Personal Relationship with Christ
Personal Relationship with Christ17
He Lives
By John Wesley0JOB 1:8JOB 19:25MAT 5:1ROM 8:34HEB 7:25John Wesley emphasizes the profound faith of Job, who, despite immense suffering and loss, declares, 'I know that my Redeemer lives.' He draws parallels between Job's trials and our own struggles, highlighting that faith can flourish even in the darkest times. Wesley encourages believers to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus, our Redeemer, who not only lives but also intercedes for us. This faith is not just an exception but can be the norm in our lives, reminding us that the One who overcame death is with us in our trials. Ultimately, Wesley calls us to trust in God's promises and adjust our lives according to His teachings.
Journey of the Heart
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 34:18ISA 41:10JER 29:13MAT 11:28JHN 3:16ROM 10:92CO 5:17PHP 4:61PE 5:7REV 3:20A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of genuine Christian experience while preaching Christ as the Savior. He shares his personal journey, highlighting how a street preacher's words led him to earnestly seek Jesus and ultimately surrender his heart to Him. Tozer affirms that Jesus continues to call us to come to Him for rest and salvation, illustrating that true transformation begins in the heart. His testimony serves as a reminder that anyone can have a personal relationship with Christ, regardless of their background.
The Fulness of the Blessing of the Gospel of Christ
By A.B. Simpson0JHN 15:5EPH 1:3PHP 3:8COL 2:9A.B. Simpson emphasizes that many Christians miss the true essence of the blessings found in Christ, often seeking salvation, grace, or answered prayers without truly knowing Him. He warns against being attached to doctrines, churches, or even friendships, which can lead to a lifeless faith. The true blessing comes from a personal relationship with Jesus, who is the source of all blessings and the one who sustains us when everything else fails. Simpson encourages believers to seek Christ Himself rather than merely the benefits He offers.
Present-Day Witnesses to the Resurrection
By Samuel Logan Brengle0MAT 25:23LUK 19:8JHN 11:25JHN 16:14JHN 17:32CO 13:5COL 1:27HEB 6:5HEB 10:23HEB 10:36Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the necessity of being present-day witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, sharing the story of a young woman who, despite never having seen Jesus, felt His presence and committed her life to Him as a missionary. He argues that historical evidence alone is insufficient for true faith; rather, it requires a personal, transformative experience with the living Christ. Brengle highlights that this kind of faith purifies the heart and empowers believers to live out their faith authentically, making them effective witnesses in a world still plagued by sin and unbelief. He encourages Christians to seek a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, which is essential for both their own salvation and for effectively witnessing to others. Ultimately, he calls for believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit to truly know and testify about the living Christ.
What Salvation Is
By Andrew Murray0JHN 1:4JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ROM 10:92CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 1:21COL 3:41JN 5:11Andrew Murray emphasizes that true salvation is not merely about believing in Christ's works or following His commands, but rather about establishing a personal relationship with Him. He asserts that salvation is fundamentally about receiving Christ Himself as our life, highlighting that eternal life is found in Him alone. Murray clarifies that faith involves opening our hearts to Christ, rather than just accepting promises or gifts. This intimate connection with Jesus is what truly defines salvation.
Christ in You
By Theodore Epp0JHN 14:20ROM 8:101CO 6:192CO 13:5GAL 2:20EPH 3:17PHP 1:6COL 1:27COL 3:31JN 4:4Theodore Epp emphasizes the profound truth of 'Christ in you' from Colossians 1:27, illustrating how this understanding transforms our perception of Christ and ourselves, as well as our prayer life. He recounts his personal journey of realizing the significance of having Christ dwell within him, which led to a renewed outlook on life and a deeper prayer experience. Epp stresses that Christ must be personally received as Savior, moving beyond mere intellectual acceptance to experiencing His living power daily. This truth is central to the teachings in the Book of Colossians, highlighting the necessity of faith and personal relationship with Christ.
Better Than Pentecost
By David Wilkerson01KI 19:12PSA 46:10ISA 30:21JHN 3:29JHN 10:27ROM 10:17HEB 1:1HEB 3:7JAS 1:19REV 3:20David Wilkerson emphasizes that John the Baptist, despite not witnessing the events of Pentecost, found his greatest joy in hearing the voice of Jesus. He illustrates that true fulfillment comes not from miraculous signs but from a personal relationship with Christ, where His voice brings joy and direction. Wilkerson argues against the notion that God no longer speaks to individuals today, asserting that believers can still hear His voice if they are willing to listen. He encourages the congregation to remain open to God's communication, despite the potential for misuse of spiritual gifts. Ultimately, the joy of hearing Jesus' voice is presented as a profound and personal experience for every believer.
Getting Acquainted With Christ.
By J.R. Miller0PSA 139:7MAT 28:20JHN 14:17JHN 15:15ROM 8:10GAL 1:16PHP 4:13COL 1:27HEB 13:51JN 4:15J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of developing a personal friendship with Christ, noting that many young Christians may trust Him as their Savior without truly knowing Him as a friend. He recounts a poignant experience with a young woman who, despite her devout life, realized for the first time the personal relationship she could have with Christ. Miller explains that recognizing Christ's presence and companionship can transform a believer's life, bringing comfort, joy, and a deeper understanding of faith. He encourages Christians to seek this intimate relationship, which can lighten burdens and enrich their spiritual journey. Ultimately, he asserts that having Christ as a close friend is essential to the Christian experience.
