Love for Christ
Love for Christ13
Consumed With Christ
By David Wilkerson0PSA 42:1MAT 22:37LUK 14:26JHN 15:13PHP 3:8David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of having an all-consuming love for Christ that surpasses all earthly attachments. He explains that true discipleship requires a fervent devotion to Jesus, where our prayers and time in the Word are driven by love rather than need. This passionate love would transform our relationship with God, making prayer a joyful expression of gratitude rather than a list of requests. Wilkerson challenges believers to seek a deeper understanding of Christ, moving beyond self-centered prayers to a desire to know Him intimately. Ultimately, he calls for a heart that is ablaze with love for Jesus, leading to a more profound and fulfilling spiritual life.
Do You Love Me
By Phil Beach Jr.2050:18JHN 21:15Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound question Jesus posed to Peter, 'Do you love me?' as the central issue in a believer's life. He reflects on his own journey of faith, revealing how God challenged him to prioritize his love for Jesus above all else, including ministry and material possessions. Beach Jr. argues that true love for Christ is not merely sentimental but requires action and sacrifice, urging believers to examine what truly holds the top place in their hearts. He highlights that love for Jesus should drive all aspects of life, including doctrine and fellowship, and that without this love, all other efforts are meaningless. Ultimately, he calls for a deep, committed love for Christ that transcends mere words.
The More Christ Has Suffered for Us
By Thomas Brooks0ISA 53:5JHN 3:16JHN 15:13ROM 5:8GAL 2:20EPH 2:4PHP 2:7HEB 12:21PE 2:241JN 4:19Thomas Brooks emphasizes that the depth of Christ's sufferings should correspondingly deepen our love for Him. He urges believers to prioritize their love for Christ above all earthly desires, relationships, and even life itself, recognizing that His immense sacrifices warrant a superlative love in return. Brooks illustrates how Christ's journey from heaven to earth, His servitude, and ultimate sacrifice should ignite a passionate love within our hearts. He calls for a heartfelt response to the sufferings of Christ, encouraging us to let His love and sacrifice be the driving force in our lives.
Abiding in Christ (Session 5)
By Joseph Carroll2346:50MAT 22:37JHN 15:10JHN 15:13ROM 8:281CO 13:42CO 5:14GAL 2:20PHP 1:211JN 2:151JN 4:19Joseph Carroll emphasizes the transformative power of love in the Christian life, illustrating how true love for Christ compels believers to surrender their self-centered desires and fully commit to His will. He shares personal anecdotes, including his son’s determination to catch footballs for a reward, to highlight how love can motivate extraordinary efforts. Carroll argues that genuine love for God is evidenced by obedience to His commandments, and he warns against the dangers of self-love that can hinder spiritual growth. He encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ, stating that true life comes from being crucified with Him and allowing Christ to live through them. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a radical commitment to Christ, where believers declare, 'I’m out, and He’s in.'
Keep His Commandments
By A.B. Simpson0MRK 14:7JHN 21:15A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of personal devotion to Christ over mere service in his sermon 'Keep His Commandments.' He highlights Jesus' question, 'Lovest thou me?' as a call for our highest love and commitment to Him, which is essential for effective ministry. Simpson warns against being overly focused on the work of Christ at the expense of our relationship with Him, noting that true love for Christ empowers us to love and serve others authentically. He illustrates this with the example of Mary’s precious gift, which was personal and heartfelt. Ultimately, love for Christ is the foundation that sustains our efforts in His service.
Our Love to Christ
By Andrew Murray01PE 1:7Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound love Christians have for Christ, even without having seen Him, which fills their hearts with unspeakable joy. He explains that this love is not just a feeling but an active principle that delights in obeying God's commandments and reflects Christ's self-sacrificing love. Murray asserts that true Christian life is characterized by love, which fosters great faith and joy, serving as a powerful witness to the world. He encourages believers to spend time in communion with Christ to deepen their love and strengthen their faith. Ultimately, love, joy, and faith are essential components of a vibrant Christian life.
