The Abiding Church Manual
E.A. Johnston emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Christ through prayer and spiritual renewal to restore the church's authority and fruitfulness in a morally declining society.
In "The Abiding Church Manual," E.A. Johnston addresses the urgent need for spiritual renewal within the church amidst societal moral decline. Drawing from John 15, he teaches practical, Christ-centered lessons on abiding in God through prayer and transformation. This sermon equips believers and church leaders to foster revival, deepen their walk with God, and bear lasting fruit for their communities.
Full Transcript
In a day of moral chaos in society and deep spiritual declension in the church, it is imperative that churches experience revival, reformation, and spiritual renewal to once again have authority and influence in the land. The church in former times was a moral compass to society, but today I fear both have lost their way. Until a God-centered gospel rings forth from our pulpits once again, which proclaims the doctrines of ruin, repentance, redemption, and regeneration, we will continue to languish in a withering condition rather than to grow in a flourishing spiritual condition which brings forth the conversion of the lost and proclaims a blood-stained Savior to a sin-sick world.
The messages of the abiding from John's gospel, chapter 15, are Christ-centered lessons on how to have a consistent walk with God and a powerful life of prayer. The messages are geared for transformation and application in the daily life of the Christian. I purposely kept the messages brief so they could be taught in a Sunday school class setting or used during the weekly prayer meeting or even in family devotions.
The abiding can be taught over the course of seven weeks if taught as Sunday school lessons or hosted during the church weekly prayer meeting. If used for family devotions, they can be taught over seven consecutive days. Some pastors may find it helpful to gather the church leadership together for a weekly time of prayer and spiritual renewal by listening to each lesson in order and then going to a time of corporate prayer.
Each lesson is geared to segue into a personal or corporate time of prayer after the message is listened to. God gets serious with those who get serious with him, friends. The abiding will provide a process to enter into spiritual transformation and growth by applying the biblical concepts of John, chapter 15, to the individual life.
However you choose to use the lessons of the abiding, it is imperative that a spirit of prayer both precede and follow each lesson. We must be sensitive to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit as it attends the reading of his word. It is my prayer that the gospel of John in chapter 15 through the words of Christ Jesus and applied to the life by the Holy Spirit may bring your church into a deeper walk with God and into greater fruitfulness to your community for the glory of God.
May our gracious God grant you much grace as you study the searching truths of the abiding.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The church's current moral and spiritual decline
- Need for revival and reformation
- Restoring the church's influence in society
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II
- The message of abiding from John 15
- Christ-centered lessons for consistent spiritual walk
- Importance of prayer in abiding
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III
- Practical application in Sunday school, prayer meetings, and family devotions
- Seven-week or seven-day teaching format
- Corporate and personal prayer as essential components
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IV
- Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance
- Spiritual transformation through abiding
- Fruitfulness for God's glory
Key Quotes
“Until a God-centered gospel rings forth from our pulpits once again, which proclaims the doctrines of ruin, repentance, redemption, and regeneration, we will continue to languish in a withering condition.” — E.A. Johnston
“God gets serious with those who get serious with him, friends.” — E.A. Johnston
“It is my prayer that the gospel of John in chapter 15 through the words of Christ Jesus and applied to the life by the Holy Spirit may bring your church into a deeper walk with God and into greater fruitfulness to your community for the glory of God.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Commit to regular personal and corporate prayer to deepen your abiding in Christ.
- Use the seven-week or seven-day lesson format to foster spiritual growth in your church or family.
- Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance daily for transformation and fruitful living.