In this Sermon, we delve into the essence of our faith and the vision that drives us as a community: “To know Christ and to make Him known.” This dual vision serves as the cornerstone of our belief, encouraging us not only to seek an intimate understanding of Jesus Christ but also to share that knowledge with the world.

The Journey of Knowing Christ

• The Sermon opens with a pivotal question: “Do you know Christ?” This inquiry isn’t about mere acquaintance; it’s about measuring the depth of our relationship with Jesus. If the answer is “no,” the pathway to rectifying this begins with being born again, embracing a profound, personal connection with Christ.
• The importance of this relationship is further emphasized through the scripture John 17:1-3, where Jesus prays for his disciples to know God intimately—not just to know of Him, but to have a deep, personal connection where the life of God flows through the believer.

The Mission of Making Him Known

• The conversation shifts to the mission part of our vision, challenging listeners with questions about their efforts in leading others to Christ. It’s a call to action for believers to be vocal and proactive in sharing their faith, motivated by Jesus’ instruction to make disciples of all nations.
• Every believer is positioned as a “soul winner,” equipped by the Holy Spirit to testify of Jesus’ love. Acts 1:8 is highlighted, underscoring that believers are empowered to be witnesses to Christ across the globe.

Overcoming the Challenges of Witnessing

• The Sermon acknowledges the challenges that come with standing up for Christ, especially if there’s a lack of knowledge or love for Him. It’s a reminder that to effectively stand up for Jesus, one must truly know and love Him.

Intimacy with God: The Ultimate Goal

• The narrative then takes a deeper dive into what it means to know Christ. It’s described as a dependency on God, trusting Him to meet all needs according to His riches in glory. This theme of trust is echoed in Proverbs 3:5, urging believers to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly.
• The Sermon contrasts the lives of Cain and Abel as examples of worldly vs. spiritual approaches to knowing God, emphasizing that true life and fulfillment come from knowing God intimately, as Abel did.

Paul’s Example: Loss for Christ’s Sake

• Paul’s journey, as outlined in Philippians 3:7-11, serves as a powerful testimony to the value of losing all for the sake of Christ. Paul regarded his considerable earthly achievements as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, his Lord.
• This portion of the discussion is a call to evaluate our own lives in light of Paul’s example, asking whether Christ is indeed the central pursuit of our lives.

Conclusion: A Practical Call to Know and Make Known

• The Sermon wraps up by reinforcing the practicality of knowing Christ. It’s not a theoretical endeavor but a daily commitment to living out our faith.
• Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with Christ and their efforts in sharing their faith, inspired by the ultimate goal: to know the one true God and Jesus Christ, and to make this profound truth known to the world.

Join us in this profound exploration of faith, as we seek to deepen our relationship with Christ and fulfill our calling to share His love and truth with everyone we encounter.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Personal Relationship with Christ: Reflect on your personal relationship with Christ. How would you describe the depth of your knowledge and intimacy with Him? Are there areas in your life where you feel you could grow closer to Jesus?
2. Mission of Evangelism: Consider the last time you actively shared your faith with someone. What motivated you to do so, and how did the experience impact you? Are there obstacles that prevent you from sharing your faith more frequently, and how can you overcome them?
3. Witnessing Through Challenges: Reflect on a time when you found it challenging to stand up for your faith. What were the circumstances, and how did you respond? How can you prepare yourself to be a stronger witness for Christ, even in the face of adversity or indifference?
4. Trust and Dependency on God: Proverbs 3:5 calls us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. Reflect on areas of your life where you find it difficult to trust God fully. What steps can you take to surrender these areas to Him and depend more fully on His provision and guidance?
5. Living a Life That Glorifies Christ: Paul saw everything he had as loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ. Reflect on what you value most in life. How do these values align with the goal of knowing Christ and making Him known? Are there changes you feel called to make in order to prioritize your relationship with Christ above all else?