The Line, Part 4: Christmas Created Christians // Jamie Nunnally

Victory Fellowship Church Podcast

What is your relationship with Jesus? In this message, Pastor Jamie helps you to recognize the type of relationship that you have with Jesus.

When Jesus came, He drew a line and said that was then, this is now. The birth of Jesus changed the world.

First week, Christmas brought clarity.

Second week, Christmas brought a covenant.

Last week, Christmas taught character.

Today, Christmas created Christians.

1 Peter 2:10 "Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Make no mistake: Jesus did NOT come to create another religion. He came to replace religion with a relationship with God, and create a new way of living with Him as His own people.

There are 3 types of relationships that people have with Jesus and we're going to look at the life of another St. Nick (Nicodemus) to show us how they work.

Three types of relationship that people have with Jesus:

1. Secret admirer.

A secret admirer only THINKS about the object of their affection.

Nicodemus was a secret admirer. John 3:1-2

Matthew 7:23 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

It's not enough to know about Jesus, you have know Him. And once you know Him, you follow Him.

2. Fan .

A fan only DECLARES their devotion to someone or something.

Nicodemus became a fan. John 7:50

John 6:25-26, 53, 66

As a Christian who loves Jesus, you'll be tempted to be Jesus' biggest fan. But you have a greater calling than that: you're called to be on His team.

Jesus should be your one and only, not one of many.

3. Follower .

A follower DOES the things that the person they are following does.

Nicodemus became a follower John 19:39-40 "Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews."

1 Peter 2:21 "He is your example, and you must follow in his steps."

John 6:67-69 "Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, "Are you also going to leave?" 68 Simon Peter replied, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God."

Luke 9:23 "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

Following Jesus isn't always easy, but it's always worth it.

Are you a secret admirer, a fan or a follow of Jesus?