Adoniram Judson Gordon (Christian Biographies Adapted for Children) - Santosh Poonen - June 24, 2020
Audiobook Live recordings from RLCF Family Prayer Meetings during which Santosh Poonen shares Christian biographies adapted for children Based loosely on the chapter from the book, "They Found the Secret" by V. Raymond Edman ----- http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker discusses the life of Adoniram Judson Gordon, highlighting his initial passion for ministry and his later struggles with the depth of his spiritual experience. Gordon's journey revealed that true spiritual power and evangelism must come from the heart's spontaneity, not just intellectual knowledge or forced effort. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes a key revelation Gordon had: understanding the Holy Spirit not merely as a power, but as a distinct Person of the Godhead present in the world today.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Who was Adoniram Judson Gordon?The speaker introduces Adoniram Judson Gordon, a big, intelligent, and scholarly preacher from Boston who was active in the Savior's service, wrote books, and started a Bible college.
Questions from college students about experienceGordon struggled to answer college students' questions about the Holy Spirit at a Northfield conference because questions of experience are much harder to answer than doctrine when you have not experienced it yourself.
The frustration and exhaustion of ministryGordon wrote about how his Christian ministry had become desperate and boring as his hard work, stronger sermon statements, and extra prayer meetings failed to bring true repentance or spontaneity.
A still small voice pointing to the Holy SpiritAfter falling sick from overwork and discouragement, Gordon heard a still small voice of correction from the Lord regarding John the Baptist's words about someone standing among them whom they did not know.John 1:26
Knowing the Holy Spirit as a personGordon realized he had treated the Holy Spirit like a heavenly force or mystical power to be called upon, rather than understanding that the third person of the Trinity is truly present on earth just as Jesus was.
The Holy Spirit as the mighty burden bearerGordon saw that many Christians work hard carrying burdens beyond their natural strength, forgetting that just as Jesus is the sin bearer, the Holy Spirit is the mighty burden bearer of the world.
Heart searching and crying out to GodDuring a later conference, Gordon and George Needham spent the middle of the night in heart searching, reading Jesus's prayer in John 17 and crying out to God with deep freedom.
Transformed ministry and a life of disciplineImmediately after receiving this divine touch, Gordon's ministry was transformed, leading him into a disciplined life of praying with poor fishermen and drunkards rather than chasing emotional ecstasies.
God giving versus us receivingGordon wrote that God giving is one thing and us receiving is another; just like salvation, believers must have the faith to receive what God has already provided.John 3:16John 1:12
The Holy Spirit for renewal versus ministryThe disciples received the Holy Spirit for regeneration earlier, but they needed a higher, subsequent experience of power on the day of Pentecost to equip them for service.
Even Jesus needed the anointingEven Jesus, who was born of the Holy Spirit, did not enter His public ministry until He was anointed by the same Spirit at His baptism by John.
Spiritual wealth through what we know we haveSpiritual wealth is determined not just by what we have, but by what we know we have and draw upon, comparing it to having a million dollars in a bank account and not knowing it.
The trolley car illustrationGordon used the image of overhead electrical wires and an electric trolley car to show that power is always present, but it becomes manifest and moves the car only when the arm attaches to the wire.
Surrender to a divine person instead of a forceGordon described his change as moving from praying for a mystical divine force to surrendering to an ever-present divine person and yielding to be used for His work.
Doing hard things easily through powerWhen filled with the Holy Spirit, what was once hard becomes easy, and instead of fretting over day-to-day details, a believer learns to pray more for the fullness of power.
A call to seek the excitement of following JesusPoonen concludes that these biographies challenge believers to move past a boring, routine Christian life and reach out to touch the electrical wires of the Holy Spirit who is here today.
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