
Miles J. Stanford
- Sermons
- Bio
Cross, Identification
2.2K47:34Spiritual GrowthIdentification with ChristIdentificationJHN 15:5ROM 6:3ROM 6:6ROM 8:11CO 12:13GAL 2:20EPH 2:6COL 3:32TI 2:111PE 2:24Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the critical importance of understanding our identification with Christ in his sermon 'Cross, Identification.' He explains that true growth in the Christian life is rooted in the foundational truths of justification and acceptance, which must be firmly established before one can grasp the deeper truths of identification. Stanford highlights that believers must recognize their union with Christ in His death and resurrection to experience true freedom from sin and self. He stresses that this understanding is essential for spiritual growth and liberation, as it allows Christians to live out their new identity in Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper revelation of these truths to combat the struggles many face in their Christian walk.
True Consecration
1.9K47:55ConsecrationMAT 6:33HEB 4:9HEB 6:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of personal work and leading others to Jesus. He emphasizes the need for careful discernment to ensure that individuals are ready for spiritual growth. The speaker also highlights the tragedy of churches relying on external speakers for occasional special meetings, instead of fostering consistent growth within the congregation. The sermon then delves into the topic of consecration in relation to discipleship, emphasizing the progression and development of a believer's journey towards true consecration. The key verse in Romans 6:13 is highlighted as the foundation for understanding and practicing consecration.
Self-Life
1.8K46:37Self-LifeMAT 16:24MAT 22:37ROM 8:28GAL 2:20PHP 3:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the common practices and pitfalls in preaching the word of God. He highlights the need for believers to be fed and have opportunities to see the reality of the Lord Jesus in their lives. The speaker also warns about the dangers of pressuring people into making decisions or consecrating themselves without giving them enough time to study and grow. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the self-life and the battle between the sinful nature and the new life in Christ. The speaker encourages believers to navigate through the struggles and despair that may arise from realizing their own sinfulness by relying on the forgiveness and acceptance of God.
Edifying Equilibrium
3MAT 5:161CO 15:58GAL 6:9PHP 2:15Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and balance in the Christian life, highlighting the need for believers to shine as lights in a dark world, remaining blameless and harmless. He warns against spreading a diluted version of Christianity without first being spiritually worthy to share the Gospel. Stanford stresses the significance of reproduction in the faith, not just personal development, and the need to use our gifts to impact others for Christ, ensuring our labor is not in vain.
The Adamic Natures
2ROM 6:6ROM 8:3EPH 4:221JN 5:12REV 3:14Miles J. Stanford delves into the theological question of whether a Christian has one or two natures, exploring the concepts of the old man being eradicated or not. He discusses the doctrine of the two men - the First Adam and the Last Adam, highlighting how humanity is affected by their positions and conditions. Stanford emphasizes the importance of understanding one's essential identity in Christ and the distinction between the old Adamic life and the new creation in the Last Adam, pointing to the positional and condition factors that shape a believer's spiritual journey.
Mansion There-Mission Here
1ROM 8:16ROM 13:142CO 5:17PHP 3:20Miles J. Stanford preaches about the Holy Spirit's role in confirming our identity as children of God and heirs with Christ. He emphasizes the importance of putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and not giving in to the desires of the flesh. Stanford highlights how the love of Jesus draws us from darkness to light, focusing on spiritual growth rather than earthly achievements. He delves into the concept of being in Christ, where our old selves have died, and we are now identified with Him in heavenly places, called to walk as new creatures and citizens of heaven.
He Dares to Discipline!
1LUK 15:17JHN 15:2HEB 12:6HEB 12:101PE 5:6Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of not taking lightly the Lord's discipline, comparing it to a father's discipline for the good of his children. He explains that God's discipline is meant to lift us up and mold us into His holy character, not to bring us down. Stanford highlights that through trials and pressure in service, God purges us to bring forth more fruit, leading us to depend on Him for greater answers than we could imagine. Just like the prodigal son found more than sustenance in his father's house, God's discipline and guidance exceed our expectations, showing His love for us.
From Here to There
0JHN 15:2Miles J. Stanford preaches about the transformative power of surrendering all worldly gains and desires for the sake of Christ, emphasizing the need to shift our focus from material possessions to the eternal life found in Jesus. He highlights the process of pruning by God to help us bear more fruit and the importance of learning to rely on the Lord's presence and sustenance in times of trial. Stanford also discusses the Father's loving discipline to wean us from earthly dependencies and redirect our hearts towards conformity with Christ through hardships and challenges.
