Centrality of Christ
Centrality of Christ6
The Centrality and Supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0COL 1:13T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the centrality and supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ, highlighting that He is the 'Son of His love' and the key to understanding all of Scripture. Sparks explains that Christ's preeminence is to be realized in four spheres: the individual believer, the Church, the nations, and the universe. He stresses that the revelation of Christ within the believer is essential for spiritual life and effectiveness, and that all Christian activity should center around Him rather than institutional or movement-based efforts. Ultimately, the message calls for a deeper inward revelation of Christ to fulfill God's eternal purpose and to express His glory in our lives.
About Theodore Austin-Sparks
By T. Austin-Sparks02CO 4:5EPH 4:13PHP 3:8COL 1:28T. Austin-Sparks, born in London in 1888, experienced a transformative crisis that led him to abandon his denominational ties and focus solely on the ministry of Christ. His commitment to the spoken Word of God emphasized its relevance to the spiritual needs of believers, directing attention away from himself to Christ as the central message. Through his bi-monthly magazine 'A Witness and A Testimony', he sought to deepen the understanding of Jesus Christ and the purpose of salvation among God's people. Despite facing opposition, he remained dedicated to his calling, believing that true ministry should lead others to a fuller knowledge of Christ. His legacy continues through his writings and teachings, which aim to establish believers in the fullness of Christ.
7. the Centrality of Jesus Christ
By Chuck Smith1LEV 10:1MAT 6:1ACT 5:11CO 1:292CO 4:5Chuck Smith emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in worship at Calvary Chapel, arguing that any behavior that draws attention away from Him is detrimental to the congregation's focus. He shares personal experiences of distractions during worship, such as individuals standing or performing interpretive dances, which shift the congregation's attention from Jesus to the individual. Smith advocates for addressing these distractions lovingly and firmly, ensuring that worship remains centered on Christ. He warns against the dangers of seeking personal glory in worship, citing biblical examples like Nadab and Abihu and Ananias and Sapphira, who faced severe consequences for drawing attention to themselves instead of honoring God. Ultimately, Smith calls for a commitment to keeping Jesus as the focal point of worship to foster a genuine and edifying church environment.
The Altar (The Cross) Governs Everything
By T. Austin-Sparks0EZK 43:13T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the centrality and universality of the Cross in his sermon 'The Altar (The Cross) Governs Everything.' He illustrates how the altar in Ezekiel's vision represents the Cross, which governs all aspects of the temple and ministry, asserting that when the Cross is in its rightful place, everything else falls into order. Sparks explains that the Cross is not merely a doctrine but a transformative experience that brings judgment to the natural man and establishes a new creation in Christ. He stresses that the Cross serves as a defense against worldly influences and is essential for the Church's effectiveness and unity. Ultimately, he calls for believers to recognize the power of the Cross in their lives and communities.
The Altar (The Cross) Governs Everything (Galatians 6:14)
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 16:24ROM 6:61CO 1:182CO 5:17GAL 6:14EPH 2:16PHP 3:18COL 2:14HEB 10:121PE 2:24T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the centrality of the Cross in the life of believers, illustrating how the altar in Ezekiel's vision represents the Cross as the governing force in all aspects of the Church and individual lives. He explains that when the Cross is placed at the center, everything else falls into order, including ministry, conduct, and the Church's influence in the world. Sparks highlights that the Cross serves as a defense against worldly influences and evil powers, asserting that a truly crucified people are safeguarded from the world. He concludes by stating that the Cross is not merely a doctrine but a transformative experience that governs everything in the believer's life.
"Forward With Christ in Total Commitment"
By A.W. Tozer0COL 1:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of total commitment to Christ, asserting that Jesus must be central, basic, and preeminent in the life of believers. He warns against the dangers of adding anything to Christ, advocating for a faith that is solely rooted in Him. Tozer outlines the importance of an intellectual, volitional, exclusive, inclusive, and irrevocable attachment to Christ, urging believers to fully embrace their relationship with Him without compromise. He concludes by encouraging Christians to live with a singular focus on Christ, rejecting distractions and fully committing to His plans.