Relationship With Christ
The concept of a relationship with Christ in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing aspects of personal faith, communal belonging, and transformative power. At its core, this relationship is initiated through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, as articulated in John 3:16, which emphasizes belief in Him for eternal life. This relationship is characterized by a deep, personal communion with Christ, often depicted as a vine and branches metaphor in John 15:5, where Jesus describes Himself as the true vine and believers as the branches, illustrating the necessity of abiding in Him for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.Moreover, this relationship involves a commitment to follow His teachings and embody His love in daily life, as seen in Matthew 22:37-39, where Jesus commands His followers to love God and love their neighbors. The Apostle Paul further elucidates this relationship by emphasizing the transformative effect it has on believers, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:17, where he states that anyone in Christ is a new creation. Thus, the relationship with Christ is not merely about belief but is also about transformation, community, and an ongoing journey of faith, marked by obedience, love, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 2:20).
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Offices and Relations of the Holy Ghost
By A.B. Simpson0JHN 14:16A.B. Simpson explores the multifaceted role of the Holy Spirit within the Godhead, emphasizing His unique relationship with the Father and the Son, and His vital presence in the life of believers and the Church. He illustrates the Holy Spirit as the executive of the Godhead, the one who brings the revelation of Christ to the world, and the personal guide and comforter for believers. Simpson highlights the Holy Spirit's work in convicting the unsaved, empowering the Church, and His continuous presence throughout various dispensations, affirming that He will remain active even during the tribulation. The sermon underscores the necessity of the Holy Spirit for spiritual life and the Church's effectiveness, portraying Him as the source of all grace and gifts. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ and facilitates a deep, personal relationship between believers and the Savior.
And Joseph Knew His Brethren, but They Knew Not Him
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 139:1C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound knowledge that Jesus, our heavenly Joseph, has of us, which existed long before we recognized Him. He knew us in our sinful state, our struggles, and our despair, viewing us as beloved brethren despite our rebellion and ignorance. Spurgeon reflects on how our lack of understanding of Jesus led to sin and separation, yet reassures us that His knowledge of us is perfect and filled with love. He highlights the joy of knowing that Jesus will acknowledge us as His own and reveal Himself to us, contrasting our limited understanding with His infinite awareness. Ultimately, Spurgeon encourages a deeper pursuit of knowing Christ, who knows us completely.
Jesus, a Bridegroom With a Burning Heart of Love
By Mike Bickle201:03:39GEN 1:261JN 4:16Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound love of Jesus as the Bridegroom God, highlighting that His nature is relational and deeply involved with us. He explains that God's love is not merely about mercy but is an eternal, burning desire for relationship, inviting us into a dynamic partnership with Him. Bickle encourages believers to understand their value in God's eyes and to recognize that they are integral to His story, not distant observers. He stresses that our future with God is filled with active participation in His glory, and that love is the core of God's eternal plan for humanity. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a deeper connection with Jesus, urging listeners to embrace their identity as beloved participants in His divine narrative.
Christ, Our Life
By K.P. Yohannan0K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that while the Old Covenant focuses on rules and obedience, the New Covenant invites us to partake in the divine nature through Christ. His life and death restore our purpose to manifest God's nature, as seen in John 1:4 where Jesus is described as the light of men. True godliness is not about mere imitation or external behavior but arises from a deep, living relationship with Christ, as highlighted in John 15:4. Our identity and source of life are found in Him, transforming us from the inside out, making it no longer our life but Christ's life in us.
Christ Wants You Not Yours (2 Cor 12+13)
By Phil Beach Jr.2925:052CO 12:11Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that Christ desires a relationship with His people rather than their possessions, drawing from Paul's heartfelt plea to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians. Paul, distressed by their spiritual insensitivity and drifting from Christ, expresses his deep love and commitment to their spiritual well-being, urging them to return to the headship of Jesus. He highlights the importance of genuine ministry that seeks the hearts of believers rather than material gain. The sermon culminates in a call for self-examination and a return to faith, underscoring the need for unity and maturity in Christ. Ultimately, the message is a reminder of God's longing for His people to walk in truth and love.
