Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, the concept of affections refers to the deep-seated emotions and desires that are directed towards God and His purposes. These affections are not merely fleeting feelings but are profound inclinations of the heart that shape a believer's life and actions. The enkindling of these affections is often attributed to communion with Christ, a transformative relationship that ignites a fervent love and devotion towards Him.Biblical Foundation The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on how communion with Christ enkindles the affections of believers. In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks of the intimate relationship between Himself and His followers: "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me" (John 15:4). This abiding relationship is the source of spiritual vitality and fervor, as believers draw life and strength from Christ, the true vine. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the transformative power of communion with Christ in his letters. In Philippians 3:10, Paul expresses his deep desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection: "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death" . This longing to know Christ more intimately is a reflection of the enkindled affections that drive a believer to pursue a deeper relationship with the Savior. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enkindling the affections of believers through communion with Christ. In Romans 5:5, Paul writes, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us" . The Holy Spirit works within the hearts of believers, stirring up love and devotion towards Christ and enabling them to experience the fullness of His presence. Expressions of Enkindled Affections The enkindling of affections through communion with Christ manifests in various ways in the life of a believer. One primary expression is a deep love for God and others, as commanded by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’" . This love is not self-generated but flows from the believer's relationship with Christ. Another expression is a passionate pursuit of holiness and obedience to God's commands. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, believers are exhorted to be holy in all their conduct: "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’" . The enkindled affections drive believers to align their lives with God's will, seeking to reflect His character in all they do. Communion Practices Communion with Christ is fostered through various spiritual disciplines and practices. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, worship, and participation in the sacraments are vital means by which believers draw near to Christ and experience His presence. In Colossians 3:16, Paul encourages believers to let the word of Christ dwell richly among them: "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God" . These practices serve to deepen the believer's relationship with Christ and enkindle their affections towards Him. Conclusion The enkindling of affections through communion with Christ is a central aspect of the Christian life. It is through this intimate relationship that believers experience the transformative power of Christ's love, leading to a life marked by devotion, holiness, and a fervent desire to know and serve the Lord. Nave's Topical Index Luke 24:32And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? Nave's Topical Index Library To Brother Raimondo of Capua of the Order of the Preachers On Religion; the Natural and Divine Life; and the Exemplification ... Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. Chap. v. 3 and 8, "Blessed are ... Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ... The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ... The Commandments From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ... Resources What is adoration in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Jeremiah 29:11? | GotQuestions.org Affections: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Affections of Saints, Supremely Set on God Affections of the Wicked, are Unnatural and Perverted Affections of the Wicked, not Sincerely Set on God Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of Affections: Carnal Affections Crucified in Saints Affections: Carnal, should be Mortified Affections: Christ Claims the First Place In Affections: Enkindled by Communion With Christ Affections: False Teachers Seek to Captivate Affections: should be Set Upon Heavenly Things Affections: should be Set Upon the Commandments of God Affections: should be Set Upon the House and Worship of God Affections: should be Set Upon the People of God Affections: should be Supremely Set Upon God Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God Affections: should not Grow Cold The Affections of Saints, Supremely Set on God The Affections of the Wicked, are Unnatural and Perverted The Affections of the Wicked, not Sincerely Set on God The Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of The Affections: Carnal Affections Crucified in Saints The Affections: Carnal Affections should be Mortified The Affections: Christ Claims the First Place In The Affections: Enkindled by Communion With Christ The Affections: False Teachers Seek to Captivate The Affections: should be Set: Upon Heavenly Things The Affections: should be Set: Upon the Commandments of God The Affections: should be Set: Upon the House and Worship of God The Affections: should be Set: Upon the People of God The Affections: should be Supremely Set Upon God The Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God The Affections: should not Grow Cold Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) |
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