Another, Altogether
0MAT 17:5ROM 6:112CO 1:202CO 4:6GAL 2:20Miles J. Stanford preaches about finding the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of our weaknesses and imperfections, emphasizing the need to focus solely on Christ and His perfection. He highlights the humbling yet comforting realization that our flaws only serve to magnify the greatness of God's salvation through Jesus. By recognizing our own insufficiencies and embracing the perfection found in Christ, we can experience true transformation and allow Him to live through us.
My Father's Choice
0JHN 13:7ROM 8:281TH 5:18HEB 12:10Miles J. Stanford preaches about the purpose of God's processing and trials in our lives, emphasizing that even when we do not understand His ways, we should trust that He knows what is best for us. He highlights the importance of consenting to God's leading through difficult processes, as He carefully matches our suffering to our specific needs for spiritual growth and holiness. Stanford encourages surrendering to God's will in the midst of suffering, believing that every trial is meant to conform us to the image of Christ and lead us to a deeper relationship with Him.
Let God Be God!
0PSA 29:2EPH 3:21PHP 1:11COL 3:17HEB 13:15Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of having a vertical relationship with God, focusing on offering continual praise as a sacrifice to God. He delves into the concept of grace, highlighting that it is not solely based on man's needs but is ultimately for God's glory. Stanford explains that true devotedness is found when one rests in the Lord Jesus and makes Him the object of their heart, leading to joy and strength. He warns against letting the gifts of grace overshadow the Giver, stressing the need to always give glory to the Father and see things from His perspective.
Self-Imposed Burden
0ROM 5:1ROM 6:6ROM 8:1EPH 2:6COL 3:3Miles J. Stanford preaches on the profound truth that through faith, believers are justified and have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that our history in Adam ended on the Cross, and we are now new creations in Christ, free from the penalties of self-occupation like self-pity and remorse. Stanford highlights that in Christ, our sinful past no longer exists, and we are now seated in Him within the Father's favor, leading to a life of joy and peace as heavenly Christians dwelling in the Father's presence.
Lifeless Law
0ROM 6:6Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the freedom believers have from the fallen Adam, explaining how Romans Six and Seven illustrate our liberation from Adamic sin and law. He highlights that our liberty was secured on the Cross but is manifested in our daily lives through the work of the Holy Spirit in us and our union with Jesus Christ. Stanford urges ministers and teachers to focus on the themes of death and resurrection with Christ, where grace reigns over the law and the Spirit guides believers' hearts and lives, despite Satan's opposition.
Heart to Heart
0SNG 2:10Miles J. Stanford preaches about the journey of spiritual growth and maturity, likening it to a transition from a superficial 'puppy-love' to a deep 'bridal-love' relationship with Christ. He emphasizes the importance of accepting God's arrangements and gifts to help us detach from worldly concerns and focus on heavenly things, where we find true fulfillment and joy. Stanford encourages believers to not just see Jesus as a reliever of burdens but as the ultimate desire and attraction of their hearts, leading to a profound knowledge and experience of Christ's love and grace.
Reign in Pain
0PSA 34:19ROM 8:172CO 4:17PHP 1:292TI 2:12Miles J. Stanford preaches about the privilege granted to believers to not only believe in Christ but also to suffer on His behalf, emphasizing that suffering is a preparation by the Father for His followers. He encourages believers to embrace the trials and difficulties that come with serving Christ, reminding them that suffering for His sake is a gracious gift that transforms them into His likeness. Stanford highlights the importance of finding joy in God's resources during trials, leading to a deeper fellowship with Him and a reign with Christ in the midst of suffering.
Ointment Poured Forth
02CO 4:12GAL 6:2PHP 2:3COL 1:231JN 4:11Miles J. Stanford preaches about the personal journey of maturity in the Lord Jesus, emphasizing the transition from personal growth to sacrificially serving His Body. He highlights the importance of selflessness in leadership, drawing parallels to Moses' wilderness experience before leading the people. The sermon challenges listeners to choose the path of self-sacrifice for the benefit of others, emphasizing the need to pour out oneself for the progress and well-being of the Body of Christ. Stanford underscores the significance of embodying God's patient grace and love in relationships within the Church, mirroring the Father's care and leading towards spiritual unity.
