Power in the Pulpit — E.A. Johnston

The Woman Who Touched Christ's Garment

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,.

Jesus Identifies the Touch of Faith

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?

Spirit-Empowered Preaching Leaves a Lasting Cost

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.

The Anointing of the Holy Spirit in Ministry

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.

Consecration and Surrender to Christ

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.

The Pastoral Challenge to Preach in Christ's Power

Brother Pastor, can it be said of you that when you preach to others, that the virtue of Christ leaves you?