Faith and Transformation
Faith and Transformation7
The Things Touching the King
By Horatius Bonar0ISA 9:6MAT 22:42JHN 1:14JHN 3:3ROM 10:92CO 5:17PHP 2:10HEB 4:141PE 2:91JN 2:1Horatius Bonar challenges the congregation with the question, 'What think ye of Christ?' He emphasizes the importance of understanding Christ's identity as both God and man, the significance of His work as a sin-bearer, and the nature of His kingdom. Bonar urges believers to align their views with Scripture and to reflect on how their understanding of Christ influences their hearts and lives. He encourages self-examination regarding Christ as Savior, friend, advocate, and King, asserting that true faith will manifest in a transformed life. Ultimately, Bonar stresses that our actions and choices reveal our true thoughts about Christ.
The Marks of the New Birth
By John Wesley0JHN 1:12JHN 3:8GAL 3:26John Wesley preaches on 'The Marks of the New Birth,' emphasizing that being born of the Spirit involves a transformative faith that leads to power over sin, peace with God, and a profound love for others. He outlines the essential marks of this new birth, including faith, hope, and love, which are evidenced by a life of obedience and a heart aligned with God's will. Wesley warns against complacency in one's spiritual state, urging listeners to seek the Spirit of adoption and to truly embody the characteristics of a child of God. He stresses that mere baptism does not guarantee salvation; rather, a genuine rebirth is necessary to enter the kingdom of God. The sermon concludes with a call for all to receive the Spirit of adoption and to live out their faith authentically.
Righteous
By Zac Poonen0PRO 4:18ROM 4:20Zac Poonen preaches on the paths of the righteous, emphasizing that unlike the fluctuating experiences of Old Testament figures, the life of a believer should be a steady ascent towards holiness, akin to the rising sun. He illustrates that true righteousness is not about adhering to rules but about a transformative relationship with God through faith and the Holy Spirit. Poonen encourages believers to trust in God's promises, asserting that faith is essential for experiencing the fullness of life in Christ. He contrasts the old covenant's limitations with the new covenant's promise of internal transformation, urging listeners to judge themselves and seek a deeper walk with God. Ultimately, he affirms that a life of continuous growth in righteousness is not only possible but God's will for every believer.
God Manifest in the Flesh ("Christ Liveth in Me")
By Hans R. Waldvogel0PSA 1:3JHN 14:17JHN 15:5ROM 8:92CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 3:17COL 1:271TI 3:16HEB 10:22Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound mystery of God manifesting in the flesh through Jesus Christ, who lives within believers, transforming their lives. He explains that true faith is rooted in the indwelling of Christ, allowing believers to experience a personal relationship with God and to pray with confidence and authority. Waldvogel encourages the congregation to recognize that their struggles are overcome by Christ's life within them, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's will. He highlights the importance of being rooted in the Word of God to fully experience this transformation and to live out the life of Christ in daily activities.
The Secret of Christ's Indwelling
By F.B. Meyer0ISA 33:21MAT 17:2LUK 14:26JHN 14:232CO 4:102CO 13:5GAL 2:20EPH 3:6COL 1:27REV 1:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound mystery of Christ's indwelling within the hearts of Gentiles, highlighting that this revelation, brought forth by the Apostle Paul, signifies that all believers, regardless of their background, are co-heirs of the Gospel. He explains that Christ's presence within us is not dependent on our feelings or actions but is a reality to be accepted by faith, leading to a transformed life that reflects His glory. Meyer encourages believers to recognize and embrace this divine indwelling, which empowers them to live with patience, grace, and a deeper connection to God, ultimately revealing the riches of His glory in their lives.
Micah 6:8
By Chuck Smith0DEU 10:12MIC 6:8MAT 5:48MAT 22:37JHN 6:28Chuck Smith emphasizes God's requirements for His people as outlined in Micah 6:8, which include doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. He explains that while God's ideal requirements may seem unattainable, through faith in Jesus Christ, believers can receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit to help them grow towards these ideals. Smith highlights the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus, which transforms believers and empowers them to fulfill God's demands. He reassures that while perfection is not achieved in this life, the journey of faith is about progress and reliance on God's grace.
Evening Thoughts - October
By Octavius Winslow0PSA 19:7JER 14:7DAN 9:13ROM 4:5ROM 5:81CO 2:71CO 15:20GAL 1:231TI 3:15HEB 11:8Octavius Winslow reflects on the profound nature of God's law, emphasizing its perfection and the necessity of love for God as the ultimate fulfillment of the law. He discusses the mystery of divine wisdom and the transformative power of faith, illustrating how true understanding of God comes through experience rather than mere reason. Winslow highlights the glory brought to Christ through the conversion of sinners and the assurance of believers' resurrection through Christ's own resurrection. He urges believers to maintain a close relationship with God through prayer and to recognize the importance of confession and reliance on Christ for spiritual sustenance.