Do You Love Him Still?
INTRO
: Do we really love Him? Is He special to us? What about following His ways? Are they important to us? How much do we try to do what we know He wants from our life? Are we striving to do for Him what He wants?First, I wnt to read forom John 21, beginning in verse 15. This is where I find the question for us today, "Do You Love Him Still?"
John 21:15 - 19 15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
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He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.18
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.19
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.I want you to consider the question He asked Peter. Imagine that He is asking you the very same questions today. He asked Peter three times did he love Him. Of course he answered he did. Christ's final reply was to "Follow me."
Do you love Him? Then follow Him! I could stop here now if you grasp that point. Do you really love Him? Then, follow Him!!!!
Next let us go to Matthew 18
Matthew 18 1At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
As a kid
(beloved by children) Matt. 18:1-6As a convicted sinner - knowing He died
As a believing sinner - knowing He died for you
As a trusting believer - knowing He will answer your call for Him to save you
As a needful believer - knowing you must count on Him
Galatians 2:20 20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
As a witnessing believer
- letting the love of Jesus be made known in youAs a praying believer - spending time with Him
As a concerned believer - for lost souls around you
As a practicing believer - do you love Him enough to practice Him (Christ) daily - in other words, follow Him.
Eph 5:1-5 1Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
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But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.Just like Peter, do you love Him still?
Enough to love His sheep
Enough to feed His lambs
John 1:1 - 18 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Just as John said it, do you love Him ?
Enough to accept the Light
Enough to pray
Enough to shine (as example)
Enough to receive Him for the GRACE He offers
Gary Marcum - 042405am - New Beginnings Church