CHRISTIANITY—A LOVE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
* …And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11:26).*
I’ve often said that Christianity is not a religion, and there’re those who have difficulty understanding this. But once you get a hold of the real teachings of Christianity, you’d realize it’s not a religion at all. Think about your relationship with your biological father; is that a religion? Certainly not!
Therefore, in a very simple definition, Christianity is the relationship between God the Father and His children. There was no relationship of this nature until Jesus made it possible. He came to take us from being mere worshipers, from being merely religious, into fellowship, a love- fellowship with our heavenly Father. He brought us into a real vital relationship with God. It’s a family relationship.
Ephesians 3:14-15 tells us about this family; some are in heaven and some in the earth. This will also help you understand why the redemptive sacrifice of the Lord Jesus in our behalf is so profound. He’s our Lord and Saviour, yet, He’s also our brother. When He resurrected, before His ascension, the Bible says Mary saw Him and ran toward Him to hug Him, but Jesus said, “…Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God” (John 20:17).
Notice what He called His disciples, “my brethren,” eaning my brothers. Before His resurrection, He called them servants, and then they graduated and He called them friends: “Henceforth I call you not servants… but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15).
But after His resurrection, where is the origin of Christianity, we became His “brethren”, members of the same family. He made us one with Himself. Another scripture where that is even made stronger is Hebrews 2:11. It says, “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.”
How remarkable this is! As holy as He is, as righteous as He is, as glorious as He is, the Bible says He’s not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters. So, you see, it’s a family; He’s brought us into this wonderful relationship with our heavenly Father. Make it part of your celebration this Christmas to bring many into this family relationship with the Lord by organizing soul-winning outreaches.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for bringing me into such a glorious, intimate, and loving relationship with you. I’m a member of your divine family, one with Christ and an heir of the Kingdom. I live in the consciousness of this oneness, walking in love, dominion, and righteousness. Thank you for calling me your own and making me part of your eternal plan, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
If you’re blessed by this devotional, believing every words you heard by faith in your heart, and would love to make Jesus the lord of your life, then speak the confessions below out loud, and mean them with your heart:
“O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”
If you just said the prayer of salvation, we have a free gift for you, but first kindly click on this link, so we can connect with you, and help you grow in Christ.
Then click here to get your free gift. Thank you and God bless you.
Message by Rev. Chris Oyakhilome Dsc. Dsc. DD.
FURTHER STUDY:
John 1:12 (KJV)
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
1 John 3:1–2 (KJV)
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Romans 8:16–17 (NKJV)
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Revelation 13:11-14:1-20
& Habakkuk 1-3
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 2:25-36 &
2 Chronicles 36
