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  TO DECLARE MYSELF A FRIEND OF CHRIST
  by C.H. Spurgeon
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Summary: C.H. Spurgeon's sermon emphasizes the importance of boldly
declaring one's faith in Christ amidst challenges and questions from
others.

Topics: "Boldness in Faith", "Testimony for Christ"
Scripture References: Matthew 5:16, Matthew 10:32, Mark 8:38, Luke 12:8, John 15:15, Acts 4:20, Romans 1:16, Philippians 1:20, 2 Timothy 1:8, 1 Peter 3:15

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DESCRIPTION
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C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of boldly declaring oneself as a
friend of Christ, urging Christians to stand firm in their faith even
when faced with challenging questions or scrutiny. He reflects on the
example of a man who, despite being questioned by the Pharisees,
confidently affirmed his relationship with Jesus without hesitation.
Spurgeon encourages believers to be unashamed in owning their faith and
to respond promptly when challenged about their allegiance to Christ. He
calls for a clear and distinct testimony from every Christian,
reinforcing the idea that Jesus should be acknowledged as our Savior and
Friend.

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CONTENT
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Christian men, however reserved and backward their natural disposition
may be, are compelled to speak out when they are very much pressed.
These Pharisees took this man and questioned him rather closely. They
put questions to him by way of examination and cross-examination. "What
did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes?" and so on. He does not appear
to have been disturbed or disconcerted by the questions. He acquitted
himself grandly. Self-contained, quiet, shrewd, immovable, his mind was
made up, and with a thorough mastery of the situation, he was ready for
them. He did not hesitate.

Well now, I trust if ever you and I are brought to book, and questions
are put to us, even though it be with intent to entangle us, we shall
never be "ashamed to own our Lord or to defend his cause." Surely we
might expect to be smitten dumb if we were ever abashed to speak of
Christ when we are adjured to do it. If it comes to a challenge, "On
whose side am I?" shall I ever hesitate to say, "I am with Immanuel, the
crucified Savior"? If ever they get us into a corner and say, "Thou also
wast with Jesus of Nazareth," oh may God give us grace to be prompt and
not think twice - "Of course I was, and of course I am still. He is my
Friend, my Savior, my all in all; and I never blush to own his name."
Christians must come out and bear each man for himself a clear and
distinct testimony.

From a sermon by Charles Haddon Spurgeon entitled "Speak For Yourself.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/to-declare-myself-a-friend-of-christ/
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