Where Is the Master Plan?
By K.P. Yohannan0LUK 18:22JHN 15:5ACT 17:6GAL 5:221PE 1:12K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that during the final days of Jesus, the focus was not on a detailed master plan for salvation but rather on the importance of relationship with Him. As Jesus prepared to fulfill His mission, He spoke to His disciples about abiding in His love, highlighting that transformed lives, not strategies or programs, would bear fruit. The sermon illustrates that true impact comes from living out the love of Christ, as exemplified by David Livingstone's influence on Henry Stanley. Ultimately, the message is that our lives should reflect the transformation that comes from a deep relationship with Jesus, which will naturally lead to eternal results.
The Answer to Godliness
By K.P. Yohannan0MAT 23:27JHN 15:5K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that true godliness is not merely about outward appearances or following a checklist of spiritual practices, likening it to apples tied to a tree that ultimately rot and reveal their falsehood. He warns against the Pharisaical mindset of being right in doctrine while lacking genuine connection with God, highlighting that true spirituality must stem from a relationship with Christ. The sermon calls for believers to recognize that godliness is not a formula but the embodiment of Christ's life within us, urging a deeper reliance on Jesus rather than mere performance.
Zeal Without Knowledge
By Theodore Epp0MAT 7:1JHN 15:5ROM 10:21CO 13:1GAL 4:18EPH 2:8PHP 3:6COL 3:232TI 2:24TIT 2:14Theodore Epp discusses the concept of 'Zeal Without Knowledge' as exemplified by Paul, who, despite his fervent persecution of the church, was misguided in his understanding of God's will. Epp emphasizes that true Christian zeal should stem from a right relationship with Christ, rather than a mere opposition to others or their beliefs. He warns against measuring one's faith by what they oppose, highlighting that genuine zeal should lead to good works and a loving attitude towards others. The sermon calls for believers to reflect on their motivations and ensure their zeal aligns with the teachings of Jesus.
The Humility of God
By Mike Bickle2346:04EXO 34:6PSA 45:4ISA 53:2MAT 11:29MAT 20:28LUK 12:37JHN 13:5PHP 2:6HEB 1:3REV 3:21Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound humility of God, particularly as expressed through Jesus Christ. He highlights that God's humility is unique to Christianity, contrasting it with other religions that focus solely on divine power. Bickle explains that Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet exemplifies His core identity of love and humility, which invites believers into a deeper relationship with Him. The sermon encourages understanding God's humility as a means to foster admiration, gratitude, and confidence in our relationship with Him. Ultimately, Bickle asserts that true transformation comes not from power alone, but from a voluntary embrace of humility.
Rev. 2:4-6. First Love Left
By Horatius Bonar0REV 2:4Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 2:4-6, emphasizing the profound sorrow of Christ over the church of Ephesus having left its first love. He illustrates how this complaint is not merely a rebuke but a heartfelt expression of disappointment from a loving Savior who desires a deep, affectionate relationship with His followers. Bonar highlights that while the church maintained good works, it lacked the fervent love that should characterize a true relationship with Christ. He calls for a return to that first love, urging believers to rekindle their passion for Christ by reflecting on His unwavering love for them. The sermon serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of love in the Christian faith, above all deeds and actions.
Our Relationship With Christ
By Bill McLeod1.7K54:362CO 3:32CO 12:19EPH 2:10COL 3:111PE 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living as a testimony of Jesus Christ. He highlights that as believers, we are constantly being watched by the world, angels, and men. The speaker encourages Christians to walk carefully and circumspectly, knowing that our actions and behavior have an impact on others. He emphasizes that we are the only Bible that the world reads, and therefore, we should strive to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder that our lives should be radically different as followers of Christ, and we should actively share the gospel and further the kingdom of God.
