Divine Nature
Divine Nature5
Born From Above
By Art Katz0JHN 1:12JHN 3:3JHN 14:17ROM 8:92CO 5:17GAL 4:19EPH 2:8JAS 1:181PE 1:231JN 3:9Art Katz emphasizes the necessity of being 'born from above,' highlighting that Jesus Christ's birth was a divine advent, entering the world from outside rather than evolving from it. He stresses that Christ can only enter into the lowliest places of our hearts, and that true spiritual birth is not initiated by human decision but is a divine act of God. Katz draws on Oswald Chambers' insights, urging believers to reflect on whether they have truly allowed their lives to become a 'Bethlehem' for the Son of God, and to seek evidence of the divine nature within them. He warns against a mere decisional Christianity that lacks the transformative power of a genuine new birth. Ultimately, Katz calls for a deeper understanding of the new birth as a continuous process of yielding to God, allowing Christ to be formed in us.
Abide in the Vine
By Phil Beach Jr.2256:59JHN 15:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound relationship between believers and Christ, illustrating that Jesus is the true vine and we are the branches. He explains that through our union with Christ, we partake in His divine nature, enabling us to bear fruit and reflect God's glory in our lives. The sermon highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the necessity of abiding in Christ to escape the corruption of the world. Beach Jr. encourages believers to recognize their identity in Christ and the importance of living out their faith as a visible representation of Jesus on Earth. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of Christianity as a living expression of Christ's life within us.
Christ, Our Life
By K.P. Yohannan0K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that while the Old Covenant focuses on rules and obedience, the New Covenant invites us to partake in the divine nature through Christ. His life and death restore our purpose to manifest God's nature, as seen in John 1:4 where Jesus is described as the light of men. True godliness is not about mere imitation or external behavior but arises from a deep, living relationship with Christ, as highlighted in John 15:4. Our identity and source of life are found in Him, transforming us from the inside out, making it no longer our life but Christ's life in us.
The Promises of God--No. 2
By Charles Finney0JER 31:31EZK 36:25MAT 11:28MAT 25:21JHN 1:16JHN 15:11ROM 5:52CO 3:18HEB 12:102PE 1:4Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of God's promises, explaining that they are designed to make believers partakers of the divine nature, which includes moral attributes and sanctification. He clarifies that while we do not become divine beings, we can embody God's moral perfections through the Holy Spirit. Finney contrasts the Old and New Covenants, asserting that the New Covenant provides the means for complete sanctification and perfect obedience, which was unattainable under the Old Covenant. He encourages believers to embrace the transformative power of God's promises, which lead to holiness, love, joy, and peace. Ultimately, Finney reassures that the promises of God are sufficient for our spiritual growth and sanctification in this life.
All Things of God to Him and in Him It Was Indeed to Be
By Andrew Murray0GEN 1:27PSA 8:5JHN 15:5ROM 8:292CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:10COL 3:102PE 1:41JN 3:1Andrew Murray emphasizes that man, created in God's image, is designed to reflect God's divine glory and attributes. He explains that God's righteousness, holiness, love, and goodness are meant to be not only present in man but also to shine through him as part of his character. This relationship allows man to partake in God's divine life, acknowledging that all goodness comes from God. Ultimately, Murray asserts that everything belongs to God and should be recognized as such in our lives. The sermon calls for a deep understanding of our identity in relation to God's nature.