Notes on the Characteristics of Christ

Context and Opening Thoughts

  • The sermon opens with a biblical scene: Jesus walks on the water and calms the fear of the disciples who are caught in a wind-driven storm. Peter briefly walks on the water but begins to sink when he notices the storm around him; he prays, “Lord, save me,” and Jesus rescues him.
  • The speaker uses this narrative to frame the morning’s message: the love and characteristics of Christ, focusing on how Christ acts as Savior and Deliverer in times of trouble.
  • The preacher thanks God for the opportunity to preach and for the Holy Ghost’s presence.
  • The call to action includes changing lives, delivering people, ensnaring the enemy, healing, and salvation; a baptismal plea is voiced: “Lord, let someone be baptized.”
  • Congregational engagement cues:
    • “We give you thanks in advance and everyone say in Jesus name.”
    • “Look at your neighbor and say, I’m glad you’re here beside me today.”
    • Expressions of appreciation for the support of the worship team and the congregation.
  • The central aim announced: to preach about the love of God under the subject: the Characteristics of Christ.
  • Scripture focus announced: Matthew 14.
  • A personal, illustrative anecdote follows to underscore dependence on a savior rather than on fallible human props.
  • The speaker emphasizes: Christ is the ultimate Savior; we can always rely on Him, especially in moments of need.

The Central Idea: The Characteristics of Christ

  • The preacher’s thesis: Christ embodies specific, defining characteristics that make Him the Saviour of all people in every circumstance.
    • He is present and within reach; not distant or negligent in crises.
    • He is willing to help; not reluctant or indifferent.
    • He is long-suffering and patient with people (not easily exhausted by our flaws).
    • He is not a respecter of persons; the invitation to salvation is universal (Romans 2:11; Acts 10:34).
  • The sermon asserts that Christ’s savior role spans creation and history, demonstrated through various scriptural titles and functions.
  • The message will connect Old Testament portraits to Christ’s ongoing salvific work (Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel) and New Testament fulfillment (Matthew, Acts, Romans).
  • The speaker frames salvation as holistic—present, able, willing, and universally accessible.

Scriptural Framework and Theological Anchors

  • Christ as the prophetic figure like unto Moses (Deuteronomy) — a precursor and messenger of God’s redemptive plan.
  • Christ as the Captain of our Salvation (Joshua) — leading and guiding believers through life’s battles.
  • Christ as Judge and Lawgiver (Judges) — upholding justice and dispensing righteous governance.
  • Christ as Kinsman Redeemer (Ruth) — a near relative who restores and rescues.
  • Christ as the Trusted Prophet (1 Samuel, 2 Samuel) — a reliable communicator of God’s will.
  • Forgiveness and cleansing:
    • 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
  • God’s desire for repentance and salvation:
    • 2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise, but is patient, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
  • God’s impartiality and universal invitation:
    • Romans 2:11; Acts 10:34: God shows no partiality; the gospel is for every nation and people.
  • Mission of baptism and faith in the Triune formula:
    • Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Matthew 1:21 – baptismal and name of Jesus emphasis; the preacher notes there are many titles for God, but Jesus’ name stands preeminent as the one by which salvation comes (John 1:29; Acts 4:12).
  • The title-rich imagery of God: over a thousand titles for the Lord; the speaker argues Jesus’ name stands out like a noonday sun among many titles (metaphor: Mount Everest among foothills).
  • The overarching salvific aim: Jesus desires to save, heal, and deliver, to lift people from sin’s bondage to peace and salvation.

The Matthew 14 Narrative: Summary and Theological Resonance

  • Context: The disciples sail at night, battling a boisterous wind; they are exhausted and fearful, far from shore.
  • Visual imagery: Waves assault them; external storms can symbolize false doctrines, sickness, persecution, and life’s afflictions.
  • Jesus’ appearance: He walks on the sea, initially unseen and misperceived as a spirit by the fearful disciples.
  • Jesus’ reassurance: “Fear not; it is I; be not afraid.” A moment of divine invitation to trust in a present Savior in a time of danger.
  • Peter’s faith test:
    • Peter recognizes Jesus and asks to come to Him; he steps out of the boat and walks on the water—an emblem of faith under divine enablement.
    • When Peter surveils the storm and fear overtakes him, he begins to sink and cries, “Lord, save me.”
    • Jesus stretches out His hand, lifts Peter, and delivers him; the danger is averted by divine intervention.
  • Theological note: The text emphasizes Christ’s power to rescue in moments of unbelief and danger; faith can empower movement, while fear can cause one to sink.
  • Personal reflection from the preacher: the speaker relates his own salvation experience at age 15—crying out to God for understanding and salvation, receiving the Holy Spirit, and speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance.
  • The sermon uses this miracle to illustrate Christ’s ability to rescue believers in crisis, and to highlight the distinction between faith (Peter’s leap) and fear or doubt (sinking).
  • The message ties this narrative to a broader claim: Christ’s salvific work is multi-faceted and enduring—He can save, deliver, and heal across generations and circumstances.

Illustrations, Metaphors, and Practical Parables

  • Life-vest analogy from a World War II veteran:
    • A navy sailor carried a regulation life vest for four years; upon arrival, comrades discard theirs, and the vest sinks when thrown overboard—illustrating how people depend on things that may fail when they most need them.
    • Moral: Do not depend on things that cannot save you in crisis; rely on Christ alone as ultimate savior.
  • Lifeguard Eddie (1967 Hawaii anecdote):
    • Eddie, the first official lifeguard, rescued about 500 people in a nine-year career at a dangerous North Shore beach; his brother sometimes assisted; they would repeatedly risk their lives to save others.
    • Reflection: Ministry is a calling to help people, not just a career or financial payoff; many church roles (teachers, ushers, youth workers) serve long-term out of devotion.
    • The anecdote underscores the persistence of rescue in the face of recurrent danger and stubbornness (people return to danger after being warned).
  • Parable for believers:
    • Christians often cry “Lord, save me” in crises, even if they have known God for years; rescue is ongoing, requiring humility and repeated dependence.
    • Peter’s experience in the storm serves as a symbolic reminder: even faithful followers can require rescue; God’s mercy remains available.
  • Call to personal response:
    • The speaker invites those in the congregation who are facing sickness, pain, or sorrow to move toward the altar and pray the simple, earnest petition: “Lord, save me.”
    • He emphasizes that the rescue is not merely spiritual but can be practical and immediate, aligning with the sermon’s broader claim about Christ’s saving power in every dimension of life.
  • Hosting and pastoral tone:
    • The preacher invites participation and openness to God’s saving power, signaling a community of believers ready to receive deliverance and baptism.

Theological Implications and Practical Takeaways

  • Christ is the ultimate lifeguard: always present, ready, and able to save in every type of crisis.
  • Personal dependence: human props (like floatation devices or other supports) may fail; Christ’s presence is uninterrupted and reliable.
  • Universality of salvation: the gospel invitation crosses boundaries of race, nationality, language, and status; salvation is available to whosoever will.
  • The balance of faith and supplication: while Peter’s leap of faith brought a miracle, his prayer in crisis (“Lord, save me”) was pivotal in his rescue; simple, sincere prayers can be the most effective in urgent moments.
  • The nature of ministry: rescuing others is a core calling for believers—ministry involves risk, perseverance, and a heart to help, not merely financial compensation.
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