Christ's Love
Christ's Love9
Rev. 3:8. the Church's Little Strength, and the Lord's Great Love
By Horatius Bonar0ISA 32:2ISA 40:11ISA 42:7ISA 43:3ISA 46:1ISA 63:9ISA 66:132CO 2:12COL 4:3REV 3:8Horatius Bonar emphasizes the tender love and gracious character of Christ as depicted in Revelation 3:8, where He acknowledges the Church's little strength while offering an open door of opportunity and service. Bonar highlights Christ's patience and gentleness, encouraging believers to rely on His compassion during their struggles and weaknesses. He reassures that even in their feebleness, their faithfulness in keeping His word and not denying His name is honored by God. The sermon illustrates how Christ's love is a source of comfort and strength for those who feel overwhelmed and in need of support. Bonar's message is a reminder of the open door to salvation and service that Christ provides, regardless of our limitations.
A Mother Dies That Her Boy May Live
By D.L. Moody0ISA 53:5JHN 10:11JHN 15:13ROM 5:8GAL 2:20EPH 5:2HEB 9:281PE 2:241JN 3:161JN 4:9D.L. Moody shares a poignant story of a mother who sacrifices her life for her son during a ship fire, illustrating the profound love and selflessness that mirrors Christ's sacrifice for humanity. As the mother places her son in a lifeboat, she implores him to tell his father that she died in his place, symbolizing the ultimate act of love. Moody emphasizes that just as the mother gave her life for her child, Christ laid down His life for us, urging listeners to respond with love and loyalty to such a Savior. He reminds us of the necessity of Christ in our lives, especially in times of need and at the end of our earthly journey. The sermon calls for a deep appreciation of Christ's sacrifice and a commitment to live in loyalty to Him.
Rev. 3:20. Christ's Loving Earnestness
By Horatius Bonar0SNG 5:2ISA 1:18LUK 12:35JHN 14:23ACT 18:25ROM 12:11REV 3:20Horatius Bonar emphasizes Christ's loving earnestness in Revelation 3:20, where Jesus stands at the door and knocks, seeking to enter the hearts of the lukewarm Laodiceans. He highlights the church's need for awakening from spiritual slumber and the importance of responding to Christ's persistent call. Bonar illustrates Christ's love, patience, and earnestness, urging believers to open their hearts to Him, as He desires a personal relationship with each individual. The sermon conveys that Christ's invitation is for all, regardless of their spiritual state, and emphasizes the joy of communion with Him. Ultimately, Bonar reassures that Christ's promise to sup with those who open the door signifies a deep and abiding fellowship.
Christ's Love to Us
By Andrew Murray0PSA 136:26JHN 3:16JHN 15:9ROM 5:81CO 13:1GAL 2:20EPH 3:17COL 3:141JN 4:91JN 4:19Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound and everlasting love of Christ for His followers, comparing it to the love the Father has for the Son. He argues that true value in relationships and in our faith lies in experiencing and abiding in Christ's love, which surpasses all knowledge and zeal. Murray encourages Christians to seek a deeper understanding of this love, as it is essential for a fulfilling spiritual life. He highlights the importance of meditating on Scripture to grasp the depth of Christ's love, which brings true happiness and fellowship with Him. Ultimately, he calls believers to recognize and cherish the unspeakable love that Christ has for them.
Love Serving
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 13:1EPH 2:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound lesson of love demonstrated by Jesus through the act of washing His disciples' feet, highlighting the contrast between the disciples' self-centered ambitions and Christ's selfless servanthood. In a moment charged with expectation and personal interests, Jesus exemplifies true love by humbling Himself to perform a task that none of the disciples were willing to do. This act serves as a powerful reminder that love is not about seeking position or recognition, but about serving others with humility and grace. Sparks calls for believers to embrace the spirit of servanthood, reflecting Christ's love in their actions towards others, especially in a world that often despises the role of a servant.
Christ's Friendship: Its Origin
By Andrew Murray0JHN 15:13JHN 17:3ROM 5:8GAL 2:20EPH 3:17PHP 1:211JN 3:161JN 4:9Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound nature of Christ's friendship with His disciples, rooted in His sacrificial love as He laid down His life for them. He explains that this relationship is maintained through obedience and leads to a deep, holy intimacy with Christ. Murray highlights that understanding this love is essential for experiencing the divine life within us, as Christ and His love are inseparable. He encourages believers to recognize the significance of Christ giving His life, which invites us to reciprocate by giving our lives to Him. Ultimately, this friendship is a mystery that requires the Holy Spirit's revelation and our trust in His infinite love.
Melting the Betrayer
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0MAT 26:21Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the importance of recognizing the presence of betrayers at the Lord's Supper, using the example of Jesus who, despite knowing Judas would betray Him, sought to awaken his conscience through love and warnings. M'Cheyne argues that Christ's repeated references to His betrayer were not harsh but rather a compassionate effort to melt Judas' heart and lead him to repentance. He highlights that Jesus' actions, such as washing Judas' feet and sharing the Passover meal, demonstrate His deep love and desire for the salvation of even the most hardened sinners. The preacher warns that many may partake of the Lord's table unworthily, and urges listeners to reflect on their own hearts and relationship with Christ. Ultimately, M'Cheyne calls for a response to Christ's love, urging all to seek genuine repentance and connection with the Savior.
In Green Pastures - Choice Excerpts
By J.R. Miller0PSA 23:1J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound relationship between Christians and Christ, portraying Him as the Good Shepherd who provides for His flock. He encourages believers to live a life of humility, service, and love, reflecting Christ's character in their daily interactions. Miller highlights the importance of prayer, the transformative power of Christ's love, and the necessity of enduring trials with grace. He reminds us that true beauty and happiness come from a life devoted to Christ, and that our struggles can lead to spiritual growth and deeper faith. Ultimately, he calls for a life that mirrors the love and compassion of Jesus, assuring us that we are cherished and known by Him.
Washing the Disciple's Feet
By John Nelson Darby0JHN 13:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound love of Christ as He washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating humility and servitude just before His departure to the Father. He explains that Jesus' actions were motivated by His love for His disciples and His knowledge of His divine authority, signifying that He would continue to serve them even in glory. Darby highlights that this act symbolizes the ongoing cleansing believers need from the defilements of the world, and encourages Christians to emulate Christ's humility by serving one another. He concludes by inviting those who have not yet experienced Christ's service to believe in Him for forgiveness and eternal fellowship.