on fire. That when we speak there should be a combustion that is a release of our time spent with God in prayer.
That our hearers should be brought to the very verge of eternity to be confronted with the eternal God of eternity. It was said of the preaching of Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones that his preaching brought you into the very presence of God and into a different atmosphere altogether. Lloyd-Jones preached a felt Christ as did his hero, George Whitefield.
In Matthew's gospel, in chapter 3 and verse 11, we see the words of John the Baptist. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.
Vance Hafner related the following story. A pastor met one of his members on the street one day and said, Hello, Joe. I haven't seen you at church lately.
The man began to make excuses by saying, Well, you know, Pastor, we've had the sickness at our house lately. Plus, well, you know, the weather's been so bad it's just rained and rained. To which the pastor replied, Well, Joe, it's always dry at church.
And it's true, friends. It's always dry in church. Why is that the case? Dry in church.
If we are to be dry, then let us be dry kindling, ready to be ignited with the flame of a holy God. Should not we be baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire? Let's be ignitable. Let us be like a burning coal that sets others on fire for God.
It all begins in the closet, in our studies, on our faces before God and lingering in His presence. Then we go straight into the pulpit with an anointing and a fire from on high. Let us pray.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The necessity of being aflame with God's power
- Preaching as a divine commission, not mere preparation
- The example of C.T. Studd and Martin Lloyd-Jones
-
II
- John the Baptist’s proclamation of baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire
- The contrast between dry church experiences and ignited hearts
- The call to be like burning coals, ready to ignite others
-
III
- The importance of prayer and lingering in God's presence
- Going into the pulpit with an anointing from on high
- The transformative power of spiritual fire in ministry
Key Quotes
“Don't go into the study to prepare a sermon. That's all nonsense. Go into your study to go to God and get so fiery that your tongue is like a burning coal and you have got to speak.” — E.A. Johnston
“A preacher needs to be all aflame with the power of God upon him as he proclaims the great doctrines of the gospel.” — E.A. Johnston
“If we are to be dry, then let us be dry kindling, ready to be ignited with the flame of a holy God.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Spend intentional time in prayer to seek the fire of the Holy Spirit before ministry or service.
- Approach preaching and sharing the gospel as a divine calling empowered by God’s presence.
- Be willing to be ignited and used by God to inspire and transform others around you.