The Secret Of Christ

The Secret of Christ

James 5:17-20 2/24/08 Heart O’ the Hills

Monte T. Brown

Prelude

I preached from this same text on January 11, 1987 at Heart O’ the Hills. The message was titled “The Secret of Christ.” This morning we will look at these same verses and see the rest of the story about “The Secret of Christ.”

What really defines a Christian?”

A Christian is one who is Christ-like.

Jesus Christ lived an earthly life so that we might have an example to live by.

If we are to be Christ-like, then what was the secret to having this characteristic?

What was The Secret of Christ?

This is the question at hand and the title of the message.

Let’s honor the Word of God by standing as we read from our text.

Scripture

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. [18] Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

[19] My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,

[20] remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:17-20

Prayer

Introduction

If we take a look at Elijah we will see that his prayer life was patterned after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, God almighty, the redeemer of our soul.

Therefore if we are to be like Elijah, then we need to go to the perfect example, which is Jesus Christ.

When we take a look at how Jesus prayed we find out that He prayed in the morning, in the evening, as the spirit lead, and at special times.

Let’s examine each of these areas and see what we can learn about the secret of Christ.

First of all; He Prayed and Obeyed

Unless we are willing to pray and obey then we have already been defeated.

We must to it just like Jesus did, if we are to have a successful prayer life.

A prayer life like Elijah a rain stopping prayer life!

1. In The Morning

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

He started his day with prayer.

2. In The Evening

After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. Mark 6:46

He ended his day with prayer.

3. As The Spirit Lead

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

As the Spirit lead him.

4. At Special Times

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12

Denied himself and spent time with God.