Quick, Get Me to the Emergency Room A sermon by Evangelist Richard Leahey Opening Remarks and Introductions Warm acknowledgment of Pastor Richard and Lisa’s faithfulness and the congregation’s strong core. Mention of the preacher’s calling as an evangelist, emphasizing obedience to God rather than financial security. Encouragement to support the ministry with prayer and engagement. Scriptural Foundation and Prayer Scripture Reference: Psalm 71:17-18 God’s faithfulness through the years and the plea not to be forsaken in old age. Desire to declare God’s strength to future generations. Opening Prayer: Invitation for God to shake, elevate, and transform the congregation. Request for destruction of anything in believers that hinders growth and for building up of godly attributes. The Imperative of True Christianity Main Problem Identified: Many seek to add Jesus to their existing lives rather than allowing transformation. Jesus requires removal and destruction of sin and corruption before new life can be built. Main Message: “Quick, Get Me to the Emergency Room” The Nature of God’s Wondrous Works “Wondrous” defined as supernatural and distinguishing God from all else. Testimony of personal transformation experienced outside hospital walls; “operations” on the heart with God in moments of desperation. Three Areas of God’s Supernatural Works (Focus on the First: Salvation) Salvation as the Greatest Miracle Salvation brings radical change; if unexplainable, may indicate lack of true conversion. Personal background: Raised as a devout Catholic, free from major vices (drugs, alcohol), but still bound by internal demons and strongholds. Story of meeting wife, subsequent heartbreak, and depression after a breakup. Personal Testimony: The Journey to Salvation College Experience and Divine Interruption Call to “study” led supernaturally to a Campus Crusade for Christ encounter. Reluctance due to Catholic upbringing; avoidance of Christian peers. Season of Depression and Spiritual Brokenness Deep discouragement and bitterness after receiving a “Dear John” letter. Admits religious people can be most apt to curse God during trials. The critical turning point: Realizing personal guilt and the need to repent, not just be sorry. Repentance results in lifted depression and spiritual transformation. Reconnection with original love interest—who becomes his wife and spiritual influence. Importance of Growing in the Word and Early Discipleship Stress on the significance of reading and loving the Word of God. Contrast between past and current approaches to Scripture engagement. The expectation that immersion in the Word changes worship and life experience. Warnings and Practical Teaching for Growth The Danger of Pride Pride as the chief enemy of spiritual growth, even greater than obvious sins. Biblical reference: Ephesians 1:12—life must be for the praise of God’s glory. God resists pride, and spiritual progress demands humility and repentance. Practical Steps for Transformation Reference to Romans 6:13: Presenting one’s body and life to God, not to sin. Expectation that Satan will oppose serious growth through guilt and condemnation. Solution: Hate sin, not oneself. Stand in Christ’s grace while seeking true deliverance. Example: Deliverance from Anger and Jealousy Real-life story of overwhelming rage and jealousy as a young Christian. Biblical reference to Galatians 5 on the “works of the flesh” (including outbursts of wrath). Honest confession, prayer, and deliverance from controlling sin. Emphasis that true liberation requires honest recognition and surrender of sinful areas. Invitation and Altar Call Two-part Appeal: Those needing salvation—to step forward, repent, and receive Christ as Savior. Believers with areas not fully surrendered—to step forward for prayer and confession, seeking deliverance and transformation.