Sacrificial Service
0JHN 1:182CO 4:112PE 3:181JN 3:16Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of actively growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, cautioning against compulsive activity that may not bear fruit. He encourages believers to maintain a balance between secular work and serving the Lord, waiting for the Lord's grace to guide their decisions. Stanford highlights the significance of abiding in Jesus to effectively demonstrate the Father's love to others and to align oneself with God's truth rather than seeking to conform truth to personal desires. He concludes by pointing out that true sacrifice and readiness to suffer come from knowing Jesus as life, not just as a taskmaster.
All Glory to God
0JHN 16:14JHN 17:4ROM 4:201CO 10:31COL 3:171PE 4:11Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of living a life that glorifies God in all aspects, whether in our daily activities or ministry. He highlights the interconnectedness of the ministries of the Holy Spirit, the Son, and the Father in bringing glory to God. Stanford stresses the significance of abiding in the Son and being led by the Holy Spirit to truly reflect God's glory in our lives and service.
Beloved Enemy
0ROM 7:25Miles J. Stanford delves into the concept of the law in Christianity, emphasizing that the law, when wielded by the Holy Spirit, serves as a challenging adversary rather than a helpful ally. He highlights the danger of believers trying to justify themselves through legalistic practices, leading to condemnation and a sense of defeat. Stanford stresses the importance of understanding that through Jesus Christ, believers are redeemed from the curse of the law, and no longer need to rely on their own efforts for sanctification.
Church Plight
02CO 4:11Miles J. Stanford delves into the profound truth of the Cross, emphasizing not only Christ's atonement for sins but also the triumph over sin. He highlights the importance of moving beyond a contractual relationship with Jesus to a personal one, where identification with Christ's crucifixion leads to deliverance from the power of self, sin, and the world. Stanford stresses the significance of appropriating by faith the reality that our old self was crucified with Christ, enabling us to be free from the bondage of sin and live a life of victory.
Rest via Struggle
0MAT 11:28PHP 2:13COL 1:29Miles J. Stanford delves into the concept of finding rest in the Lord Jesus, emphasizing the transition from striving in one's own efforts to surrendering to God's work within. He highlights the two stages in the Christian life: seeking to do God's will through personal effort, and then entering God's rest to find power for work by allowing God to work through us. Stanford clarifies that true rest in God is not passive but involves yielding to God's activity within us, leading to a Christ-centered life where He becomes the motivating force.
Free-Born
0JHN 1:14GAL 2:19GAL 5:11JN 2:8Miles J. Stanford preaches about the believer's freedom from the law through death on the Cross, emphasizing that the Law does not give life but rather governs life. He highlights the believer's union with Jesus, who is full of grace and truth, and how God's commands are in accordance with the new nature received through Christ. Stanford explains that God's commands are not meant to be fulfilled in human strength but to lead believers to rely on Him for strength and guidance, rejecting legalism and emphasizing the liberty found in Christ.
Up Here!
0ROM 12:22CO 3:18EPH 2:6PHP 3:20COL 3:3Miles J. Stanford delves into the profound truth of believers' spiritual position in Christ, emphasizing the difference between having faith in going to heaven and realizing that we are already seated with Christ in heavenly places. He highlights the joy of belonging to the place where Christ is and the transformation that occurs when we set our minds and affections on heavenly things. Stanford explains that our taste and nature are formed in glory, leading us to set aside earthly hindrances to manifest the life of Jesus. He challenges listeners to grow by deepening their fellowship with the Lord in heavenly realms, where true transformation occurs.
Prayer Preparation
0ROM 8:26PHP 4:6COL 4:22TI 2:21JAS 4:3Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of being prepared for every good work, especially through prayer. He shares the example of Hudson Taylor, who was prepared by God for fifteen years before being burdened with specific prayers for the China Inland Mission. Stanford reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and He will only give us further service and burdens of faith and prayer when we are ready. He highlights the significance of spending time with the Father, appropriating His promises, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our prayers to align with God's will and purpose.
The Real Enemy
01CO 1:25Miles J. Stanford preaches about the victory of a Christian being over oneself, not over others, emphasizing the need to slay one's old self and live a life of selflessness and service to others. He highlights that the Christian's triumph comes through defeat, living through dying to self, and finding strength in weakness, ultimately establishing the cause of the marginalized and lost. Stanford underscores the seriousness of sin in the life of a child of God, pointing out that sin goes against the Father's love and grace, which aims to lead believers to holiness and prevent sin from reigning over them.