Sermons from April 2017
I am a Bride
Throughout the Bible, the language of marriage is used to describe the relationship between God and His people. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was metaphorically identified as God’s bride or wife (Isaiah 54:6; Jeremiah 2:2; 3:20; Ezekiel 16:8). In the New Testament, the church is metaphorically referred to as Christ’s bride or wife (Romans 7:1-4; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:22-27; Revelation 19:7). What impact should our identity as Christ’s bride have on the way we live? Sermon…
I am a Friend
It may be difficult for us to wrap our minds around the concept that we can be called “Friends of God.” That description may sound a little too casual or irreverent. But that is exactly the title Jesus gave to us in John 15:14 when He said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” In fact, Jesus supplemented our identity as God’s “servants” with our identity as God’s “friends” (John 15:15). Based on our identity as…
I am a Witness
Just before His ascension Jesus told His disciples that “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). A witness is an individual who can testify on behalf of another. For the Apostles such an identity made since because they witnessed the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But how does such an identity apply to us? Can we serve as a witness for Christ if we…
I am a Servant
The identity of a servant was the most prevalent identity adopted by the New Testament authors (Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:1; James 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1; Jude 1:1; Revelation 1:1). In fact, Paul and Peter prioritized the title of “servant” above the title of “apostle!” Since servanthood was so prominent among first century Christians it should be no surprise that throughout the New Testament Christians are routinely identified as “servants” (Romans 6:22; 1 Peter 2:16). Why should we embrace…