Stephen Olford Inst
E.A. Johnston courageously shares how the Gospel transforms even the hardest hearts, exemplified through his prison ministry experience.
In this powerful biographical sermon, E.A. Johnston recounts his experience preaching the Gospel inside a penitentiary filled with hardened criminals. Despite his initial fear, Johnston demonstrates how faith and courage enable believers to bring hope and transformation to even the most unlikely places. Drawing from Luke 10, he encourages listeners to trust in God's power to reach every heart.
Full Transcript
I was led, me and another man to this penitentiary, and we were led to this room where 50 convicts were. And then the guard left and left us in there. Along with the convicts, I was preaching out of Sound 40.
I was literally in the armpit of this prison preaching on the pit, the ivory clay. And I can tell you, I looked at those rapists and thieves and murderers, and I must confess, I must confess to you, I was as nervous with that group then as I am with this group today. But, well, let's get down to business.
Our text can be found today in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Introduction to the prison visit
- Initial feelings of fear and nervousness
- Setting the spiritual context with Luke 10
-
II
- Preaching the Word in difficult circumstances
- The significance of the 'pit' and 'ivory clay' imagery
- Engaging with hardened sinners
-
III
- The power of the Gospel to reach any heart
- Personal reflections on faith and courage
- Encouragement to trust God in challenging ministries
Key Quotes
“I was literally in the armpit of this prison preaching on the pit, the ivory clay.” — E.A. Johnston
“I looked at those rapists and thieves and murderers, and I must confess, I was as nervous with that group then as I am with this group today.” — E.A. Johnston
“Our text can be found today in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Trust God to give you courage when facing intimidating situations.
- Remember that the Gospel can transform any heart, no matter how hardened.
- Step out in faith to share God's Word even in challenging environments.