(Pdf Book) Bride of Christ / 5 Chapters
By Basilea Schlink4.0K00:00REV 19:7Basilea Schlink shares her profound journey of discovering her identity as the bride of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of love and repentance in her relationship with Him. She recounts her initial struggles with faith and the eventual awakening of a deep, bridal love for Jesus, which became the cornerstone of her spiritual life. Schlink highlights the significance of this love, not only as a personal experience but as a divine calling for all believers to embrace their identity as the bride of Christ. She encourages others to seek this intimate relationship with Jesus, which leads to a life filled with joy, purpose, and the promise of eternal union with Him. Ultimately, she portrays the wedding feast of the Lamb as the culmination of this divine love story, where believers will celebrate their eternal bond with Christ.
I Am My Beloved's, and My Beloved Is Mine
By A.B. Simpson0JHN 17:19ROM 12:12CO 12:9GAL 2:20EPH 3:20PHP 4:13COL 3:3HEB 10:141PE 2:91JN 4:19A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound relationship between believers and Christ, asserting that if we belong to the Lord, then He belongs to us. He encourages faith to claim its full inheritance in Christ, recognizing Him as our source of grace, strength, and joy. Simpson explains that true consecration involves exchanging our lives for Christ's, leading to a mutual commitment where Christ dedicates His life and power to us. He urges believers to continually present themselves to Jesus, allowing Him to fill and use them moment by moment. Ultimately, he invites everyone to embrace the Savior who offers such a transformative relationship.
Easter Sunday Morning Service
By Michael Koulianos4552:04ACT 5:301PE 1:3Michael Koulianos emphasizes the profound significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, illustrating how it transforms death into life and offers believers a living hope. He reflects on the early church's prayers, highlighting the victory of Christ over sin and death, and the importance of a personal relationship with the risen Savior. Koulianos urges the congregation to recognize Jesus as their eternal source of life and to cultivate a deeper love for Him, moving beyond mere church attendance to a vibrant, intimate relationship. He calls for repentance and a return to the passionate faith that characterizes true discipleship, reminding everyone of the availability of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The sermon culminates in a call to choose between being part of the Bride of Christ or remaining an enemy, emphasizing the urgency of the decision.
At His Feet
By Erlo Stegen1.6K46:49MAT 2:2MAT 2:8MAT 2:12MAT 2:16MAT 2:23JHN 17:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and sharing one's personal testimony of how they became a Christian. He expresses concern that many Christians cannot articulate why and how they came to faith. The speaker references the story of the wise men who recognized their need for the Savior and left everything at Jesus' feet. He also highlights the significance of being connected to God and having a personal relationship with Him. The sermon concludes with a prayer for those who have not yet come to know the Lord Jesus.
Eternal Life Is Christ
By Major Ian Thomas01JN 5:11Major Ian Thomas emphasizes that eternal life is not merely a future destination or a feeling, but is intrinsically linked to Jesus Christ Himself. He clarifies that eternal life begins the moment one accepts Christ, as it is the life of Christ that believers possess now, not just after physical death. Thomas points out that many misconceptions exist about eternal life, and he stresses that having the Son means having life in the present. He reinforces that eternal life is synonymous with knowing Jesus, who is the source of this life.
The Bride of Christ
By David Wilkerson0PSA 106:21PSA 119:105JER 2:32MAT 22:37LUK 10:38JHN 15:151TH 5:17HEB 10:25JAS 4:8REV 3:20David Wilkerson emphasizes the deep emotional pain Jesus experiences when His followers neglect Him despite professing love. He compares this neglect to a bride-to-be who praises her fiancé publicly but fails to engage with him privately, illustrating that true love requires quality time and attention. Wilkerson highlights biblical examples of God's people forgetting Him, stressing that mere acknowledgment of Jesus is insufficient without genuine relationship and communication. The sermon calls believers to reflect on their daily interactions with Christ and to prioritize spending time in prayer and His Word. Ultimately, it challenges the audience to examine the authenticity of their love for Jesus.