Personal Friendship With Christ
By J.R. Miller0SNG 5:16MAT 11:28JHN 15:15J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of developing a personal friendship with Christ, arguing that true Christianity is not merely about doctrinal beliefs or moral conduct, but about forming an intimate relationship with Jesus as a living Savior. He illustrates that this friendship is essential for salvation and spiritual growth, as it allows believers to experience the fullness of God's love and grace. Miller encourages Christians to trust in Christ, which leads to a deeper love and understanding of Him, ultimately resulting in a transformative relationship that enriches their lives. He highlights that Christ desires this friendship and that it is through loving Him and keeping His words that believers can truly know Him. The sermon concludes by affirming that the friendship of Christ is the greatest blessing, offering profound joy and strength in the believer's life.
Footprints in Song
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 95:1PSA 100:2EPH 5:19COL 3:16A.W. Tozer emphasizes the need for a deeper, more personal relationship with Christ, contrasting the mechanical and utilitarian views of modern evangelicalism with the radiant Savior of the past. He argues that many Christians have a limited understanding of salvation, viewing it merely as a transaction rather than a transformative experience. To cultivate a richer spiritual life akin to that of biblical saints, Tozer suggests that engaging with hymns can be profoundly beneficial, as they encapsulate the heartfelt devotion of past believers. Singing and reading hymns allows worshippers to connect intimately with the expressions of love and devotion directed towards Christ. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a revival of genuine worship that transcends mere intellectual assent.
In Him We Live, and Move
By A.B. Simpson0JHN 15:4A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of a personal and intimate connection with Jesus for true healing and vitality in our lives. He illustrates that mere rituals or intellectual beliefs are insufficient; it is the direct touch of the Savior that brings life to our spirits. Simpson urges believers to lay aside distractions and approach Christ with a heart full of love and faith, as this is essential for experiencing His transformative power. The sermon highlights the importance of abiding in Christ continually to fully realize His healing presence. Ultimately, it is through this deep relationship that we can truly live and move in Him.
Fellowship With God
By Andrew Murray0PSA 27:4JHN 14:21ROM 5:5GAL 2:20EPH 3:17PHP 3:10COL 3:1JAS 4:81JN 1:31JN 4:19Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of personal fellowship with God, highlighting that each individual can know God uniquely and intimately. He explains that while God desires a close relationship with humanity, sin often creates barriers to this connection. Many Christians may understand forgiveness and acceptance but overlook the joy of daily fellowship with God, akin to the bond between a father and child. Murray encourages believers to seek this relationship through Jesus Christ, relying on the Holy Spirit to cultivate love in their hearts. He invites listeners to meditate on John 14:21, urging them to express their love for God and embrace the personal nature of their fellowship with Him.
What Is a Christian? - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks0PRO 23:26ACT 26:14ROM 14:11GAL 2:20PHP 3:8T. Austin-Sparks explores the essence of being a Christian through the transformative experience of Saul of Tarsus, emphasizing that true Christianity is deeply personal and rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ. He highlights that while Saul's conversion was dramatic, the principles of personal encounter with Christ apply to all believers, who must recognize God's individual concern for them. Sparks contrasts religion with a genuine relationship with Christ, asserting that being a Christian is not about religious practices but about one's response to Jesus as Lord and Savior. He warns that rejecting or ignoring Christ carries eternal consequences, urging listeners to embrace a living relationship with Him. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heartfelt commitment to Christ, who knows each of us by name.
Thoughts for the Quiet Hour - June 16
By D.L. Moody0PSA 1:3JHN 15:5PHP 3:102TI 1:12JAS 1:2D.L. Moody emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Christ, comparing it to a tree that grows and strengthens through various conditions. He encourages believers to view their experiences, even the challenging ones, as opportunities to deepen their acquaintance with the Lord. Moody reassures troubled hearts that every circumstance can lead to a closer connection with Jesus, fostering spiritual growth and resilience.
Spiritual Enlightenment
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 9:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of spiritual enlightenment through the story of a man born blind, illustrating that his condition was divinely orchestrated to reveal God's works. The sermon highlights that true understanding of Christ comes not from mere doctrine but from a personal, living touch with Him, which opens our spiritual eyes. Sparks draws parallels between the man's blindness and Israel's spiritual state, stressing that enlightenment is a costly journey often requiring a break from tradition. He concludes that the ultimate goal is to know Christ as the Son of God, which transforms our understanding and relationship with Him. The message calls believers to pursue a personal walk with Christ, allowing Him to govern their spiritual lives.
What Is a Christian? - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 7:23ACT 9:17ACT 22:10ACT 26:28COL 1:27T. Austin-Sparks explores the true meaning of being a Christian, emphasizing that it is not merely about adopting a religion, joining a church, or participating in a movement. He highlights that true Christianity begins with the realization of Jesus as a living person, followed by a commitment to His Lordship and the indwelling of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Sparks warns against the dangers of assuming religious identity without genuine transformation and stresses the importance of a personal relationship with Christ. The essence of being a Christian is encapsulated in the experience of Christ living within us, guiding our lives.
Christianity Is a Person
By Joseph Carroll2541:28REV 2:12Joseph Carroll emphasizes that Christianity is fundamentally a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, rather than merely a set of doctrines or a means to an end. He challenges the audience to reflect on their understanding of Christianity, urging them to cultivate a deep love for Christ that transcends mere attendance or ritualistic practices. Carroll warns against the dangers of complacency and self-centeredness, encouraging believers to fully commit their lives to Christ and prioritize their relationship with Him above all else. He stresses that true love for Jesus will manifest in one's actions and desires, ultimately leading to a fulfilling Christian life. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and a heartfelt plea for genuine devotion to Christ.