Sacrifice for Christ
Sacrifice for Christ6
The Shadow of Martyrdom
By William MacDonald0MAT 10:39MAT 16:25MAT 16:27MRK 8:35LUK 9:24JHN 12:242CO 6:9PHP 1:20William MacDonald emphasizes the profound commitment of true discipleship to Jesus Christ, where life and death become secondary to glorifying the Lord. He reflects on the lives of martyrs like John and Betty Stam and Jim Elliot, who willingly surrendered their lives for the sake of Christ, embodying the principle that losing one's life for Jesus leads to true fulfillment. MacDonald argues that our lives do not belong to us, as they were bought with Christ's blood, and thus we should not cling to them selfishly. He encourages believers to adopt a martyr spirit, living fully for Christ, which ultimately leads to joy and eternal rewards. The sermon concludes with a call to prioritize eternal matters over worldly concerns, echoing the teachings of Jesus on the value of self-sacrifice.
The Cost of Saving Souls
By Samuel Logan Brengle1MAT 16:24Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the profound cost of saving souls, illustrating that true soul-winning requires self-sacrifice and unwavering faith. He recounts the struggles of early evangelists like Paul and the Wesleys, who faced immense opposition yet persevered to ignite revivals. Brengle highlights that the journey to win souls often begins in humble settings, requiring a heart willing to die to self and embrace the mission of Christ. He encourages believers to seek purity of heart and wisdom through experience, asserting that the joy of winning souls is worth the sacrifice. Ultimately, he calls for a passionate commitment to the cause of Christ, urging that every believer can be a soul-winner if they prioritize this mission above all else.
In Bethany
By J.C. Ryle0JHN 12:1J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound significance of the events in Bethany, where Lazarus, raised from the dead, shares a meal with Jesus, showcasing the undeniable evidence of Christ's miracles. He highlights Mary’s extravagant act of anointing Jesus' feet with costly oil as a demonstration of love and gratitude, contrasting it with Judas Iscariot's hypocritical criticism, which reflects the hardness of human hearts. Ryle warns against the skepticism and unkindness that often accompany faith, urging believers to remain steadfast in their devotion despite criticism. He also points out the persistent presence of poverty and the futility of expecting its complete eradication, reminding us that true faith is evidenced by our actions and sacrifices for Christ. Ultimately, Ryle calls for vigilance against the dangers of unbelief, as exemplified by Judas, and encourages believers to cultivate genuine faith.
We Languish for Men
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 16:24ACT 21:13ROM 12:1GAL 2:20A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for bold and selfless men in the Church, who are willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of the Gospel, as exemplified by Paul's readiness to face death for Christ. He calls for men who are free from worldly allurements and external pressures, driven solely by divine compulsion and high motives. Tozer argues that such men will restore prophetic voices in the pulpit, serving God and humanity without fear, financial motives, or the desire for recognition. He challenges listeners to seek transformation to become these courageous individuals, dedicated to serving God wholeheartedly.
Matthew 19
By John Nelson Darby0MAT 19:4MAT 19:12MAT 19:21MAT 19:26MAT 19:29MAT 20:16MRK 10:6LUK 18:16ROM 8:31PHP 4:13John Nelson Darby explores the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 19, emphasizing the divine principles governing marriage and the kingdom of heaven. He highlights the indissoluble nature of marriage as intended by God, contrasting it with the hardness of human hearts that led to the law's allowances. Darby also discusses the value of children in God's eyes and the challenges of wealth, illustrating that true devotion to Christ requires sacrifice and a rejection of worldly desires. He reassures that while it is impossible for man to achieve salvation through his own efforts, with God, all things are possible. The sermon concludes with the promise of rewards for those who renounce worldly possessions for the sake of following Jesus.
Sayings of c.t. Studd
By C.T. Studd0MAT 28:19C.T. Studd passionately shares his journey from a celebrated cricketer to a devoted missionary, emphasizing the necessity of sacrifice and unwavering faith in Christ. He challenges the notion of conventional training for Christians, advocating for a hands-on, experiential approach to spiritual warfare against the devil. Studd's fervent belief is that true religion is practical and requires a heart willing to serve and save the lost, rather than seeking worldly honors. He calls for a radical commitment to God, urging believers to act boldly in faith and to recognize the urgency of spreading the Gospel, especially in the face of spiritual apathy. His message is a clarion call to live and die for Christ, with joy and determination, as the time for action is now.