That Message Tore Me Up an E a Johnston Classic
E.A. Johnston passionately conveys the transformative power of revival, emphasizing how it deeply convicts and changes both preacher and listener alike.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston reflects on the profound impact of revival through the example of renowned preacher Vance Havner. Johnston shares personal stories and testimonies that illustrate how revival deeply convicts and transforms both preacher and listener. The message encourages believers to embrace the challenging yet renewing power of spiritual revival.
Full Transcript
This whole ministry was Revival. I love Vance Havner. Vance Havner used to say, you know, I can't mimic his voice, but he'd say, you know, everybody's holding Revival.
It's about time somebody let loose the one. Vance Havner had a way of really, you know, getting in there. Vance Havner used to preach with Stephen Offord on the same platform.
I have a tape at my house where Vance Havner says, I do believe that God's going to use Stephen Offord in a mighty sweeping revival. He's a man of Revival, and Stephen Offord was a man of Revival. In fact, I read the biography of Vance Havner, and in that biography in North Carolina, when he and Stephen Offord were preaching for a week at a pastor's conference, God broke out in Revival.
Well, I asked Mrs. Offord about it. She said, oh, yes, I was there. She said, I was with him.
I remember it well. Revival broke out, and Vance Havner was preaching on Revival one night, and this pastor went up to him after the message. And he said, Brother Havner, he said, you know what? He said, that message you just preached, that really tore me up.
He said, that really tore me up. And Vance Havner said, well, brother, what do you think it did to me? Revival kind of gets a hold of you, and it turns you upside down. If it's hard on you, how do you think I feel?
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the ministry of revival
- Admiration for Vance Havner's preaching style
- Connection between Vance Havner and Stephen Offord
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II
- Testimony of revival breaking out at a pastor's conference
- Mrs. Offord's eyewitness account
- The impact of revival on attendees
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III
- The pastor's reaction to Vance Havner's message
- The deep conviction caused by revival preaching
- Vance Havner's personal experience with revival's power
Key Quotes
“That message you just preached, that really tore me up.” — E.A. Johnston
“Revival kind of gets a hold of you, and it turns you upside down.” — E.A. Johnston
“If it's hard on you, how do you think I feel?” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Be open to the convicting work of revival in your own life.
- Recognize that spiritual renewal often involves discomfort and challenge.
- Allow the message of revival to transform your heart and actions.