The Especial Principle of Obedience Unto the Person of Christ
By John Owen0John Owen emphasizes that love is the foundation of obedience to Christ, asserting that true obedience stems from genuine love for Him. He argues that any obedience not rooted in love is unacceptable, and that the love of God, particularly towards the person of Christ, is essential for believers. Owen warns against false pretenses of love and highlights that sincere love for Christ is necessary for true obedience and spiritual life. He cites scripture to support his claims, underscoring the importance of loving Christ sincerely and the consequences of failing to do so. Ultimately, Owen calls for a love that is both genuine and fruitful in obedience to Christ's commands.
A Heaven Unto Me!
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 73:25SNG 2:5MAT 22:37JHN 17:3ROM 8:381CO 16:22EPH 3:19PHP 3:8COL 3:41JN 4:19Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true knowledge accompanying salvation is deeply heart-affecting, drawing the soul closer to Christ and igniting a passionate love for Him. He illustrates how the more one knows Christ—His nature, names, and beauty—the more one’s heart is captivated and desires Him above all else. Brooks warns against mere intellectual knowledge that lacks affection for Christ, which ultimately leads to a lifeless faith. He passionately expresses that Christ is everything to him—his life, love, joy, and crown—making Him a heaven unto his soul. The sermon concludes with a stark reminder that a lack of love for the Lord results in a curse.
"Lovest Thou Me?"
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 21:15T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound nature of love for Christ in his sermon 'Lovest Thou Me?', urging believers to reflect on their personal devotion to the Lord. He highlights Peter's journey from failure to restoration, illustrating that true love for Jesus is demonstrated through practical devotion and service to others. Sparks challenges the congregation to examine their motives in ministry, stressing that love for the Lord must be the driving force behind their actions, rather than mere duty or ambition. He concludes by affirming that genuine love leads to a life of obedience and faithfulness, even in trials and uncertainties.
Shouldest Thou Help the Ungodly, and Love Them
By F.B. Meyer02CH 19:2MAT 6:24JHN 15:19ROM 12:22CO 6:14GAL 5:17HEB 12:6JAS 4:41PE 2:91JN 2:15F.B. Meyer addresses the dangers of compromising our faith by aligning too closely with the ungodly, as exemplified by King Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab. He warns that wealth and worldly success can weaken our character and lead us to adopt the values of those who oppose God. Meyer emphasizes the importance of maintaining a distinct identity as followers of Christ, urging believers to cultivate a deep love for Jesus that will protect them from worldly influences. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their own lives and relationships, questioning whether they are inadvertently saying, 'I am as thou art' to the world. Ultimately, Meyer reminds us that true engagement with Christ is essential to avoid the pitfalls of worldly alliances and the resulting divine discipline.
Obedience to Christ
By Octavius Winslow01SA 15:22PSA 119:105ISA 1:19MAT 11:30JHN 2:5JHN 14:15ROM 12:1GAL 5:13JAS 1:22REV 14:4Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of obedience to Christ, urging believers to heed the words of Jesus as the ultimate authority in their lives. He draws parallels between the commands of Mary and Pharaoh, highlighting that true freedom and reward come from following Christ's directives. Winslow encourages a heartfelt response to God's commands, whether it involves faith, sacrifice, or personal struggles, and stresses that love for Jesus should be the driving force behind our obedience. He reminds us that sincere obedience is better than mere sacrifice and that the rewards of following Christ are both immediate and eternal.
Tests of Love
By A.W. Tozer0A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the true measure of a Christian's love for Christ is found in their obedience to His commandments. He asserts that love is not merely about emotions or sacrifices, but about actively keeping the teachings of Jesus. Tozer highlights that Christ clearly distinguishes between those who love Him by obeying His words and those who do not. This obedience serves as the ultimate test of love, revealing the depth of one's relationship with God. The sermon challenges believers to reflect on their commitment to following Christ's commandments.
Church History Series - Part 1
By Mike Attwood7941:44HEB 12:1Mike Attwood emphasizes the significance of studying church history, urging believers to reflect on the past to understand their present faith. He highlights the dangers of becoming merely knowledgeable without transformation, stressing the importance of maintaining a love relationship with Jesus amidst church activities. Attwood encourages the congregation to learn from historical figures and events, recognizing that small deviations in faith can lead to significant consequences over time. He also warns against the rise of clericalism and the need for humility in leadership, reminding everyone that Christ should always hold the preeminent place in the church.