Power in the Pulpit
E.A. Johnston emphasizes that true power in preaching comes from a deep anointing of the Holy Spirit, which flows from a life of consecration and surrender to Christ.
In 'Power in the Pulpit,' E.A. Johnston explores the vital role of the Holy Spirit's anointing in effective preaching. Drawing from a powerful biblical account and personal experience with Dr. Stephen F. Olford, Johnston challenges pastors and believers alike to pursue a life of consecration and surrender to Christ. This sermon highlights the difference between mere words and Spirit-empowered ministry that transforms lives.
Full Transcript
In Luke chapter 8 and verses 43 through 46 we read, And a woman, having an issue of blood twelve years, Which had spent all her living upon physicians, Neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment, And immediately her issue of blood staunched, And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude thronged thee, and pressed thee, And sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody touched me, For I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. I will stop there, friends. The biggest lesson I ever learned from Dr. Stephen F. Olford in regard to preaching was not bound just to homiletics and expository preaching, but to the day I sat in his office waiting for him.
And when he came in, he sunk in his chair, and he looked exhausted. He lifted his hand in a wave and said, Excuse me, brother. Forgive me.
I must recover myself. I must recover myself. For I have just preached, and virtue has left me.
And I realized then and there what separated Stephen Olford from so many other preachers. He was so filled with the Holy Ghost and anointed by God's Spirit that when he preached, it was transformational to those who heard him because God was so strong upon him. And I knew that day, if I were to ever have any influence for God in ministry, then I would have to have this inner power, this anointing from above that only came from a life of consecration to Almighty God and absolute surrender to the Lordship of Christ Jesus.
But brother pastor, can it be said of you that when you preach to others that the virtue of Christ leaves you?
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction with the story of the woman healed by touching Jesus' garment
- Explanation of 'virtue' or power leaving Jesus as a key spiritual moment
- Setting the foundation for the sermon's main theme
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II
- Personal testimony about Dr. Stephen F. Olford's preaching experience
- Observation of the exhaustion and spiritual impact after preaching
- Highlighting the importance of the Holy Spirit's anointing in preaching
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III
- The necessity of consecration and surrender to Christ for spiritual power
- The difference between ordinary preaching and Spirit-empowered preaching
- Challenge to pastors and preachers to seek this inner power
Key Quotes
“I must recover myself. I must recover myself. For I have just preached, and virtue has left me.” — E.A. Johnston
“He was so filled with the Holy Ghost and anointed by God's Spirit that when he preached, it was transformational to those who heard him.” — E.A. Johnston
“If I were to ever have any influence for God in ministry, then I would have to have this inner power, this anointing from above.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer and consecration.
- Evaluate your preaching or sharing of the gospel to ensure it is Spirit-empowered, not just routine.
- Commit to absolute surrender to Christ to experience transformative ministry power.