Love and Sacrifice
Love and Sacrifice4
The Word of Affection
By A.W. Pink0EXO 20:12PRO 23:22ISA 9:6LUK 1:28LUK 2:34JHN 3:14JHN 19:25EPH 6:1A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound love and sorrow of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she stands by the cross witnessing her Son's suffering. He reflects on her life filled with trials and the fulfillment of Simeon's prophecy, highlighting her silent strength and unwavering presence during Christ's crucifixion. Pink also illustrates how Jesus, even in His agony, exemplified the importance of honoring one's parents by ensuring Mary's care through John, the beloved disciple. This act serves as a reminder of the responsibilities of familial love amidst spiritual duties. Ultimately, Pink calls for believers to behold Christ, the source of salvation, as Mary did, emphasizing the need for faith in Him.
The Pierced Ear of the Servant
By T. Austin-Sparks0EXO 21:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound connection between love, servanthood, and the voluntary resignation of rights in his sermon 'The Pierced Ear of the Servant.' He illustrates how a servant, motivated by love, chooses to remain in service despite having the legal right to freedom, reflecting a deeper relationship with the master. This selfless act mirrors the example of Jesus, who relinquished His rights and became a servant out of love for the Father. Sparks highlights that true service is not compelled by law but is a response to love, leading to a new identity as both servant and son in God's family. The sermon calls believers to consider how love may require them to forgo certain liberties for the sake of serving God more fully.
The Christian Husband
By J.R. Miller0PRO 31:10MRK 10:91CO 13:4GAL 5:22EPH 4:2EPH 5:25COL 3:19HEB 13:41PE 3:71JN 4:19J.R. Miller emphasizes the vital role of the husband in a Christian marriage, highlighting that love is the foundation of his duties. He explains that a husband's love should be selfless, gentle, and supportive, mirroring Christ's love for the Church. Miller stresses the importance of honoring and sharing life with one's wife, ensuring that she feels valued and included in all aspects of life. He warns against the dangers of neglecting spiritual companionship, urging husbands to walk alongside their wives in faith. Ultimately, a true Christian husband fosters a nurturing environment that allows both partners to grow in love and faith together.
Understanding Marriage - the Shared Life
By David Guzik1.5K34:14EPH 5:25David Guzik emphasizes the profound nature of marriage as a shared life, drawing parallels between the relationship of husbands and wives and that of Christ and the church. He highlights that true Christian marriage is founded on self-sacrificial love, as exemplified by Jesus, who loved the church despite its imperfections. Guzik challenges husbands to love their wives with the same depth and commitment that Christ has for His church, urging them to take the initiative in nurturing their relationship. He also stresses the importance of mutual submission and shared life, where both partners actively engage in each other's lives and support one another. Ultimately, Guzik calls for a deeper understanding of both marital and spiritual relationships, encouraging believers to embrace the excitement of their union with Christ.